Ecuador · City and Nature

8-Hour Cuenca and Cajas National Park Tour with Panama Hat Factory

8 Hours Round trip from Cuenca Easy pace

The journey

Trip highlights
  • 01 Explore Cajas National Park, a natural paradise for photography, hiking, and birdwatching
  • 02 Hike around La Toreadora Lake at 11,000 ft. amid endemic plants and breathtaking landscapes
  • 03 Discover Cuenca's UNESCO-listed historic centre, including Calderon Park and the New Cathedral
  • 04 Taste local fruits and snacks at the traditional 10 de Agosto Market
  • 05 Visit the Panama Hat Museum and Factory to learn how these famous hats are made in Ecuador

If you're on a tight schedule, this program is ideal for seeing the highlights of Cuenca city and Cajas National Park. Start the day at Cajas National Park, one of the most beautiful natural sites in Ecuador, known for its landscapes, flora, fauna, and more than 230 lakes. After a hike with amazing views, return to Cuenca for a guided tour of the historic centre, declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with visits to places such as the New Cathedral, the Old Cathedral, the 10 de Agosto Market, Turi Viewpoint, and the famous Panama Hat factory. As a matter of fact, all Panama hats are proudly manufactured in Ecuador, and you will learn their history during the tour.

During the hike, you will see endemic plants, birds, and breathtaking landscapes around La Toreadora Lake, located at 11,000 ft. above sea level.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 8 Hours
Tour type Shared
Activity level Easy
Accommodation Not included
Transport Included
Wheelchair access Not applicable
Cities Cuenca, Cajas National Park
Languages English, Spanish

Day by day

The itinerary

1
Day 01

Cajas National Park and Cuenca City Tour

  • Cajas National Park

    Only 45 minutes from Cuenca, Cajas National Park is one of the highlights of the southern area of Ecuador. It is a natural paradise if you like photography, hiking, and birdwatching. During the hike, you will see endemic plants, birds, and breathtaking landscapes around La Toreadora Lake, located at 11,000 ft. above sea level. If time and weather permit, there will also be a stop at the Tres Cruces viewpoint, one of the highest points in the park at 12,200 ft., for magical views of the surrounding area. At the end of the hike, enjoy a delicious cup of chocolate and a traditional potato soup before heading back to Cuenca city.

  • Cuenca

    Upon arrival in Cuenca, begin a walking tour of the city's historical sites, such as Calderon Park, the New Cathedral, the Flower Market, the 10 de Agosto Market, and the Modern Art Museum (Remigio Crespo Toral). It may take around 2 hours in total to explore all the sites mentioned. At the market, you will have the chance to try some local fruits and local snacks as part of Cuenca tradition. Then, continue to the Turi viewpoint, which means "brothers," to see Cuenca from above at 10,000 ft. Finally, visit the Hat Museum and Factory, one of the city's most important attractions, where you will learn how locals manufacture the hats from scratch until they are ready to be exported - or perhaps ready for you.

  • At the end of the tour, return to your hotel, or if you need to catch a flight, enjoy a free drop-off at the airport.

Cajas National Park, La Toreadora Lake, Turi viewpoint, New Cathedral of Cuenca

Where this trip takes you

Cajas National Park, La Toreadora Lake, Turi viewpoint, New Cathedral of Cuenca

The route

Where you'll travel

Tour route map
Round trip from Cuenca 2 cities · 8 Hours

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

  • Private transportation

  • Private Spanish/English-speaking certified tour guide

  • Entrance fees

  • All sightseeing according to the itinerary

What's Not Included

  • Meals not specified in the itinerary

  • Gratuities

  • Any personal expenses

  • Any activity not specified in the program

Know before you go

  • Max group size: 16

  • Transportation: Private transport

Logistics

Meeting & route

Meeting point
Cuenca, Ecuador
Tour start
Cuenca, Ecuador
Tour ends at the same location as the start point.
End of the journey

Your 8 hours finish where they began, in Cuenca.

Watch the tourHQ film Watch the film

Create your own adventure

Can't find the perfect tour? Tailor your dream trip.

  • Tell us your destination, dates and group size.
  • Our travel experts and local guides design a tailored itinerary, just for you.
  • Enjoy your trip with peace of mind, knowing everything is taken care of.
Plan my holiday

Say goodbye to travel stress.

Starting from

USD 120 /person
Book This Tour

When

Travellers

Total