Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
A few buses run daily between Cuenca and the park; most depart
early in the morning. Check with the Ministerio de Turismo office, on
Córdova and Benigno Malo in Cuenca,
7-839-337. Taxis are expen-
sive, even with hard bargaining. You might as well hire a guide, with
everything included. When scouting outfitters from Cuenca, ask if
their prices include lunch and the $10 park entrance fee (usually,
they do not). Maps are available at the ranger station just past the
park entrance. More accurate topographic maps are available at the
IGM office in Quito.
The Instituto Geografico Militar, on Jimenez,
near Parque El Ejido, sells the best topographic
maps of Ecuador. They are open from 8 am to
4 pm, Mon-Fri. To get there from12 de Octubre,
climb the hill on Jiménez, cross Colombia to
Paz yMino, go behind themilitary hospital and
turn right.
The best time to visit Cajas is during the dry season, from August to
January, which is cooler but with less precipitation. The ranger sta-
tion/refuge offers four bunks and primitive cooking facilities for a
nominal fee. Alternatively, check with Ecotrek in Cuenca, Calle
Larga 7-108 and Luis Cordero,
7-842-531, about the Huagrahue
Páramo Lodge at the boundary of the park. It comes highly recom-
mended by previous guests. Or try Cabanas Yanuncay (see Where
to Stay , page 225) for guide services into the park.
Near Loja & Vilcabamba
Podocarpus National Park
Parque Nacional Podocarpus, all 361,312 acres of it, is a brilliant dis-
play of numerous ecological life zones merging to form a variety of
unique habitats. Quite a few visits are required to even scratch the
surface of this special place. Fortunately, the initial entrance fee buys
a pass that is good for a week.
Located southeast of Loja, Podocarpus spans from mountainous
páramo habitat at over 11,772 feet elevation down to the southern
Oriente at 3,270 feet. The major life zones include upper pre-
montane, with excellent hiking routes available, tropical cloud forest,
which is highlighted with incredible birding opportunities, and fi-
nally, the lower subtropical elevations, with virgin rainforest and en-
demic species abounding. Because of its inaccessibility and varied
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