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PARKS AND TRIBES

 

PODOCARPUS NATIONAL PARK: 10 REASONS TO VISIT

Podocarpus National Park, Ecuador

  1. Geology

  2. Hydrology

  3. Conservation status

  4. Things to do

  5. Vegetation

  6. Mammals

  7. Birds

  8. Other critters

  9. How to get there on your own

  10. Best tour

Podocarpus National Park, Ecuador is the southernmost mega park of Ecuador's National Parks System (SNAP). We organize National Parks Tours that include Podocarpus in its itinerary, with extensions to the Amazon and Galapagos.

 

Things to do in Podocarpus National Park, Ecuador

10 REASONS TO VISIT PODOCARPUS NATIONAL PARK: Entrance sign.10 REASONS TO VISIT PODOCARPUS NATIONAL PARK: visitor center.10 REASONS TO VISIT PODOCARPUS NATIONAL PARK: Camp site.

 

Lagunas de el Compadre: Over the Sabanillas junction, this lacustrine system of incredible scenic value is located, which is the result of ancient glaciers that have left their mark on the landscape. In this sector sport fishing for trout is famous, which is accessed after a walk of 14 km from the Administrative Center of Cajanuma. It is possible to camp on its banks and explore the surroundings; With a bit of luck you can find the mountain tapir, relatively common in this sector. Romerillos and Bombuscaro: These are small picturesque hamlets that are the anteroom for access to the Park. In Bombuscaro there is a multipurpose room, regularly used for environmental education activities, and two self-guided trails that run through the forest among species of flora and fauna typical of this ecosystem. At Romerillos is a control post.

Mirador de Cerro Toledo: At the southern end of the park there is a natural viewpoint from where you can see the forest and the typical topography of the Andes mountain range. Although there is no infrastructure for tourists, it is worth visiting, especially for the birds that can be observed.

 

Vilcabamba Valley: It is a quiet valley, away from the big cities, located 40 km from Loja. The high average life of its inhabitants (which in some cases exceeds one hundred years) is related to the climate and water quality of the Chamba and Uchima rivers, which supposedly has medicinal properties.

Sanctuary of the Virgin of the Swan: Place of eminent religious attraction. The sanctuary is a small town whose inhabitants are dedicated to agriculture. Its existence is due, fundamentally, to the traditional religious veneration of the Virgin of the Swan, whose origins go back to the year 1560. In 1935 the construction of its sumptuous basilica began, of Gothic architecture; In the sanctuary there is also a museum that has the Virgin as its central theme. In September of each year, the festivities are held in honor of the Virgen del Cisne with fairs, typical dances, costumes, cockfights and popular songs.

Valleys of Yangana and Quinara: They are two valleys that are practically united, located to the south of the province of Loja. Here is also the phenomenon of longevity, since the climatic characteristics are identical to those of Vilcabamba. In Quinara, there are some natural openings of medium depth, where, according to legend, some of the treasures of the Tahuantinsuyo that the Incas brought to Cuzco for the rescue of Atahualpa were hidden.

Tapichalaca Reserve: It borders the Park in the Quebrada de los Muertos and Quebrada Honda sectors. Podocarpus is located on the south-eastern slope of the Andes famous for its emblematic Podocarpus tree and being the southernmost mega-park of Ecuador. Tapichalaca is a private area, managed by the Jocotoco Conservation Foundation. It protects about 170 species of birds, important populations of spectacled bears and mountain tapirs. However, the main attraction of the area is the jocotoco, Grallaria ridgelyi, a bird recently discovered and endemic to mainland Ecuador.

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10 REASONS TO VISIT PODOCARPUS NATIONAL PARK: Regional map.10 REASONS TO VISIT PODOCARPUS NATIONAL PARK: Detailed map.

 

Podocarpus National Park, Ecuador is named after the only native conifer in South America the Podocarpus, locally known as romerillo or guabisay which is native to the Andes.

 

10 REASONS TO VISIT PODOCARPUS NATIONAL PARK: Podocarpus Oleifolius Tree Ecuador

In several places, Podocarpus has been planted for restoration.

In smaller levels are several Podocarpus forests.

