Cajas – Cotopaxi National Park
Description
Lagunas de Cajas are probably one of the most hidden and unknown corners in the Cotopaxi National Park. They are found on the Cotopaxi eastern region, close to Santo Domingo Lagoon. They are a complex of an infinite number of small lagoons, whose origin is probably the Cotopaxi melting that filters through some underground channel to spring up at this magical place. These lagoons of different sizes and whimsical shapes would seem to have an internal connection between them, like an underground river flowing through each of them. The views can be spectacular on clear days, although this area is likely to remain cloudy most of the time.
Data Table
| Place | Elevation |
|---|---|
| Limpiopungo Lagoon | 3867m |
| Cajas Lagoons | 4030m |
| Santo Domingo Lagoon | 4020m |
National Park
Photos
Cajas - Cotopaxi
Cajas Lagoons
Cotopaxi National Park
Flora
Cortaderia Sp
- How to get
- Distances
- Recommendations
How to get
Eastern Cordillera; 55 kilometers in a straight line southeast of Quito, 28.8km southeast of Machachi.
- “Control Norte” Approach: In the Machachi central plaza you can ask for the way to the Cotopaxi National Park North Control. The first section is paved and later ballasted. It's necessary to register the entry at the northern control, ask for the road to “Manantiales y Cajas”, which is precisely the path that heads to the left as soon as you have passed the entrance control. This route may be more appropriate for 4x4 or high-wheel drive vehicles. Continue for about 20 kilometers towards Manantiales and Cajas. A few kilometers after the sign indicating the Manantiales detour, you may find another sign to the left indicating the Lagunas de Cajas detour. It 's possible to park the vehicle next to the sign and begin the hike.
