As if they were gigantic sponges, the lands of the ecological reserve El Angel (county of Carchi), absorbs the humidity of the atmosphere to allow the life and growth and development of the frailejones, a natural, endemic plant of the northern Andes.

The reserve El Angel is a spring where many rivers are born; the waters are momentarily accumulated in the basins of Mira and El ngel. This is why these are the most humid moors in Ecuador and why the flora has adapted so well to the environment.

In the moor, you will feel a penetrating cold but, contradictorily, your skin will get bronzed, as if you were on the beach, under the burning sunbeams of summer. This singular ecosystem, generally humid and rainy, occupies 70% of the total of the reserve.

The frailejones (Espeletia pycnophaylla) that have adapted to this environment, form a unique place in the world, due to their density and size. These plants grow one very close to the other and occupy 85% of the 15,715 has of the reserve El ngel.

This reserve was created in 1992, to protect these peculiar species that were in serious risk of extinction, due to the random use of fertilizers and chemical products that degrade the vegetable layer of the soil.

Is is advisable to visit the following places of this reserve:

Lagoons El Voladero,located in a glacier valley at 3,700 m altitude. Here there is a great quantity of frailejones. To get to the place where you will be able to contemplate their waters you must go through a beautiful trail (El ngel-Tulcn). Dotted ducks, moor seagulls, patillos, rabbits, wolves and deer dwell in in these three lagoons.

Lagoon of Potrerillos:Sited to the north of El Voladero. To get to this place, you will have to walk almost two hours.

Mirador de Socavones:From here one can observe the whole lower area of the reserve El ngel and admire the scenic view of the pajonal and the frailejones.

Quebrada de Baos:Very popular thermal waters spot, ideal for people who suffer from arthritis.

Lagunas Verdes:Located at the base of the Chilis volcano; their waters contain sulphur and are populated by algae. It is believed that they have curative properties.

Lagoon of Razococha:Enclosed by a natural forest that serves as a refuge to hundred of birds. Condors may be watched in this area. The rainbow trouts that live in this lagoon grow up to be 1 m long.

La Calera thermal waters:They are close to the northern city of The ngel and they are surrounded by a gorgeous wood.

Puente Ayora:Located right next to the river of the same name. Here there are jets of water that flow together with natural gas. Many people come here because of its healing quality.