LLaviucu

Introduction

Also known as Llaviuco, Zorrocucho o Zurocucho.

The word Llaviucu is composed of two parts: llave and uku. Llave signifies key, and uku is a quichua word meaning, low area or hole. Therefore Llaviucu means "hole with key."

Zorrocucho means a corner with zorros, or foxes.

The word Zurocucho comes from the name of a plant in quichua, Suru, which belongs to the grain family. This plant is used by the people who live in the countryside.

Location

Llaviucu is located at the eastern entrance to Cajas National Park. It is 17 km from Cuenca at an altitude of 3200 to 4000 m above sea level. Here you can find one of the few humid Andean cloud forests. It acts as a sponge by soaking up water that Cuenca then utilizes.

History

In 1995, ETAPA bought a large portion of the valley and initiated control over the area by removing livestock, controlling tourism and fishing, creating trails in the forest, and controlling tree felling and forest fires. Part of the Llaviucu reserve is also controlled by ETAPA.

Fauna

Some impressive animals that are found in Llaviucu are: Andean condor, Red-tailed sparrowhawk, hummingbird, Andean tucan, mountain turkey, and rainbow trout in the rivers and lagoon (introduced specie)

Flora

The humid forest Montano contains such species as the: aguacatillo, sarar, pumamaqui, suro, sage, laurel, a diverse variety of orchids, ferns, huicundos, moss. In the humid moor, there is straw, hill flower, and quinua (red, white and black).

Entrance Fee

Tourist entrance (per person per day)

Overnight (Per person per night)

Transport

Every day (except Thursday) from San Sebastían Park (Cuenca) or the bus terminal (Cuenca), you can catch the bus marked Cuenca – Molleturo – Naranjal. Sixteen km. on the highway will take you to the entrance at Llaviucu. From there to the protected area, it is 2 km on a 2nd class road. In addition to buses, tourist companies are available and include transport.

Recommendations to the visitor

The climate is cold-humid. Make sure to have adequate clothing: sweaters, hats, rubber boots, rain gear, gloves, etc. Bring a hat and sun-screen. Avoid altitude problems by walking slowly and breathing continuously. Do not swim in the lagoon because the temperature of the water is very cold and can be dangerous. Carry food and water with you because there are no places to purchase these items once you have entered the zone. Use the marked paths. Refrain from starting bonfires because they can cause large fires.