National park · Ecuador
Yacuri National ParkParque Nacional Yacuri
Enter Yacuri National Park for $5 bus from Loja to Amaluza, then a 30 km (19 mi) taxi (≈$10). Hike the Picacho summit (≈3 km (1.9 mi), moderate) in dry season (June–Sept) for best views; avoid rainy months (Oct–May).Enter Yacuri National Park for $5 bus from Loja to Amaluza, then a 19 mi (30 km) taxi (≈$10). Hike the Picacho summit (≈1.9 mi (3 km), moderate) in dry season (June–Sept) for best views; avoid rainy months (Oct–May).
- Source checked
- A source and a date are on record: we read it from an official or published page. Not yet confirmed on the ground.
- Field checked
- Someone checked it on the ground, with the date shown.
- Plan calculated
- Worked out by Voykit from its own data (times, distances, budgets). A calculation, not a measurement.
Unknown times stay unknown. How we verify
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Map to the park
Add your hotel to get directions from it. · stays in this browser; shared with the pocket card.
Area
430 km² (166 sq mi)166 sq mi (430 km²)
approximate
Established
2009
Best months
Jun–Sep
UNESCO
None
Rules in force · 8Above 2,500 m (Bogotá, Quito, Cusco, La Paz) keep the fir…
- South America ↗Above 2,500 m (Bogotá, Quito, Cusco, La Paz) keep the first day light; sleep lower where you can (Sacred Valley before Cusco) and descend if headache comes with vomiting or confusion.
- South America ↗A yellow fever certificate is required on arrival in French Guiana, and asked for on some routes into Bolivia, Paraguay, Suriname and Guyana, or when arriving from Amazon areas — vaccinate at least 10 days before travel and carry the card.
- South America ↗Overnight buses are the norm in Argentina, Chile and Peru, but pick top-tier companies and keep valuables on your body; on-board thefts from overhead racks are the common loss.
- Ecuador ↗Check entry rules for your passport with Ecuador's Ministry of Foreign Affairs or an Ecuadorian consulate.
- Ecuador ↗The Galápagos has its own entry controls: a transit control card bought at the airport before departure, a national park entrance fee, and inspections for food and plants. Check official Galápagos rules before booking.
- Ecuador ↗Several coastal provinces (including Guayas, where Guayaquil is) are under official warnings and periodic states of emergency; read your government's advice before routing through them.
- Andean Highlands ↗Quito sits at about 2,850 m; give the first day to acclimatisation before any hike above 3,500 m.
- Andean Highlands ↗Ecuador uses the US dollar; carry small notes and coins for buses and markets.
At a glance
- Country
- Ecuador
- Area
- 430 km² (166 sq mi)166 sq mi (430 km²)
- The park covers about 43,000 ha (≈430 km²); official sources give this figure, but some maps show slightly different boundaries (check).
- Established
- 2009
- Best months
- Jun–Sep
- Permits
- For some areas
Yacuri National Park protects rugged Andean highlands, 46 glacial lakes and cultural sites such as Inca road fragments. It offers wildlife like spectacled bears and condors, and hikes to Picacho summit and lake circuits, best visited in the dry season (June–September).
Decide
Why go, which months, and what lives here when
At a glance
Status
- No UNESCO listing; national park since 2009.
Size and age
430 km² (166 sq mi)166 sq mi (430 km²) · national park since 2009
The park covers about 43,000 ha (≈430 km²); official sources give this figure, but some maps show slightly different boundaries (check).
Why go
- Explore 46 highland lakes formed by glacial retreat.
- Spot Andean wildlife such as spectacled bears and condors.
- Visit Inca road (Qhapaq Ñan) and other archaeological sites.
When to go
- JanCaution
- FebCaution
- MarCaution
- AprCaution
- MayCaution
- JunBest
- JulBest
- AugBest
- SepBest
- OctCaution
- NovCaution
- DecCaution
- JanCold, possible rain.
- FebCold, wet.
- MarCold, wet.
- AprCold, wet.
- MayCold, wet.
- JunDry, clear skies.
- JulDry, clear.
