Get in

Ready to explore the mesmerizing wonders of the park? There are three entrance points waiting to be discovered: Cajanuma, Vilcabamba, and Bombuscaro. Begin your adventure at Cajanuma, located approximately 13km south of Loja on the road to Vilcabamba. Look for the turn-off on the eastern side of the road, where you'll find a registration point and a gate building beckoning you inside. As you continue your journey, you'll come across the Cajanuma admin center and refugio, situated 9km uphill along a dirt road. From here, various exhilarating hiking trails await your exploration. For convenient transportation, buses operated by Busetas Vilcabambaturis run from Loja's terminal terrestre, passing through town and stopping at the park gate building by the main road. Simply request to be dropped off at this point, and the cost is only $0.50 per person. Buses operate every 15 minutes from 5:45 am to 9:15 pm. If you prefer a more private mode of transport, shared taxis provided by Company "11 de Mayo" are available. These taxis, like the bus, will drop you off at the park gate building for approximately $1.50 per person. Alternatively, you can hire a taxi to take you directly to the Cajanuma admin center, where the captivating walking trails await. The cost for a taxi ranges from $8 to $12 per car, providing a convenient option to avoid the 2-hour uphill walk from the park gate building. When returning to Loja, the bus is highly recommended, especially after a thrilling 1.5-hour hike down to the park gate building on the main road. However, if you have arranged for a taxi pick-up, that is also a great option. Make the most of your journey to the park and let the exploration begin!

Map & Climate

Popular Foods

Ceviche is a traditional Ecuadorian dish that consists of fresh fish marinated in citrus juices, typically lime or lemon, and mixed with onions, cilantro, and chili peppers. It is often served chilled and enjoyed as a refreshing appetizer.

Heart of Palm Soup, known as "Sopa de Palo," is a comforting and filling soup native to Ecuador. It features heart of palm, a vegetable harvested from the core of certain palm trees, along with potatoes, carrots, and other vegetables in a savory chicken broth.

Empanadas are a beloved snack or meal in Ecuador, consisting of a savory or sweet filling enclosed in a thin, doughy shell, typically made from wheat flour. Empanadas can be found throughout the country and feature varied fillings, such as cheese, chicken, seafood, or vegetables.

Historical Appearance

Traditional Male Clothing

Traditional Female Clothing