Area Nacional de Recreación Quimsacocha

Area Nacional de Recreación Quimsacocha is a protected area in Ecuador.

Area Nacional de Recreación Quimsacocha at a Glance

Location
Southern Andes & Loja Province, Ecuador, Central & South America
Coordinates
-3.018211, -79.220720
Crowds
Quiet
Malaria Risk
Moderate
Best Time to Visit
June to November for Galápagos. Year-round for Amazon and cloud forest.

Getting to Area Nacional de Recreación Quimsacocha

Nearest airport: Taisha Airport (TSC), 204 km away.

Wildlife in Area Nacional de Recreación Quimsacocha

Home to 43 recorded species including 14 birds of prey, 12 waterbirds, 11 iconic birds, 5 tropical birds, 1 big herbivores.

Notable Species

Safari Lodges in Area Nacional de Recreación Quimsacocha

50 safari lodges available.

Other

budget

Similar Parks in Southern Andes & Loja Province

Health & Travel Info

Health & vaccination info for Ecuador

Travel advisory for Ecuador

Area Nacional de Recreación Quimsacocha FAQs

When is the ideal time to visit Area Nacional de Recreación Quimsacocha for optimal wildlife viewing and weather?

The dry season, typically from June to September, offers the most favorable conditions with clearer skies and less rainfall, making hiking and wildlife spotting easier. However, the páramo ecosystem can experience unpredictable weather year-round, so be prepared for cool temperatures and potential mist regardless of the season.

What unique wildlife species can I hope to encounter within Area Nacional de Recreación Quimsacocha?

Quimsacocha is renowned for its high-altitude páramo ecosystem, home to species like the majestic Andean condor, the elusive spectacled bear (though rarely sighted), and various endemic bird species such as the Ecuadorian hillstar. Keep an eye out for paramo wolves and white-tailed deer as you explore the diverse landscapes.

What activities are available at Quimsacocha, and what essential gear should I pack for a visit?

The primary activities involve hiking and birdwatching across its stunning páramo landscapes and around its glacial lagoons. Essential gear includes warm, waterproof layers, sturdy hiking boots, a hat, gloves, and plenty of water, as the weather can change rapidly and the altitude is significant.

Beyond general travel precautions, what specific safety considerations should visitors be aware of when exploring Quimsacocha?

Due to its high altitude, often exceeding 3,800 meters (12,500 feet), visitors should acclimatize properly to avoid altitude sickness and stay well-hydrated. The terrain can be challenging and remote, so it's advisable to hike with a guide or in a group and inform someone of your itinerary.

What are the typical entry fees and other expected costs for visiting Area Nacional de Recreación Quimsacocha?

As a protected area, there is usually a modest entry fee for foreign visitors, which directly contributes to its conservation efforts. Beyond this, primary costs would include transportation to the remote site, potentially hiring a local guide for deeper exploration, and any personal supplies like food and water.

