Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Tour Operators
For exploring the Cuenca region, including Ingapirca and
El Cajas, the following tour operators are recommended.
Ecotrek , in Cuenca at Larga and Luis Cordero,
7-842-
531, fax 7-835-387, offers trips into Cajas and Kapawi, in
Ecuador's southern Oriente (see pages 217 and 378). They
are very knowledgeable and are a top-quality organization.
Expediciones Apullacta , at Grán Columbia 11-02 and
General Torres,
7-837-815, apullacta@cedei.org, has
been recommended for day-trips to El Cajas, with transport
and meals included. Or try, Río Arriba Expeditions ,at
Hermano Miguel 7-14,
7-830-116, negro@az.pro.ec - bi-
lingual guide included.
Also for day tours to Cajas and Ingapirca, try Santa Ana
Tours , Córdova and Borrero,
7-832-340. Independent
guide Eduardo Quito ,
7-823-018, is also highly recom-
mended. He is reportedly very knowledgeable about the re-
gion and speaks English. Metropolitan Touring ,on
Sucre and Hermano Miguel,
7-831-463, www.metropoli-
tan-touring.com, is always top notch. Although they are the
largest touring company in the country, they do a good job,
utilizing local experts.
Podocarpus National Park
The area to the southeast is even less explored thanEl Cajas and even
more exceptional in its varied topography. The highlands of this park
offer hiking opportunities, while its eastern stretches meet the upper
Amazon and provide some of the best birding for the determined
birder. For hiking, get information at the ranger station and/or maps
in town (see Eco-Travel section, below). Inquire at the Ministry of
Toursim offices in Loja and Cuenca for local tour operators and indi-
vidual guides. In Vilcabamba, contact Refugio Solomaco , at Sucre
and Toledo,
7-673-183, solomaco@hotmail.com, for details on all-
inclusive trips into the park.
Around Vilcabamba
Vilcabamba and the Río Yambala area offer opportunities for pleas-
ant countryside hikes as far as the eye can see, or longer overnight
backpacking and camping as well. A nice hike is along the Río
Vilcabamba toward El Chaupi. For longer excursions and supported
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