Pasochoa Volcano

The Pasochoa is a volcano near Quito that seems to have had its last eruption some 100,000 years ago, as a consequence the caldera was opened to the west giving its current horseshoe shape. Human activity had a great impact on the animal and plant life in this area, disappearing over the years most of the native forests that were converted into livestock paddocks and agricultural areas. An exception is the practically virgin forest that remained protected within the Pasochoa caldera, its geographical difficulty prevented any attempt at conquest. Many species of flora and fauna took refuge into this forest, which have now practically disappeared from the inter-Andean valley. It was precisely in order to conserve it, that the "Bosque Protector Pasochoa" was created in 1979, initially administered by Fundación Natura, now administered by Ministerio del Ambiente, it has changed its name to "Refugio de Vida Silvestre Pasochoa". This forest is very attractive for tourism due to its great beauty and biodiversity.