Tourist attractions in Ecuador
Cerro Mandango in Vilcabamba
Cerro Mandango in Vilcabamba
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Sendero Cerro Mandango Km 2, Vilcabamba 110119Nearby attractions
Places to visit within 30 km.
The Trail of the Spectacled Bear
The spectacled bear is known by several names. Andean bear, South American bear, spectacled bear or by the native words ucumari and jukumari. An ancient aboriginal legend tells that they originated from a race of strong men who one day went into the jungle. The relationship is due to the fact that the people of the mountain range consider them similar to men. The main characteristic of this Andean mammal is the white-haired spots on its eyes, nose and chest, which resemble glasses. Hence its name. It is the only bear in South America. It lives in the Andes Mountains, from Venezuela to Argentina. In Ecuador, a protected and megadiverse habitat, where the spectacled bear can be observed, is the Podocarpus National Park, 15 kilometers south of the city of Loja on the road to Vilcabamba, where a control post is located. To reach the Cajanuma Refuge and Interpretation Center, take a third order road from the Park's Administrative Center. It is 8.5 km. Here is the access point to the "Spectacled Bear Trail". It is a footpath with self-guides and interpretive signs of the flora of the cloud forest and the bush paramo. In a small and easy route of 560 meters, the visitor ascends from 2,689 to 2,720 meters above sea level. Species of Andean birds and mammals can be observed, and with luck a bear. From Cajanuma, the trail to the Compadre Lagoons also starts. The Podocarpus National Park is named after its emblematic tree. In 2007 it received a special designation from UNESCO, the Podocarpus-El Cóndor Biosphere Reserve, which integrates the Yacurí National Park and the Cerro Plateado Biological Reserve. Podocarpus has 4,000 species of plants, with some varieties of romerillo and the cascarilla or cinchona tree (Ecuador's national tree), orchids, 622 species of birds, such as wild turkeys, cocks of the rock, parrots, hummingbirds, toucans, tanagers and birds of prey, 40 species of mammals such as the dwarf deer, puma, deer and wolves of the moor. There are important populations of spectacled bears, spider monkeys and tapirs. Countless amphibians and reptiles. The natural scenery of the Podocarpus is made up of crystalline rivers, waterfalls, canyons and approximately 100 lakes. It began to receive visitors in 1980.
18.07 Km.
Compadre Lagoons
Las Lagunas del Compadre is a lacustrine system formed by more than 136 lagoons which are located in the Sabanilla knot at more than 3 thousand meters above sea level. What should you know? If you are preparing an expedition you must choose a suitable date, tradition dictates that November is the best season, because you can take advantage of the summer of San Martín, known as the summer of the Indian or summer of San Juan. Physical preparation is very important because the walk can last between 6 and 10 hours. You must use a mountaineering backpack, designed to support the weight within the trek A mountain tent, if you doubt its permeability, it is better that you take a plastic. A sleeping bag for conditions and extreme cold, a first aid kit and knee pads to prevent joint problems. Energy foods, waterproof clothing and rubber boots known as boots 7 lives are recommended. Location They are located within the Podocarpus National Park between the border of the province of Loja and the province of Zamora Chinchipe, 14 km from the Cajanuma refuge, so their access requires great physical effort.
18.18 Km.
Catholic Sanctuary of the Lord of Good Success
The image was carved by Diego de Robles in the 16th century and brought to the land of the "Gonzanamaes" by the Dominican Fathers. The celebration of the "Feast of the Lord" begins on August 18 with the traditional "descent of the Lord" from his throne located on the main altar, to a special place from where he presides over the multiplicity of religious activities prepared in his honor. On August 19, eve is celebrated with the massive turnout of the priostes, this celebration is enlivened at night, with the burning of castles, fireworks and the irreplaceable "mad cow". In the center of the city of Gonzanamá, the Sanctuary of the "Lord of Good Success" rises majestically, very popular with pilgrims from all latitudes of the country, and from the towns of northern Peru. During the days of celebration, the city dresses up and welcomes hundreds of devotees who come to participate in the internal liturgical acts. They include the celebration of the festive mass, the sermon of order on vespers and concludes with the traditional procession of the Lord, through the central streets of the city. Location A few kilometers from the city of Loja, in a quiet and stately region of Loja on the slopes of the majestic Colambo and under the protection of the "Lord of Good Success" it is located in the city of Santo Domingo de Gonzanamá.
