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LAS CAJAS NATIONAL PARK
Located near the city of Cuenca, Las Cajas National Park is approximately
29,000 ha. Its main characteristics are:
 | 232 small lakes and pools |
 | high elevation paramos (3000 - 4500) with abundant shrubs and bromeliads,
rosette mounts, hard grasses and some remnants of cloud forest of the
western Andes. |
 | paramo wildlife like condors, pumas, spectacles bear, Andes or Wooly Tapir, several
deer species, etc. |
 | night temperatures drop below 10 degrees, while day temperatures remain
chilly; usually below 15 degrees. |
 | the inca trail ran through the area |
 | February - July is the wet season with more rainfall and fog, while August
- January is likely to have more sun, but windier. These are average
conditions however, and any time of the year one may encounter sun or
clouds. |
This is one of the nicest national parks of Ecuador and very much worth a
visit.
One enters the area through the access road to Laguna Toreadora, where one
finds teh visitor center. The Burines and Luspa lakes are mostly visited by
foreigners and anglers. Las Cajas can conveniently be visited on a day trip,
while accommodated in Cuenca.
Some recommendations:
 | At these elevations, use sun lotion |
 | Only make hikes of more than an hour after you have been at higher
elevations for at least a week |
 | Don't swim in the lakes, as one quickly under-cools at these elevations |
 | Bring some food along if you plan to hike for an hour or more |
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