The reserve covers 50% of the Jorupe River basin. At its summit is the Jatumpamba mountain range, designated as a protected forest by the Ecuadorian government. It was named a core area in the planning of the Binational Biosphere Reserve between Ecuador and Perú, called the Forest of Peace, due to the significant importance of this protected area for the Tumbesian region.
The Tumbesian Dry Forests extend from southern Ecuador to northern Perú. The vegetation in this region is diverse and includes various specialized habitats, such as arid shrublands, deserts, tropical deciduous forests, and premontane deciduous forests, with their presence depending on altitude, humidity, and rainfall. Remnants of the largest forests in the region still exist, and these remain in good condition, covering a significant altitudinal gradient. For this reason, Jorupe is home to a large number of threatened or range-restricted species. The structure of the forest, dominated by Ceiba trees (Ceiba pentandra), remains nearly intact. Furthermore, the abandoned pastures in the area have high potential for reforestation and connection to key habitats.
More than 250 bird species have been recorded in Jorupe, including nearly all of the endemic species of the Tumbesian dry forests that exist in Ecuador, such as: the Pale-browed Tinamou (Crypturellus transfasciatus), Gray-cheeked Parakeet (Brotogeris pyrrhoptera), the Slaty Becard (Pachyramphus spodiurus) the Gray-breasted Flycatcher (Lathrotriccus griseipectus), the Elegant Crescentchest (Melanopareia elegans) the Blackish-headed Spinetail (Synallaxis tithys), Scaly-throated Foliage-gleaner (Anabacerthia variegaticeps), the Henna-hooded Foliage-gleaner (Clibanornis erythrocephalus), the White-tailed Jay (Cyanocorax mystacalis), the Watkins’s Antpitta (Grallaria watkinsi), the Black-capped Sparrow (Arremon abeillei) and the White-edged Oriole (Icterus graceannae). Among these endemic species, 15 are globally threatened. Additionally, it is an excellent place to observe the King Vulture (Sarcoramphus papa) soaring over the reserve.
From Macará, take the road heading east from the northern part of the city, toward Sozoranga. The reserve is located 10 km along the main paved road. The entrance to the lodge is on the left (there is a large metal sign). Once you enter the reserve, continue for two more kilometers along the road until you reach Urraca Lodge.
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
