This three day backpack through the Cajas National Park ranks as one the most challenging, diverse, and awe-inspiring hikes we have ever been on. This park is said to have over 230 lakes with-in its boundaries. I feel that the mountain, rivers, waterfalls, cloud forests, natural springs and huge spanning grass lands to be more impressive than the lakes (which were everywhere). The trail which we had elected to hike was the "Camino de la Inca" but it was really very hard to find. We had to rely of map and compass navigation. The trail would shift rapidly between rolling hills with massive views to dark, moss covered forest where we literally had to swing from vines to get through. We both are very happy to have taken this trip because it justified us carrying our camping gear for so long.
We are planning on staying in Cuenca, Ecuador for Christmas because there is said to be a great holiday parade and many churches to choose from. From here, we are heading to a surf town in Northern Peru to party for the new years. Happy Holidays.