Cotacachi Cayapas Reserve contains of land and is located in the Imbabura and Esmeraldas provinces of Ecuador from Quito. Elevations in the reserve range from about in the east to Cotacachi Volcano which reaches an elevation of in the southwest. This nature reserve is partly rainforest. The park is a mix of many biological zones but the Andean (average 15 C) and Sub-tropical (average 25) zones are most common. The symbol of the reserve is a condor. This is one of the many protected areas in Ecuador. This reserve is a part of the Ecuadorian system of reserves and preserves and extends from the mountains of the Sierra to the western edge of the coastal rainforest in the Esmeraldas region. This region has not been extensively farmed and replanted with eucalyptus or pine trees, as so much of the interandean highlands have been, so the preservation of the plant species here is a very important effort. The plants here have evolved adaptations to high altitude (reduced water availability, low temperatures and high winds), but since the conditions here are not as severe as those at higher altitudes, the adaptations of these plants are not as extreme as those of the paramo, at 3600–4800 meters. Ecosystems The reserve is particularly important because it safeguards one of the few remaining examples of Ecuador's coastal rainforest, a much threatened ecosystem which forms part of the Choco; an internationally recognised bio-region which extends from Southern Panama to northern Peru and has been rated as a global biodiversity hotspot. Fauna Because of the size of the park, there is a large selection of fauna located within the nature reserve. 500 species of bird along with anteaters, sloths, ocelots, culpeos, and deer are commonly found in the park. Due to the lakes and rivers of the park, many aquatic and amphibious animals are found there. Flora Many herbaceous species of plants are contained in the park. Shrubs along with a wide variety of trees, vines and ferns live here. There are over 2000 identified types of flora in general. Cuicocha Lake This 200m deep lake lies in a volcanic crater. Three volcanic domes emerge from the lake at various spots. Attractions The reserve has volcanic lakes and waterfalls along with rapids. A tribe of Cayapa Indians and various Afro-Ecuadorian communities live here. Eight-day walks are available to book in the park with a guide. The elevation