El Cajas National Park
El Cajas National Park, National park and nature reserve in Azuay Province, Ecuador.
Description
El Cajas is a protected area in Azuay Province that spreads across several Andean valleys with lakes and wetlands. The terrain sits at around 3,600 meters (11,800 feet) elevation and covers an area with hills, rock walls, and open meadows of yellow grass.
History
The government established this park in 1996 to protect the watersheds and forests. Sections of an old Inca road run through the valleys and once connected the city of Tomebamba with the coast.
Culture
Fishers still visit the lakes to catch trout, as families in the region have done for decades. Quinoa plants grow between stones along the trails, and people know which herbs help with colds or stomach troubles.
Practical
Warm clothing and rain protection are important, as temperature swings between minus two and eighteen degrees Celsius (28 to 64 Fahrenheit). Fog rolls in often, and snow sometimes falls between July and September.
Did you know?
The lakes and wetlands supply water to Cuenca, and more than 150 bird species live here. Hummingbirds dart between flowers, and visitors can spot two dozen different kinds.
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Ecuador offers diverse landscapes and architectural subjects for photography. The capital city of Quito features colonial buildings such as the Basilica del Voto Nacional and the narrow streets of La Ronda, while the surrounding highlands contain active volcanoes including Cotopaxi, Chimborazo, and...
Macizo del Cajas
5.6 kmEC-LL-16/CS-2011
7.3 kmEC-MM-17/CS-2011
2.7 kmTres Cruces
8 kmSendero sorrocucho
8.4 kmBridge
2.9 kmS.luis forest
8 kmTres Cruces
8 kmScenic viewpoint
7 kmSendero
8.1 kmSendero cajas soldados
10.4 kmLaguna
7.6 kmScenic viewpoint
8.3 kmMirador de las playas encantadas
11.4 kmPaso 1 hacia el mirador
10.1 kmPaso 5 hacia el mirador
10.7 kmPaso 4 hacia el mirador
10.7 kmPaso 3 hacia el mirador
10.4 kmPaso 2 hacia el mirador
10.3 kmGuabidula (Museo de Sitio)
9 kmPanorama espectacular
5.7 kmScenic viewpoint
6.3 kmScenic viewpoint
11.3 kmScenic viewpoint
11.4 kmScenic viewpoint
11.3 kmScenic viewpoint
3.1 kmScenic viewpoint
5.6 kmJerez
16.2 kmDiscover hidden gems everywhere you go!
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