Podocarpus National Park is located in the provinces of Zamora Chinchipe and Loja in Ecuador. It covers an area of 1460 km2. Podocarpus has some of the greatest plant and animal diversity in the world such as mountain tapirs, spectacled bears, northern pudus, and jaguars. Among Podocarpus National Park's main attractions are the Podorosa waterfall, Higuerones trail, and the Mirador trail. In addition, the park has more than 3,500 plant species, 40% of them are endemic of the place.
There are two main entrances to Podocarpus National Park, one close to Loja, the other near Zamora. Buses from Loja's terminal terrestre (bus terminal) to Vilcabamba are available from 5:45 am to 9:15 pm, tickets cost $0.5-$1. Ask to be dropped off at the entrance. Shared taxis, may drop you by the park gate building $1.50 per person. Taxis will take you to the Cajanuma admin center for $8 to $12 per car. A few small cabins close to the refuge are available for free. They have bunks with mattresses, but you need to bring everything else you may need.
