Located just 40 minutes away from Cuenca, you can find Cajas National Park. This park has a lake system of approximately 786 bodies of water in an area of 70,533 acres. It is one of the most important water sources in Cuenca and Ecuador.

Cajas National Park 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.

The tour: Once we’ve left Cuenca and arrived at the National Park, the tour will begin with a hike through the ecosystem of primary montane forest or cloud forest. Afterwards, we will visit the dividing inland waterway, and, finally we will take an amazing walk in the highlands through the moorland ecosystem of wetlands and lakes. We’ll get to the unique forest of polylepis trees, which are the highest growing trees in the world, and are native to South America.

Before returning to Cuenca, we will have lunch at a traditional restaurant in the area.

07:30 - 08:00

Hotel and hostel pick-up

08:00

Depart from Cuenca

08:45

Arrive at Cajas National Park

09:00 - 12:00

Hike through the ecosystem of primary montane forest or cloud forest; visit the dividing inland waterway; walk in the highlands through the moorland ecosystem of wetlands and lakes to get to the unique forest of polylepis trees

12:30

Lunch at a traditional restaurant

14:15

Depart from Cajas National Park

15:00

Arrrive in Cuenca

- Hostel/hotel pick-up
- Lunch
- Private transport
- Bilingual guide

- Drinks
- Tips
- Personal expenses

- Walking shoes
- Hat
- Sunscreen
- Sunglasses
- Comfortable clothes
- Jumper or jacket

IMPORTANT INFORMATION:

CHILD (UP TO 12 YEARS OLD)
In order to obtain this discount, the child must be up to 12 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.