Podocarpus National Park

Podocarpus takes its name from the romerillo, the only conifer genus native to Ecuador, and protects around 1,400 square kilometres on the eastern slope between Loja and Zamora, running from paramo at 3,600 metres down to subtropical forest at 900. The gradient and the position at a biogeographic crossroads give it a bird list of well over six hundred species, including many found in only a narrow band of the Andes, and it is a fixed stop on serious birding itineraries. The high Cajanuma sector has trails through elfin forest to lakes; the low Bombuscaro sector near Zamora is warmer, greener and easier, with river pools and a well-made trail among tree ferns.

What you actually see

• Over six hundred bird species - one of the richest lists in the Andes.
• Romerillo, the native conifer - the tree the park is named for.
• Cajanuma elfin forest - the high trails through stunted woodland.
• Bombuscaro river forest - the warm lower sector near Zamora.

When to go

October to December is drier on the eastern slope; it rains in every month. A day per sector, several to bird properly. Mornings are best for birds.

Honest expectations

Rain and mud are constant and the high sector is cold and often fogged. Trails beyond the short loops are rough and poorly marked. Serious birding needs a guide and optics. There is no lodging inside.

Nearby

Loja is north-west; Zamora sits at the lower gate.