Free cancellationFull refund up to 24 hours before
Instant confirmationYour booking is confirmed right away
TicketMobile or paper ticket accepted
LanguagesEnglish, Spanish
Group sizeUp to 15 travelers
Pickup offeredSee the meeting and pickup details below
Overview
Embark on an exclusive small-group hiking adventure in Cajas National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its breathtaking landscapes and rich biodiversity. Begin your journey at the continental divide, where waters flow toward both the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans, offering a unique geographical perspective. Proceed to the Toreadora Refuge, situated amidst the park's highlands, and traverse trails that wind through a mesmerizing tapestry of glacial lakes and the rare Polylepis Forest, home to some of the world's highest-altitude tree species. Conclude your exploration in the serene Llaviuco montane forest, immersing yourself in its tranquil beauty during a second invigorating hike. This meticulously crafted tour provides an unparalleled opportunity to experience the diverse ecosystems of Cajas National Park, ensuring an unforgettable adventure for nature enthusiasts and hikers alike.
Options
Private tour all inclusive
Lunch included
SUV
Pick up included
Pickup included
Shared tour with lunch
Lunch in local restaurant
Pick up included
Pickup included
Shared tour without lunch
Pickup included
What's included
Lunch with trout option (if selected during the booking process)
Hotel pickup and drop-off
All taxes, fees and handling charges
Licensed Naturalist Tour Guide
Private Transportation
Gratuities (Optional)
Something not mentioned herein
What to expect
El Cajas National Park
2h · Admission ticket included
We start our tour with hotel pick ups in Cuenca. We drive for about an hour to Toreadora refuge from where we will take a hike in the highlands through the moorland ecosystem of wetlands and lakes to get to the unique forest of Polylepis trees. These are the highest growing trees in the world and are native to South America.
The park includes approximately 768 lakes in an area of 70,533 acres. It is one of the most important water sources in Cuenca and Ecuador. It has gained international prominence in several categories: Wetland of International Importance in 2002 by RAMSAR, Area of International Importance for the Conservation of Birds by IBA in 2003, and Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO in 2013.
1h 30m
Afterward, we will explore the Llaviuco Cloud Forest where you will be able to appreciate the contrast of the park on our 1.5 hour hike. If we are lucky we might see Tucans. After a full-day adventure, we drive back to Cuenca.
We will stop at a local restaurant for lunch. The specialty is trout!
Additional information
Not recommended for pregnant travelers
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Public transportation options are available nearby
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
A minimum of 2 people per booking 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 the tour are subject to guide availability.
Please contact us at [email protected] or WhatsApp +593-987-796-896 within 24 hours notice to reconfirm the tour and pick-up time.
Vegetarian/Vegan/Gluten-Free/Lactose-Free options are available, please advise at 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 passengers.
Shared Tours hotel pickups commence prior to this time, you must contact the local service provider to verify your exact pickup time.
Comfortable walking shoes and sun protection are recommended.
Cancellation policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
