Cayambe Coca National Park supports a rich diversity of wildlife, with over 200 species of mammals, 900 bird species, and numerous reptiles and amphibians. Notable mammals include the spectacled bear (Tremarctos ornatus), mountain tapir (Tapirus pinchaque), and Andean condor (Vultur gryphus). The park serves as a crucial habitat for endangered species such as the jaguar (Panthera onca) and the woolly monkey (Lagothrix lagotricha). Bird species include the Andean cock-of-the-rock, torrent duck, and various hummingbird species. The park's water bodies support numerous amphibian species, including several endangered frogs endemic to the region.
The park's vegetation varies significantly across its elevation gradient, hosting over 100 species of endemic plants. The páramo ecosystem features distinctive cushion plants, frailejones (Espeletia pycnophylla), and various species of bunch grasses. The cloud forest zones contain numerous orchid species, bromeliads, and tree ferns. Lower elevations support dense tropical rainforest with emergent canopy trees reaching heights of 40 meters. Notable species include the paper tree (Polylepis), various types of orchids including Masdevallia and Odontoglossum, and medicinal plants traditionally used by indigenous communities. The park is also home to extensive bamboo forests and unique high-altitude wetland vegetation.
The park's geological formation is dominated by the Cayambe volcano (5,790m), an active stratovolcano covered by a permanent ice cap. The landscape features dramatic variations in elevation, from 600m in the Amazon basin to nearly 6,000m at its highest point. The park sits along the Eastern Cordillera of the Andes and includes numerous geological formations shaped by volcanic activity, glaciation, and erosion. The area contains extensive páramo ecosystems, glacial valleys, and hundreds of lakes formed by ancient glacial activity. The eastern slopes feature steep terrain that transitions into the Amazon basin, creating numerous waterfalls and river systems that eventually feed into the Amazon River.
The park was officially established in 1970 as the Cayambe-Coca Ecological Reserve and later redesignated as a National Park in 2010. The area has been historically significant to indigenous communities, particularly the Cayambi and Cofán peoples, who have lived in these territories for centuries. The park's name derives from the Cayambe volcano and the Coca River, which originates within its boundaries. During the pre-Columbian era, the region served as an important trading route between the Amazon and the highland regions. The area gained additional significance during Ecuador's colonial period when scientific expeditions, including that of French geodesist Charles Marie de La Condamine in 1736, conducted important measurements near Cayambe volcano.
The park's most prominent feature is the Cayambe volcano, Ecuador's third-highest peak and the world's highest point crossed by the equator. The San Rafael Falls, Ecuador's highest waterfall at 160 meters, was a major attraction until geological events altered its flow in 2020. The park contains over 81 glacial lakes, including Lake Papallacta, which supplies water to Quito. The Oyacachi hot springs, formed by geothermal activity, offer visitors natural thermal pools. The park also features important archaeological sites, including pre-Columbian trails and structures. The Papallacta Pass, at 4,064 meters, provides spectacular views of both the Andean highlands and the Amazon basin.
Cayambe Coca National Park experiences diverse climatic conditions due to its dramatic elevation changes, ranging from high-altitude páramo to tropical rainforest. The páramo zones above 3,000 meters experience cold temperatures between 4-8°C, with frequent rain, mist, and occasional snow on the highest peaks. Lower elevations in the eastern section have a more tropical climate with temperatures between 15-25°C and high rainfall throughout the year. The driest months are typically July and August, while the wettest period runs from March to May. Weather conditions can change rapidly, particularly at higher elevations, and visitors should be prepared for sudden temperature shifts and precipitation regardless of season.
Ecuador
0.0330°, -77.9830°
1970
4035
Cayambe Coca National Park features diverse ecosystems ranging from high-altitude páramo to tropical rainforest. The park is home to the Cayambe volcano and numerous lakes and waterfalls. It protects important water sources and unique wildlife including spectacled bears and Andean condors.