Cajas National Park Small-Group tour from Cuenca
Overview
Available languages
Mobile ticket
Hike through the ecosystem of primary cloud forest, afterwards the intercontinental water division and finally take an amazing walk across the highlands to exprore the unique Polylepis Forest. The park includes approximately 768 lakes in an area of 70,533 acres. It is one of the most important water sources in Cuenca and Ecuador
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.
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What To Expect
El Cajas National Park
Cajas National Park is located a short 40-minute drive from Cuenca. It has gained international prominence in several categories such: Wetland of International Importance by RAMSAR and Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO in 2013. We will visit the dividing inland waterway first and then we will start a moderate 2 ½ hour hike (Depending on the pace of the group) in the highlands through the moorland ecosystem of wetlands and lakes. Our naturalist guide will spot some of the endemic flora, and explain some of the main facts of the geology, history, and culture of the area. Then we will get to the unique forest of polylepis trees, which are considered some of the highest growing trees in the world. Before returning to Cuenca, we will have lunch at a traditional restaurant in the area. The specialty is trout!
Then we will continue our tour with a 1 ½ hour soft hike in the Llaviuco area, located in the lower part of the part of the park through the ecosystem of the primary montane forest, also known as "Cloud Forest". This is a great opportunity to acclimatize while our naturalist guide shows you some of the main aspects of the local flora and fauna.
What‘s Included
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
Gratuities (Optional)
Pickup points
Select a pickup point
Options
Full Day Private tour
Duration: 8 hours
Lunch included
Pickup included
Shared tour WITHOUT lunch
Duration: 7 hours
Pickup included
Group tour with lunch full day
Duration: 8 hours
Lunch in local restaurant
Pickup included
Reviews
222 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Great experience
Navigate08181039327,Apr 13, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Awesome experience, Andres was an amazing guide with a lot of care and love for what he does.
Eperencia excelente
Jen C,Apr 6, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00I've seen a lot of nature parks and protected areas in Ecuador and across the Americas and can say this is truly one worth visiting. Xavier was our guide and did an excellent job of responding and adapting to collecive interests and abilities. He knows a lot about flora and fauna, making the experience truly excellent. There were so many trail options, and he did a great job describing them so we could decide the pace and difículty we were willing to go to see as much as possible. If you have never hiked in Paramo before, be prepared for cold humidity and wet shoes.
We were fascinated if wonderful service
vanessarX2415DP,Mar 15, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00It has been a long time since our tour with Javier Vallejo, I hadn’t really taken the time to write the review, but it has been one of the best because not to say that the best tour guide we have had. It should be clarified that we love to travel and have been to quite a few countries. So without a doubt with him you will find a noble man, charismatic, experienced, knowledgeable of the whole area and if history and above all wonderful photographer. We were fascinated by your service. My husband and I were fascinated with the complete tour and experience he gave us. Thank you so much.
Cajas
catherineam2023,Feb 25, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Three of us went with Diego for a trip from Cuenca to Parque national Cajas. DIego was fantastic and taught it is so much about the ecosystem and the park walk. I highly recommend this trip once you have acclimated to the high altitude in Cuenca.
Great guide!
Jojo1234 11,Feb 25, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Attentive, very helpful and knowledgeable, learned a lot and had a great time!
We ordered trip just...
Diana J,Feb 24, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00We ordered trip just several hours before departure. We had english speaking guide and enjoyed the trip.
One of a kind tour of the Cajas!
Jae Hoon L,Feb 15, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Diego was an outstanding guide, full of botanical and historical knowledge. He is friendly and fluent in English. Cajas was absolutely gorgeous, and we look forward to hiking there more when we move here. The trout lunch was perfect after a 3-hr-hike at 13,000 ft elevation. We highly recommend this tour.
10/10 tour
elisamorillo,Jan 10, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This tour is 100% worth it, the scenery is beautiful indeed indescribable. One of the most beautiful places I've ever gone. Our guide 10000/10, explained everything in detail and was very happy with us.
Beautiful park
rebeccaf795,Jan 2, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Javier was an excellent guide. Had a beautiful hike through a portion of the park and learned a lot about the rich cultural history of the area
Excellent
Marjolaine M,Dec 14, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Unlike the planned activity, we had a private tour with Xavier. He listened to us and shared his passion for the Cajas National Park. We highly recommend it.
From US$47.99
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Operated by Cuenca Bestours Tour Operator