Cajas National Park: Our most recommended tours and activities

From Cuenca: Cajas National Park Half-Day Trip

1. From Cuenca: Cajas National Park Half-Day Trip

Begin your journey of the Cajas National Park — southern Ecuador's most famous national park — with a hotel pickup, where you will be greeted by your guide who will take care of you throughout the day.  Head straight to the park, whereupon arrival your guide will take you on a walking tour through the Andean flora and fauna. Breathe in the incomparable fresh mountain air and challenge yourself by walking along the park trails at 4,000 meters. Make sure to stop and admire several turquoise lagoons and the famous Polylepis trees — unique to the Andes — on your walk. Best of all, choose from either a small-group or private guided experience to make your trip special.

Cuenca, Ecuador: Cajas National Park Day Trip

2. Cuenca, Ecuador: Cajas National Park Day Trip

Your guide will pick you up from your hotel in the morning and then you will head to Cajas National Park. During the tour, you will visit two altitude levels within the park. In the middle part, you will walk around for two and a half hours in the Toreadora area. The trek will give you the opportunity to enjoy the beautiful scenery. Then, move on to enjoy a local lunch in a nearby restaurant. Afterwards, visit Llaviuco, located in the lower part of the park. This area is part of a different ecosystem, known as montage primary forest. Here you will walk around the lake for about half an hour before you return to your hotel.

From Quito: 4-Day Nature & Culture Tour

3. From Quito: 4-Day Nature & Culture Tour

Start your four-day Quito adventure with a visit to the Cotopaxi National Park where you can walk around Limpiopungo Lake and enjoy the scenery of one of the highest and most active volcanoes in Ecuador. The next day, explore the charming city of Baños to enjoy the famous Avenida de las Cascadas. Visit the Pailon del Diablo waterfall where you can try what’s known as the “swing at the end of the world.” The following day, get picked up by your guide and travel to Chimborazo Faunistic Reserve. Walk around and enjoy the scenery of the highest mountain in Ecuador, Chimborazo. Spot some vicuñas. Take time for lunch before visiting Balbanera church, and then traveling south to Ingapirca, the most important archaeological complex in Ecuador, where you will learn about the Cañari and Incan cultures. Stay overnight in Cuenca, known as one of the most beautiful cities in Ecuador which you can continue to explore the next day with a visit to the historic center, and Cajas National Park or Gualaceo and Chordeleg.

Cajas National Park Guided Day Hike

4. Cajas National Park Guided Day Hike

Enjoy a full-day trip to Cajas National Park, located just 30 minutes to the north-west of Cuenca city. Its landscape of wetlands has glacial origins and the park boasts over 200 lakes. Your hike begins at the lower part of the park known as Llaviuco. Hike at an easy pace for about an hour at an altitude of 9,842 feet above sea level. Reach a point known as Tres Cruces, at 13,566 feet, which forms the continental divide between the Pacific and the Atlantic oceans. After a short walk to explore the area you’ll descend to an altitude of 12,795 feet to continue hiking for approximately 3 hours. The difficulty of the hike at this point is moderate, as you pass through the beautiful primary forest. Afterwards have lunch before returning to Cuenca.

From Quito: 10-Day Ecuador Highlights Private Tour

5. From Quito: 10-Day Ecuador Highlights Private Tour

Immerse yourself in Ecuadorian culture with a 10-day trip through the country's must-sees. Learn about local history as you stroll through the streets of Quito, Riobamba, and Cuenca. Marvel at the majesty of Cotopaxi Volcano, Quilotoa Lake, the Pailón del Diablo waterfalls, and more magical sites. Day 1 - Overnight in QuitoGet picked up at your chosen location in Quito and begin your adventure by exploring the Old Town. Discover the Basílica del Voto Nacional, La Compañía, El Panecillo, Plaza Grande, and Intiñam Museum. Enjoy the unique chance to stand at the Middle of the World monument. Day 2 - Overnight in QuitoSurround yourself with nature on a tour of the Mindo-Nambillo Ecological Reserve, the land of hummingbirds, and the paradise of butterflies. Walk through the forest with your guide and come across a variety of plants, then taste some local chocolate. Day 3 - Overnight in QuitoTake a day trip to two neighboring towns. Watch Ecuadorian culture come alive in Otavalo, and see the artisans that come to the main square every day to sell their products. Head over to Cotacachi, a town known for its leather production. Day 4 - Overnight in Cotapaxi ProvinceDepart from Quito and stop by the striking Cotopaxi Volcano. Experience the beauty of this rural area, marvel at panoramic views from the volcano, and spend the night in the Cotapaxi province. Day 5 - Overnight in Baños de Agua SantaDive even deeper into the beautiful natural landscapes of the area with a visit to Quilotoa, a crater with a gorgeous tranquil lake inside of it. Enjoy a walking tour around the crater, then continue to Baños de Agua Santa. Day 6 - Overnight in RiobambaGet your adrenaline pumping with the incredible outdoor attractions in Baños de Agua Santa. Seize the chance to. go zip lining, ride a cable car, and admire famous waterfalls, such as the Pailón del Diablo falls. Discover the incredible tree house with a giant swing. Afterward, drive to Riobamba. Day 7 - Overnight in AlausíStroll around the small town of Riobamba and buy some traditional slow-roasted pork from the local market. Admire Chimborazo, the tallest volcano in Ecuador and the closest point to the sun on Earth. Arrive in Alausí and visit the colorful old train station. Day 8 - Overnight in CuencaLeave Alausí and wander around the ancient Ingapirka ruins, where Ecuadorian history started. Continue your journey in Cuenca, one of the country's most beautiful cities, and take part in a Panama hat workshop if you'd like to get to know the town's traditional production process. Day 9 - Overnight in CuencaEmbark on an insightful walking tour of Cuenca Old Town and gaze at its main buildings. Explore the picturesque town of Gualaceo, famous for its handwoven 'makanas'. Day 10 - Overnight in GuayaquilTake the route to Guayaquil, stopping at the breathtaking Cajas National Park along the way. Arrive in the city and visit the 'malecon' area on the Guayas River or choose to take the cable car for a nice aerial view of the city.

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What people are saying about Cajas National Park

Overall rating

4.8 / 5

based on 18 reviews

Flavio was wonderful. He was very patient with my friend. (She took excessively pictures of the landscape ) We learned a lot about the plants and the animals and it’s a really nice tour. I would definitely recommend it.