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‘s Included
Lunch with trout option (IF SELECTED during the booking process)
All taxes, fees and handling charges
Naturalist Tour Guide
Hotel/port pickup and drop-off
Transport by private vehicle
Gratuities (Optional)
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.
Options
Shared tour WITHOUT lunch
Duration: 8 hours
Pickup included
Full Day Private tour
Duration: 8 hours
Lunch included
Pickup included
Group tour with lunch full day
Duration: 8 hours
Lunch in local restaurant
Pickup included
Reviews
206 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Pedro was a fantastic...
Ryan J,
Jul 2, 2025
- Viator
5.00Pedro was a fantastic guide, very personable and very willing to customize the experience to whatever his guests wanted. Food was also excellent.
Awesome way to explore Cajas!
april c,
Jan 2, 2025
- Viator
5.00Every Ecuadorian and tourist could not stop talking about how beautiful Cajas is. I had to see it for myself. Wow doesn't even begin to touch the surface of how beautiful the park is. Sign up for this tour with Moises, you will not regret it. We did a 3 hour hike. It was incredible. It was cloudy when we started but the sun cam out towards the end. Heads up, you are hiking into altitude (13K+) so stay hydrated, take your time, and take coca to help alleviate with altitude sickness. You can buy in the shop next to the bathroom.
Beautiful Park
Alicia s,
Jan 2, 2024
- Viator
5.00Great trip around Cajas National Park. The views are gorgeous. The guide Xavier M was knowledgeable and helped us make the most of the rainy weather. Lunch was delicious!
Excellent across the board, two thumbs up👍
gtafs5858,
Dec 13, 2023
- Viator
5.00Scenic high altitude hikes with lake view, llamas, various indigenous vegetation, well maintained trail and superb guide. Off season (December) so only one other guest besides us. Trail nearly to ourselves. Great lunch.
Amazing
Sara H,
Oct 5, 2023
- Viator
5.00We loved this tour! Cajas National Park is such a beautiful place. Every step is picture-worthy. I was glad we decided to visit as part of a tour because it seems that certain parts have restricted entry and you have to have some kind of permit. We were also informed that they limit the number of visitors per day, and we only got in because of the reservation with the tour company. We did two hikes: one at a lower elevation, and one higher. They are both pretty high elevation, though, so be prepared for that. It was also fairly cold and windy while we were there, but we actually got lucky with the weather as it didn't rain, nor did we get blasted with the intense sun. So, I was happy about that, but glad that I came prepared for any weather. Our guide, Christian, was amazing! He pointed out various plants and described their uses - some are only found inside the park. He also did his best to attract wildlife to us, and made sure everyone got to take a look. The lunch was delicious as well. Make sure you bring some snacks and plenty of water, though. Lunch happens after the two hikes (total about 3 hours). It was a great day, and we have loads of wonderful memories of this place. Thank you! 😊
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Operated by Cuenca Bestours Tour Operator