This reserve once belonged to a Belgian couple, Boudewijn and Catherine Vits, who protected it for twenty years. They named it Copalinga in reference to the significant presence of copal trees and also guabo trees, whose scientific name is Inga.
Less than 10% of the area has been altered, while the rest consists mainly of primary forest. This region hosts a high level of biodiversity in both fauna and flora, with an estimated total of 220 bird species recorded just in the lower part of the reserve.
Notable animal species include: White-necked Parakeet (Pyrrhura albipectus), Coppery-chested Jacamar (Galbula pastazae), Spangled Coquette (Lophornis stictolophus) Foothill Elaenia (Myiopagis olallai),Barred Hawk (Morphnarchus princeps), Speckled Hummingbird (Adelomyia melanogenys), Lineated Woodpecker (Dryocopus lineatus), Bay-headed Tanager (Tangara gyrola), Swallow Tanager (Tersina viridis), Wire-crested Thorntail (Discosura popelairii), Gray Tinamou (Tinamus tao).
There are also mammals such as Black Agouti (Dasyprocta fuliginosa), South American Coati (Nasua nasua) and Jaguarundi (Herpailurus yagouaroundi).
As for the flora, species include the Bee Orchid (Ophrys apifera), Mountain Apple (Syzygium malaccense), Miconia spp., Calliandra spp., Maxillaria splendens orchid, bromeliads, ferns, and other native plants such as cedar, arabisco, pachaco, copal, wild yarasu, chonta palm, cinnamon, porotillo, guabo (Inga spp.), and jíbaro.
The guabo trees planted at the base of the springs improve soil drainage, as they help draw water from the ground, supporting high evapotranspiration rates.
From the Zamora bus terminal, take the road toward Podocarpus National Park until you reach the “La Chapetona” roundabout. Keep to the right and follow the turnoff toward Podocarpus National Park. Copalinga is located at kilometer 3 along this road.
Every day: 7:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Last entry of visitors: 1:00 PM
Rates are in US dollars
Type of visitors | Rate (per person) |
Foreign | $15 |
National* | $5 |
Older adults and children** | $2.50 |
* Special rates for national visitors, residents, and the Andean community.
** Children from 5 to 11 years old
