The city of Cuenca is located to the south of Ecuador, to a height of 2500 m.a.s.l. The city is the cultural and sport capital of the country. It is also Cultural Patrimony of the Humanity by the UNESCO.
Cuenca is considered by Ecuadorians as its more beautiful city. Four rivers cross the city from west to east: Tomebamba, Yanuncay, Machángara and Tarqui. Later on they unite forming Paute river that will end in the Amazons river, the mightiest river in the world.
"Important International Area for the Conservation of Birds – IBA"
"Candidate for the Natural Heritage of the Humanity by UNESCO"
Cajas National Park is located to the west of Cuenca. The eastern boundary is 20 kilometers from the city. The Park has an area of 28,544 hectares and was legally established on June 6, 1977. The lowest altitude is 3,150 meters above sea level in Llaviuco and the highest is 4450 meters above sea level in the Cerro Arquitectos, or Architect`s Hill.
The Park`s name comes from the quechua word, "caxas," which means "cold." Another philosophy is that the name comes from the geographical landforms that form "cajas," or boxes, where the lagoons are located.
The park is administered by the Cajas National Park Municipal Corporation. This organization is also in charge of the Park Interpretation Center, "La Toreadora."
In Cajas, you can hike, camp, rock-climb, fish, birdwatch, mountain bike and take photographs.
