Pululahua crater and geobotanical reserve

A beautiful patchwork quilt of green fields dotted with small settlements climb the wall of the crater of the extinct Volcan Pululahua. In ancient times, the cone of the Pululahua volcano collapsed leaving this immense crater, whose precipitous sides create an intriguing variety of microclimates. The fertile volcanic soil of the crater dramatically gives way to pastures of flowers that invite scores of highland birds to their sweet embraces.

The Pululahua crater is located off the main highway connecting Quito and Esmeraldas. It's under an hour by car from the Mitad del Mundo complex, from where one can catch buses to and from the village.