Chiva Express: ‘Ride the Roof’ through Volcanoes and Lowlands

El Boliche Protected Recreation Area is a spectacular spot that allows visitors to enjoy the natural wonders of the Andean highlands. It is located at 60 kilometers (37 miles) from Quito, between the Provinces of Cotopaxi and Pichincha. El Boliche is the smallest protected area of the country with an extension of 227 hectares (567 acres). Its natural and geographical characteristics are similar to those found in the Cotopaxi Volcano National Park. The altitude varies between the 3000 and 3600 meters above sea level. The climate of the area is cold all year round with temperatures between 0 to 16 degrees Celsius (32 and 61° F). The Cutucuchi and San Pedro Rivers irrigate the area, giving life to the ecosystems of the reserve. The flora presents typical paramo (moorlands) characteristics. Here you can find species such as straw, blueberries, rosemary, ferns, lichens, the puma maqui shrub whose leaves resemble puma hands and others. What stands out in the landscape are the extense pine woods, a species that was introduced in the mid 20th Century.

Animals found in El Boliche include white tailed deer, wolfs, skunks, frogs and many species of birds such as hummingbirds, the quail of the páramo, and the majestic Condor of the Andes. El Boliche´s particular landscape forms impressive gorges that are home to the area’s wildlife and offer a spectacular recreational site for its visitors. The natural characteristics of the area make El Boliche the perfect place for educational and eco touristic activities. The activities you can enjoy in this charming Andean reserve are multiple, from trekking to the Limpiopungo lagoon and the foot of the Rumiñahui Volcano, to picnic, camping and barbecue. The camping area’s facilities have fresh water and electricity.

One of the most interesting options available to visit El Boliche is to ride the “Chiva Express” from Quito to the El Boliche train station. Traveling on the roof of the “Chiva Express” along the amazing Andean landscapes is, without a doubt, a rewarding experience to get to know everything El Boliche has to offer. The short distance from Quito makes El Boliche a close-by and fascinating place that everyone can enjoy.

Authors
This article was developed by Metropolitan Touring, for their newsletter, and was wrote by a team of travelers, field guides, operations and marketing staff inside the company, all of them has more than 10 years working in the Galapagos Islands Cruises & Tours guiding and sales, Sylvia Moncayo, Francisco Dousdebés, Santiago Tamayo, Gonzalo Alvarez are the team who produce our articles, Email info@metropolitan-touring.com Article Copyright Metropolitan Touring Corporation 2005 - 2006

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