 

10 REASONS TO VISIT PODOCARPUS NATIONAL PARK: Podocarpus oleifolius twigs, Ecuador10 REASONS TO VISIT PODOCARPUS NATIONAL PARK: Podocarpus Oleifolius leaves Ecuador

Podocarpus needle leaves.

 

Subsequently, Podocarpus has been discovered in other protected areas of Ecuador as well. The interest in declaring Podocarpus as a National Park and adopting this scientific name was born from the studies carried out by FAO (Download: United Nations / FAO Study) in 1975.

Podocarpus National Park in Ecuador's: our National Parks Tour takes you along fabulous Hiking Trails along Lakes, Podocarpus groves, enjoy Great Wildlife and incredible scenery. It is in contact and transition between different ecological zones: the Andes of the north and the Andes of the south and the Amazon. The very humid zone of the Central Mountain Range and the semiarid zone of Tumbes, also contribute to this high diversity. It is estimated that there are 606 species of vertebrates in the Podocarpus National Park. The most representative group in terms of abundance are birds with 560 species, followed by mammals with 46.

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Geology of Podocarpust National Park, Ecuador

The PNP is one of the southernmost protected areas of Ecuador after El Condor National Park. The altitudinal range varies between 900 and 3,600 meters above sea level. The area, in general, is characterized by a topography dominated by valleys and steep slopes and a very irregular relief formed by mountains and hills. Climate: The temperature varies between 6-22 - C and the precipitation varies between 1 500-3 000 mm.

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Hydrology of Podocarpust National Park, Ecuador

In the high parts of the páramos there are some 100 lakes of glacial origin from which four important river basins are born, which coincide politically with the four cantons that share the Park: Catamayo-Chira (Canton Loja), Chinchipe (Canton Palanda), Zamora (Cantones Loja) and Zamora) and Nangaritza (Canton Nangaritza), known as the hydrological heart of the southern region for feeding the productive systems of the valleys that extend to the north of Peru, as well as to the city of Loja and Zamora Chinchipe.

 

10 REASONS TO VISIT PODOCARPUS NATIONAL PARK: waterfall.10 REASONS TO VISIT PODOCARPUS NATIONAL PARK: montane forest trees.10 REASONS TO VISIT PODOCARPUS NATIONAL PARK: epiphytes.

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Conservation status of Podocarpust National Park, Ecuador

Creation: December 15, 1982 ministerial agreement # 398 OFFICIAL REGISTER January 5, 1983 R.o. # 404 SURFACE 144 993 ha. VEGETABLE FORMATIONS evergreen piedmont forest, evergreen low montane forest, montane cloud forest, high montane evergreen forest, scrubland
There is a management plan for 1997.

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Vegetation of Podocarpust National Park, Ecuador

The trees are found along a strip of no more than 100 km wide on the eastern base of the eastern Cordillera of the Andes. and its greatest concentration is in the this Park, although it can also be found in several other protected areas. The wood of the tree has a very high value, reason for having been eliminated in large parts of the park. However, there are still several small groves with larger trees. At higher elevations, the species has been re-planted.

 

10 REASONS TO VISIT PODOCARPUS NATIONAL PARK: grove10 REASONS TO VISIT PODOCARPUS NATIONAL PARK: tree crown

10 REASONS TO VISIT PODOCARPUS NATIONAL PARK: canopy10 REASONS TO VISIT PODOCARPUS NATIONAL PARK: Trunc

Pictures of Podocarpus trees.

 

10 REASONS TO VISIT PODOCARPUS NATIONAL PARK: bark

The bark of the Podocarpus tree.


A floristically interesting site is Cajanuma, for presenting a combination of cloud forest species and moors, as well as transition zones with unique squat vegetation. In the montane forests of Cajanuma 70 species of trees have been registered and in their páramos 135 vascular plants. Additionally, it is considered a site of concentration of endemic species, with 40 species of flora exclusive to this area.

