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Cajas National Park Tour: Explore Cloud Forests, Highlands and the Unique Polylepis Forest
5.0
220 Ratings
Cuenca
Trek within the primary cloud forest ecosystem, traverse through the international water divide, and finally engage in a splendid stroll through the highlands to uncover the singular Polylepis Forest. The park encompasses around 768 lakes within its 70,533-acre territory. It holds significant importance as a water resource for Cuenca and Ecuador.
Trek within the primary cloud forest ecosystem, traverse through the international water divide, and finally engage in a splendid stroll through the highlands to uncover the singular Polylepis Forest. The park encompasses around 768 lakes within its 70,533-acre territory. It holds significant importance as a water resource for Cuenca and Ecuador.
Duration:
8 hours
Cancellation:
24 hours
Highlights
-
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
xBD hour hike…
- 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
xBD 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!
-
Laguna Llaviucu - Then we will continue our tour with a 1
xBD 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)
- All taxes, fees, and handling charges
- Hotel pick-up and drop-off
- Naturalist tour guide
- Transport by private vehicle
- Lunch with trout option (if selected)
- All taxes, fees, and handling charges
- Hotel pick-up and drop-off
- Naturalist tour guide
- Transport by private vehicle
What's Not Included
- Gratuities (Optional)
- Gratuities (Optional)
Additional Information
- 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.
-…
- 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.
Location
El Cajas National Park
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Customer Ratings
5.0
(220 Ratings)
5 stars
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1 star
Catherineam2023
Feb 25, 2026
Cajas - 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.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Jojo1234_11
Feb 25, 2026
Great guide! - Attentive, very helpful and knowledgeable, learned a lot and had a great time!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Diana_j
Feb 24, 2026
We ordered trip just... - We ordered trip just several hours before departure. We had english speaking guide and enjoyed the trip.
Review provided by Viator
Jae
Feb 15, 2026
One of a kind tour of the Cajas! - 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.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Elisamorillo
Jan 10, 2026
10/10 tour - 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.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Rebeccaf795
Jan 2, 2026
Beautiful park - Javier 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
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Marjolaine_m
Dec 14, 2025
Excellent - Unlike 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.
Review provided by Viator
Stephenie_w
Nov 27, 2025
Spectacular - Wilson was awesome! He was accommodating and fun. Everything was perfect. Cajas is beautiful. Lunch was delicious!
Review provided by Viator
80annien
Nov 8, 2025
A trip through Cajas National Park - so glad we did this. - Our driver, Moises, took us up toward Cajas, making a stop at our request at the Chocolatería Dos Chorreras compound for delicious hot chocolate and a peaceful break. Afterwards, we went to a viewpoint and then Cajas National Park where Moises took us on a 3 mile trail off the beaten path. Weather was overcast and there had been recent rain, but Moises took us slowly and stopped frequently to point out plants and flowers and answer all of our questions. A traditional trout lunch followed at a lovely restaurant. We enjoyed Moises’ company and recommend this tour.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Johna7199
Oct 6, 2025
A bilingual professional guide that can take you almost anywhere in Ecuador. - We rolled dice on this trip and came up with a winner when we had our guide Luis take us to the top of the Cajas. He is the constant teacher in English about the geology, botany, traditional medicines, culture, and history. He shared about local recommendations, beautiful family, and his love of Ecuador. He’s been selected as a national Guide for the entire country. The agency he works for has historically handled all the logistics for short or regional long trips. When I think of a concluding statement I am proud to say: It was inspiring to be with Luis and hope to share time with him again.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
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