Ultimate Cajas National Park Full-Day Adventure with Local Expert
Overview
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Embark on an exclusive small-group hiking adventure in Cajas National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its breathtaking landscapes and rich biodiversity. Begin your journey at the continental divide, where waters flow toward both the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans, offering a unique geographical perspective. Proceed to the Toreadora Refuge, situated amidst the park's highlands, and traverse trails that wind through a mesmerizing tapestry of glacial lakes and the rare Polylepis Forest, home to some of the world's highest-altitude tree species. Conclude your exploration in the serene Llaviuco montane forest, immersing yourself in its tranquil beauty during a second invigorating hike. This meticulously crafted tour provides an unparalleled opportunity to experience the diverse ecosystems of Cajas National Park, ensuring an unforgettable adventure for nature enthusiasts and hikers alike.
Additional Info
Not recommended for pregnant travelers
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 per booking 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 the tour are subject to guide availability.
Please contact us at [email protected] or WhatsApp +593-987-796-896 within 24 hours notice to reconfirm the tour and pick-up time.
Vegetarian/Vegan/Gluten-Free/Lactose-Free options are available, please advise at 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 passengers.
Shared Tours hotel pickups commence prior to this time, you must contact the local service provider to verify your exact pickup time.
Comfortable walking shoes and sun protection are recommended.
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What To Expect
El Cajas National Park
We start our tour with hotel pick ups in Cuenca. We drive for about an hour to Toreadora refuge from where we will take a hike 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. 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. It has gained international prominence in several categories: Wetland of International Importance in 2002 by RAMSAR, Area of International Importance for the Conservation of Birds by IBA in 2003, and Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO in 2013.
Afterward, we will explore the Llaviuco Cloud Forest where you will be able to appreciate the contrast of the park on our 1.5 hour hike. If we are lucky we might see Tucans. After a full-day adventure, we drive back to Cuenca. We will stop at a local restaurant for lunch. The specialty is trout!
What‘s Included
Lunch with trout option (if selected during the booking process)
All taxes, fees and handling charges
Licensed Naturalist Tour Guide
Private Transportation
Hotel pickup and drop-off
Gratuities (Optional)
Something not mentioned herein
Pickup points
Select a pickup point
Options
Private tour all inclusive
Lunch included
SUV
Pick up included
Pickup included
Shared tour without lunch
Pickup included
Shared tour with lunch
Lunch in local restaurant
Pick up included
Pickup included
Reviews
23 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Hiking in Cajas National Park
Karen B,,Oct 13, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00We had a wonderful time hiking in Cajas National Park. Xavier was our guide and he was fantastic! Xavier always gave us options and asked what we preferred. He went at our pace and had lots of interesting information about wildlife, plants, nearby trails and the area in general.
Great hike, Fantastic views!
Brigitte W,,May 22, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00The hike in Las Cajas was fantastic! There were 3 other young ladies on the hike with us. We were guided by Winston. He paced the hike just right, took us to trails that were challenging and got us to excellent views. The lunch was good. The potato soup was delicious. The trout was just ok. A little bland. The warm drinks were good.
MUST-DO
talineagamy,,May 22, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Amazing place and amazing guide, Wilson. So friendly and fun. And we went to a wonderful healthy local restaurant for lunch after.
Les Cajas, a must see
Connector16198577901,,Jan 30, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00The views were fantastic! The guide was great and told us about all the plants we passed as well as the animals we would have seen and those we didn’t have the chance to see. I recommend this tour to all!
Beautiful hike!
mark4h,,Jan 30, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Beautiful hike through the nature reserve. Finished with a good hot meal. Make sure you wear good clothes or bring them with you. It can be cold and windy.
Enjoyed in NP El Cajas!
Hefie,,Jan 30, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
4.00I enjoyed the hike, the information we got about nature through the guide. The group was not all equally fast, and the guide often already started giving explanations, so you missed it if you arrived later.
Excellent day trip
golfbaja,,Jan 30, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This was an excellent trio. Beautiful scenery anda good hike. Wilson was a very good guide. I would recommend this tour.
Cajas Tour
robertkL7649FT,,Jan 30, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Had a very pleasant and informative experience hiking around Cajas with our small group. Our guide was very informative and helpful.
Awesome Experience, Great Knowledgeable Guide!
christophersD3656OL,,Jan 16, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00The views were amazing, The pics came out awesome and our tour guide Wilson was very helpful and knew alot of facts about Cajas. It was a nice hike and I’d definitely recommend them and bring my family next too!
Beautiful Cajas
286dougl,,Nov 14, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had a wonderful experience with Wilson, he provided just the right amount of information and provided plently of time for us to experience everything.
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Operated by Cuenca Bestours Tour Operator