Cotacachi-Cayapas Ecological Reserve contains 752,235 acres (304418 hectares) of land. It extends from Imbabura - in the Ecuadorian Andes mountains to the western edge of the rainforest in the Esmeraldas. The reserve is only 87 miles (140 km) from Quito. Inside, there are three volcanoes: Yanahurco, Cotacachi, and Cuicocha. But, top attraction is the Cuicocha Lagoon. Cuicocha is a volcanic crater with brilliant and colorful water. In the center, it has volcanic domes that peak above the surface of the lake. Another attraction is the Piñan lagoon.

Cotacachi-Cayapas Reserve homes more than 100 species of mammals such as spider and howler monkeys. Cotacachi-Cayapas is a bird's paradise, as well. The reserve homes more than 600 species of birds. Here there are caracaras, Andean condors, Andean gulls, hummingbirds, and toucans. Also, there are many plants and flowers within the reserve. At the entrance, there is the visitor's center. It showcases the park's inhabitants, human and other. Admission is free. A bus from Quito to Cotacachi (closest town) costs between $2 to $3 and takes around 2 hours to arrive. A taxi ride from Cotacachi to the reserve costs $10.