Flowers & Animals

In the area around the volcano at an altitude of about 2800 to 4000 meters exists a variety of climates (microclimates).

The results are a great variety of plants and wild animals.

The chart below lists the common names of the animals most important in this bio-system.

Bird Watching

Banos is a great place to bird watch, below are suggested places to go to see a variety of birds.

It’s recommended to go with a guide to increase your chances of seeing sometimes once in a lifetime bird sightings. You will need a good pair of binoculars, silence and patience. Good Luck !

The Tundra of Mintza

This tundra is located behind the volcano Tungurahua, and borders the province of Morona Santiago . Here, you will see several lakes (Naranjal and Negra).The altitude is about 4000 meters and the temperature varies between 10 and 15 degrees. To go, contact one of the tour guides in Banos. You need a minimum of 2 days for the trip which begins above the town of Runtun ( east flank of Tungurahua) where you begin your journey. You will probably see: wild pigs, deer, bear, hedgehogs, condors, wild turkeys and hummingbirds. This area is locted within the boundries of the Sangay National Park ,so hunting and fishing is prohibited.

Limonturo Lake

This lake is located near Vizcaya on the edge of the Llaganates mountains, a unexplored area of Ecuador . The trip begins in Banos with a tour guide, an hour ride to Vizcaya where the trail begins. This area is a cloud forest with a diverse variety of flowers and wild animals.