PODOCARPUS NATIONAL PARK

Located in the provinces of Zamora and Loja, its name comes from the only native coniferous coniferous in Ecuador and capable of living there: Le, still called Romillero. Three species of this gymnosperme grow in the park cloud forest in the middle of 4 000 other plant species, including the quinine tree or Chinchona, active against malaria. Covering 150 000 ha, the reserve contains a hundred lagoons at altitudes ranging from 900 to 3 800 m above sea level, hence its incredible biodiversity (one of the largest in the world considering its area). Different types of landscapes are found, from tropical rainforest to high plateau (páramo). There are many species of orchids listed there, with more than 560 bird species, more than 40% of the country's bird species. You can visit it easily from Vilcabamba, Zamora or Loja.