Basic ecotouristic information on Podocarpus National Park (Ecuador) - localization, access, characteristic, fauna and flora, possible activities.
Localization
South-east Ecuador between Loja and Zamora
Access
Easy. The city of Loja is nearby, approximately 25–90 minutes from the two major entrances.
Characteristic
1 463 km2; Mountainous area from two spurs of the eastern range of the Andes to the basins of the Nangaritza, Numbala and Loyola rivers (altitude from 960 to 3800 m) - sparsely settled. The rainy season varies throughout the park. In the east the rainy season is March - July, while in the west the rainy season is October - December. The mean temperature at high elevations is 12 °C while in the lower parts of the park it is 18 °C.Typical ecosystems: mountainous biotopes, freshwater ecosystems (more than 100 lagoons and many waterfalls), cloud forest, mountainous steppe (paramo zone) and mounainous desert. One of a few worldwide places with the biggest biodiversity of plant and animal species. Up to 90 tree species per hectar.
Fauna + Flora
Species List - See the Attachment Below
(Species list may not be complete)
Possible activities
Very good conditions for walking or high mountains trekking (even several days trips)
horseback riding.
Note
Best time to visit X-XII
Biosphere Reserve of UNESCO