This reserve was established to protect the Pale-headed Brushfinch (Atlapetes pallidiceps), a bird thought extinct for over 20 years until it was rediscovered in 1998. Thanks to ongoing conservation efforts, its population has quintupled, and its threat status has improved to Endangered. Today, nearly 90% of the global population lives in Yunguilla, making the reserve essential for the species’ survival.
The Yunguilla Reserve is home to a remarkable diversity of birds, including the Pale-headed Brushfinch (Atlapetes pallidiceps), the Gorgeted Woodstar(Chaetocercus heliodor), the Rainbow Starfrontlet (Coeligena iris), the Buff-fronted Owl (Aegolius harrisii) and the Andean Tinamou (Nothoprocta pentlandii), and the Black-and-white Tanager (Conothraupis speculigera), which migrates from the Amazon.
Among reptiles, the Peter´s Ameiva or Blue tailed Lizard (Holcosus orcesi), stands out as it is endemic to the Yunguilla Valley and classified as Critically Endangered. Thought to be extinct for over 50 years, it was rediscovered in 2021, with 30 individuals identified in 13 locations, 9 of which are juveniles.
The reserve also protects two amphibian species from the genera Gastrotheca and Pristimantis, which have yet to be described. These species underscore the importance of Yunguilla as a unique biodiversity refuge, not only for birds and reptiles but also for amphibians that may be new to science.
The shrublands and patches of humid forest on the reserve’s slopes provide crucial habitats for these species.
The conservation of this reserve is vital, as the small population of Pale-headed Brushfinches (Atlapetes pallidiceps) in Yunguilla is the only surviving one, and its existence depends directly on the continued protection of this unique habitat.
The reserve is located two hours southwest of Cuenca. Take the Girón – Santa Isabel – Pasaje road. When you reach the town of La Unión, on the right side, you’ll see the «Monumento al Caballo» (Horse Monument), and you should head towards the town center. Continue along this road until you cross a small bridge, then 50 meters further, take the left turn and drive uphill until you reach the Yunguilla reserve.
Every day: Visits by reservation only.
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
