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Contents
Map of Ecuadors State Heritage of
Natural Areas (PANE)
Cajas National Park
An isolated massif dotted with lagoons
Geographic map of the National Park
Faces and traces
The shortest route between the Andes
and the sea
Touristic map
Not to be missed
Things to do
Getting there
Directory
List of outstanding wildlife species
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4
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This brochure offers a panoramic view of
the biological and cultural diversity of Cajas
National Park (CNP), as well as practical
information for the visitor: a geographic
and a touristic map, sites you do not want
to miss, outstanding tourist activities, some
useful recommendations for your trip, and a
services directory.
Mosses (Breutelia integrifolia) y this Asteraceae plant
(Hypochaeris sp.) associate with each other to better use scarce
resources and gain protection from the harsh climate of the pramo.
3
Pacific Ocean
GALPAGOS NATIONAL PARK
GALPAGOS MARINE RESERVE
GALERA SAN FRANCISCO MARINE RESERVE
MACHALILLA NATIONAL PARK
MANGLARES CHURUTE ECOLOGICAL RESERVE
MACHE CHINDUL ECOLOGICAL RESERVE
SANTA CLARA ISLAND WILDLIFE REFUGE
MUISNE RIVER ESTUARY MANGROVES WILDLIFE REFUGE
EL SALADO MANGROVES FAUNA PRODUCTION RESERVE
SANTA ELENA PENINSULA MARINE FAUNA WILDLIFE REFUGE
EL MORRO MANGROVES WILDLIFE REFUGE
PACOCHE WILDLIFE REFUGE
PARQUE LAGO NATIONAL RECREATION AREA
ARENILLAS ECOLOGICAL RESERVE
ISLA CORAZN AND FRAGATAS WILDLIFE REFUGE
CAYAPAS MATAJE ECOLOGICAL RESERVE
ESMERALDAS RIVER ESTUARY MANGROVES WILDLIFE REFUGE
LA CHIQUITA WILDLIFE REFUGE
ISLA SANTAY AND ISLA DEL GALLO NATIONAL RECREATION AREA
PAMBILAR WILDLIFE RESERVE
LOS SAMANES NATIONAL RECREATION AREA
PLAYAS DE VILLAMIL NATIONAL RECREATION AREA
EL PELADO MARINE RESERVE
LOS ILINIZAS ECOLOGICAL RESERVE
COTACACHI CAYAPAS ECOLOGICAL RESERVE
EL NGEL ECOLOGICAL RESERVE
PULULAHUA GEOBOTANICAL RESERVE
PASOCHOA WILDLIFE RESERVE
ANTISANA ECOLOGICAL RESERVE
EL BOLICHE NATIONAL RECREATION AREA
COTOPAXI NATIONAL PARK
CHIMBORAZO FAUNA PRODUCTION RESERVE
CAJAS NATIONAL PARK
YACURI NATIONAL PARK
QUIMSACOCHA NATIONAL RECREATION AREA
PODOCARPUS NATIONAL PARK
LLANGANATES NATIONAL PARK
SANGAY NATIONAL PARK
CAYAMBE COCA NATIONAL PARK
CUYABENO FAUNA PRODUCTION RESERVE
LIMONCOCHA BIOLOGICAL RESERVE
YASUN NATIONAL PARK
EL ZARZA WILDLIFE REFUGE
COFN BERMEJO ECOLOGICAL RESERVE
SUMACO NAPO-GALERAS NATIONAL PARK
EL CNDOR BIOLOGICAL RESERVE
EL QUIMI BIOLOGICAL RESERVE
CERRO PLATEADO BIOLOGICAL RESERVE
GALPAGOS
PACIFIC COAST
COAST - ANDES
ANDES
ANDES - AMAZON
AMAZON
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N
S
O E
MAP of the
STATE HERITAGE of
NATURAL AREAS (PANE)
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Quito
Tulcn
Ibarra
Nueva Loja
Francisco
de Orellana
Esmeraldas
Pto. Baquerizo
Moreno
Sto. Domingo
Latacunga
Ambato
Riobamba
Macas
Azogues
Guayaquil
Machala
Portoviejo
Santa Elena
Cuenca
Loja
Zamora
Guaranda
Babahoyo
Puyo
Tena
100 km
Per
Colombia
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5
CAJAS
NATIONAL
PARK
An isolated
massif dotted
with lagoons
L
ike the shards of a broken mirror on
a green rug, Cajas National Park and
its 786 bodies of water are located
on a massif of the western Andes in
Ecuador southern province of Azuay. These
lagoons are connected by small streams.
Some drain into the Pacific and others into
the basin of the Paute River, which drains
into the Atlantic by way of the Amazon River.
There are a number of versions about
the name of the Park, Cajas. Some say it
comes from the Kichwa kahas, which means
mountain or cordillera. Others say it refers
to the irregular landscape of rocky valleys
and lagoons, like pools of water boxed in
by mountains (caja is Spanish for box). In
any event, the author of this peculiar natural
scenery is ice. This area of the cordillera was
cut by the passage of ancient glaciers, slow
but implacable. By the end of the ice age,
around ten thousand years ago, the pramo,
an ecosystem characteristic of cold tropical
highlands, invaded this area, today occupy-
ing 90% of the Parks surface.
