Parque Nacional Cajas

Parque Nacional Cajas is a protected area in Ecuador.

Parque Nacional Cajas at a Glance

Location
Southern Andes & Loja Province, Ecuador, Central & South America
Coordinates
-2.848321, -79.263660
IUCN Category
II
Crowds
Very Quiet
Malaria Risk
Moderate
Best Time to Visit
June to November for Galápagos. Year-round for Amazon and cloud forest.

Getting to Parque Nacional Cajas

Nearest airport: Taisha Airport (TSC), 202 km away.

Weather & Climate in Parque Nacional Cajas

The warmest temperatures in Parque Nacional Cajas occur in February, averaging 5.3°C (up to 9.2°C). The coolest conditions are in July at 3.8°C.

The driest weather conditions are typically in August with average rainfall of 76.7mm. Average humidity: 82.1%.

Monthly Temperatures

  • January: 5.0°C (rainfall: 190.0mm)
  • February: 5.3°C (rainfall: 180.9mm)
  • March: 4.9°C (rainfall: 236.9mm)
  • April: 5.1°C (rainfall: 227.5mm)
  • May: 5.3°C (rainfall: 153.2mm)
  • June: 4.4°C (rainfall: 103.9mm)
  • July: 3.8°C (rainfall: 101.0mm)
  • August: 4.0°C (rainfall: 76.7mm)
  • September: 4.3°C (rainfall: 100.1mm)
  • October: 4.8°C (rainfall: 158.8mm)
  • November: 4.8°C (rainfall: 160.6mm)
  • December: 5.2°C (rainfall: 213.2mm)

Best Time to Visit Parque Nacional Cajas

The best months to visit Parque Nacional Cajas are August, January, February, based on temperature, rainfall, weather conditions, and wildlife viewing opportunities.

Month-by-Month Safari Conditions

  • January: Poor, temperature 4.96°C, rainfall 190mm, sunshine 7.9 hrs, humidity 86.8%
  • February: Poor, temperature 5.28°C, rainfall 180.9mm, sunshine 7.5 hrs, humidity 87.5%
  • March: Poor, temperature 4.92°C, rainfall 236.9mm, sunshine 7.1 hrs, humidity 88.5%
  • April: Poor, temperature 5.06°C, rainfall 227.5mm, sunshine 7 hrs, humidity 88.9%
  • May: Poor, temperature 5.28°C, rainfall 153.2mm, sunshine 8.1 hrs, humidity 86.9%
  • June: Poor, temperature 4.36°C, rainfall 103.9mm, sunshine 8.6 hrs, humidity 85.2%
  • July: Poor, temperature 3.81°C, rainfall 101mm, sunshine 9 hrs, humidity 85.9%
  • August: Good, temperature 3.98°C, rainfall 76.7mm, sunshine 9.9 hrs, humidity 82.1%
  • September: Poor, temperature 4.34°C, rainfall 100.1mm, sunshine 10 hrs, humidity 81.3%
  • October: Poor, temperature 4.83°C, rainfall 158.8mm, sunshine 9.3 hrs, humidity 84.8%
  • November: Poor, temperature 4.82°C, rainfall 160.6mm, sunshine 9.5 hrs, humidity 81.9%
  • December: Poor, temperature 5.22°C, rainfall 213.2mm, sunshine 8.5 hrs, humidity 86%

Wildlife in Parque Nacional Cajas

Home to 46 recorded species including 16 birds of prey, 12 waterbirds, 11 iconic birds, 6 tropical birds, 1 big herbivores.

Recommended Packing List for Parque Nacional Cajas

Based on average temperature of 4.7°C, typical conditions, humidity 85%.

  • Heavy layers & thermal clothing - temperatures around 5°C require warm insulation
  • Warm hat & gloves - critical for early morning game drives
  • Binoculars - essential for every game drive
  • Sun hat & sunscreen - protection from the African sun
  • Sturdy walking shoes - for bush walks and uneven terrain
  • Neutral-coloured clothing - khaki, olive, and tan blend with the bush
  • Insect repellent - essential in most safari regions
  • First aid kit - basic medical supplies for remote areas
  • Torch / headlamp - useful for evenings at camp
  • Camera with telephoto lens - capture your safari memories

Notable Species

Safari Lodges in Parque Nacional Cajas

8 safari lodges available.

Other

Similar Parks in Southern Andes & Loja Province

Health & Travel Info

Health & vaccination info for Ecuador

Travel advisory for Ecuador

Parque Nacional Cajas FAQs

What kind of 'safari' experience can I expect at Parque Nacional Cajas, and what wildlife will I primarily see?

Parque Nacional Cajas offers a unique high-altitude paramo experience focused on trekking and nature observation, rather than a traditional wildlife-viewing safari. Visitors primarily come to hike amidst thousands of glacial lakes and unique flora like the Polylepis trees. While large mammals are rare, you might spot Andean condors, deer, or various high-Andean bird species.

When is the best time of year to visit Parque Nacional Cajas for hiking and clear views?

The dry season, typically from June to September, offers the most stable weather conditions with less rain and clearer skies, ideal for hiking and enjoying the panoramic landscapes. However, even during this period, be prepared for unpredictable Andean weather, including fog and cold temperatures at high altitudes.

Is malaria a concern when visiting Parque Nacional Cajas, and what other health precautions should I take?

Due to its high altitude (above 3,000 meters), the risk of malaria within Parque Nacional Cajas itself is negligible, despite Ecuador having a moderate risk overall. The primary health concern is altitude sickness, so it's crucial to acclimatize in Cuenca for a day or two before exploring the park and to stay well-hydrated.

How do I access Parque Nacional Cajas, and what are the typical entry fees and tour options?

Parque Nacional Cajas is easily accessible by bus or taxi from Cuenca, which is about an hour's drive away. Entry to the park is free for all visitors, though you must register at a ranger station upon arrival. Many travelers opt for guided tours from Cuenca to navigate the extensive trail system safely and learn about the unique ecosystem.

What are the main activities and unique natural features that make Parque Nacional Cajas a distinct destination?

Cajas is renowned for its extensive network of over 200 glacial lakes, offering unparalleled opportunities for high-altitude trekking and fly fishing. Its unique paramo ecosystem, characterized by cushion plants and rare Polylepis forests, provides a distinct landscape for nature photography and birdwatching, far removed from typical safari experiences.

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.