On the slopes of the Antisana Volcano,
Yanayacu is part of one of the largest intact altitudinal gradients
in the eastern Andes (250-5000m). The station is at an elevation of
2100 m, but there is road access to elevations from 300-4300 m
(roughly 1.5-2 hours to either extreme). Yanayacu is located in the
province of Napo (Tena is the capital), 5 km directly west of the
small town of Cosanga, and 20 km south of Baeza. GPS coordinates are:
00 36 S, 77 53 W.
The land around the station is
comprised of 80% primary forest, and connects directly to the large
national preserves surrounding the volcanos Antisana and Sumaco. The
remaining land is abandoned cattle pasture, but large tracts of
continuous forest abound. A well-established trail system provides
access to most areas of the reserve.