When the glaciers retreated, they left
deep cuts in the Andean cordillera, forming a
massif with the Cajas River to the north and
the Jubones to the south, whose peaks are
4
Around 10 thousand years ago, the
last glaciation came to an end and
the glaciers began to retreat. In the
process, they sculpted the Cajas massif,
separating it from the rest of the Andes
and giving it its current, unique visage.
located in the Park. The lack of connection
with other highlands ecosystems created
an important center for speciation, that is,
for the evolution of new species. The Park is
located on the edge of what scientists call
the Paute-Girn biogeograpical frontier.
This frontier marks the transition between
the Northern Andes and the Central, lower
ones. The species south of this line are dif-
ferent from those of the Andes to the north.
The pramo, a spongy tapestry covering the
Park, includes patches of intricate paper-
tree forests, locally known as queual or
quinua (though they have nothing do to with
the nutritious grain). The pramos here, in
the south of the country, begin at lower al-
titudes and show higher precipitation and
temperatures, while milder winds. This fa-
vors the formation of new species.
In this rugged environment, the resistant
paper tree creates a microclimate in which
unique plant and animal species take refuge,
including the so-called quinua bird (Giant
Conebill).
In the Llaviucu valley, at a lower altitude
and to the east of the Park, there is also one
of the few remnants of inter-Andean forest
found in the Ecuadorean Andes. In spite of
its reduced surface, this exuberant forest is
home to an impressive diversity of life.
The strategic combination of location (on
the Paute-Girn frontier) and isolation make
Cajas a veritable factory of unique species.
The Park protects 71 species of plants found
only in Ecuador and 16 which are found only
in this protected area. Cajas is also famous
among bird lovers because here you can see
The 786 lagoons in the Park cover
1,199 hectares. Luspa, with a surface
area of 77 hectares, is the largest.
Cajas provides water to the city of
Cuenca, the third-largest in the country,
and to the Paute hydroelectric dam.
La Toreadora Lagoon (3 900 masl). It takes
about one hour to walk all the way around it.
CAJAS BRIEFS
Location: Cuenca county (Azuay)
Area: 28,544 hectares
Altitude range: 3,150 to 4,445 masl
Climate: -2 to 18 C
Nearby settlements: Cuenca
Established in: 1977
Additional declarations: RAMSAR site (2002),
IBA EC063 (2008)
6 7
Due to the abundance of aquatic
habitats, the Park is an authentic
paradise for amphibians. Fully 88% of
those living in the Park are not found
elsewhere, including the last highland
jambatos, survivors of a group of
frogs once very common in the coun-
try and now mostly extinct.
threatened species, such as the Xenodacnis
and the Violet-throated Metaltail, a hum-
mingbird found only in the Park.
These facts demonstrate the Parks
importance as a refuge for unique species
threatened with extinction, as well as an
incredible water reserve. For this reason,
Cajas has been declared a RAMSAR Wetland
of International Importance and a BirdLife
Important Bird Area (IBA).
Together, these natural elements water,
geography, living beings, and climate are
key to the enchantment that characterizes
this nature park in the south of the country.
Flora
Mammals
Birds
Amphibians
Reptiles
Ecosystems: Pramo, High Andean Forest
CNP
no. of species
500
43
150
17
15,306
380
1,616
464
3.27
11.31
9.28
3.66
Ecuador / no.
of species
14.20
18.70
9.33
88.23
4 416 0.96 25.00
% of
endemism
% of
national total
Biodiversity and endemism in CNP*
La Virgen del Cajas, in the
proximities of the Park.
The plant paposa
aggregates in cush-
ion-like almohdillas
to withstand frosts.
*These figures are, of necessity, estimates andsubject to change. Sources: Arbelez andVega,
2008; Jade 2007; Snchez and Carbone, 2005; Tinoco and Astudillo, 2005; Ulloa et al., 2005. Cajas is the Mecca of the
best rock climbers in the
country.

7910'0"W
7910'0"W
7920'0"W
7920'0"W
250'0"S 250'0"S
r
Cuenca
San Joaqun
To M
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L. Luspa
L. Osohuaycu
L. Mammag o
Taitachungo
L. Llaviucu
L. Toreadoras
L. Illincocha
L. Lagartococha
L. Las Chorreras
L. Sunincocha
L. Larga
L. Totoras
L. Patoquinuas
San Luis
Peak
Tres Cruces
Peak
L. Cucheros
Avilahuayco
Peak

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PROVINCE
OF AZUAY
PROVINCE
OF CAAR
N
S
O E
main road
river
province limit
Park limit
CAJAS
NATI ONAL PARK MAP
Sources: ETI, 2011; Jarvis, 2008; MAE, 2011
Credits: S. Crespo, P. Cabrera, X. Cordovez
Ecuador Terra Incognita
village
city
summit
0 4 8 2 km 6
Panam. Highway
Elevation
Huagrauma
access
Quinuas
access
Surocucho
access
secondary road
10 11
T
he cold lands of Cajas have been occu-
pied since ancient times. Among the 28
archaeological sites found in the Park,
there is evidence of human presence since
the year 1800 B.C. It seems that Cajas was
always a transit site, a shortcut to the sea. It
was probably this condition that inspired trav-
elers to defy the highlands, suffering the cold
in exchange for the shorter route.
