At altitudes ranging from 3,500 to 4,800m (11,500-15,750 ft.), this reserve comprises 15,700 hectares (38,795 acres). Visitors have been known to spot condors as well as Andean foxes and deer. The park is perhaps most famous for the fields of frailejón found here; the frailejón is a striking plant with soft, furry leaves and tall central stalks that can grow to heights of some 1.8m (6 ft.). A few small lakes dot the vast and varied topography as well.
The gateway to the park is the tiny town of El Angel, where there's a park office (tel. 06/2977-597). Admission is $10 (£5.50) per person, per day, and camping is allowed. Note that the park is often cold and wet, so come prepared.
If you need a place to stay in El Angel, try Hostería El Angel (tel. 06/2977-584); they can also help you arrange a guided tour of the reserve.
To get here, turn off the Pan-American Highway near Pusir and follow signs to Mira and El Angel. If you're coming from Tulcán, make your turn at San Gabriel and follow the signs to El Angel. The Cooperativa Espejo (tel. 06/2977-103) bus line has regular service to El Angel from both Ibarra and Tulcán. The ride is about 2 hours from Ibarra, and 1 1/2 hours from Tulcán.
The principal entrance to the park, El Voladero, is 16km (10 miles) outside El Angel, along the old road to Tulcán. For a few dollars, you can hire a 4WD taxi in El Angel to take you there.
