Cayambe Coca National Park National Park

Ecuadorian national park protecting Cayambe volcano and páramo

Cayambe Coca National Park protects high Andean ecosystems around Cayambe and Coca volcanoes; visitors come for glacier-capped peaks, páramo landscape, high-altitude hiking and birdwatching on trails north of Quito.

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Cayambe Coca National Park at a Glance#

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How to Get to Cayambe Coca National Park#

Access depends on which sector of the park is being visited. From Quito, Cayambe (the town) is roughly 40-60 km north by road; many excursions depart from Quito with guides and transport. For areas near Coca, travel is from the Amazonian lowlands to eastern park entrances; always coordinate with licensed guides.

Tips for Visiting Cayambe Coca National Park#

  • High-altitude routes require acclimatization - allow days to adjust before attempting hikes near snowline.
  • Hire a local guide for glacier approaches and to navigate weather-dependent trails; conditions change rapidly above 4,000 m.
  • Pack layers and sun protection: intense equatorial sun plus reflective snow makes UV exposure significant.

Best Time to Visit Cayambe Coca National Park#

High-altitude trekking is most reliable during the dry season (June-September). Weather is the dominant variable; plan for sudden storms year-round.

Dry Season
June-September · Day: 5-15°C (41-59°F), Night: -5-5°C (23-41°F)
Clearer skies and more stable weather for trekking and high-altitude views.
Wet Season
December-May · Colder and cloudier; conditions vary
Cloud cover and snow can limit visibility; trails may be muddier and less safe.

Weather & Climate near Cayambe Coca National Park#

Climate

Cayambe Coca National Park's climate is classified as Oceanic - Oceanic climate with consistently warm temperatures year-round. Temperatures range from 7°C to 19°C. Abundant rainfall (1249 mm/year), wettest in April.

Air Quality: AQI 55 Moderate
Best Time to Visit
JanuaryFebruaryAugust
Temperature & Rainfall
Temperature Range
29°
Warmest Month
10°
Coldest Month
Monthly Conditions
Month Comfort Temp Feels Rain Sky Humidity Wind UV Daylight
January Acceptable 8° - 19° 13° 84 mm overcast 85% 2.3 m/s 1.8 very high 12.0h
February Acceptable 8° - 18° 13° 94 mm overcast 85% 2.2 m/s 1.7 very high 12.0h
March Acceptable 8° - 18° 13° 119 mm overcast 85% 2.2 m/s 1.6 very high 12.0h
April Acceptable 9° - 18° 13° 137 mm overcast 86% 2.1 m/s 1.7 very high 12.0h
May Acceptable 9° - 18° 13° 104 mm overcast 87% 2.2 m/s 1.6 very high 12.0h
June Acceptable 8° - 18° 13° 126 mm overcast 86% 2.5 m/s 1.5 high 12.0h
July Acceptable 7° - 18° 13° 119 mm overcast 84% 3.0 m/s 1.5 high 12.0h
August Acceptable 7° - 18° 13° 89 mm overcast 80% 2.9 m/s 1.5 very high 12.0h
September Acceptable 8° - 19° 13° 88 mm overcast 77% 2.7 m/s 1.8 very high 12.0h
October Acceptable 8° - 19° 13° 101 mm overcast 81% 2.3 m/s 1.9 very high 12.0h
November Acceptable 8° - 19° 13° 109 mm overcast 85% 2.2 m/s 1.9 very high 12.0h
December Acceptable 8° - 19° 13° 79 mm overcast 86% 2.3 m/s 1.7 very high 12.0h