Between 500 and the mid-15
th
century,
the Caari people used this mountain pass to
trade products from the Paute Valley to the
gulf of Guayaquil. Organized in chiefdoms,
the Caaries farmed the land and exchanged
products with Amazon peoples.
When the Incas conquered the area,
around 1450, and named Tomebamaba (to-
The shortest
route between
the Andes and
the sea
As beautiful as they are mysterious,
the lagoons of Cajas are featured in
countless stories of treasures and
enchantments. According to popular
wisdom, the mountain is kind or
severe, depending on the attitude of
the visitor.
Faces and
traces
day, Cuenca) as the major city in the north of
the empire, the Caari route through Cajas
became even more important. A branch of
the Qhapaq an (Inca Trail), visible even to-
day, was built on the trails of the Caaris.
This road begins in Cuenca and, in Cajas,
follows the Llaviucu Valley, the Mammag
Lagoon, the Burines Valley, and leaves the
Park passing by the Luspa Lagoon in the
direction of Paredones de Molleturo, in the
Traders in ancient Ecuador
opened through Cajas routes
to the Coast, used later by the
Incas. There are few places
in South American where the
inter-Andean valleys are so
close to the sea.
west. The trail is two to three meters wide,
in the style and with the cobblestone pav-
ing characteristic of the Incas.
In the republican period, the route was
used again, and named the Garca More-
no trail. Caravans of mules transported
all kinds of good to Cuenca along this
route. A parallel trail was used to transport
bootleg liquor when the liquor tax came
into being. Names, such as Dead Mens
One possible explanation for the name
Cajas (Spanish for boxes) may refer to the
many lagoons boxed in the Andean nooks.
12 13
The Mama Huaca and the
Mountain Indian are legend-
ary beings who guard the
treasures allegedly hidden
under the water. Among
these are the mythical dowry
of Inca Atahualpa.
Cave are due to the traders who attempted
to spend the night in the pramo; surprised by
bad weather, they never woke up.
Communities around the Park have
been inhabited by Caaris, Incas, and mes-
tizo muleteers and traders. This heritage has
provided grist for countless tales about the
mountain as the source of life but also of suf-
fering. It is believed that those who do not
demonstrate reverence and gratitude enrage
the divinities who unleash freezing rain.
Famous spirits include Mama Huaca and
the Mountain Indian. Both are benign spirits
who protect the riches of Cajas. However,
they can enchant hikers and take them
away forever.
Mama Huaca (from waka, family god or
goddess) is the owner and protector of all
animals and plants that live in these moun-
tains. She is pictured as an old woman with
long, shining hair and a humble air that dis-
guises her power. Some hunters have seen
her heal animals wounded by their bullets.
The spirit known as the Mountain Indian, on
the other hand, is the custodian of the la-
goons and the gold hidden in their depths.
To the south of the Park, the Soldados sec-
tor, through which the river also known as
Soldados flows, is associated with the Incas
troops, and their spirits still wander the pra-
mo, guarding their lords treasure.
More recently, at the end of the nineties,
Cajas was the site of alleged appearances
of the Virgin Mary which attracted huge
crowds of the faithful. A sanctuary near the
eastern border of the Park continues to be
visited by pilgrims.
Today, Cajas National Park is an important
space for recreation and nature exploration
for residents of Cuenca. The Park administra-
tion is decentralized and is a model of good
management by a municipal government.
The Andean rabbit is a
common companion at the
Ecuadorean pramos.
Plinth of an ancient edifice at the
Paredones de Molleturo, close to the Park.
