Parque Nacional Yacuri

Parque Nacional Yacuri is a protected area in Ecuador.

Parque Nacional Yacuri at a Glance

Location
Southern Andes & Loja Province, Ecuador, Central & South America
Coordinates
-4.651262, -79.311870
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 Yacuri

Nearest airport: Aeródromo Rodríguez de Mendoza (RIM), 279 km away.

Big Five in Parque Nacional Yacuri

1 of the Big Five can be found here: Mountain Lion.

Weather & Climate in Parque Nacional Yacuri

The warmest temperatures in Parque Nacional Yacuri occur in November, averaging 11.5°C (up to 14.8°C). The coolest conditions are in July at 9.5°C.

The driest weather conditions are typically in August with average rainfall of 164.2mm. Average humidity: 86.7%.

Monthly Temperatures

  • January: 11.1°C (rainfall: 329.2mm)
  • February: 11.3°C (rainfall: 315.5mm)
  • March: 11.4°C (rainfall: 341.2mm)
  • April: 11.1°C (rainfall: 245.2mm)
  • May: 10.8°C (rainfall: 268.0mm)
  • June: 10.1°C (rainfall: 188.1mm)
  • July: 9.5°C (rainfall: 252.2mm)
  • August: 9.9°C (rainfall: 164.2mm)
  • September: 10.3°C (rainfall: 179.7mm)
  • October: 11.2°C (rainfall: 191.8mm)
  • November: 11.5°C (rainfall: 182.6mm)
  • December: 11.4°C (rainfall: 289.6mm)

Best Time to Visit Parque Nacional Yacuri

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

Month-by-Month Safari Conditions

  • January: Poor, temperature 11.09°C, rainfall 329.2mm, sunshine 9.5 hrs, humidity 90.6%
  • February: Poor, temperature 11.28°C, rainfall 315.5mm, sunshine 9.5 hrs, humidity 92.2%
  • March: Poor, temperature 11.37°C, rainfall 341.2mm, sunshine 8.8 hrs, humidity 90.6%
  • April: Poor, temperature 11.14°C, rainfall 245.2mm, sunshine 9.8 hrs, humidity 91.2%
  • May: Poor, temperature 10.85°C, rainfall 268mm, sunshine 9.7 hrs, humidity 91.7%
  • June: Poor, temperature 10.05°C, rainfall 188.1mm, sunshine 9.7 hrs, humidity 90.1%
  • July: Poor, temperature 9.46°C, rainfall 252.2mm, sunshine 9.4 hrs, humidity 91.2%
  • August: Poor, temperature 9.87°C, rainfall 164.2mm, sunshine 10.4 hrs, humidity 86.7%
  • September: Poor, temperature 10.28°C, rainfall 179.7mm, sunshine 10.5 hrs, humidity 87%
  • October: Poor, temperature 11.2°C, rainfall 191.8mm, sunshine 10.4 hrs, humidity 86.4%
  • November: Poor, temperature 11.51°C, rainfall 182.6mm, sunshine 10.2 hrs, humidity 83.7%
  • December: Poor, temperature 11.36°C, rainfall 289.6mm, sunshine 9.9 hrs, humidity 90.2%

Wildlife in Parque Nacional Yacuri

Home to 29 recorded species including 10 birds of prey, 10 iconic birds, 5 tropical birds, 2 predators, 1 big herbivores, 1 waterbirds.

Recommended Packing List for Parque Nacional Yacuri

Based on average temperature of 10.8°C, typical conditions, humidity 89%.

  • Layered clothing - recommended for 11°C temperatures
  • Fleece or warm jacket - essential for cool mornings and evenings
  • 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 Yacuri

17 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 Yacuri FAQs

When is the best time to visit Parque Nacional Yacuri for optimal hiking conditions and clear views of its unique landscapes?

The dry season, typically from June to September, offers the most stable weather with less rain, making trails more accessible and providing clearer visibility of the high-altitude lagoons and paramo ecosystems. Be prepared for cool temperatures year-round, especially at higher elevations, and always carry layers.

What specific wildlife and natural attractions make Parque Nacional Yacuri a distinctive destination compared to other protected areas?

Yacuri is renowned for its pristine paramo ecosystem, home to over 40 high-altitude lagoons, including the iconic Lagunas Negras. Visitors might spot unique Andean species such as the spectacled bear, Andean condor, mountain tapir, and various endemic bird species adapted to this unique environment.

What are the practical considerations for reaching Parque Nacional Yacuri, and what kind of infrastructure should I expect within the park?

Access to Yacuri is generally remote, often requiring a 4x4 vehicle from nearby towns like Zumba or Amaluza due to unpaved roads. Within the park, infrastructure is minimal, focusing on basic trails and designated camping areas, emphasizing a wilderness experience rather than developed facilities.

What health and safety precautions are essential for visitors planning to explore the high-altitude terrain of Parque Nacional Yacuri?

Due to elevations reaching over 3,800 meters (12,500 feet), acclimatization is crucial; plan to spend a day or two at a lower altitude before ascending. Hydration, sun protection, and appropriate cold-weather gear are vital, and it's advisable to hike with a companion or local guide.

Are there any specific fees or permits required to enter Parque Nacional Yacuri, and is hiring a local guide recommended for exploration?

While entrance fees for national parks in this region are typically modest, it's advisable to confirm current rates upon arrival. Hiring a local guide is highly recommended for navigating the extensive trail network, enhancing safety, and gaining deeper insights into the park's unique biodiversity and cultural significance.

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.