Lower
region
Generally
speaking,
it’s
difficult
to
access
the
lower
sector
of
the
Reserve
due
to
the
absence
of
tourist
agencies
operating
in
the
area,
therefore
the
journey
must
be
undertaken
alone.
The
Reserve’s
personnel
are
usually
willing
to
help
guide,
sometimes
offering
hospitality,
however,
this
cannot
be
guaranteed.
With
one
exception
–
which
is
also
the
most
difficult
option
–
access
is
only
possible
via
river.
The
rainy
season
makes
access
easier,
as
the
rain
facilitates
the
river
crossings.
However,
access
proves
more
difficult
during
the
dry
season
as
it
takes
much
longer
to
cross
the
river
due
to
the
low
tides,
fallen
tree
trunks
and
sand
banks.
Should
one
decide
to
embark
on
this
journey,
it
should
be
undertaken
with
the
attitude
that
it’s
an
adventure
in
the
tropical
rainforest
and
that
anything
could
happen
along
the
way!
Upper
sector
This
area
is
much
more
easily
accessed.
The
preferred
route
of
access
is
that
which
leads
to
Lake
Cuicocha
from
the
Pan-American
highway
by
car.
Some
infrastructure
accommodating
visitors
exists
here,
however,
it’s
much
easier
to
find
excellent
food
and
hospitality
nearby
(the
Imbabura
province
has
ample
tourist
infrastructure).
The
three
principle
access
points
to
the
upper
region
are
much
more
challenging
–
they
require
a
four-by-four
and
a
moderate
walk
in
order
to
gain
access
to
the
Reserve’s
borders.
However,
tourist
services
are
virtually
non-existent
along
these
access
routes.
Last
Updated
18th
July
2006
