The called paper trees or polylepis forests are the most remarkable trees in the Ilinizas. We also find pajonales, chuquiraguas, chochos del monte, puyas and small yellow flowers.

In the reserve, there is a plant called "rabbit ears" that has adapted perfectly to the cold weather and the inhospitable land.

Potatoes, barley and chochos are cultivated in the area although the animals introduced in the atmosphere have altered the flora of the place. Scientific studies reveal that there are 82 species which are good for medical uses. Ferns, matapalos, tachuelos, alisos and orchids are growing in the forests, located in the western side of the reserve.

Spectacled Bears, pumas and deer are some of the animal species that inhabit this reserve.

The ecological reserve Ilinizas offers very beautiful natural resources attractive to the tourists. But it is necessary to say that this reserve does not have good infrastructure. In some places there are just basic services. Plus, some colonists reside inside the protected area making the reserve difficult to handle.

Lastly, if you are willing to admire a beautiful and unique landscape, you can venture to go inside the crater of the Quilotoa or to reach the summit of the Iliniza. The landscape of the moors and the distant figure of the Cotopaxi are enough reasons to make Ilinizas unforgettable.