This park possess one of the highest bio-diversity areas on earth as well as many endemic species of flora and fauna that appear nowhere else on the planet.

The main reason for such bio-diversity is mainly attributable to the areas topographical alignment and merging of the Amazonian and Andean weather which has resulted in the melding of a one off micro climate and much rainfall which has stimulated further growth.

The park has over 146,300 hectares and also has elevations ranging from around 1000m to 3690m which has also propagated a very wide band of habitation, for example, up to 90 varying tree types have been found in a single hectare, other species include the Podocarpus varied range of plants.

The major animals that inhabit the park are the Andean speckled bear, the Andean fox, pumas, mountain tapirs and a tremendous range of exotic bird Life.

The area itself is cut up into two main areas, an upper pre-montane section which has sensational walking routes, the tropical cloud forest that is superb for birdwatching and the lower subtropical section, with remoter areas including virgin forest and endemic species of flora and fauna with a cost of around US$5.00 to enter either area.

For concise guidance and maps of the area including main entry points contact the Ministerio del Ambiente in Loja (Sucre between Quito and Imbabura). Tel. 571534. In addition you'll also find an information center and camping facilities even though it may be very damp. The main conservation groups in Loja are through Biocorp (J. A. Eguiguren and Olmedo). Tel & Fax: 576696. Arco Iris, in Ciudadela Zamora (Segundo Cueva Celi and Clodoveo Carrión). Tel. 572926; Programa Podocarpus, in Ciudadela Zamora (Clodoveo Carrión and Pasaje M. de J. Lozano). Tel. 585924. Fundación Ecológica Podocarpus (J.A. Eguiguren and 18 de Noviembre). Tel. 572926.

For hikes up to three days in the park and additional information, contact the Ministerio del Ambiente (in Zamora) and Fundación Maquipucuna which has an office in Zamora as well as in Quito (Baquerizo Moreno E9-153 and Tamayo, Quito. Tel. 2507200, Fax: 2507201).

Entry to the lower area is made via Zamora into Bombuscara costing some US$3.00 by taxi with around a 30 minute walk to the refuge also with camping facilities, or through Romerillos, also from Zamora at the bus station on a 2 1/2 hour trip leaving at 06:30 and 14:15 with the return sojourn at 08:15 and 16:00.