PROVINCE
OF AZUAY
PROVINCE
OF CAAR
N
S
O E
Baos
Cuenca
Tres Cruces
Peak
Avilahuayco
Peak
Migir
Molleturo
L. Playas Encantadas
L. Ventanas
Mazn va
l l e
y
To Guayaqu
i l
T
o

P
a
r
e
d
o
n
e
s
T
o
M
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lle
tu
ro
T
o


L
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j
a

L
l
a
v
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cu val l ey
SUROCUCHO
ACCESS
HUAGRAUMA
ACCESS
QUINUAS
ACCESS

B
u
r
i
n
e
s

v
a
l
l
e
y
Kapakan trail
trail
Panam. Highway
main Road
secondary road
province limit
Sources: ETI, 2011; Jarvis et al., 2008; MAE, 2011
Credits: Esteban Garcs y Ximena Cordovez
Ecuador Terra Incognita
river
summit
protected area
village
Garca Moreno road
information
archaeological
area
lookout
point
bird
watching
forest
climbing
tourist
cycling
camping
excursion
refuge
panoramic
view
restaurant
lodging
city
TOURI STI C MAP OF
CAJAS NATI ONAL PARK
Cuenca
Azogues
To
Riobamba
To
Loja
Cuenca-Loja: 205 km
Cuenca-Azogues: 37 km
Azogues-Riobamba: 217 km
Cuenca-Cajas: 21 km
Loja-Cajas: 251 km
Guayquil-Cajas: 140 km
fora
fauna
16 17
Toreadora - Illinocha sector
The Parks touristic heart
T
his is an ideal site for an initial
meeting with the Park. The informa-
tive visitors center provides a useful
general overview, before walking the trail
around Toreadora Lagoon and returning
to the restaurant for a delicious meal of
fresh trout. The more adventurous can try
climbing the nearby rock walls. This is
also one of the best places in the Park for
birdwatching. You will find birds typical
of the pramo and wetlands, such as the
Andean gull. The Illincocha forest is one of
the few places in the country where you
will see the rare Xenodacnis. The bird-
watcher will also see other charismatic
species, such as the Great Horned Owl
and the Quinoa Bird (Giant Conebill), so
named for its association with the quinoa
tree. In Toreadora there is a parking lot,
an information stand, and a mountain ref-
uge. From here, you can walk to Illincocha
in groups of no more than eight people,
accompanied by a guide.
Not to be
missed
Few places are as ideal as Cajas for understanding
the sponge function of the pramos. Togliacocha
Lagoon, near one of the three branches of the Inca
Road inside the Park.
18 19
Taitachungo Lagoon
Two names, a thousand stories
W
i t h so many l agoons i n t he Park,
i t seems t hat t here were not
enough names t o go around, so some
were bapt i zed i n groups, such as t he
Buri nes and t he Uni das Lagoons.
On t he ot her hand, one l agoon has t wo
names: Tai t achungo and Mammag.
Though access i s somewhat di f f i cul t ,
t he si t e i s embl emat i c of t he Park i n
t he beaut y of t he surroundi ng l and-
scape. You get t here f rom Toreadora,
crossi ng t he Buri nes Val l ey. Thi s used
t o be a requi red passage on t he rout e
t o t he Coast . Nearby are t he remai ns
of pre-I nca st ai rs and f oundat i ons
t hat were probabl y pl aces f or rest i ng.
From here, you can wal k a st ret ch
of t he I nca Trai l t o t he Luspa Cave,
where t here i s a campi ng area f or up
t o 10 peopl e. The cave i s an i mport ant
ref erence poi nt al ong t he t rai l .
Paredones de Molleturo
Vestiges of ancient splendor
B
eyond t he west ern border of t he
Park, t here i s an archaeol ogi -
cal compl ex wi t h t he f oundat i ons of
400 dwel l i ngs, t wo l arge bui l di ngs,
a pl aza, a monument al pyrami d, and
a st ai rcase l eadi ng t o t hree l ookout
poi nt s. The remai ns suggest t hat t hi s
The quinuas or queuales
grow in high Andean sheltered
areas and ravines.
was, i ni t i al l y, a Caari set t l ement t hat
grew af t er t he I ncas arri ved, bei ng
a st rat egi c poi nt on t he way t o t he
Coast . I t i s l ocat ed at t he begi nni ng of
a st eep descent f rom t he cordi l l era,
where t he pramo becomes cl oud f or-
est . The combi nat i on of l andscape,
I nca st ruct ures, and st unni ng sunset s
make t hi s an excel l ent spot f or t aki ng
phot os. However, access i s not easy
and i t i s recommended t hat vi si t ors
j oi n gui ded excursi ons.
Llaviucu
The best kept secret
T
his beautiful valley is character-
istically U-shaped, carved by the
movement of ancient glaciers. The la-
goon at the bottom of the valley, also
named Llaviucu, is surrounded by reed
beds and forests typical of the high
Andes. There are two piers for trout
pole-fishing, and a camping area. In
spite of its small size, the Llaviucu for-
est is full of life, being one of the most
diverse places in the Park. It is an ex-
celent spot for watching forest, mead-
ow, and aquatic birds. There are three
easy-access trails: Uku, two kilometers
long; Zig Zag, 1.3 kilometers, and San
Antonio, 2.7 kilometers. The last runs
through the entire valley.
20 21
Walks
T
he best way to get to know Cajas National
Park is on foot. You will enjoy the prodigious
landscape of lakes and forest groves. There are
eight routes and five trails along which you can
combine walking with other activities. It takes
from a few minutes to two hours to walk the
trails. The routes require a few hours or, if you
want to really take your time, a few days. There
are camping sites along the way.
An alternative is to combine the different
trails of the Parks central area, such as To-
readora and Illincocha, with the Nature and
Human History route. This is an easy excur-
sion, near the visitors center, which goes by
a number of lagoons, lookout points, quinua
(paper tree) forests, and the famous Garca
Moreno trail, an emblematic route which, in
the 19th century, connected Cuenca and the
port of Guayaquil. The more adventurous can
combine the Llaviucu trails with the Inca Trail
and Larger Lagoons route, which begins in
the Huagrahuma area in the Parks western
sector. From there, it follows the northern bank
of the Luspa Lagoon, going east, and goes
through the Burines Valley, descending to the
valley of the Taitachugo or Mammag Lagoon.
