- Area of the Kahas National Park: 285.4 km ²;
- Founded: November 5, 1996;
- It is located: from 3000 to 4400 meters above sea level.
Thirty kilometers from the city of Cuenca in Ecuador is the national park Kahas. This is a beautiful place, which is completely different from other reserves of the continent. First, Kahas has earned the title of the rainiest place not only of Ecuador, but of the whole world. If a day does not drop a drop of rain on you, then you are a huge lucky beggar. But "locals" - numerous animals and plants feel great here.
What to see?
The Kahas National Park, unlike numerous other protected areas of Ecuador, is formed by glaciers, and not by volcanoes. Perhaps, that is why it is full of lakes, rivers and lagoons. At 29 000 hectares of land there are 230 crystal lakes. The largest of them is Luspa, its area is 78 hectares, and the maximum depth is 68 m. In the lakes there is a trout, which is sold in all the shops in the district. If desired, you can purchase a fishing license and catch several large fish yourself. In the Park there are places for a picnic, where you can cook your prey on the grill.
All the lakes in Kahas are connected by small rivers that flow into the Pacific and Atlantic oceans. A great popularity in this area is enjoyed by helicopter walks, since a superb view opens up from above - many lakes and lagoons are connected by blue "threads". The picture, which opens with a bird's-eye view, will leave no one indifferent.
The local ecosystem is an excellent living environment for many amazing species of animals and plants. Therefore, foreigners come here to enjoy the life of wild animals in natural conditions. There are more than 150 species of birds, 17 species of amphibians and 45 species of mammals. Some of them you can see only here, for example, Chibchsnomys orceri and Caenolestes tatei. Also these places attract tourists with the opportunity to do mountaineering. And here come as professionals and are engaged independently, and groups for beginners and more experienced climbers are organized.
Helpful information
- The average temperature in Kahas is 10-12 degrees. But in the valleys of Pauté, Gualaseo and Junguilla rises to 23.
- In Gualaseo and Chordeleg, you can purchase unique hand-made silverware from local craftsmen. The price for such products is usually not high, but the quality is excellent.
- The Kahas National Park provides more than half of the drinking water in the Cuenca district. The water here is clean and extraordinarily tasty.
Where is?
The Kahas National Park is located thirty kilometers to the northwest of Cuenca. In order to get to the reserve it is necessary to go on the highway No. 582 and follow the signs. In half an hour you will be there.
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