Parque Nacional Cajas: A Thousand Glacial Lakes
The Parque Nacional Cajas — 30 km from Cuenca — is one of the world's most spectacular páramo landscapes; 235 glacial lakes (lagunas) in a treeless high-altitude grassland at 3,000-4,500m, crossed by an ancient Inca road
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235 Glacial Lakes
Cajas has 235 glacial lakes (lagunas) formed in the depressions left by retreating glaciers; the lakes vary from turquoise to deep blue depending on depth and mineral content; walking between the lakes through the misty páramo is an otherworldly experience
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Páramo Ecosystem
Cajas páramo - at 3,000-4,450 m altitude - is the most characteristic Andean highland ecosystem; The cushion plants, sedges and grasses that dominate the landscape have evolved extraordinary adaptations to the cold, wet and high-UV environment
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Inca Road (Qhapaq Ñan)
Qhapaq Ñan — the Inca road system — passes through Cajas on its way from Cuenca to the coast; the stone-paved road sections visible in the park are among the best-preserved Inca road sections in Ecuador
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Rainbow Fishing
Caja's glacial lakes have been stocked with rainbow trout — fly-fishing for trout in the páramo lakes, surrounded by fog and glacial landscapes, is one of Ecuador's most distinctive sporting experiences; day fishing license is available at the entrance to the park
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Andean condor sightings
Cajas is one of Ecuador's best condor sites — the large thermals above the páramo attract condors; the birds, with their 3 meter wingspan, can be observed soaring from the main road mirador or from the shores of the lake
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Cuenca's water supply
Caja's páramo supplies almost all of Cuenca's drinking water — the sponge-like páramo soil captures rainfall and slowly releases it into the rivers; the park's conservation is directly linked to Cuenca's water security; this link between upland ecology and urban water has made the park a conservation priority