Perhaps
the
most
important
characteristic
of
this
ecosystem
is
that
it
gains
altitude
on
climbing
the
western
slopes
of
the
Andes,
forming
peaks
like
‘El
Corazon’
and
the
Ilinizas,
creating
a
geological
barrier
which
condenses
the
humidity
coming
from
the
coast.
Water
production
and
processing
is
the
Reserve’s
most
important
feature.
Rivers
originating
here
also
supply
the
basins
of
Rivers
Esmeraldas,
Toachi
and
Pilaton,
which
gain
currents
flowing
through
vestiges
of
primary
forests
in
the
zone.
Furthermore,
this
ecosystem
is
rich
in
natural
resources
and
the
landscape
is
beautiful,
creating
the
perfect
tourist
attraction.
However,
tourist
infrastructure
is
still
minimal
at
present.
In
order
to
enter
the
interior
of
the
Reserve,
a
local
guide
and
adequate
provisions
are
needed.
Guides
are
easy
to
come
across
due
to
the
number
of
inhabitants
in
and
around
the
area.
This
also
presents
difficulties
on
reaching
an
agreement
on
how
to
manage
the
Reserve.
Ilinizas
Ecological
Reserve
is
one
of
the
youngest
reserves
in
the
area.
The
Reserve
is
not
as
well
known
as
others
but
biological
diversity
is
extremely
high.
Partly
due
to
the
fact
that
the
area
is
difficult
to
access,
the
ecosystems
are
extremely
well-conserved.
Last
Updated
18th
July
2006
