On the western slopes of the Podocarpus National park, the Vilcabamba valley encompasses 5 different climatic zones, from the arid subtropical village at 1500mts, to the cold alpine paramo at 3700mts, a rise in elevation of 2200mts. in just 15km′s.
Leaving the village, the valley blossoms into an Aladdin′s cave of biodiversity, as it rises through cloud forest to the paramo and lake region of the Central Cordillera.
Set in the middle of a spectacular mountain bowl 8km′s upvalley from Cabañas Río Yambala our cloud forest reserve, "Las Palmas", borders and forms part of the Podocarpus park. Located in the least disturbed and most biologically diverse part of the Vilcabamba valley the reserve provides a bufferzone for the neighbouring park, effectively closing the area to hunting, wood cutting and further destruction of the forest and helping protect the Vilcabamba watershed. Home to Vilcabamba's first refuge, Las Palmas was the first pioneering ecotourism project of it′s kind in Vilcabamba and consequently has prime location and access to the Podocarpus park.
The refuge, a rustic but ecologically friendly structure, was built in a traditional way, a type of wattle and daub called "bareque". Now in need of renovation we recommend tents for sleeping, while the refuge kitchen and bathroom can still be used. A decline in tourism and the change of atmosphere in Vilcabamba has led to a decline in visitors to the park. While the tourist infrastrucure suffers, the forest remains protected and equally spectacular to all visitors.
Hidden trails explore choicer parts of the preparamo or midrange cloud forests and lead to various waterfalls. An ancient trail, frequented by animals crossing the Cordillera, leads up to one of Vilcabamba's "sacred lakes" providing the only natural and undestroyed access to the Podocarpus National Parks Lake & Paramo regions from Vilcabamba. Trails can be overgrown, depending on the season and number of visitors.
Over 160 species of bird have been recorded on "Las Palmas" cloud forest reserve. In equal abundance is the flora & fauna, with many endemic species. While animals are generally shy and difficult to see, sightings of the rare and endangered Spectacled bear, ocelot, puma, coati and pudu deer have been made on the reserve. The Tapir, though leaving ample sign's, remains elusive. Las Palmas provides a safe haven for these and an undocumented number of other mammals. Orchids abound.
By visiting Las Palmas you are helping the natural resources of an area to be used in a sustainable way, so that they remain intact for the benefit of future generations. Visitor fees contribute to the continued existence of the reserve. The rest is subsidised by us.
