Reserva de Producción Faunística Chimborazo

Surrounding Ecuador's highest peak, Mount Chimborazo, this reserve protects the vicuña, a wild relative of the llama, successfully reintroduced to the...

Reserva de Producción Faunística Chimborazo at a Glance

Location
Central Andes & Highlands, Ecuador, Central & South America
Coordinates
-1.441404, -78.843834
Crowds
Quiet
Malaria Risk
Moderate
Best Time to Visit
June to November for Galápagos. Year-round for Amazon and cloud forest.

Getting to Reserva de Producción Faunística Chimborazo

Nearest airport: Aeropuerto Internacional Jumandy (TNW), 147 km away.

Weather & Climate in Reserva de Producción Faunística Chimborazo

The warmest temperatures in Reserva de Producción Faunística Chimborazo occur in February, averaging 1.9°C (up to 6.3°C). The coolest conditions are in July at 0.4°C.

The driest weather conditions are typically in August with average rainfall of 65.7mm. Average humidity: 87.1%.

Monthly Temperatures

  • January: 1.5°C (rainfall: 147.2mm)
  • February: 1.9°C (rainfall: 178.3mm)
  • March: 1.8°C (rainfall: 210.6mm)
  • April: 1.6°C (rainfall: 213.6mm)
  • May: 1.8°C (rainfall: 143.6mm)
  • June: 0.8°C (rainfall: 104.4mm)
  • July: 0.4°C (rainfall: 84.1mm)
  • August: 0.4°C (rainfall: 65.7mm)
  • September: 0.6°C (rainfall: 73.5mm)
  • October: 1.3°C (rainfall: 150.3mm)
  • November: 1.8°C (rainfall: 158.5mm)
  • December: 1.8°C (rainfall: 174.3mm)

Best Time to Visit Reserva de Producción Faunística Chimborazo

The best months to visit Reserva de Producción Faunística Chimborazo are August, September, January, based on temperature, rainfall, weather conditions, and wildlife viewing opportunities.

Month-by-Month Safari Conditions

  • January: Poor, temperature 1.48°C, rainfall 147.2mm, sunshine 9.4 hrs, humidity 88.5%
  • February: Poor, temperature 1.92°C, rainfall 178.3mm, sunshine 9.1 hrs, humidity 90.2%
  • March: Poor, temperature 1.78°C, rainfall 210.6mm, sunshine 8.4 hrs, humidity 90.1%
  • April: Poor, temperature 1.61°C, rainfall 213.6mm, sunshine 8.6 hrs, humidity 92.3%
  • May: Poor, temperature 1.83°C, rainfall 143.6mm, sunshine 9.7 hrs, humidity 91.6%
  • June: Poor, temperature 0.8°C, rainfall 104.4mm, sunshine 9.6 hrs, humidity 90.3%
  • July: Poor, temperature 0.36°C, rainfall 84.1mm, sunshine 9.8 hrs, humidity 90.9%
  • August: Good, temperature 0.39°C, rainfall 65.7mm, sunshine 10.3 hrs, humidity 87.1%
  • September: Good, temperature 0.58°C, rainfall 73.5mm, sunshine 10.4 hrs, humidity 86.4%
  • October: Poor, temperature 1.34°C, rainfall 150.3mm, sunshine 9.7 hrs, humidity 88.5%
  • November: Poor, temperature 1.84°C, rainfall 158.5mm, sunshine 9.1 hrs, humidity 86%
  • December: Poor, temperature 1.81°C, rainfall 174.3mm, sunshine 9.4 hrs, humidity 89.8%

Wildlife in Reserva de Producción Faunística Chimborazo

Home to 34 recorded species including 14 birds of prey, 7 waterbirds, 7 iconic birds, 3 tropical birds, 2 big herbivores, 1 predators.

Recommended Packing List for Reserva de Producción Faunística Chimborazo

Based on average temperature of 1.3°C, typical conditions, humidity 89%.

  • Heavy layers & thermal clothing - temperatures around 1°C require warm insulation
  • Warm hat & gloves - critical for early morning game drives
  • Binoculars - essential for every game drive
  • Sun hat & sunscreen - protection from the African sun
  • Sturdy walking shoes - for bush walks and uneven terrain
  • Neutral-coloured clothing - khaki, olive, and tan blend with the bush
  • Insect repellent - essential in most safari regions
  • First aid kit - basic medical supplies for remote areas
  • Torch / headlamp - useful for evenings at camp
  • Camera with telephoto lens - capture your safari memories

Notable Species

Safari Lodges in Reserva de Producción Faunística Chimborazo

15 safari lodges available.