There you will see Caari-Inca vestiges and
continue along the Inca Trail until you get to the
forested area of the Llaviucu sector, where you
will come to the San Antonio trail.
All the Parks routes and trails are in the
northern area and are accessible from the Cuenca-
Molleturo highway.
At the Park entrance you will receive
a map of routes and trails. Some walks
require a nature guide. Consult Park personnel
before setting out. Always tell someone at
a checkpoint the route you intend to take.
Take a compass (and learn how to use it)
or a GPS. Respect the vegetation and do
not walk off the trails. When walking, take
the altitude into account. Take food rich in
calories and sufficient liquids (avoiding throw-
away bottles and packaging).
Cajas National Park: (07) 237 0127
There is no park entry fee. Guided walks cost
between US$ 30 and 60 per person.
Rock Climbing
T
he Parks bare rock faces were created by
glaciers moving through the mountains
thousands of years ago. Easy access and the
amazing landscape make Cajas an excellent
place for this sport. There are a number of op-
tions, including 30 equipped routes grouped
in seven climbing areas: Cochuma, Chica
Toreadora, Cerro San Luis, Toreadora, Godzila,
La Proa and Las Vrgenes. The degree of dif-
ficulty goes from short climbs for beginners
to overhangs and boulders requiring a high
degree of technical skill. Remember to climb
with a qualified guide.
Most climbing sites are in the northern
sector, a short distance from the Cuenca-
Molleturo-Naranjal highway. Access to the Chica
Toreadora, Cerro San Luis, and Toreadora sites
is via the Toreadora trail. You get to Godzila from
the highway, southwest of the restaurant at La
Toreadora. Access to La Proa is via the route to
the Burines Valley. The wall in the Cochuma area
is outside the Park and access is on foot (one
hour, approximately) from the Tres Cruces sector,
near the highway, to the northwest. Access to
Las Vrgenes is from the Quinuas check point
toward the Padre Urcu mountain.
Cajas is full of charming
trails that fringe its
lagoons. Things to do
23 22
Always go with experienced guides who
are familiar with the area. Take equipment
in good repair: helmet, harness, ropes and
carabiners. Use wool fingerless gloves that
protect from the cold but leave the fingers
bare for better grip and sensation.
Birdwatching
C
ajas National Park is a site in southern
Ecuador not to be missed by birders,
both beginners and experts. It is an impor-
tant refuge for 150 species, including nine
endangered species and one that is found
nowhere else in the world (the Violet-
throated Metaltail hummingbird) and five
migratory species. Thus, together with the
neighboring Mazn Protected Forest, Cajas
is part of the Cajas-Mazn Important Bird
Area. In addition to the eye-catching Vio-
let throated Metaltail, there are 23 addi-
tional species of hummingbirds. A quinua
grove next to Illincocha Lagoon is one of
the few places where you can see the rare
Tit-like Dacnis. With a little bit of luck, you
will also see condors in the Playas Encan-
tadas sector.
The Toreadora Sector is a good place
for watching pramo and aquatic birds.
Nearby, on the other side of the highway, is
the trail to Illincocha, with entry restricted
to a maximum of eight people at a time, ac-
companied by a guide.
Take waterproof binoculars with you.
Walk in small groups and be quiet. Wear
clothing in muted colors so as to be less
obvious to the birds.
Cajas National Park: (07) 237 0127
Birdwatching excursions leave from Cuenca
and Guayaquil and cost between US$ 60 and 100 per
person per day.
The rainbow starfrontlet is an
endemic hummingbird of south
Ecuador and northern Peru.
24 25
Getting there
Transportation
The main entrance to Cajas National
Park is along the Cuenca-Molleturo-Naranjal
highway, which goes through the northern
part of the Park. This road connects Cuenca
and Guayaquil. You can enter the Llaviucu
Valley via the same highway, turning off at
kilometer 17 onto a cobblestone road, which
you follow for two kilometers until coming to
the Surocucho checkpoint. There is no public
transportation from this point, but the walk
is only about 20 minutes.
Those traveling from Guayaquil by bus
can get off at the Cajas National Park en-
trance, without going to Cuenca (though this
is not very practical if you have checked-in
luggage).
You can travel by plane from Quito (55
minutes; US$ 102 round trip) or Guayaquil
(50 minutes; US$ 150 round trip).
Safety and health
In general, you should take the
usual precautions required for high al-
titude: clothing for the cold, since tem-
peratures can get as low as 5 C during
the day and below 0 C at night. Rain
is frequent and unpredictable, so wa-
terproof jacket and pants are needed,
as well as plastic bags and covers for
clothing and equipment.
To take the routes, which require
hours of walking, you must have a guide.
