Ecuador · National Parks

Shared Cajas National Park Half-Day Tour from Cuenca

5 Hours Round trip from Cuenca Easy pace

The journey

Trip highlights
  • 01 Half-day shared tour to Cajas National Park from Cuenca
  • 02 Choose between the high part or low part of the park
  • 03 Visit Toreadora Lagoon and the Interpretation Center
  • 04 Enjoy a walk through the páramo or flat Llaviucu sector
  • 05 Look out for Andean condors, giant hummingbirds, and coatis
  • 06 Round-trip transportation from Cuenca included
  • 07 Led by a local guide
  • 08 Great for photography, hiking, and nature lovers

Discover the dramatic landscapes of Cajas National Park on a half-day shared tour from Cuenca. Travel into one of Ecuador’s most distinctive highland environments, known for its many lagoons, páramo scenery, and rich biodiversity, with the chance to spot wildlife such as Andean condors, giant hummingbirds, and coatis along the way.

Choose between exploring the park’s high section at around 3900 m, including Toreadora Lagoon and the Interpretation Center, or the lower section at Llaviucu for an easier walk through a flatter area of the park. With round-trip transportation and a local guide included, this is a convenient way to experience one of the region’s most remarkable natural areas in just a few hours.

Discover the dramatic landscapes of Cajas National Park on a half-day shared tour from Cuenca.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 5 Hours
Tour type Shared
Activity level Easy
Accommodation Not included
Transport Included
Wheelchair access No
Cities Cuenca, Cajas National Park
Languages English, Spanish

Day by day

The itinerary

1
Day 01

We pick you up at 8:00am at your hotel, then we transfer from Cuenca to the Cajas National Park, until we get to the Caballo Shayana, where the bus leaves you. Description of the National Park.

The Cajas National Park constitutes a unique scenario in the world due to its diversity of lake bodies. In fact, although there are places with certain similarities in the planet, there are none that combine so much lagoon variety associated with a great biodiversity. Its name comes from the Quechua word "caxas" which means cold. Another version tells us that its name comes from the appearance produced by its type of geological formation, which forms "boxes" in which the lagoons are found.

90.6% of the area corresponds to the herbaceous páramo ecosystem, except for small areas, located to the southeast (Mazán) and west (Canoas), characterized by absolute heights inferior to the 3.600msnm and varied geographic spaces.

We will meet you at the designed spot at 8:00am and take you from Cuenca to the Cajas National Park for a panoramic tour. You can choose between visiting the high part of the park (3900m) or the low part of the park (high 3100m).

High part

Transfer from Cuenca to Toreadora Lagoon, where you will visit the Interpretation Center, walk level II.

Low part

Transfer from Cuenca to Llaviucu, walk across the flat sector of the park, 45 min approximately. 

Your return to the departure spot will be at 12:00pm approximately.Return to the city of Cuenca.

The route

Where you'll travel

Tour route map
Round trip from Cuenca 2 cities · 5 Hours

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

  • Local guide
  • Transportation

What's Not Included

Food and drinks

Know before you go

  • PASSPORT REQUIRED
  • Not wheelchair accessible
  • Children must be accompanied by an adult
  • Operates in all weather conditions, bring warm clothing
  • Not stroller accessible
  • A current valid passport is required on the day of travel
  • Not suitable for pets
  • Recommendations: Use comfortable close shoes to walk on the wasteland (hiking shoes), sun block, hat, sunglasses.
  • No public transportation nearby
  • Infants must not sit on laps
  • Infant seats unavailable
  • Not recommended for people with back problems
  • Not recommended for pregnant travelers
  • Not recommended for people with heart conditions
  • • Comfortable walking shoes are recommended • Dress code is smart casual • A current valid passport is required on the day of travel
  • In this map you will find a selected radius, but if you are staying in Cuenca urban area, just let us know your hotel to arrange the pick up.

Logistics

Meeting & route

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

Your 5 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.