Other

luxury

Similar Parks in Central Andes & Highlands

Visitor Tips - Reserva de Producción Faunística Chimborazo

We love the stark, breathtaking beauty of Chimborazo, where the crisp, high-altitude air invigorates your senses and the majestic vicuñas roam freely across the paramo. It's a truly unique experience to stand at the foot of Ecuador's highest peak, feeling a profound connection to the raw power of nature and the unique resilience of life at extreme altitudes.

Gate Times

We find the Reserva de Producción Faunística Chimborazo generally operates from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM daily. While permits are not typically required for general entry, we always recommend checking the official MAE (Ministerio del Ambiente, Agua y Transición Ecológica) website for any seasonal variations or specific access restrictions, especially if you plan to ascend higher or visit specific sectors. Arriving early allows us to enjoy the clearest views before afternoon clouds often roll in.

Tipping

We suggest tipping guides around $10-15 per person per day for their invaluable knowledge and assistance in navigating the high-altitude terrain. For drivers, $5-10 per person per day is appropriate. It's always best to tip in cash, in US dollars, at the end of your service, and we find a direct, personal thank you goes a long way in showing your appreciation.

Health & Travel Info

Health & vaccination info for Ecuador

Travel advisory for Ecuador

Reserva de Producción Faunística Chimborazo FAQs

When is the optimal time of year to visit Reserva de Producción Faunística Chimborazo for the best weather and wildlife viewing opportunities?

The dry season, typically from June to September, offers the clearest skies for breathtaking views of Mount Chimborazo and generally more predictable weather for exploring the páramo. While wildlife, especially vicuñas, can be seen year-round, the drier conditions often make hiking and spotting animals easier.

Beyond observing vicuñas, what specific activities or experiences can visitors engage in within the Reserva de Producción Faunística Chimborazo?

Visitors can enjoy various hiking trails, ranging from easy walks to more challenging treks, offering unique perspectives of the páramo landscape and its unique flora. There are also designated viewpoints for photography and opportunities to learn about local conservation efforts at the visitor center near the park entrance.

What are the typical entrance fees and recommended transportation options for reaching Reserva de Producción Faunística Chimborazo?

As part of Ecuador's national park system, there is generally a modest entrance fee for foreign visitors, which directly contributes to conservation efforts. The most common way to access the reserve is by hiring a private vehicle or joining a guided tour from nearby cities like Riobamba or Ambato, as public transport options directly to the park entrance are limited.

Given its high-altitude location, what essential health and safety precautions should travelers take when visiting Reserva de Producción Faunística Chimborazo?

It's crucial to acclimatize for a day or two in a lower-altitude city like Riobamba before ascending to the reserve to prevent altitude sickness. Visitors should also dress in layers for rapidly changing páramo weather, stay hydrated, use high-SPF sunscreen, and consider bringing a local guide for safety and navigation.

Besides the well-known vicuñas and Andean condors, what other unique high-Andean wildlife might I encounter in Reserva de Producción Faunística Chimborazo?

Keep an eye out for other fascinating species such as the Andean fox, white-tailed deer, and various high-altitude rodents like the páramo mouse. Birdwatchers might also spot caracaras, Andean gulls, and several species of hummingbirds adapted to the cold, making binoculars highly recommended for a rewarding experience.