This is not necessary for the trails. Maps
and a compass or GPS are recommended
as the terrain is irregular and fog makes
it difficult to determine where you are. It
is preferable to walk only until 4:00 pm to
take advantage of visibility, because the
fog becomes heavier after that time. To
be safer, you should indicate at one of the
checkpoints where you will be visiting.
If you live in low areas, it is recom-
mended that you become gradually accli-
mated before visiting the park. Blood pres-
sure sometimes drops at high altitudes and
eating something sweet helps to bring it
back up. You should also eat well, keep hy-
drated, and get enough sleep. If, in spite of
these precautions you are affected by so-
roche (altitude sickness), take a nap and if
that does not help, get to a lower altitude as
soon as possible.
When to visit
Any time is a good time to visit, though
it rains less between October and Janu-
ary. Because the daily number of visi-
tors is limited, you should call the Park
and make a reservation before visiting
(07) 237 0127. Office hours are Monday to
Friday, 08:00 am to 4:00 pm. Tours can be
arranged in Cuenca.
Sustainable tourism tips
Paramo vegetation is fragile and takes
a long time to regenerate. Thus, visitors
are required to stay on the trails.
Taking plants out of the Park and hunt-
ing in the Park are prohibited.
Pets are not allowed in the Park due
to the danger they pose for Park species.
Trout is an introduced species that
affects native species, such as toads,
aquatic invertebrate and the preadilla, a
native fish species. For that reason, visi-
tors are allowed and encouraged to pole
fish for trout in the Park. However, boats
and swimming are not allowed.
The Illincocha trail receives special
management because it is the habitat of
the Tit-like Dacnis, a bird in danger of ex-
tinction. A maximum of eight visitors are
permitted at one time and they must be
accompanied by a guide.
Given the danger fires represent,
campfires are not allowed. If you plan to
camp, take a gas-powered camping stove
or something similar.
You will be given a bag for garbage at
the Park entrance which you should leave
at one of the control points on your way
out; personnel will take care of it in an
appropriate fashion. Take special care
that paper and plastic items are not
swept away by the wind.
Important contact information
- 1 800 TURISMO (1 800 887 476)
- Cajas National Park (ETAPA):
(07) 237 0127 / (07) 237 0128
- Ministry of the Environment, Cuenca
(07) 287 1694
- Ministry of Tourism, Cuenca:
(07) 286 5642 / (07) 286 2953
- Municipal Government, Cuenca,
Tourism Department: (07) 282 1035
- Bus Terminal, Cuenca:
(07) 284 2023
- Hospital, Cuenca: (07) 288 5595
- Police, Cuenca: (07) 408 8985
Quitumbe
Bus Station
BY LAND
Bus Terminal
Between 8 and
12 hours
US$ 9-12
4 hours US$ 8
Bus Terminal
25 minutes
(buses leave hourly
between 7:00 am
and 5:00 pm)
US$ 1-1,50
Jahuay, Panamericana, Patria,
Santa and Sucre bus companies
Oriental, Sper Taxis Cuenca
and Ejecutivo San Luis bus companies
Sper Taxis Cuenca, Sucre
and Occidental bus companies
From
Guayaquil
From
Cuenca
From
Quito
Entrance to every continental
protected area of the PANE is free
for nationals and foreigners.
26 27
Pensin Cofrada del Monje
Presidente Crdova 10-33
29-35 (high or low season)
(07) 283 1251
first
Pensin Nuestra Residencia
Los Pinos 1-100 and Ordez Lasso
32 (includes breakfast and tax)
(07) 283 1702
first
Hostera Hacienda El Hato
Panamericana Sur (between Cuen-
ca and Loja) E35 Km 35 Nabn
40 (for a double. Includes breakfast
and tax)
(07) 281 8724
084 500 044
elhato@mail.com
www.haciendaelhato.com
second
Hostera Dos Chorreras
Km 22 on the way to Cajas
50 (includes breakfast and tax)
(07) 404 1999
098 810 197
info@hosteriadoschorreras.com
www.hosteriadoschorreras.com
first
Apart Hotel Otorongo
12 de Abril and Guayas
60 (suite)
(07) 281 8205
first
Hostera Cabaas de Narancay
Panamericana Sur km 1
70.56
(07) 289 2360
second
Cuenca
Hostal Bristol
Hurtado de Mendoza 1-50
(07) 286 1231
second
Hostal Huayna Capac
Huayna Capac 3-57 and Bonilla
(07) 283 2655
third
Hostal Santa Fe
Borrero 5-57 and Juan Jaramillo
6 (shared bathroom)
(07) 282 2025
second
Pensin Andaluz
Mariano Cueva 12-21 and Sangurima
