Ecotourism is growing as an important economic resource in Nono, slowly replacing dairy production as means of income.If managed correctly ecotourism can conserve the natural diversity found in the parroquia.
“Tourism is the best way to make our natural resources available to the world. Conserving our natural diversity guarantees it continues to contribute to our development, present and future.” (Gunter Reck)
We have guides whom can aide you in your adventures here in Nono
Pichan River- The main river in the parroquia. It begins in the foothills of Ruco Pichincha and flows the length of the parroquia until it reaches the larger river of Guayllabamba. The temperature can vary between 4 and 25 degress Centigrade, depending on the altitude. The banks of the river support a wide variety of wildlife, including: sparrows, blackbirds, armadillos, squirrels, and skunks. Plants include: ferns, eucalyptus, cypress, pine, cedar, watercress, mint, horsetail, prickly pear, mushrooms, myrtle, and orquids.
It is possible to walk along the bank of the river.
Alambi River- The Alambi River is the main river found in the community of Alambi. It begins in Yanacocha and is fed by tributaries from Guaga Pichincha. It feeds the Guayllabamba River. Water temperature varies between 4-25 degrees centigrade.
This river has many waterfalls, which are accessible using trails from Nono. Along the way you can find a large diversity of wildlife, including: goats, squirrels, rabbits, skunks, armidillos, wolfs, snakes, lizards and frogs.
These are located about 7 km from Nono. According to a microbiology study done in October 2001 by LABOLAB (an analysis of nutrients, water and “afines”), the water is very clean and appropriate for human consumption. The temperature varies between 12-18 degrees centigrade.
There is little infrastructure and no basic services. Pipes route the water into the pool, which is 5m by 2m. Once it reaches the pool the water turns slightly yellow and smells sulfuric. It is used to treat skin infections or urinary tract infections. There is also a smaller 1m by 1.5m pool that has mineral water.
The area surrounding the springs is still fairly wild, and you can find a variety of wildlife, including: rabbits, turtledoves, blackbirds, sparrows, wolves, and hummingbirds.
The only access to the hot springs is a small dirt road. From there you have to park your car and walk along a short dirt path to reach the pools.
Guagua Pichincha Volcano- In Quechua, the local indigenous tongue, Guagua means “child”. It has a height of 4,675m, and is an active volcano. The vegetation characteristic of the area isgrassland. Wildlife include skunks, foxes, and rabbits, among others.
The hike lasts 12 hours starting from Nono. On a clear day you can see the crater of the volcano. Following the river you arrive at the La Campina Hacienda and farther on the Yanacocha reserve. Along this corridor you can see a variety of hummingbirds, including the black-breasted puffleg, an endangered endemic species. There is a location called the “Padre Encantado”, or the Enchanted Priest, named for arock thatresembles priest. Continuing west past the Enchanted Priest you come to the path that takes you to the divide between the Ruco Pichincha Mountain and the Guagua Pichincha volcano. To climb the volcano take the path to the east, and to climb the mountain take the path to the west. From this divide you will need to climb about 6km to arrive at the top of the volcano.
From the top you can enjoy a view of the crater as well as the coast.
| YANACOCHA ECOLOGICAL RESERVE |
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This reserve was formed from 1800 acres of land owned by 18 members of the Yanacocha community. These members sold the land to the Jocotoco Foundation, which is dedicated to the conservation of habitat in Ecuador.
The reserve holds a rich biodiversity of plants and animals characteristic of Andean forests. The main purpose of the reserve is the conservation of the black-breasted puffleg hummingbird (Eriocnemis nigrivestis), which is only found in this particular region of Ecuador. Other birds protected by the reserve are: caprimulgus longirostris, Penelope montagnii, agaleactic cupripennis, pterophanes cyanopterus.
The reserve has trails and guides provided by the foundation, and the community provides a communal house where visitors can stay.
The main attractions of the reserve are the guided hikes that showcase the Ecuadorian highlands. Clouds tend to move in midday, and it is advised to start early in the day to avoid the clouds and fog.
Pacaya Native Forest- This forest is located 3 km from the community of San Francisco de Alaspungo, between two large slopes with heights of 2,000m and 3300m. The only access is a trail of about a 45-minute hike. This forest is about 178 hectares, of which 170 are primary forest. There are an additional 600 hectares that belong to the Ministry of Social Wellbeing. This forest holds a variety of plants characteristic of primary forest, including cinnamon tree (canelo), “matache”, “cutula”, “sin-sin”, red cedar, “colca Amarillo”, “lechero”, “tilo”, “cascarillo”, “suro”, roses (palo de rosa), “guabo”, “pumamaqui”, “tarqui”, “aliso”, myrtle, willow, “matico”, blackberry, tree ferns, orquids, and “zarzaparrilla”.
According to facts provided by the president of the community, there are 52 species of plants in total. There are 43 species of birds, including: hawks, parrots, blackbirds, and woodpeckers. Among the 28 species of mammals are found rabbits, skunks, opossums, squirrels, badgers, wolves, pumas, bears, and deer. There are 3 species of reptile and 4 species of amphibians. There are several species of endangered animals, like the “pava de monte del tipo” (Penelope barbata), “el curiquingue” (phalcoboenus caruncula tus), the spectacled bear (tremarctos ornatos), “la danata” (tapir pinchtus), and the squirell (ciurus granatensis).
The community grow orquids as a source of income and to help conserve the diversity of plant life.
The community offers guided hikes.
See projects.
ECORUTA EL PASEO DEL QUINDE
(Path of the hummingbirds) |
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This is a rural road which runs from Quito to San Tandeo and passes through Nono and Tandayapa. This route is ideal for birdwatchers, since it passes through a variety of habitats including cloud forest to paramo. The forest is considered the first “Important Area for the Conservation of Birds” (Area de Importancia para la Conservacion de Aves- AICA).
The Ecoruta starts at an altitude of 2840m in Quito, and continues up to an elevation of 3600m, afterwards descending to 1700m. In this short descent you can see up to 450 species of birds, a world record. This is over half of the total bird species found in the United States and Canada combined.
Aside from the opportunities for birdsighting there is an abundance of vegetation. From the Andean highlands to the tropical rainforest you can find bromeliads, ferns, and orquids. This vegetation creates a habitat for a variety of endemic amphibians and reptiles, along with insects such as butterflies.
Parroquial Church (Local Church)- The church of San Miguel de Nono was constructed about 472 years ago when Nono became an ecclesiastic parroquia. It’s the only Catholic church in the community and is under the Archdiocese of Quito.
The church is located next to the central park, and has a rustic design. The walls are of “tapial” and double adobe and the roof is constructed of tiles that were reconstructed after the eruption of the Guagua Pichincha Volcano.
The works which are found in the church are: 26 sculptures made primarily from wood, a restored“cuadro” of the Virgin called “Nuestra Senora el Carmen” (Our Lady Carmen), and three “retables”.
The sculptures are:
• San Miguel Arcangel
• Arcangel Gabriel
• Arcangel Rafael
• Virgen del Quinche
• Virgen del Calvario
• Virgen Immaculada
• Virgen de Alambi
• Virgen del Transito
• San Vicente Ferrer
• Santo Capuchino
• Sagrado Corazon de Jesus
• Senor de la Misericordia
• San Isidro Labrador
• Angel con Lampara
• Jesus del Gran Poder
• Virgen y el Nino
• San Juan
• Santa del Calvario
• Cristo del Altar Mayor
There are works from the 18th century that have great historical value. The main celebrations are Christmas, Easter, Corpus Cristo, Day of the Dead, and the Appearance of the Virgin of Alambi.
