Zamora Spring, Zamora, Zamora Chinchipe, 190101, Ecuador

## Overview Zamora Spring is a natural water source located in the city of Zamora, the capital of the Zamora Chinchipe province in southeastern Ecuador. Nestled in the foothills of the Andes where the mountains transition into the Amazon basin, this spring emerges directly from the earth — or as locals poetically describe it, "from the belly of the earth" (*del vientre de la tierra*). Zamora Chinchipe is known as the "Land of Waterfalls and Birds" (*Tierra de Cascadas y Aves*), a region celebrated for its extraordinary biodiversity and abundant freshwater sources. The area sits at approximately 970 meters (3,180 feet) above sea level, where the cool Andean highlands meet the warm, humid air of the Amazon lowlands. This convergence creates a lush, water-rich environment that feeds countless springs and rivers throughout the province. The Zamora River, one of the region's major waterways, flows through the city and is fed by many such natural springs. Historically, the indigenous Shuar people have inhabited this region for centuries and have long relied on natural springs as sources of clean water. Springs like this one have played an important role in the daily life and cultural traditions of local communities. ## Directions 1. The spring is located in the city of Zamora, Zamora Chinchipe province, Ecuador. 2. Navigate to GPS coordinates **-4.069274, -78.953518** using a GPS-enabled device or mapping application such as Google Maps or Waze. 3. Zamora is accessible by road from Loja (approximately 60 km to the northwest via the E35 highway), a drive that takes roughly 1.5 to 2 hours through scenic mountain terrain. 4. Once in Zamora, local residents can help point you toward the spring — asking for "la vertiente" or "el manantial" may be helpful. *Note: These directions are based on GPS coordinates and general regional knowledge. Visitors are encouraged to confirm the exact route locally, as road conditions and signage may vary.* ## What to Expect Zamora Spring is a public drinking spring where water flows naturally from an underground source. The surrounding landscape is characteristic of the sub-tropical cloud forest environment — expect lush green vegetation, warm and humid conditions, and the sounds of abundant birdlife. The climate in Zamora is warm and rainy year-round, with average temperatures hovering around 22°C (72°F). Rainfall is frequent, particularly between April and August, so visitors should be prepared for wet conditions. The spring is likely to have a stronger flow during the rainy season. Locals have historically used this spring as a source of drinking water, though as with any natural water source, water quality can vary with weather and seasonal conditions. The water has been described as fresh and naturally filtered through the earth, but visitors should exercise their own judgment regarding consumption. The Zamora area offers additional attractions for nature lovers, including Podocarpus National Park — one of Ecuador's most biodiverse protected areas — located just a short distance from the city. A visit to the spring can easily be combined with exploration of the park's trails, waterfalls, and wildlife.