Minimum age: 9 years old – Must have parents permission

El Cajas National Park offers us a glimpse of the impressive cloud forests and Andean “páramo” landscapes and ecosystems. The mysterious, mountainous silence invites us to explore its marvelous lakeside trails, which follow the shores of a number of the park’s 235 lakes. During the hike, we will observe many of the park’s endemic plant and bird species. Enjoy a close encounter with nature in this unique part of the Ecuadorian Andes.

Pick-up at the hotel between 8:00 to 8:30.

Transfer from Cuenca to Cajas National Park, directly to the Llaviuco zone in the lower part at 3100 meters above sea level. The path is level and easy to navigate through the woods, taking between 45 minutes and an hour.

Then we continue to the higher region of the Park called Tres Cruces (Three Crosses) at approximately 4160 meters above sea level. There we will have a panoramic view of the Park with time for taking photographs and listening to information from the guide.

After visiting Tres Cruces the group goes by vehicle to Lake Toreadora, where we visit the Interpretation Center. Then we begin a walk of 2 ½ hours from an altitude of 3900 meters above sea level to 3600 meters. The hike crosses the Polylepsis Forest called “San Luis” and then continues toward the Lagunas Unidas (United Lakes), named Totoras and Patoquinuas.

When we finish, we will return to Lake Toreadora, or if there are more than three participants the tour will end at the parking area at Patoquinoas.

Lunch at the restaurant in the zone (drinks not included). Return to the city at approximately 4:30 p.m.

08:00 - 08:30

Hotel and hostel pick-up

08:30

Depart from Cuenca

08:50 - 09:00

Arrive at Cajas National Park

09:00 - 10:30

Visit to Llaviuco for 45 minutes and 1 hour hike around the lagoon through the rainforest

10:30 - 13:30

Walk 3 hours approx to the Lake La Toreadora

13:30 - 14:30

Lunch time

15:00 - 15:30

Return to Cuenca

- Private transportation
- English & Spanish Speaking tour guide
- Rubber boots and poncho de agua (under previous request)
- Lunch

- Drinks
- Tips
- Personal expenses

- Wear comfortable hiking shoes for walking in the moorland
- Dress in layers with warm, water resistant clothing.
- Temperatures in Cajas Park are not stable and can vary from 10 to 18 degrees C. (50 to 65 F.) during the day. But it often feels much colder with the wind.
- Sun screen
- Sun glasses
- Windbreaker
- Hat and rain gear (in case of rain)
- If participants need rubber boots or rain ponchos, we will provide them if requested in advance.
- Drinks: bottled water, juices. Cash for personal expenses

IMPORTANT INFORMATION:

EXCLUSIONS:
This tour is not possible to operate for children under 9 years old or adults over 75 years old.

Cancellation or changes of this tour:

Changes: A 20% administration fee will apply to change the tour date before 6:00 pm (Quito time) 2 days before the tour begins.

Cancellations: If you cancel before 6:00 pm (Quito time) 2 days before the tour begins, a 40% 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. I cannot find my accommodation listed in the operator pick up locations when making my booking. What should I select?

   This operator only offers pick-ups from the hotel and hostel accommodation listed, this covers over 90% of the accommodation providers in the area. They do not provide pick-ups or drop-offs at private residences, Airbnbs, bus terminals etc. Select an alternative close by and be ready there for pick-up at the time on your booking confirmation.

2. What time zone is used in Cuenca?

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

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

   The weather at the Cajas National Park is not stable; there can be a variation between 10°C and 18°C during the day. From November to April it can be hot and humid; sometimes it rains a lot. The coolest months are from June to August.

4. What should I bring to the tour?

   You should use closed and comfortable hiking shoes to walk in the paramo, and dress with warm clothing. The weather at the Cajas National Park is not stable; there can be a variation between 10°C and 18°C during the day. Bring sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat, a windbreaker, and clothing to protect you against the rain (in case of wet weather). Also take beverages (bottled water, juice), and cash for personal expenses.

5. When is the best time of the year to visit Cajas Park?

   All year is a good time to visit.

6. Why book with FindLocalTrips.com?

   Apart from our low price guarantee, with us, you can be 100% assured that your booking is made. We provide instant email confirmation and have live spaces and availability for each tour. You are in the capable hands of our team here on the ground of 20 local experts who speak perfect Spanish and English, always ready with a quick response to any and all questions you might have. Tour operators are experts at operating their tours...we are the experts at reservations, organization, and assistance with your plans for these tours.