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Published: July 28th 2010
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Cajas National Park
Entrance sign to Cajas National Park Saturday was a free day. We decided some R&R was the right thing to do! So, Jennilynn introduced us to the idea of going to the Baños (thermal pools). It was a good idea… We had planned on only spending the morning there and coming home for lunch with our host families but alas, we had to call and say we weren’t coming home! Kwesi and I got home just before dark… It was wonderful.
It rained most of Saturday but the pool was warm. It was warm enough to sit outside for a bit but once we got in the pool, it was WAY too cold to sit on any lounge chairs.
The place was beautiful. The water comes from underground and is pumped directly into the pools.
On Sunday, we had a guided trip to Cajas a national park in the highlands of Ecuador. It is an hour drive west of Cuenca and at an altitude of between 3100m and 4450m. It is one of South America’s last landscapes with its original vegetation. It was declared a National Park on November 5, 1996.
At Cajas National Park you enter one of the last and most
CNP - Statistics
Here's another sign that shows the altitude and position of the park. Although we are right close to the equator, it's only about 5C outside. biologically diverse beautiful ecosystems in the world and as part of our guided tour we were able to locate some endemic plant species.
The publication of this blog is been dedicated to the Women and Men who put in endless hours of work to keep Cajas National Park in the pristine state that we found it. Good Job.
There were two guides: one was going on a “long” hike and one on a “short” hike. Kwesi and I opted for the short one because I knew I wouldn’t be able to keep up with the group while taking photos. It worked out beautifully as most of the group went for the “long” hike. Abbi, Myra, Kwesi and I went with our guide and I had enough time to take photos.
It rained and was VERY cold considering the fact that we were only 2 degree off the equator but so wonderful! We could not believe how many species of plants there were at 3,500 meters. It is truly incredible. Once again, our rubber boots came in handy. There was lots of mud. We wore rubber boots, rain pants, and several layers under a rain jacket, toque and
CNP - Kwesi all bundled up!
Yep, it was cold! Notice the rainboots. These cacti bloom after 5 years and then die. It must be a spectacular sceen. gloves! Thank goodness we are Canadian, occasionally it comes in handy. So many plants…
On Saturday we are headed to the Amazon jungle. I think the gumboots will be useful again but it will probably be a lot warmer…
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anne davies
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Your trip.
Hi again. Wow, the Country you are in right now seems so beautiful. The gumboots came in handy once again. How much longer will your vacation continue? Our weather has been up and down, hot, cold, storms, etc. Only in Alta. it is going to be 29 to-morrow (Thurs) I just don't like the heat that much. Sound like you are all having a wonder- ful time. Take Care. God Bless and keep you safe. Anne Marie