Ecuador -
Podocarpus Natl. Park

Total Area of Park: 147774 ha

More Information
Destination Site Overview

Partners: Fundacion Arco Iris

Location: Southern Ecuador

Site Description:
The Park protects the only gymnosperms native to Ecuador (Podocarpus) and extends from the peaks of the Cordillera Real to paramo and a series of small Andean lakes through cloud forest to lowland Amazon rain forest. Altitudes range between 11,500 ft. and 3,500 ft. Home to the Spectacled Bear.

The Park provides water for the city of Loja.

Principal Ecotourism Attractions:

Great birding including new species of ant pita recently discovered

• Range of habitats from paramo to Amazon rainforest
• Nearby Vilcabamba village and valley of longevity

Guide Availability: Local guides available for Andean region, bilingual naturalists available for Andean and Amazon regions.

Infrastructure: Ranger station, visitor Center and overnight accommodation for 4 guests in a newly built spacious house near road twenty minutes from Loja. Campsite.

Accessibility: Loja is a 45 minute flight from Quito with morning and afternoon frequencies.

Number of Visitors Per Year:
Around 2,000 per year.