Podocarpus National Park: A Biodiversity Hotspot
Explore Ecuador's Podocarpus National Park: a biodiverse paradise with cloud forests, hiking trails, and rare wildlife in the heart of the Andes.
Podocarpus National Park, established in 1982, spans the provinces of Loja and Zamora Chinchipe in southeastern Ecuador. Encompassing 1,462.8 square kilometers (564.8 sq mi), the park extends from the eastern range of the Andes to the Nangaritza, Numbala, and Loyola river basins. Its diverse ecosystems, ranging from lower montane rain forests to high-elevation elfin forests and paramo vegetation, create a megadiverse zone with a high level of endemic species. The park's name derives from the Podocarpus tree, Ecuador's only native conifer, which thrives within its borders. Podocarpus is considered a huge botanical garden, housing between 3,000 and 4,000 species of plants. The park is also a paradise for bird lovers, with more than 600 registered species, accounting for a significant percentage of Ecuador's and the world's total bird species. Mammals like mountain tapirs and spectacled bears also call the park home. Visitors can explore the park through a network of hiking trails, ranging from short, easy walks to multi-day treks. Popular trails include the Los Miradores Trail, offering panoramic views, and the Lagunas del Compadre Trail, leading to remote glacial lakes. The park has two main entrances: the Cajanuma Sector near Loja, providing access to elfin forest and paramo habitats, and the Bombuscaro Sector near Zamora, offering access to lower montane forest habitats. Podocarpus National Park is part of the Podocarpus-El Cóndor Biosphere Reserve, recognized by UNESCO since 2007. It plays a vital role in conserving biodiversity and maintaining the environmental services of the southern region of Ecuador.
Local tips
- The dry season (June to September) is ideal for hiking and wildlife observation due to less rainfall.
- Bring binoculars to fully appreciate the park's diverse birdlife.
- Acquire trail maps from ranger stations or online before embarking on any hikes.
- Warm and light clothing is recommended, and rubber boots may be necessary depending on the area.
- Camping is permitted, but registration with park rangers is required for certain trails.
A brief summary to Parque Nacional Podocarpus
- P234+9FH, Quitumbe, Quito, EC
- +5937-257-1534
Getting There
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Public Transport
From Quito, take a bus from Terminal Terrestre Quitumbe to Zamora. The journey takes approximately 12 hours and costs between $18 and $30. From the Zamora bus terminal, you can walk to the park entrance in approximately 1 hour; the route is signposted. Alternatively, take a taxi or pickup truck from the terminal for around $4. Arrange for the driver to pick you up later, as there is no transportation available at the park entrance. From Loja, buses to Vilcabamba are available from the Loja terminal terrestre between 5:45 am and 9:15 pm. Tickets cost $0.5-$1. Ask to be dropped off at the park entrance. Shared taxis may also drop you off by the park gate building for $1.50 per person. Entrance to the park typically costs around $2 per person, payable in cash.
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Taxi
From Zamora, a taxi to the Bombuscaro entrance of Podocarpus National Park costs approximately $4. Be sure to arrange a return trip with the taxi driver, as there is no regular taxi service at the park entrance. From Loja, a taxi to the Cajanuma admin center costs $8 to $12. Entrance to the park typically costs around $2 per person, payable in cash.
