Private Tour
Available languages
7 hours 30 minutes
Mobile ticket
Hike through the ecosystem of primary cloud forest, later the intercontinental water division and finally take an amazing walk across the highlands to the unique Polylepis Forest.
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Infant meals not included
Vegetarian option is available, please advise at time of booking if required
Comfortable hiking shoes are recommended
A minimum of 2 people per booking is required
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
El Cajas National Park
We start the tour with a hike through the ecosystem of primary Montane forest or cloud forest. Afterwards, we will visit the dividing inland waterway and, finally we will take an amazing walk in the highlands through the moorland ecosystem of wetlands and lakes to get to the unique forest of Polylepis trees. These are the highest growing trees in the world and are native to South America. Before returning to Cuenca, we will have lunch at a traditional restaurant of the area.
Naturalist tour guide/driver
All taxes, fees and handling charges
Lunch
Hotel/port pickup and drop-off
Gratuities
Select a pickup point
Tour without lunch: This option is for guests who want to bring their own food or buy it at the restaurants in the area.
Pickup included
Tour with lunch: This option includes a 2-course lunch and 1-soft drink in a local restaurant with trout option
Pickup included
10 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
William G,,Jan 20, 2024
- Review from Viator
An excellent day spent with knowledgeable guide Luis. Beautiful scenery and easy to moderate hiking. But elevation between 10,000ft and 13,000ft could be challenging for some people. Highly recommend.
Ssjtan,,Oct 29, 2021
- Review from Tripadvisor
Andres is the most knowledgeable tour guide we have had; he made Cajas national park really interesting by pointing out unique plants and birds, and providing cultural and historic information.

X6407XTeval,,Jul 23, 2021
- Review from Tripadvisor
We only had one day in Cuenca, and our guide, Wilson packed it in for us. He was also a walking botanical encyclopedia! We did a mini tour of Cuenca before heading to Caja. Moderate hike in lower Caja around a lake and then a shorter hike at a higher elevation. Both were great! Lunch was at a nice restaurant, where most of us had trout!
jacnat 10,,Jan 5, 2020
- Review from Tripadvisor
Iur tour guide, Wilson, was probably the best guide we’ve ever had. His knowledge of the local fauna and flora was mind blowing! The hike was gorgeous although a bit challenging due to rainy season muddiness and slippery in areas. The lunch afterwards was delicious and the restaurant even accommodated my vegetarian diet. It was a terrific.experience.

Tatel64,,Nov 11, 2019
- Review from Tripadvisor
Hiking with a very friendly local guide of Cajas National Park, in the middle of a sea of clouds. The good weather was unfortunately not there, and it was also rather chilly!
Rkibble,,Mar 26, 2018
- Review from Tripadvisor
Very knowledgeable guide. I think private tour is the way to go. Wonderful for the price. Delicious lunch as well. Would highly recommend.
stellatian,,Feb 27, 2018
- Review from Tripadvisor
Jaime has a wealth of botanical knowledge and has taught me all along the way about various interesting plants. And we are constantly encouraged to move on, eventually seeing the original paper tree in a similar Lord of the Rings scene. On our way to Cajas National Park, Jaime also patiently answered our questions and introduced the city of Cuenca, giving us an idea of a strange city. Thank you very much Jaime!
332sarahe123,,Jan 27, 2018
- Review from Tripadvisor
Javier was an excellent tour guide from start to finish. On-time pickup, safe driving, super friendly, flexible, helpful and knowledgeable. He took a beautiful timelapse video of us and the incredible view. My group of friends and I had a beautiful adventure in Cajas Natl Park and learned so much. Highly recommended, especially with Javier!

Janel T,,Jan 27, 2018
- Review from Tripadvisor
Javier is a true gem. He guided our private group of four through several of the most beautiful spots in Cajas National Park, all the while reading our pace to determine the rhythm and length of our hike. It was a perfect match for what we wanted. He's also extremely knowledgable about the history and biology of the area, without ever overloading you with info. He's a safe driver and a delightful lunch companion. Very highly recommended!
Lorri G,,Jan 9, 2017
- Review from Viator
Our tour guide, Javier was very knowledgable and he made our trip through the park the highlight of our vacation. He pointed out things that we would missed. Lunch at the end was at a terrific restaurant, Cabanas Del Pescador, where we had a delicious trout meal with all the fixings. Thanks Javier!
Operated by Cuenca Bestours Tour Operator