- AugDry, clear.
- SepDry, clear.
- OctRain increases.
- NovRain increases.
- DecCold, wet.
Wildlife and nature calendar
| What | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spectacled bearJun–Sep · Rare sightings; keep distance. | no | no | no | no | no | yes | yes | yes | yes | no | no | no |
| Andean condorJun–Sep · Often seen soaring on thermals. | no | no | no | no | no | yes | yes | yes | yes | no | no | no |
| Paramo grasses and endemic plantsJun–Sep | no | no | no | no | no | yes | yes | yes | yes | no | no | no |
Arrive & move
Getting in, how the park is divided, and where things are
Show 3 sectionsHideHow to get there, Zones and sectors, Sketch map
How to get there
From Loja (airport)
Bus to Amaluza (≈4 h, $5), then taxi 30 km (19 mi) to park entrance.Bus to Amaluza (≈4 h, $5), then taxi 19 mi (30 km) to park entrance.
≈5 h total
Zones and sectors
| Zone | What is there | Access |
|---|---|---|
| Main entrance area | Gate, visitor information, trailheads to lakes and Picacho. | Open with entry ticket. |
| Lake circuit | Network of trails around the 46 highland lakes. | Open to walkers. |
| Picacho summit area | Peak trail (≈3 km (1.9 mi) round) with views of the divide.Peak trail (≈1.9 mi (3 km) round) with views of the divide. | Open; moderate fitness required. |
Sketch map
Take the points offline
5 points as a GPX waypoint file, plus a plain-text list of coordinates. Save it while you have signal: maps apps show the points without a connection.
Coordinates approximate; main gate based on official park site.
See & do
Caves, trails and wildlife, with how hard each is and whether it needs booking
Show Top experiencesHide
Top experiences
Practical
Fees, permits, rules, where to sleep and what can go wrong
Show 8 sectionsHideEntry fees and permits, Park rules, Where to stay, Safety, Accessibility, Visiting lightly, Questions people ask, Related
Entry fees and permits
| Item | Range | Per | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Park entry | US$5 | person | Check official fee at entrance. |
Ranges, not quotes: fees change without notice. Check with the park or your operator · checked Sep 2026.
Park entry permit or guide
Park rules
- Pets
- Dogs not allowed on trails.
- Camping
- Only in designated areas; obtain permit at entrance.
- Fire
- Open fires prohibited; use camp stoves only.
- Litter
- Carry out all waste.
- Guides
- Not required for main trails but recommended for remote lake routes.
Where to stay
Near the park
Amaluza
Small guesthouses and hostels 10 km (6.2 mi) from park gate.Small guesthouses and hostels 6.2 mi (10 km) from park gate.
Near the park
Loja
Hotels and budget options; base for day trips.
Safety
Altitude sickness low
Weather change medium
Lost on remote lake trails high
How much daylight do you have?
Time out
Finding the local time zone…
Times are local to the spot (zone loading). The half-hour margin is our rule of thumb, not an official figure; light fades earlier in forest or under cloud. Carry a headlamp on any route that could run late.
Accessibility
- Main entrance reachable by car; short walks to trailheads.
- Picacho summit trail steep; not suitable for limited mobility.
Visiting lightly
- Stay in locally owned guesthouses.
- Pack out all trash.
- Avoid disturbing wildlife; keep distance.
Questions people ask
How much does it cost to enter Yacuri National Park?
Entry is about $5 per person; confirm at the gate as fees may vary.
What are the best hikes in Yacuri National Park?
Picacho summit (moderate, 3 km) and the lake loop (easy, 8 km) are popular; both are best in the dry season (June–Sept).
When is the best time to visit Yacuri National Park?
The dry months June through September offer clear trails and good wildlife viewing.
Can I camp inside Yacuri National Park?
Camping is allowed only in designated sites with a permit from the entrance office.
Is a guide required for the lake circuit?
Not mandatory, but a guide is recommended for remote sections and safety.
Deep dive
Every source; fees and rules change, so check before you go
Show the detailsHide
Sources
Ask about Yacuri National Park
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