Lagunas
del
Compadre
(The
Compadre
Lakes)
The
result
of
ancient
glaciers
which
left
their
imprint
in
the
land,
this
series
of
lakes
is
extremely
picturesque.
The
sector
is
renowned
for
trout
fishing,
an
area
which
can
be
accessed
after
a
14
kilometres
walk
from
the
Cajanuma
Administrative
Centre.
This
is
also
a
good
spot
for
camping
and
from
which
to
explore
the
outskirts
of
the
lake.
With
a
bit
of
luck
you
may
spot
the
mountain
tapir,
relatively
common
in
the
area.
Romerillos
and
Bombuscaro
In
Bombuscaro
there
is
a
multi-function
room,
which
is
frequently
used
for
environmental
educational
activities.
There
are
also
two
signposted
pathways
which
run
the
course
of
the
forest
allowing
one
to
observe
various
species
of
flora
and
fauna
characteristic
of
this
ecosystem.
In
Romerillos
guards
control
access
in
and
out
of
the
Park.
Mirador
de
Cerro
Toledo
(Observation
Point)
From
here
it’s
possible
to
enjoy
beautiful
views
of
the
forest
and
typical
topography
of
the
Backbone
of
the
Andes
.
Although
there
is
currently
no
tourist
infrastructure
in
the
area,
its
worth
the
visit,
particularly
to
observe
the
diverse
range
of
birdlife.
Puyango
Petrified
Forest
Conservation
of
this
area
began
on
9
th
January
1987
as
a
result
of
an
ad
ministerial
agreement.
The
area
measuring
2,658
was
also
declared
as
Cultural
Heritage
Site
in
1988
by
executive
decree.
An
Administrative
Commission,
housed
in
Machala
,
has
been
appointed
to
manage
the
area,
which
includes
the
National
Cultural
Heritage
Institute,
El
Oro
Cultural
Development
Centre,
the
Central
Bank
of
Ecuador
,
the
Ecuadorian
Armed
Forces
and
the
Nature
Foundation.
Valle
de
Vilcabamba
(Valley
of
Vilcabamba)
Situated
some
forty
kilometres
from
Loja,
the
valley
of
Vilcabamba
is
renowned
for
the
longevity
of
life
amongst
its
inhabitants,
with
some
living
well
over
a
hundred
years.
According
to
research,
this
tranquil
and
peaceful
valley,
which
is
surrounded
by
larger
cities,
promotes
longevity
due
to
its
climate
and
the
waters
of
rivers
and
Chamba
and
Uchima,
which
supposedly
have
medicinal
properties.
Valles
de
Yangana
y
Quinara
(Valleys
of
Yangana
and
Quinara)
Situated
south
of
Loja
these
valleys
are
practically
joined
together.
These
valleys
are
also
known
for
longevity
of
life
amongst
the
inhabitants
due
to
a
climate
identical
to
that
of
Vilcabamba.
Natural
hollows
can
be
found
in
Quinara,
where,
according
to
legend,
the
Tahuantinsuyo
treasures,
which
were
taken
to
Cuzco
for
the
rescue
of
Atahualpa,
were
hidden.
El
Santuario
de
la
Virgen
del
Cisne
(The
Sanctuary
of
the
Virgin
of
Cisne)
An
important
and
attractive
religious
site.
The
Sanctuary
is
a
small
agricultural
town
whose
very
existence
is
thanks
to
the
traditional
religious
worship
of
the
Virgin
of
Cisne
dating
back
to
1560.
Construction
of
the
magnificent
gothic-style
basilica
began
in
1935.
There
is
also
a
museum
here
based
on
the
Virgin
and
legends
surrounding
her
existence.
Festivities
in
honour
of
the
Virgin
take
place
every
September
with
stalls,
traditional
dances,
masks,
cock
fights
and
popular
song.
Last
Updated
19th
July
2006