7
(07) 282 7292
third
Hostal Cutilkay
Abdn Caldern 2-27
8
(07) 225 0133
third
Pensin La Casa Cuencana
Hermano Miguel 4-45 and Calle Larga
8.96 (includes kitchen access to
prepare your own meals)
(07) 282 6009
third
Hostal Samay
Toms Ordez 11-86
10
(07) 283 1119
second
1. Camping 2. Guided walks 3. Inca Trail 4. Fishing 5. Birdwatching
Lodging
Tour Operators
Activities
address category price reference contact
Directory
Cuenca
Almbartour
(07) 282 6117 / 098 658 307
almibartour@etapanet.net
1 2 3
Cazhuma Tours
(07) 283 9959 / (07) 283 2052
info@cazhumatours.com
www.cazhumatours.com
1 2 3

Apullacta Expeditions
(07) 283 7815
info@apullacta.com
www.apullacta.com
1 2 3 4 5
Hualambari Tours
(07) 282 7598
info@hualambari.com
www.hualambari.com
1 2 3 4
Metropolitan Touring
(07) 283 4732 / (07) 283 4930
mcornejo@metropolitan-touring.com
www.metropolitan-touring.com
1 2 3 4 5
South-Land Turismo
(07) 283 3126 / 093 933 087
info@southlandtouring.com
www.southlandtouring.com
1 2 3 4
Terradiversa the Travel Center
(07) 282 3782
info@terradiversa.com
www.terradiversa.com
1 2 3 5
Tinamu Tours
(07) 284 3064 / 098 066 085
gerencia@tinamutours.com
www.tinamutours.com
1 2 3 4 5
Quito
Andean Travel Company
(02) 222 8487
info@andeantc.com
www.andeantc.com
1 2 3
Campustrekking
(02) 234 0601
info@campustrekking.ec
www.campustrekking.com
1 2 3
Contactour
(02) 226 3820 / (02) 224 40173
info@contactour.com
www.contactour.com
1 2 3
Cretertur
(02) 222 2166
creter1@creter.com.ec
www.cretertours.com
1 2 3
Ecoandes Travel
(02) 222 0892
quito@ecoandestravel.com
www.ecoandestravel.com
1 2 3
Ecoleviajes Ecuador
(02) 223 7595
gerencia@ecoletravel-ecuador.com
www.ecoletravel-ecuador.com
1 2 3
Enchanted Expeditions
nena@enchantedexpeditions.com
www.enchantedexpeditions.com
1 2 3
Galacruises Expeditions
(02) 250 9007
info@galacruises.com
www.galacruises.com
1 2 3
Geo Reisen
(02) 292 0583 / 095 220 726
info@georeisen-ecuador.com
www.georeisen-ecuador.com
1 2 3
Mirametours Ecuador
(02) 323 8370
info@mirametours.com
www.mirametours.com
1 2
Prices are per person and include taxes but not breakfast, unless otherwise indicated.
Hostal Las Tejas
Garca Moreno w/n
13.44
(07) 225 0175
third
Hostal El Manantial
Espaa and Nez de Bonilla
15 (includes breakfast and tax)
(07) 284 3060
first
Hostal El Monasterio
Padre Aguirre 7-24 and Sucre, piso 6
16.80 (includes breakfast and tax)
(07) 282 4457
second
Hostal El Cajas
Tarqui 7-29 and Sucre
18
(07) 282 6627
second
Hostal Casa del Barranco
Calle Larga 9-41 and Luis Cordero
21.90
(07) 283 9763
second
Pensin La Posada del Rey
Benigno Malo y Presidente Crdova
25 (includes breakfast and tax)
(07) 284 3845
first
Hostal La Castellana
Luis Cordero 10-47 and Gran Colombia
26.43
(07) 280 9281
first
Series director: Andrs Vallejo
Editorial design and edition: Nadesha Montalvo
Texts: David Parra
Design: Esteban Garcs
Photographic research: Alegra Acosta y Martina Avils
Maps: Susana Crespo y Pablo Cabrera
Map coordination: Ximena Cordovez
English translation: Mary Ellen Fieweger
Text revision: David Padham
Photo credits: Rafael Crdenas / Biographica (table of contents);
Jorge Anhalzer / ETAPA (cover:lagoon, 4, 11, 20); Afuera Producciones (6:columns);
Patricio Mena (6:flowers); Esteban Barrera (6:climber); Pete Oxford / Archivo Criollo (12:rabbit);
Carlos Galindo (12:rock walls); Juan Carlos Astudillo (17:pramo);
Valent Zapater (18:hiker); Murray Cooper (23)
Coordination, Ministry of Tourism: Mnica Burbano Montalvo and Liliam Figueroa
Revision, Ministry of Tourism: Undersecretaryship for Tourism Management, Undersecretaryship for
Tourism Promotion and Undersecretaryship for Information and Communication
Revision, Ministry of the Environment: National Biodiversity Directorate and Area Chief
References
Arbelez, Ernesto and Amanda Vega, 2008. Gua de Anfibios, Reptiles y Peces del Parque Nacional
Cajas. Etapa, Cuenca
Ecuador Terra Incognita, 2010. Ecuador: Turismo en reas Protegidas. Ministry of Tourism, Quito
Rivera, Jade, 2007. Parque Nacional Cajas. In: ECOLAP and MAE. Gua del Patrimonio de reas
Naturales Protegidas del Ecuador. ECOFUND / FAN / DarwinNet / IGM, Quito
Rodrguez, Santiago and Xavier Contreras, 2005. Gua de Rutas del Parque Nacional Cajas.
