Get your discount tickets for the Cajas National Park Small-Group tour from Cuenca, save up to 9% !
Overview
Explore the wild beauty of Cajas National Park, one of Ecuador’s most remarkable Andean landscapes. Located just outside Cuenca, this protected area is home to glacial lakes, páramo grasslands, primary cloud forest, and the rare Polylepis Forest, creating an ideal setting for nature lovers, hikers, and photographers. This full-day experience includes a guided hike along scenic trails shaped by mist, mountains, and crystal-clear lagoons, plus time for lunch along the route. Learn about the park’s fragile ecosystems and its importance as a major water source for Cuenca and southern Ecuador while enjoying fresh mountain air, biodiversity, and breathtaking views in a responsible way. - Real hiking experience through cloud forest, páramo, lagoons, and Polylepis Forest - More immersive than a simple viewpoint stop or short roadside walk - Chance to observe llamas, hummingbirds, and unique highland birdlife - Optional lunch featuring fresh trout farmed in the surrounding area
Pickup Information
If your hotel or airbnb is not listed, please send that information after booking.
Language Offered
English-GUIDE
Spanish-GUIDE
Itinerary
1. Cuenca
2. Our first stop is Tres Cruces, one of the most impressive viewpoints in Cajas National Park. This area marks the continental water divide, where rainfall flows either toward the Amazon Basin or toward the Pacific Ocean. We will take a short walk nearby to enjoy the highland scenery, dramatic mountain views, and the fresh air of the Andean páramo.
3. Laguna La Toreadora
4. El Cajas National Park
5. During the hike, we will visit the Polylepis Forest, one of the most unique environments in the park. These remarkable high-altitude trees, known for their thin, layered bark, create a rare and peaceful forest landscape surrounded by mountains and lagoons. Walking through this ancient-looking forest can feel like stepping into a scene from The Lord of the Rings, with twisted trees, soft moss, and misty Andean scenery. Your guide will explain why this ecosystem is so important for biodiversity and conservation in the Andes.
6. After the hike, we will enjoy lunch at a traditional restaurant near the park. Trout is the local specialty and a favorite option after walking through the cool highlands, while vegetarian and vegan options are also available. This stop adds a warm cultural touch to the day and supports local businesses connected to the communities around Cajas National Park.
7. Cuenca
Inclusion
Lunch with trout option (IF SELECTED during the booking process)
All taxes, fees and handling charges
Hotel Pick-up & Drop-off
Naturalist Tour Guide
Transport by private vehicle
Exclusion
Gratuities (Optional)
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- 100% refund if cancelled 1+ days before the start date
- 0% refund if cancelled less than 1 day(s) before the start date
Additional Info
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Public transportation options are available nearby
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
A minimum of 2 people is required to operate shared tours. We reserve the right to cancel the tour if there are not at least 2 participants.
Bookings made 48 hours prior to the tour are subject to guide availability.
For Shared Tours hotel pickups commence prior to this time, exact pickup time will be advised on reconfirmation.
Vegetarian/Vegan/Gluten-Free/Lactose-Free options are available, please advise at the time of booking if required.
For 1 to 6 passengers, a bilingual guide will also be the driver. For more than 6 passengers, a driver and a bilingual guide will be provided. Max group size 15 travelers.
Reviews
5.0
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
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