Recently Viewed
Cajas National Park Tour: Explore Cloud Forests, Highlands and the Unique Polylepis Forest
5.0
186 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.
Duration:
8 hours
Cancellation:
1 day
learn more
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 (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 upon request
- Inclusive of all taxes, fees, and handling charges
- Expert Naturalist Tour Guide
- Complimentary hotel/port pickup and drop-off
- Travel comfortably in a private vehicle
What's Not Included
- 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.
- 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.
Customer Ratings
5.0
(186 Ratings)
5 stars
4 stars
3 stars
2 stars
1 star
Monikasu2604tu
Aug 1, 2024
Great day out - Our guide, Wilson, was fabulous! He was very friendly and knowledgeable. He knew so much about the park, plants and birds! Highly recommend this trip :)
Review provided by Tripadvisor
X7466hwemilyh
Jul 9, 2024
1000% worth it tour of Cuenca's Cajas National Park - Book this tour for Cajas National Park - our guide Andres was absolutely phenomenal. There was no question he couldn't answer be it about the city of Cuenca, the plants and animals in Cajas, Ecuadorian food, you name it. He was wonderful and we got so much more out of going to the park with him than if we had gone ourselves. Transportation was arranged for us and very comfortable and lunch on the tour was delicious. Andres made this the easiest and most enjoyable day of our trip and even gave us recommendations for the rest of our stay. We were lucky enough that he was able to help us spot a wild toucan! The tour was 1000% worth it!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Diana442
Jun 25, 2024
Exploring Cuenca over 4 days - Cuenca Bestours is amazing. As well as hiking in Cajas National Park, we biked in the town of Cuenca, went horseback riding, tours parts of the town of Cuenca and so much more. Our guide Wilson Galarza was so organized and knowledgeable and fun, and owner Javier was also first rate. I felt totally safe and cared for at all times.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Camilark3092se
Jun 16, 2024
Private Tour in El Cajas - 5 stars for The guide Wilson Ávila, He taught us about the flora and fauna of the Cajas National Park, he took us on a very nice hike on a private tour. Also telling us about the history of Cuenca and its rivers!
We would definitely take a tour with him again!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Kaanjob
Apr 1, 2024
Enrique, highly recommended - Enrique had an excellent day, with very vast knowledge of the Cajas National Park and the city of Cuenca and all of Ecuador and with an ability to harmonize all the participants, creating a family... That day we enjoyed his knowledge, exceptional scenery, excellent food and we all got to know each other a little better. Thank you Enrique for your know-how:-)
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Antoniobf3473em
Mar 30, 2024
Great walk to the cash register - A visit to the cash register was very well spent. The guide Wilson is very patient and friendly. He took us on beautiful trails that are not normally visited.
The entire tour was very well organized and very attentive to any special needs such as vegetarian food, they even helped me with a cane so I could walk due to a problem with my leg.
Thanks we enjoyed it!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
U8171rrnancyb
Mar 25, 2024
Wonderful tour with amazing guide - My friend and I had a fantastic day with Andres today. He picked us up at our bnb and then we went to el cajas. He was so knowledgeable about the area. He pointed out many amazing birds, plants, flowers, all while explaining the importance of the region. His genuine love of the area was infectious. So glad we chose to go with him.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Travel682819
Mar 21, 2024
Amazing views and great guide - The trip was amazing with spectacular landscapes and Wilson, our guide was extremely knowledgeable and pleasant. We would definitely book another tour.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Trudester
Mar 7, 2024
The best hike! - Excellent trip into the national park. Hike and views were spectacular. Our guide Wilson was truly professional and so knowledgeable. Very exceptional service all around.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Frewalkingtourcuenca
Jul 16, 2024
Very good Atmosphere, they were friendly, everything was usually nice they know how to treat people and that's why I re - Very good atmosphere, they were friendly, everything was usually nice they know how to treat people and so recommended and I would go again
Review provided by Tripadvisor