Etapa, Cuenca
Snchez, Francisco and Miguel Carbone, 2005. Gua de Mamferos del Parque Nacional Cajas.
Etapa, Cuenca
Tinoco, Boris and Pedro Astudillo, 2005. Gua de Campo para Observacin de Aves del Parque Nacional
Cajas. Etapa, Cuenca
Ulloa, Carmen; Samara lvarez, Peter Jrgensen and Danilo Minga, 2005. Gua de 100 Plantas
Silvestres del Pramo del Parque Nacional Cajas. Etapa, Cuenca
Villa, Jos, 2003. Plan de manejo integral del Parque Nacional Cajas. Cemaprimes / Ministerio del
Ambiente, Cuenca
This document may be cited as:
Ecuador Terra Incognita, 2012. Informative brochure for sustainable tourism in Cajas National
Park. Ministry of Tourism / Ministry of the Environment, Quito
Ministry of Tourism of Ecuador, 2012
Produced by:
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Mammals

Andean Fox or Wolf
Lycalopex culpaeus
White-tailed Deer
Odocoileus peruvianus
Llama
Lama glama
Chucuri o Andean Weasel
Mustela frenata
Grey-bellied Shrew Opossum*
Caenolestes caniventer
Ecuadorean Small-eared Shrew*
Cryptotis montivaga
Rabbit
Sylvilagus brasiliensis
Red Andean Mouse*
Thomasomys auricularis
Haggards Leaf-eared mouse*
Phyllotis haggardi
Aquatic Cajas Mouse*
Chibchanomys orcesi
Unexpected Cotton Rat*
Sigmodon inopinatus
Puma
Puma concolor
Quichua porcupine*
Coendou quichua
Mountain Paca
Cuniculus taczanowskii
Birds
Tit-like Dacnis
Xenodacnis parina
Violet-throated Metaltail*
Metallura baroni
Great Horned Owl
Bubo virginianus
Giant Conebill
Oreomanes fraseri
Slate-coloured Coot
Fulica ardesiaca
Masked Flowerpiercer
Diglossa cyanea
Scarlet-bellied Mountain-tanager
Anisognathus igniventris
Tawny Antpitta
Grallaria quitensis
Turquoise Jay
Cyanolyca turcosa
Golden-plumed Parakeet
Leptosittaca branickii
Rainbow Starfrontlet
Coeligena iris
Andean Guan
Penelope montagnii
Grey-breasted Mountain-toucan
Andigena hypoglauca
Water birds
Andean Teal
Anas andium
Silvery Grebe
Podiceps occipitalis
Andean Gull
Larus serranus
Amphibians
Ucug*
Telmatobius niger
Harlequin Frog*
Atelopus exiguus
Black Harlequin of Tres Cruces*
Atelopus nanay
Azuay Marsupial Frog*
Gastrotheca litonedis
San Lucas Marsupial Frog*
Gastrotheca pseustes
Boulenger Rocket Frog*
Hyloxalus vertebralis
Mountain-crest Robber Frog*
Pristimantis vidua
Robber Frogs*
Pristimantis riveti, P. ruidus
and P. philipi
Reptiles and fish
Perraccas Whorltail Iguana*
Stenocercus festae
Mountain Lizard
Pholidobolus montium
Yanuncay River Kingsnake
Philodryas simonsii
Brown trout (introduced)
Salmo trutta
Rainbow trout (introduced)
Oncorhynchus mykiss
Catfish or preadilla
Astroblepus spp.
Flora
Quinua or paper tree
Polylepis spp.
Andean Horsetail
Equisetum bogotense
Manzana cashpi
Hesperomeles obtusifolia
Rosette bromeliad
Puya spp.
Almohadillas
Azorella pedunculata,
Plantago rigida, etc.
Toreadora sedge*
Carex toreadora
Chuquiragua
Chuquiraga jussieui
Borrachera
Pernettya prostrata
Shuspilla
Berberis lutea
Sarashima
Gentianella hirculus
Below is a list of outstanding species in Cajas. Given the
extraordinary biodiversity, the list is, of necessity, incomplete. Enjoy adding species!
* species endemic to Ecuador species mentioned in the text
Conscious tourism is a life-transforming experience that leads to personal growth, making
us better human beings.
This new concept is based on principles of sustainability and ethics, and promotes peace,
friendship, respect, and love for life as the essence of tourism.
It is a pact to live together in a responsible, mutually respectful fashion, in communion with
tour agents from sending and receiving communities, the tourist, and the natural and
cultural heritage.
Conscious tourism is a living, dynamic concept in constant development. It is an experience
of giving and receiving.
D
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CONSCIOUS TOURISM
Is Love for life
El Telgrafo E7-58 and Av. de los Shyris
Av. 6 de Diciembre N59-161 and Manuel Zambrano
Quito-Ecuador
Telephone: (02) 399 9333