Cajas ... it doesn't get better than this!

More on the Cajas National Park:
The name Cajas comes from the Quichua "cassa" meaning "bay or gateway to the snowy mountains". The park covers an area of 285.44 km² and you can camp anywhere in the park. The highest point is 13,667 ft at Tres Cruces. Two of the 4 rivers in Cuenca originate in the Cajas, the Tomebamba and the Yanuncay, both tributaries to the Amazon River. They provide 60% of Cuenca's water. Cuenca claims to have the cleanest water in S. America and we drink the tap water. There are 1.4 lakes per square km, one of the highest densities of lakes in the world.

Many of the plants found in the Cajas have medicinal purposes and you see many local women selling herbs and plants in the market - for cholesterol, arthritis, plants to help children sleep, digestion, etc.

Each person pays a $10 entrance fee to the park which is used for conservation of the flora and fauna.

It is hard to put into words the day we enjoyed. It was so nice to get away from the noise and pollution of the city. The air was so fresh and clean with nothing but the sounds of a few birds, even though we didn't see too many -- you have to go very early in the morning for birdwatching. We spent the whole day and did not run into any other hikers or tourists. When we finished the hike we said "let's do it again!" and really meant it.


On our way ...




Look at the texture of this leaf.








We met llamas and alpacas along the way.




Abandoned brewery built by Germans a hundred years ago. Closed in 1960s.








This was the second stop of the day, Tres Cruses, which is the highest point in Cajas mountains, elevation 13,667 ft. This is the first time since arriving in Ecuador we felt a bit cold. We only stayed here for about 5 minutes and then went on our afternoon hike.



This is the starting point of our afternoon hike.


Another plant commonly found in the Cajas. The flower grows very tall. When the plant dies it looks like it is burned. Then a new one grows up in its place.


This flower is only found in the Cajas.


What's up around the bend ... more awesome scenery.






Waterfalls.