This
is
a
protected
area
at
altitude,
which
mainly
consists
of
paramos.
Trees
and
bushes
such
as
romillero
mortino,
chuquiraguas,
pampass
grass
and
occasionally
quishuares,
pumamaquis,
and
piquiles,
species
native
to
the
Andes,
grow
on
this
terrain.
The
most
outstanding
fauna
is
that
which
is
typical
of
the
paramo,
most
importantly
deer,
wolves,
rabbits
and
occasionally
wild
llamas,
which
can
be
seen
strolling
through
the
area,
whose
population
numbers
have
been
increased
through
specific
conservation
projects
realised
in
the
sector.
The
reintroduction
of
the
vicuna,
the
wild
relative
of
the
llama,
and
the
alpaca,
serve
as
two
more
examples
of
conservationists’
attempts
to
the
raise
the
population
numbers
of
such
Andean
camelids
in
this
sector.
In
spite
of
the
fact
that
the
importance
of
such
a
Reserve
is
obvious,
the
most
fascinating
and
popular
attractions
in
the
area
are
without
a
doubt
Volcano
Chimborazo,
the
highest
mountain
in
Ecuador,
adorned
with
huge
glaciers
and
its
neighbour
Carhuairazo,
which
once
rivalled
Chimborazo
in
height.
Both
are
situated
in
the
heart
of
the
area.
The
many
small
rivers
and
streams,
which
replenish
the
basins
of
the
rivers
Ambato,
Chambo
and
Chimbo,
originate
at
these
elevations.
Ninety
per
cent
of
the
water
flows
towards
the
east,
replenishing
the
River
Pastaza,
and
ten
per
cent
flows
towards
the
west.
Last
Updated
17th
July
2006