22.36 Km.
Band Waterfall
The La Banda waterfall, where its natural falls of crystal clear water on large rocks, delight locals and strangers. In its lower part, the formation of small lagoons allows the recreation of bathers. On one side, the presence of sulfurous waters coming from the bowels of the Colambo colossus serve to cure various ills, especially of the skin. This waterfall has several tourist attractions of tourist attraction, it is not necessary to leave the cantonal area to enjoy the landscape sites, go through its mountains and descend towards the warm forests. In addition, on the banks of the river there are places to camp and take walks and in the same way there are viewpoints to rest contemplating the landscape and at the same time take pictures. Location La Banda is located one kilometer from the city of Gonzanamá, it is accessed through a third-order road, specifically on the road that leads to its neighborhood.
22.39 Km.
Botanical Garden of Loja
Interest : Nature Type : Botanic Garden Friendly to: children, families, seniors Relevant categories : Natural National Heritage - Municipal protected area Hours : Monday to Friday 07:30 - 12:30, 15:00 - 18:00. Saturdays and Sundays 13:00 - 18:00 The oldest botanical garden in Ecuador is in Loja. It is part of the campus of the National University of Loja. In an area of 7 hectares grow 1,385 species of native and exotic plants. It was founded in 1949 by the scientist and botanist Reinaldo Espinosa. It is located at the convergence of warm humid air currents from the Amazon and warm dry air currents from the Pacific. This privileged position produces a unique floral diversity in the province of Loja, which also gives shelter to related fauna. The distribution of the vegetation does not obey any order. A biological laboratory like no other in Ecuador. All the plants that develop in the Garden give origin to a mountainous microclimate, a refuge for birds such as sparrows, blackbirds, lapos, bakers and hummingbirds. Amphibious insects and reptiles are part of the fauna of the place. The trees provide shade for orchids and bromeliads, which give color and are a complement to the landscape. Some names of endemic flora are the Pumamaqui, Casa casa, Cascarilla and Payamo. Introduced species are the Ash, Olive, Gingo, Chestnut, Oak and Redwood. Strict rules for entering the Botanical Garden must be followed to preserve it. Pay the fixed entry fee. Pets are prohibited. The walk is exclusive on trails. No plant material may be taken out. Proper disposal of waste. Smoking is prohibited. It is located 5 km from Loja via Vilcabamba, at 2140 meters above sea level. Annual rainfall 900 mm. Average temperature 15.3°C. Relative humidity 60%. Dry low mountain forest. Registered with the International Organization for the Conservation of Botanical Gardens (BGCI). Source: Fundación Municipal Turismo para Cuenca
25.63 Km.
Sanctuary of the Swan
The construction of the temple was in charge of the priest Ricardo Fernández, its ogival style was planned, with a gothic style and light blue, the excavation of the place and the construction of the bases. The temple is imposing in itself and its location on the top of a steep mountain and surrounded by modest traditional buildings gives it greater grandeur. Inside, an image of the Virgin Mary carved in cedar is venerated at the end of the 16th century by Don Diego de Robles. Its devotees exceed 5 million faithful a year, who gather in a procession that begins from the temple to the city of Loja where it ends with a Eucharistic celebration in the central cathedral of the city. All of Loja dedicates six months a year to pilgrimages, masses and festivals with music in honor of the Virgen del Cisne or better known as La Churonita. The pilgrimages begin on the first of May, for the month of Mary, with the session of the extended council of Loja in the Sanctuary. Mass schedule Monday to Friday: 06:00, 11:00 and 19:00. Saturday: 6:00 a.m., 9:00 a.m., 11:00 a.m., 3:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. Sundays: 6:00 a.m., 8:00 a.m., 10:00 a.m., 12:00 p.m., 3:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m.
27.28 Km.