The park is home to diverse wildlife, including 152 bird species, 43 mammal species, and numerous amphibians and reptiles. Notable mammals include the endangered mountain tapir, puma, Andean fox, and spectacled bear. The park is particularly important for bird conservation, hosting species like the Andean condor, Andean gull, and endemic violet-throated metaltail hummingbird. The lakes and wetlands provide habitat for various waterfowl, including Andean ducks and coots. The park also supports populations of rare amphibians, including several endemic species of frogs that are highly adapted to the páramo environment.
Cajas National Park hosts over 600 vascular plant species, with many being endemic to the Ecuadorian páramo ecosystem. The vegetation is dominated by tussock grasses, cushion plants, and small woody shrubs adapted to high-altitude conditions. Notable species include the Polylepis trees, which form the highest altitude forests in the world, growing at elevations up to 4,300 meters. The park also features unique plant adaptations such as the Chuquiraga jussieui (known as 'flower of the Andes'), various species of gentians, and numerous orchids. The vegetation plays a crucial role in water retention and regulation in the páramo ecosystem.
The park's distinctive landscape was shaped by glacial activity during the last ice age, resulting in a complex system of valleys, moraines, and over 230 lakes of glacial origin. The bedrock consists primarily of volcanic and metamorphic rocks, with notable deposits of andesite and tuff. The terrain is characterized by jagged peaks, U-shaped valleys, and numerous glacial cirques. The park's elevation ranges from 3,100 to 4,450 meters, with the highest point being Cerro Arquitectos. The area's unique geological features create a water system that serves as a crucial source of water for the city of Cuenca and surrounding regions.
The Cajas area has been inhabited since pre-Columbian times, with evidence of Cañari and Inca settlements. The name 'Cajas' is believed to derive from the Quichua word 'caxas,' meaning 'cold.' The park was initially protected as a Recreation Area in 1977 and was officially designated as a National Park in 1996. In 2013, UNESCO declared it a Biosphere Reserve. The area contains important archaeological sites, including segments of the Qhapaq Ñan (Inca Trail), and was historically used as a trading route between the highlands and the coast. Ancient artifacts and ruins found in the park suggest it held significant religious importance for indigenous peoples.
The park's most distinctive features include Lake Toreadora, the largest and most accessible of its lakes, and the Tres Cruces viewpoint, which marks the continental divide between Pacific and Atlantic watersheds. The ancient Inca Trail (Qhapaq Ñan) passes through the park, offering historical significance alongside natural beauty. The park contains several well-marked hiking trails of varying difficulty, including the popular routes around Lakes Toreadora and Llaviucu. The visitor center at Toreadora provides interpretive exhibits, basic amenities, and guided tour information. The park's unique combination of high-altitude lakes, páramo ecosystem, and archaeological sites makes it a crucial destination for both scientific research and eco-tourism.
Cajas National Park experiences a typical páramo climate characterized by frequent rainfall, high humidity, and significant temperature variations. Daily temperatures can range from -2°C to 18°C (28°F to 64°F), with sudden weather changes common throughout the day. The park receives an average annual rainfall of 1,200mm, with the wettest period occurring between January and May. Due to its high altitude (3,100 to 4,450 meters above sea level), visitors should be prepared for cold winds, occasional frost, and sudden mist or fog that can reduce visibility dramatically. The best time to visit is during the dry season (June to December), though morning fog is still common year-round.
Ecuador
-2.8500°, -79.2500°
1977
285.44
Cajas National Park is characterized by its high-altitude páramo ecosystem and over 200 glacial lakes. The park's landscape features rocky peaks, valleys, and grasslands at elevations between 3,100 and 4,450 meters. It serves as a vital water source for Cuenca and hosts unique wildlife including Andean condors and spectacled bears.