It has been shown that the highest endemism is concentrated in tall montane forests or high Andean forests north of the Park, with 28 identified species; while the short woods, scrubland and sub-ridges of El Tiro, San Francisco-Sabanillas and Bombuscaro Alto have more than 10 exclusive endemic species. In this Park grows the husk tree, Cinchona officinalis, important in the control of malaria, since it has a complex of alkaloids, including quinine, from which the active compound for the manufacture of medicine is extracted. Another important group of these forests are the orchids, reporting 63 species, 25 of which are under some category of threat. Another site with diversity of orchids is Bombuscaro, where there are up to 8 species in a trunk of a tree 6 m high.

Podocarpus has the largest number of protected ecosystems in the southern region, a fact that is related to its location at the junction of the Cordillera Real de los Andes and the Cordillera Oriental in the Nudo de Sabanilla. The area has five vegetation formations:

Evergreen Piedmont Forest (600-1 300 meters above sea level): This plant formation includes Amazonian and Andean species. The trees of the upper canopy reach 30 m in height, and the sub-canopy and understory are very dense.

Low Montane Evergreen Forest (1 300-1 800 masl): The forests of this formation are dominated by trees of the genus Podocarpus (P. ingensis), which can reach heights of 30 m (Sierra 1999). The characteristic families are: Myristicaceae, Lecythidaceae and Vochysiaceae.

Montane Forest (1 800-2 800 masl): This type of vegetation is composed of trees laden with abundant moss. The epiphytes (orchids, ferns and bromeliads) are very numerous and probably the place where the highest diversity is concentrated (Sierra 1999). The characteristic families are: Rosaceae, Ericaceae, Melastomataceae, Rubiaceae and Asteraceae.

 

10 REASONS TO VISIT PODOCARPUS NATIONAL PARK: Andes flanks with cloud forest.10 REASONS TO VISIT PODOCARPUS NATIONAL PARK: Cloud forest.

Montane forest.

 

High Montane Forest (2 800-3 100 masl): This forest is similar to the montane forest in the amount of mosses and epiphytic plants; however, it differs by having a forest floor covered with a dense layer of moss and gnarled trees.

páramo shrubland (above 3 100 masl): These páramos are composed of herbs, rosette plants and cushion plants. You can find trees of the genera Polylepis and Escallonia. In Podocarpus these páramos are better conserved and contain high endemism, identifying 50 endemic species of this area.

 

10 REASONS TO VISIT PODOCARPUS NATIONAL PARK: Semi forested páramo.10 REASONS TO VISIT PODOCARPUS NATIONAL PARK: Andes river view.

Semi-forested wasteland.
 

Farther to the east, the terrain drops sharply with valleys that are difficult to access.

 

10 REASONS TO VISIT PODOCARPUS NATIONAL PARK: Charcos y musgos absorben el agua como una esponja.10 REASONS TO VISIT PODOCARPUS NATIONAL PARK: Almohadillas de plantas contienen grandes cantidades de agua.

Puddles and mosses absorb water like a sponge.

Cushion plants contain large amounts of water.

 

In addition, 14 types of páramos and 8 subpáramos have been identified that are not mentioned in the classification of Sierra (1999) but that, unlike the páramos of the rest of the country, are distinguished by low elevations, strong winds, high humidity, the absence of volcanic ash and the abundant bamboo species of the generi Neurolepis and Chusquea. It is estimated that of the 40,000 ha of páramos in the country, 25% (11,000 ha) are protected in the Podocarpus Park. The table below proposes a reclassification of the zonal and azonal vegetation of the Podocarpus Microregion, as a result of which there is no recognition of the southern páramos and subpáramos and their biogeographic location.

 

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Mammals of Podocarpust National Park, Ecuador

Of the 40 registered species of mammals, many live in the páramos of Cerro Toledo, with species such as: spectacled bear, Tremarctos ornatus, Andean tapir (Tapirus pinchaque), common marsupial mouse, Caenolestes fuliginosus, Bilistada Skunk, Conepatus semistriatus, dwarf deer, Pudu mephistophiles, among others.

 

10 REASONS TO VISIT PODOCARPUS NATIONAL PARK: The omnipresent but invisible jaguar.10 REASONS TO VISIT PODOCARPUS NATIONAL PARK: Puma's are there, but you never get to seem them.

 The Podocarpus National Park still maintains a population of Jaguars.

Cougars are distributed throughout the Andean region.

