El Cajas National Park

El Cajas National Park is located in the southwestern part of Ecuador on the mountain range's western side.  The park covers an area of 110.2 square miles (285.4 sq km).

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.

Tundra vegetation is the predominant flora species; however, there is a presence of cloud forests and perennial high mountain forests that follow the rivers in the lower elevations.  The Polylepis tree, also called Paper Tree, is an evergreen featuring short stubby leaves is one of the flora species the park is known for.

Lakes and lagoons are scattered throughout the park borders, making them common encounters for visitors exploring the national park.  Luspa is a glacial lake, and it is the largest of the nearly 700 bodies of water spread out amongst the valleys.

The park extends across the continental divide, which means two rivers flow west toward the Pacific Ocean and two flowing east toward and into the Amazon River. The combined habitats give way to a variety of wildlife species.

The cougar or puma is the most exciting sighting, but that can be challenging.  Other popular wildlife species include mountain wolf, fox, skunk, deer, weasel, llama, coati, porcupine, paca, and shrew.  The park is also renowned for being home to endangered endemic bird species as well.

The South American Condor and the Curiquinga are two large raptors that are vulnerable to extinction from Ecuador.  The giant hummingbird is another hopeful sighting amongst the bird species.

Photos

El Cajas National Park Photo Gallery

Highlights

The park delivers an abundance of picturesque landscapes that are sculpted by rugged mountains and pristine wilderness.  This is the highlight for the majority of visitors who come to escape into the outdoors.

Architects Hill

Architects Hill, locally known as Cerro Arquitectos, is the tallest point in the park, reaching a height of 14,599 feet (4,450 m).  Being the highest summit in the park makes it a targeted destination both for view and ascending.

High Altitude Scenic Drives

The park is situated among the mountain range creating the continental divide.  It actually represents the furthest western point of the divide.  Driving through the park is filled with abundant remarkable views of the striking landscapes and sculpted mountains.

The high-altitude scenic drives reach elevations as high as 13,550 feet (4,310 m), providing tremendous panoramic views.

Tres Cruces

Tres Cruces translates into three crosses.  The Tres Cruces viewpoint is situated at the lookout of the continental divide.  This point represents the marker from where the drainage basin on the west flows to the Pacific Ocean, and the drainage basin flows east on the other side.

This viewpoint also provides views of lakes and mountain landscapes as far as the eye can see.  The panoramic view is spectacular.

El Cajas National Park Trails

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 be prepared, and the vulnerable tundra vegetation requires that you stay on the paths.  Please note, some trails require guides.

Route 1 Trail

This is an easy trail that takes about 2-2.5 hours, covering 2.5 miles (4 km).  It is one of the most popular trails because of the stunning views of lakes, Quinoa forests, and the surrounding mountainous landscapes.  It is considered one of the most beautiful hikes in the park.

Cerro San Luis Trail

This is a technical climb ascending to the summit of Cerro San Luis.  The elevation is 13,990 feet (4,264 m) and covers a distance of 1.4 miles (2.2 km).  This is a technical climb and lest of a hike.

Inca Road Trail

This is a two-day hike traversing through the park over a distance of 11 miles (18 km).  The trail represents the frequently traveled path of the Incas that passes through the mountain area and along several lakes.

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Park Protection

El Cajas National Park was created to protect pristine tundra wilderness and surrounding vegetation and habitats of the area.  A key focus of the park is protecting the terrain, which is home to the endemic and endangered South American condor and the Curiquinga.

The curiquinga is a large black and white raptor that, along with the South American condor, is vulnerable to extinction from Ecuador. Because of these vulnerabilities, the area is also recognized as a Ramsar Wetland of International Importance and an Important Bird Area.