-Hey, have you heard about The Cajas National Park?

Oriana: Oh yes

-What do you know about it?

Oriana: The Cajas National Park is a high-altitude andean forest formation, west of Cuenca,
Ecuador. It’s known for trails through evergreen cloud forests and hundreds of lakes, such as
Laguna Toreadora. It’s also home to rich wildlife including Andean condors, giant hummingbirds
and raccoon-like coatis. Just outside the park, the Santuario de la Vírgen del Cajas is an outdoor
pilgrimage site where the Virgin Mary is said to have appeared.

-What it’s like being there?

Oriana: The park is well known for its rugged terrain that features landscapes characterized by
valleys nestled in between jagged mountains and hills. The park is located at altitudes over 10,170
feet (3,100 m), resulting in tundra vegetation that blankets the area.

-What activities can people make?

Oriana: Hiking in the park is the most popular activity and the best way to engage the incredible
rugged wilderness. It is high elevation hiking, so visitors have to be prepared, because the
vulnerable tundra vegetation requires that people stay on the paths.