Bring a camera or telescope for the views and a vehicle with clearance--the roads are difficult.
As we are recent arrivals, we strive to be as eco friendly as possible keeping in mind our respect for the paramo. In the Northern Andes "paramo" generally refers to the high altitude vegetation, characterized by tussock bunch grasses, colloquially known as "paja". The paja provides shelter for both flora and fauna--including the Andean Fox (el "zorro andino").
In recent decades this area has been dominated by the forestry companies or locals for agricultural/ranching purposes. We chose a different path. Our voluntary land use contract with Ecuador's FONAG administration sets a much different standard.
This agreement prohibits the introduction or perpetuation of non-native species of flora and/or fauna. Therefore, we agreed to a prohibition on the use of chemical fertilizers and other pesticides. For the horses, we have carved out 1 hectare for pasture and to limit the number of horses. To date we have zero horses (we permit temporary hosting of horses for cabalgatas). We strictly prohibit cattle or other livestock and the excessive harvesting of wild berries (Mortinos) during the fall harvest. We use a compost toilet, we recycle the compost for our gardens, treat our water with gravity assisted methods and will have transplanted over 1000 native species of plants on the land. We are off the electrical grid and rely on generators (converted from gasoline to propane).
With easy access to 4 volcanoes and the Cotopaxi National Park, the entire family can enjoy hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding and even summiting Cotopaxi! Dogs are welcome!
Guides are available for all activities (cost is extra with advance notice and payment is direct and in cash to each separate vendor).