Cajas National Park Small-Group tour from Cuenca
Description
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
Tour Options
Itinerary
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.
Highlights
What's included
Pickup Locations & Times
If your hotel or airbnb is not listed, please send that information after booking.
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- 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(224)
It is a unique experience. Our guide, Xavier, is a man with great knowledge of the Park and unmatched kindness. His explanations and teachings were very valuable to us. He took his time during the walk and was always attentive to us, asking how we felt and making pauses during the tour. We learned about the vegetation and wildlife of the Park because Xavier explained everything to us in detail. Very beautiful tour!
Fabulous walk in El Cajas national park with an excellent guide, Diego. He was very knowledgeable and patient as the altitude slowed me down on some of the steep uphills. Please note that the tour was not as advertised, as the laguna Llavuicu has been closed since 2024 & the tour itinerary has not been updated. The longer walk in El Cajas was an excellent alternative. Lunch was delicious.
Awesome experience, Andres was an amazing guide with a lot of care and love for what he does.
Thank you so much for your kind words! We’re thrilled to hear you had an awesome experience and that Andres made your tour so special. His passion, care, and love for what he does truly shine through, and we’ll be sure to share your feedback with him. 😊🌟 Team Cuenca Bestours
I'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’re truly honored to hear that, after visiting so many nature parks and protected areas across the Americas, you consider this one especially worth visiting. 🌿✨ We’re delighted that Xavier helped make your experience memorable with his flexibility, knowledge of the flora and fauna, and attention to the group’s interests and hiking abilities. It’s wonderful to know you enjoyed exploring the different trail options and finding the perfect balance of pace and adventure. Thank you as well for sharing that helpful tip for future travelers.🥾🌧️🌱
It 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.
¡Muchísimas gracias por tomarse el tiempo de compartir una reseña tan especial, incluso después de tanto tiempo! Nos llena de alegría saber que su experiencia con Javier Vallejo fue tan memorable. Sus palabras describen perfectamente su esencia: un guía apasionado, conocedor y siempre atento a cada detalle, además de ese talento especial para la fotografía que hace que cada recuerdo perdure aún más. Para nosotros es un verdadero honor saber que, entre tantos viajes y destinos, esta experiencia haya sido una de las mejores. Gracias por confiar en nosotros. Equipo de Cuenca Bestours
Three 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.
Thank you so much for your wonderful review! We’re thrilled to hear that your trip to Cajas National Park with Diego was such a great experience. His passion for the ecosystem and ability to explain the park’s unique environment truly make the walk both educational and memorable. Thank you for the recommendation. 🌿✨ Team Cuenca Bestours
Attentive, very helpful and knowledgeable, learned a lot and had a great time!
We’re delighted to hear that you found the experience attentive, helpful, and informative. It’s wonderful to know you learned a lot and had such a great time with us. We truly appreciate you choosing our team 🌟✨ Cuenca Bestours Team
We ordered trip just several hours before departure. We had english speaking guide and enjoyed the trip.
We’re so glad everything worked out smoothly, even with a last-minute booking. It’s wonderful to hear that you enjoyed the trip and felt comfortable with your English-speaking guide. We truly appreciate your trust in us! 🌟 Team Cuenca Bestours
Diego 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.
Thank you so much for your wonderful review! We’re thrilled to hear that your experience in Cajas with Diego was so memorable. His deep botanical and historical knowledge, along with his friendly personality and fluent English, truly make each hike special. Thank you for the high recommendation.🌿✨
This 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.
