We’ll depart at 8:00 am for a 30-minute drive to the Cajas National Park. The area of Cajas has 232 lakes, and a variety of both flora and fauna. It contains remnants of Inca’s Royal Road, where two hundred of its archaeological ruins have been discovered. The park covers an area of about 29.000 hectares (71.660 acres), with an altitude ranging from 2700 to 4300m (8858 to 14,108 ft).

Once in the park, we’ll begin a 40-minute walk to the Toreadora Lake, which is one of the biggest in the park. On the route, you will see various kinds of flora, like Chuquirahua, Romerillo, Rubra, Chochoandino and Lencetilla de Páramo.

After a short break, we will walk for about 3 hours (moderate difficulty), from the highest point called Tres Cruces. There you can see both parts of the Cajas National Park - this is the most popular place to take photos. Continuing on our route, we will go to Lake Chica Ilincocha, and then to find the first polilepis forest, which is a special, magical place; unique in the world. Later on, we walk to United Lakes, where you’ll have a snack and a little rest in order to keep on going around this beautiful place.

We’ll continue walking, until coming across the second and biggest polilepis forest. This one has an underground river, with clean water used for drinking. Here you can feel the peace and tranquillity of the natural highlands, which are considered one of the best places to visit in Ecuador and South America.

Taking the smugglers’ route, you’ll see the different kinds of lagoons that are in this area; like Neotríficas, Oligotríficas and Mesotróficas. We’ll arrive at the Barros and Taquihurcu lakes, and then head down to the mountain to finish our trek. We’ll then go to a local restaurant to eat a trout lunch, the typical fish of the area. Finally, we’ll return to Cuenca, and you’ll be dropped off at your hotel at approximately 4:00 pm.

07:30 - 08:00

Hotel and hostel pick-up

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08:00

Depart from Cuenca

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08:30

Arrive at Cajas National Park and begin to walk to Toreadora Lake

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09:10

Arrive at Toreadora Lake and have a short break

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09:30

Head to Tres Cruces, a popular photo spot, then continue to Lake Chica Ilincocha

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12:30

Arrive at United Lake to have a small snack

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13:00

Continue trekking until reaching the Barros and Taquihurcu lakes

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14:00

Lunch at a local restaurant

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15:30

Depart from Cajas National Park

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16:00

Arrive in Cuenca (hotel/hostel drop-off)

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- Private transport
- Professional bilingual tourist guide
- Lunch
- Entrance fee: Cajas National Park

- Alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages
- Gratuities

The weather in the Cajas can be unpredictable, and even if it’s nice in Cuenca, make sure you dress appropriately for hiking:
- Boots or walking shoes
- Quick-dry shirts and pants/trousers
- Rain jacket or poncho
- Warm sweater or vest
- Sunhat
- Sunscreen
- Bottle of water

IMPORTANT INFORMATION:

CHILD (UP TO 5 YRS OLD)
In order to obtain this discount, the child must be up to 5 years of age on the date they are due to take the tour.

Cancellation or changes of this tour:

Changes: It is FREE to change the tour date before 5:00 pm (Quito time) 2 days before the tour begins.

Cancellations: If you cancel before 5:00 pm (Quito time) 2 days before the tour begins, a 10% administration fee will apply. After this time, there is a 100% cancellation fee.

Please email bookings@findlocaltrips.com to cancel this tour or make any changes.

1. What time zone is used in Cuenca?

   Local time in Cuenca is GMT -5, the same as on Ecuador's mainland.

2. What kind of weather can we find in Cuenca?

   You will be in a place which has a mild year-round climate; the average annual temperature is 20°C (68°F). From November to April it can be hot and humid; sometimes it rains a lot. The coolest months are from June to August.

3. What should I bring to the tour?

   You should bring money for tips and personal expenses, a video camera/camera, and a bottle of water. The weather in the Cajas can be unpredictable, and even if it’s nice in Cuenca, make sure you dress appropriately for hiking. Wear walking shoes, take a rain jacket or poncho, and a sunhat and sunscreen.