ZUROLOMA
Nono - Andean montane forest
@zuro_loma_reserve
https://www.facebook.com/zuroloma/
Zuroloma Reserve sits at 3200 metres, high on the slopes of the Pichincha Volcano along the famous ‘Ecoruta paseo del Quinde’ (the old Nono/Mindo road). The views of evergreen lush, Andean Cloud Forest and snow-capped volcanoes are heart-stopping, especially early on a completely clear, sunny day.
This high Andean montane forest is an environment like no other. It’s part of an extremely important conservation zone called the Andean Choco (a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve) which has unique and complex biodiversity, climate and topographical conditions. The reserve also offers a sustainable alternative income for the local community.
This hummingbird heaven provides extraordinary bird photography opportunities for some elusive species; the rare and elusive Chestnut-napped Antpitta, Rufous Antpitta, and the incomparable Sword-billed Hummingbird amongst others.
Spending a morning here was a highlight of the trip...
Along with watching my guide Anderson’s face when he realised he’d locked the keys inside the car which had all my luggage, passport and cash etc snuggly stashed inside. Being Ecuador though, where necessity is the mother of invention, he’d been shown how to break into his car without damage by a local before I got back from my ridiculous 90-minute hike with scant oxygen up a near vertical slope to see a White-throated Screech Owl (right) for 20 seconds. It was worth it though.
The road to Zuroloma
Ecoruta paseo del Quinde (the old Nono/Mindo road) is simply stunning, especially in early morning light. Every twist and turn, as you climb higher and higher, reveals breathtaking vistas and a proper sense of the Andes' majesty. It was one of the most thrilling drives I've ever done, anywhere in the world.
And to think this used to be the ONLY road available.
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