This study documents the characteristics of upper montane forests within Co
tacachi-Cayapas Ecological Reserve, a protected area in northern Ecuador. O
n Cotacachi Volcano, there are remnants of forest vegetation extending from
about 3650 m down to a crater lake at 3150 m. We examined these forests at
four sites located within a deep ravine; the forests were sampled with 50
x 10 m inventory plots placed at 100 m elevation intervals between 3630 and
3330 m. We noted changes in vegetation composition and structure along the
altitudinal gradient, as well as variation in these parameters with distan
ce from the forest edge. There were important differences in structure and
composition with elevation, but some were unexpected and appear to be relat
ed to the influences of past anthropogenic disturbances. For example, the t
rees at the higher elevations were taller and more massive, suggesting they
had not been cut or burned by escaped grassland fires, processes known to
have occurred at lower elevations. Little evidence of edge effect was docum
ented within the plots, which is expected if deforestation has converted mo
st of the forest into edge habitat. These patterns may be typical of other
remnant forests in the Andes, and provide a basis for understanding the nat
ure of human impact on Andean forests.