Refugio Cajanuma Parque Nacional Podocarpus — Attraction in Loja

Unlockable cabins are $3 per night for rent. They have a bed frame and mattress, but you must bring your own sheets and bedding. Bring a warm blanket because it gets cold. The public use kitchen is pretty poorly stocked and unkempt, but what can you expect out here, really. You can cook some basic food. There are two really short trails, one 5 km trail and the. The 15 km trail to the Lagunas, which was closed for the wet season. The 5 km trail is actually 7 km according to my GPS and it is pretty brutal. Wet, muddy, foggy, and with 500m of vertical in 2.5km and 500m descent on the way back. It is not for the faint of heart, but once the clouds cleared you will have some epic views. Otherwise just walk the trail to the mirador, and skip the peak of the ridge if you don’t want to hike up and down so much. The park is beautiful and there are very few...

Refugio Cajanuma is perfect start for half to full day hikes.The trails are well signaled and depending on the weather conditions offering spectacular views into valleys and towards more surrounding mountains. So be prepared for any weather conditions by choosing appropriate shoes and clothing.. rain poncho could be helpful. Even it's a sunny day in Loja or Vilcabamba up there temperature and wind or rain usually are different at the refuge and in the park. Take private taxi from where you start all the way up from the entrance .. here at their office you register and pay a few dollar...

We stayed the night at the refugio and couldn't have been happier. Please don't expect anyone to provide food/cooking equipment/ take your rubbish away/ clean up after you and please be respectful to the environment. All rangers leave you to it from about 4pm to 8am. The toilet block is left open for you, the kitchen area is great, camping is free, cabins are large and have beds (no bedding), light and electric sockets for $3 pppn. Walking the Mirador trail is steep and an...