 

10 REASONS TO VISIT PODOCARPUS NATIONAL PARK: White-tailed Deer are present in all protected areas.10 REASONS TO VISIT PODOCARPUS NATIONAL PARK: Conepatus semistriatus is also very common.

Distributed throughout the Americas, the White-tailed Deer, Odocoileus virginianus, is found in almost all protected areas of the country.

The Bilistada Skunk, Conepatus semistriatus is also quite common, but because it is nocturnal, it is not often seen.

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Birds of Podocarpust National Park, Ecuador

With 560 recorded species, the park stands out as one of the most diverse and important bird areas in the world, while, it is estimated that as many as 800 species may be present, given the variety of ecosystems in the Park. Additionally, it is a key site for migratory species from North America, such as the orange-breasted warbler, Dendroica fusca and swainson's thrush, Catharus ustulatus. Ccharacteristic birds are: chungui chico, Cinclodes fuscus, bearded turkey, Penelope barbata, cachetidorado parrot, Leptosittaca branickii, Coeligena iris and Metallura odomae. Some birds of the La Esmeralda-Numbala Alto sector are: Thamnophilus unicolor, Nothocercus julius, black jaguar toucan, Ramphastos ambiguus, Aratinga leucophthalmus and Negrosta eagle, Oroaetus isidori. Colorful birds: Tanager chilensis, umbrella bird, Cephalopterus ornatus, mountain momoto, Momotus aequatorialis, Pharomachrus auriceps and Myiotriccus ornatus.

 

10 REASONS TO VISIT PODOCARPUS NATIONAL PARK: Andes Plover.10 REASONS TO VISIT PODOCARPUS NATIONAL PARK: Northen Caracas.

The Andes Lapwing, Vanellus resplendens, is a common bird in the páramo.
 

The Guaro or Northern Carancho, Caracara cheriway, frequents the moors.

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Other critters

In 2000, 19 species of amphibians and 11 reptiles were recorded. Most common are of the genus Eleutherodactylus, for example: E. bromeliaceus, E. condor, E. cornutus, E. nigrogriseus, E. versicolor and E. wskatoptioides. The Park  also protects a variety of threatened species, such as: Atelopus nepiozomus, Colostethus anthracinus, Eleutherodactylus cryophilius, E. cryptomelas, E. proserpens; Phrynopus flavomaculatus, Gastrotheca psychrophila, Telmatobius cirrhacelis and the spur tree frog, Hypsiboas calcaratus, and Cochranella cochranae. Additionally, a new species was discovered: Centrolene mariaelenae.

 

Fishes

The ichthyofauna includes several resident species as well as exotic species.

10 REASONS TO VISIT PODOCARPUS NATIONAL PARK: "prenador", AstroblepusOriginally, the high Andes streams were inhabited only by species of the genus of the "prenador", Astroblepus, but in the course of the last century several species of trout have been introduced throughout the Andean region, forcing the prenadores to places of difficult access to the trout.

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How to get there on your own

The main access roads are along the Loja-Valladolid road, the same that leads to the Administrative Center at Cajanuma. From the town of Yambala, much further south, there is another road that goes to the sector of Numbala Alto and, later, to the Cerro Toledo overlook. To the north, a branch of the Loja-Zamora road continues to Romerillos, a sector that leads to the Bombuscaro forest. It is advisable to plan the visit to the Podocarpus National Park between September and December, for the best weather conditions. Cajanuma is a small town with a modest visitor center. It is also the trail head to the Lagunas del Compadre.

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Best tour to Podocarpust National Park, Ecuador

Dear visitor, our website gives you info about our National Parks Tours, our Galapagos programs, the Cuyabeno Loop, as well as our Cuyabeno  and Cofan Lodges in the Amazon.   For those who want to combine the Exuberant Nature of Ecuador with the Famous culture of Peru, we even have a 7 days Highlights of Peru extension! Our website gives you the best information on the internet, like Ecuador Travel Guide, because we are the only tour operator run by professional biologists. Take a look:

 

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AMAZON RIVER CRUISE ECUADOR: In Ecuador, birding is for all ages.