Recommended Books

  • The Handbook of Bird Photography by Markus Varesvuo, Jari Peltomäki & Bence Máté - Excellent for birding photographers on safari - covers technique, equipment, fieldcraft, and post-processing with stunning example images.
  • Photographing Wildlife in Africa by Paolo Torchio - Practical guide specifically for African safari photography - camera settings, lens choices, composition techniques, and how to make the most of game drives.
  • Fodor's The Complete Guide to African Safaris by Fodor's Travel - Country-by-country planning guide with lodge reviews, practical logistics, packing lists, and insider tips. Often cited as the best all-in-one safari planning resource.
  • National Geographic Kids: Safari by National Geographic - Age-appropriate wildlife facts with stunning photographs. Great for getting children excited about the animals they'll see on safari.
  • The Last Elephants by Don Pinnock & Colin Bell - Conservation-focused book combining beautiful photography with urgent storytelling about the threats facing Africa's elephant populations.
  • Here Is the African Savanna by Madeleine Dunphy - Beautifully illustrated picture book about the savanna ecosystem. Teaches children about the interconnected web of life on an African plain.
  • Safari: A Photographic Journey by Art Wolfe - Large-format coffee-table book from one of the world's most celebrated nature photographers. Stunning images from across the African continent.
  • The Kingdon Field Guide to African Mammals by Jonathan Kingdon - The definitive mammal field guide for Africa covering over 1,150 species with detailed illustrations. Considered the gold standard for safari-goers and researchers alike.
  • The Behavior Guide to African Mammals by Richard Despard Estes - Goes beyond identification to explain why animals behave as they do. Essential reading for safari-goers who want to understand the wildlife they observe.
  • Remembering Lions by Various Photographers - Part of the acclaimed Remembering Wildlife conservation book series. Features contributions from world-class wildlife photographers, with proceeds supporting lion conservation.
  • African Animals ABC by Stella Blackstone & Petr Horacek - Simple alphabet book with bold, colourful animal illustrations. Perfect for toddlers and young children preparing for their first safari. Ages 2–5.
  • Beat About the Bush: Mammals by Trevor Carnaby - The single best book for understanding animal behaviour on safari. Explains why animals do what they do - feeding, mating, territory, predator-prey dynamics. Makes every game drive infinitely more rewarding.
  • Africa's Top Wildlife Countries by Mark W. Nolting - The most respected safari planning book in print. Detailed country-by-country guide covering parks, lodges, best times to visit, and what wildlife to expect. Updated regularly. The first book every safari planner should read.
  • The Safari Companion: A Guide to Watching African Mammals by Richard D. Estes - Part field guide, part planning tool. Explains mammal behaviour in a way that transforms game drives. Covers tracks, signs, social structures, and habitat preferences. A must-pack for serious safari-goers.
  • The Shadow of the Sun by Ryszard Kapuscinski - Widely considered the greatest book ever written about Africa. Kapuscinski spent 40 years reporting from across the continent. Vivid, poetic, and deeply insightful. Essential pre-safari reading for understanding the continent.
  • Elephant Company by Vicki Constantine Croke - The extraordinary true story of James Howard Williams and the elephants who helped him build bridges, extract teak, and ultimately rescue refugees across the Burmese jungle during WWII. Gripping and moving.
  • When the Last Lion Roars by Sara Evans - An urgent, accessible account of the African lion's decline from 200,000 to under 20,000 in a century. Covers the science, politics, and human stories behind lion conservation. Eye-opening pre-safari reading.
  • Ivory, Horn and Blood by Ronald Orenstein - The definitive book on the poaching crisis devastating African elephants and rhinos. Covers the criminal networks, the rangers fighting back, and what travellers can do. Important context for any safari visitor.
  • Last Chance to See by Douglas Adams & Mark Carwardine - Witty and heartbreaking tour of endangered species by the Hitchhiker's Guide author. Combines humour with urgent conservation messaging.
  • Owen and Mzee by Isabella Hatkoff, Craig Hatkoff & Paula Kahumbu - True story of an orphaned hippo befriending a 130-year-old tortoise in Kenya. A heartwarming tale of unlikely friendship that teaches empathy.
  • Remembering Elephants by Various Photographers - Stunning coffee-table book from the Remembering Wildlife series. All proceeds go to elephant conservation - beautiful photography with a purpose.
  • Whatever You Do, Don't Run by Peter Allison - Hilarious memoir from a Botswana safari guide - true stories from the bush that will have you laughing out loud. A favourite among safari enthusiasts.
  • Poached by Rachel Love Nuwer - Gripping investigation into the illegal wildlife trade - from African poaching networks to Asian markets. Essential reading for understanding the threats to safari wildlife.
  • Safari Nation by Jacob S. T. Dlamini - Fascinating history of South Africa's national parks and their complex colonial legacy. Academic but accessible - changes how you think about safari tourism.
  • Safari: A Photicular Book by Dan Kainen & Carol Kaufmann - Mesmerising book with moving photographic images of African animals. Kids and adults love the magical moving pictures - perfect pre-trip gift.