Recommended Books

  • The Handbook of Bird Photography by Markus Varesvuo, Jari Peltomäki & Bence Máté - Excellent for birding photographers on safari - covers technique, equipment, fieldcraft, and post-processing with stunning example images.
  • Photographing Wildlife in Africa by Paolo Torchio - Practical guide specifically for African safari photography - camera settings, lens choices, composition techniques, and how to make the most of game drives.
  • Fodor's The Complete Guide to African Safaris by Fodor's Travel - Country-by-country planning guide with lodge reviews, practical logistics, packing lists, and insider tips. Often cited as the best all-in-one safari planning resource.
  • National Geographic Kids: Safari by National Geographic - Age-appropriate wildlife facts with stunning photographs. Great for getting children excited about the animals they'll see on safari.
  • The Last Elephants by Don Pinnock & Colin Bell - Conservation-focused book combining beautiful photography with urgent storytelling about the threats facing Africa's elephant populations.
  • Here Is the African Savanna by Madeleine Dunphy - Beautifully illustrated picture book about the savanna ecosystem. Teaches children about the interconnected web of life on an African plain.
  • Safari: A Photographic Journey by Art Wolfe - Large-format coffee-table book from one of the world's most celebrated nature photographers. Stunning images from across the African continent.
  • The Kingdon Field Guide to African Mammals by Jonathan Kingdon - The definitive mammal field guide for Africa covering over 1,150 species with detailed illustrations. Considered the gold standard for safari-goers and researchers alike.
  • The Behavior Guide to African Mammals by Richard Despard Estes - Goes beyond identification to explain why animals behave as they do. Essential reading for safari-goers who want to understand the wildlife they observe.
  • Remembering Lions by Various Photographers - Part of the acclaimed Remembering Wildlife conservation book series. Features contributions from world-class wildlife photographers, with proceeds supporting lion conservation.
  • African Animals ABC by Stella Blackstone & Petr Horacek - Simple alphabet book with bold, colourful animal illustrations. Perfect for toddlers and young children preparing for their first safari. Ages 2–5.
  • Beat About the Bush: Mammals by Trevor Carnaby - The single best book for understanding animal behaviour on safari. Explains why animals do what they do - feeding, mating, territory, predator-prey dynamics. Makes every game drive infinitely more rewarding.
  • Africa's Top Wildlife Countries by Mark W. Nolting - The most respected safari planning book in print. Detailed country-by-country guide covering parks, lodges, best times to visit, and what wildlife to expect. Updated regularly. The first book every safari planner should read.
  • The Safari Companion: A Guide to Watching African Mammals by Richard D. Estes - Part field guide, part planning tool. Explains mammal behaviour in a way that transforms game drives. Covers tracks, signs, social structures, and habitat preferences. A must-pack for serious safari-goers.
  • The Shadow of the Sun by Ryszard Kapuscinski - Widely considered the greatest book ever written about Africa. Kapuscinski spent 40 years reporting from across the continent. Vivid, poetic, and deeply insightful. Essential pre-safari reading for understanding the continent.
  • Elephant Company by Vicki Constantine Croke - The extraordinary true story of James Howard Williams and the elephants who helped him build bridges, extract teak, and ultimately rescue refugees across the Burmese jungle during WWII. Gripping and moving.
  • When the Last Lion Roars by Sara Evans - An urgent, accessible account of the African lion's decline from 200,000 to under 20,000 in a century. Covers the science, politics, and human stories behind lion conservation. Eye-opening pre-safari reading.
  • Ivory, Horn and Blood by Ronald Orenstein - The definitive book on the poaching crisis devastating African elephants and rhinos. Covers the criminal networks, the rangers fighting back, and what travellers can do. Important context for any safari visitor.
  • Last Chance to See by Douglas Adams & Mark Carwardine - Witty and heartbreaking tour of endangered species by the Hitchhiker's Guide author. Combines humour with urgent conservation messaging.
  • Owen and Mzee by Isabella Hatkoff, Craig Hatkoff & Paula Kahumbu - True story of an orphaned hippo befriending a 130-year-old tortoise in Kenya. A heartwarming tale of unlikely friendship that teaches empathy.
  • Remembering Elephants by Various Photographers - Stunning coffee-table book from the Remembering Wildlife series. All proceeds go to elephant conservation - beautiful photography with a purpose.
  • Whatever You Do, Don't Run by Peter Allison - Hilarious memoir from a Botswana safari guide - true stories from the bush that will have you laughing out loud. A favourite among safari enthusiasts.
  • Poached by Rachel Love Nuwer - Gripping investigation into the illegal wildlife trade - from African poaching networks to Asian markets. Essential reading for understanding the threats to safari wildlife.
  • Safari Nation by Jacob S. T. Dlamini - Fascinating history of South Africa's national parks and their complex colonial legacy. Academic but accessible - changes how you think about safari tourism.
  • Safari: A Photicular Book by Dan Kainen & Carol Kaufmann - Mesmerising book with moving photographic images of African animals. Kids and adults love the magical moving pictures - perfect pre-trip gift.