April 22, 2006

• PASOCHOA (elevation 13,776 ft.)
  

  
  photo credit via link

  Pasochoa is located only 20 miles from Quito, although reaching
  a trailhead takes longer due to the difficult roadways, which are not always
  paved. It is a favorite among those looking to acclimatize in preparation of an
  attempt at one of Ecuador’s more renowned volcanic summits (Cotopaxi, Cayambe or
  Chimborazo), and it is a fairly straightforward walk to the summit, with several
  nice viewpoints. It is not very steep, although the last 200 meters of vertical
  can be a bit of a challenge for those first arriving in Ecuador.

  Pasochoa has been inactive since the last ice age. The area is unique in that it
  preserves the last of the original forest and other vegetation including an
  enormous variety of flowers that once covered the entire Quito basin. Pasochoa
  Forest Preserve claims almost a hundred species of birds. This is a good place
  to see the sword-billed hummingbird, the viridian metal tail, mountain tanagers,
  red crested cotinga, and many more.

  • 7:46 pm
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