 NEW! CUYABENO DAY TRIP

For those that are limited in time, we are now organizing the Cuyabeno Day Trip that takes you at 9 AM from the park entrance to the surroundings of Lake Cuyabeno, to the Siona village and back by 5 PM.

 

 

Price: from $ 99

 1 día

RÍO NAPO LODGE TOUR, ECUADOR: La plataforma en el árbol de Ceibo de la comunidad Kichwa Añagu.

NEW YASUNI / NAPO RIVER TOUR

Lodges along Yasuni ­ National Park are excessively expensive and excursions are just organized close to each lodge. We developed a fabulous and affordable tour to all the highlights along the Napo, while staying in 2 different decent Quichua lodges.

 

 

Price: from $ 450

3 days

viaje a Cuyabeno

 NEW LAGARTOCOCHE EXPEDITION

The most remote part of the Amazon is the Lagartocoche lake system at the border with Peru. Hosted in a Secoya Indian Village.

 

 

Price: from $ 450

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admirando la increíble vida silvestre

CUYABENO LOOP

The Cuyabeno Loop explores the breathtaking scenery of the lower Cuyabeno and Zabalo Rivers and the Cuyabeno Lake. Watch the amazing birds and wildlife. Pass 2 nights with the amazing Cofan Indians in the Cofan Lodge and enjoy 2 nights of comfort in the famous Cuyabeno Lodge.

Price: from $ 799

5 days

 

admirando las increíbles aves

COFAN LODGE PROGRAMS

Located in Southern Cuyabeno, the Cofan Lodge is the only lodge in that part of the Cuyabeno Wildlife Reserve with quality programs and great facilities. It is owned by the Cofan Indians and provides a totally different experience from any other lodge in Cuyabeno.

 

 

Price: from $ 450

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Laguna Cuyabeno

CUYABENO LAKE PROGRAMS

The Cuyabeno Lake Programs explores all the wild places surrounding the Cuyabeno Lake. Bonsai-shaped Macrolobia trees with the whispering of the mysterious prehistoric Hoatzin birds and the noisy Blue and Yellow Macaws. Our Cuyabeno Lodge is on the best location, because we were the first lodge and chose the best location right on a seasonal island in Lake Cuyabeno.

Price: from $ 390

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Chimborazo con Lamas

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Our Northern Andes Tour lets you get a taste of some of the best Andean National Parks, visiting the highest groves in the world: the Polylepis trees, the highest mountain in the world calculated from the center of the Earth, the Chimborazo with Vecunhas and Lamas, the highest active volcano in the world, the Cotopaxi.

 

Price: from $750

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Cascada San Rafael

NATIONAL PARKS TOUR

Our National Parks Tours take you on a fantastic journey along the best possible sample of Andean and coastal parks. They have been designed to complement Galapagos and/or Amazon cruises. They can start from different places, particularly Quito, Guayaquil and Cuenca. While the full program lasts 9 days, it is possible to make a limited selection of parks, like the 6 days' "Andes and Coast" module.

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We have a fabulous selection of Galapagos programs, including cruises, island hopping, scuba diving or relaxing on one of the many different hotels varying from modest inns to deluxe resorts.

 

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25 COOLEST THINGS TO DO IN PERU [LIMA,CUSCO, MACHU PICCHU]: Inca wall in Cusco.

PERU HIGHLIGHTS

A fabulous program for visiting the most famous cultural highlights Lima, Cusco, Machu Picchu and the Sacred Valley. At the same time it serves as the Lima hub for the Peru National Parks Tour. This module is an extension to our National Parks Tour Ecuador and/or Galapagos National Park and/or Amazon Cruises.

Price: from $ 1199

7 days

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PODOCARPUS NATIONAL PARK, ECUADOR

 

PARKS & TRIBES Travel Agency in Quito, Ecuador

Street: Las Casas, Side street: Jose Coudrin, 2 blocks above the Occidental Highway

Canton Quito, Prov. Pichincha, Parroquia Belisario Quevedo

Tel: (++593)(02) 2 2324 4086, Cell phone: (++593) (0) 99 283 2187 Whatsapp: (++)1 304 901 0718

Email: info@parks-and-tribes.com

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