On Saturday we woke up at 6am to get in our “buseta” and drive approx. two hours to El Cajas National Park. We almost re-scheduled because it was cloudy, poor visibility, and rainy – but we persisted on, knowing we not only had a great guide but also an adventurous, determined, active, and experienced group of students! Poor Silvia/Linnea was stomach sick and had to stay behind… thankfully she was feeling better that night and got to bogie down at Estrella/Gwen’s surprise bday party!
El Cajas is a high altitude area called a páramo (high tropical, montane vegetation above the continuous timberline). It ranges between 13,000-14,000 feet in elevation, but since we’re on the ecuator there is no snow/glaciers/or freezing that happens. El Cajas is know for it’s many trails spanning across the “cloud forests” and park, with hundreds of deep lakes scattered along the way. There is immense biodiversity here – there are condors, hummingbirds (24 hummingbird species alone!), 157 different bird specifies, 600 plant species, 43 mammals (including a rat species that only exists here that has large teeth & eats small trout from the numerous lake), 17 amphibians, and 4 reptiles. In addition to the biodiversity, El Cajas is an ancient and sacred site. The “Incan Trail”crosses through the park. We followed the Incan Trail into the endemic “paper-tree” forest. Our guide asked us to take a moment of silence to honor all of the Incans and past ancestors that have trekked through this rugged land.
It rained intermittently, and blew wind throughout our entire 3-hr hike. Sometimes is dumped, often it just drizzled. Everyone was drenched, muddy from numerous slips and falls crossing rocks and small creeks, and cold by the time we arrived back to the visitor center. The altitude made it difficult to take more than a few steps without your heart pounding in your chest and needing a moment to stop and breath. Everyone was tremendous. Upbeat and positive, even amidst the rain and cold weather. We passed around sugar cane caramelos (candy) that our host-family gave us – which was supposed to help with the altiude. We also snacked on some humitas (sweet tamales) that our host-mom, Lucia, packed for us. Our host-sister Jessica came along, as she is studying Environmental Science at the University in Cuenca and loves the páramo. Our rainbow of rain jackets was a cool contrast to the stark, barren, and brown landscape. The landscape reminded me of parts of Scotland and New Zealand (minus the altitude). People passed us with fishing poles along the trail, on their way to catch some trout. Wild flowers scattered the trail, including an Indian Paintbrush, Forget Me Nots, and tiny Andean Tulips (photos below).
Everyone was happy for some warm beverages and a large lunch (lots of fried eggs, French fries, rice and meat) at the visitor center after the walk. Most students in the group have expressed they are being over fed in their houses and they miss the sensation of feeling hungry 😉 (this is pretty typical, since food is such a big part of this culture and it is often how family’s show their welcoming, nurturing and loving sides)…however, this was a day when everyone was hungry! Most everyone slept on the way back to Bulan….and then we had a quick turnaround to jump out of our muddy clothes and get ready for a surprise dance party for Estrella/Gwen’s bday (photos/update of this to come)!!
-Elena
