Cajas National Park, just 45 minutes from Cuenca, delivers big views and memorable hiking without the crowds. This high-altitude wonderland (ranging from 10,000-14,000 feet) packs in more than 270 lakes, unique páramo landscapes, and excellent wildlife viewing.
The best tours combine transportation from Cuenca with expert naturalist guides who know where to spot llamas, Andean condors, and rare hummingbirds. Full-day tours offer the most comprehensive experience, typically including moderate hikes around the most scenic lakes and a stop at traditional mountain restaurant. For serious birders, specialized early morning tours provide optimal viewing of the park’s 150+ bird species.
We especially love the small-group hiking tours that follow ancient Inca paths – they perfectly balance cultural insights with natural wonders. The private camping options, while pricier, offer an intimate experience of the park’s stunning starlit skies.
Check out these top-rated Cajas tours that consistently earn praise from our readers.
Key Points
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Cajas National Park offers diverse small-group tours with options for full-day, half-day, and specialized experiences, catering to various fitness levels and interests.
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Tours feature stunning landscapes, including lakes and unique paramo vegetation, as well as opportunities to spot local wildlife and enjoy traditional cuisine.
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The tours are highly rated by travelers, with consistently positive feedback on organization, guide expertise, and the overall unforgettable adventure.
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Specialized tour options include birdwatching, private tours, and experiences exploring cloud forests and moorlands, catering to diverse preferences.
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The Cajas Express National Park Excursion, Cajas National Park and Cuenca City Private Tour, and Inca Trail tours provide a range of experiences with flexible booking and cancellation policies.
Cajas National Park Small-Group Tour From Cuenca
Located just a short drive from the charming city of Cuenca, Cajas National Park offers visitors a chance to enjoy the park’s unique high-altitude landscapes.
The small-group full-day tour from Cuenca showcases the park’s breathtaking views, with participants praising the knowledgeable guides for enhancing the experience.
Travelers can expect to see stunning lakes, paramo vegetation, and the ancient Polylepis trees, along with a chance to spot llamas.
The tour includes hotel pickup, private transportation, and a delicious locally-sourced trout lunch.
With a maximum group size of 20 and a moderate fitness level required, this tour is a must-do for nature lovers visiting Cuenca.
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Amazing Cajas National Park Tour From Cuenca
The Amazing Cajas National Park Tour from Cuenca offers a captivating exploration of one of Ecuador’s most breathtaking natural wonders.
With a 98% recommendation rate and a Badge of Excellence, this tour provides half- or full-day options to suit your preferences.
Led by knowledgeable guides, you’ll discover the park’s diverse Andean flora and fauna, hike around scenic lakes, and learn about medicinal plants and local history.
The tour includes round-trip transportation, but lunch, drinks, and personal expenses are extra.
Physical fitness is required, and vegetarian options are available.
Travelers consistently praise the guides’ expertise and the overall hiking experience, making this tour a must-do for nature enthusiasts visiting Cuenca.
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Cajas National Park Half Day Tour From Cuenca
Cajas National Park Half Day Tour from Cuenca offers travelers with limited time a compact yet immersive exploration of one of Ecuador’s natural wonders.
The 200 glacial lakes and numerous hiking trails make this 4.9-star tour a must-do for visitors to Cuenca. Ideal for those with a moderate fitness level, the tour features two guided hikes through diverse forest ecosystems, stunning Andean vistas, and insights into the region’s unique moorland vegetation.
With hassle-free roundtrip transportation, lunch, and a maximum group size of 12, this tour provides an excellent value. Travelers praise the knowledgeable guides and well-organized logistics, though those sensitive to altitude may face some challenges.
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Birdwatching Tour in Cajas National Park From Cuenca
Birdwatchers flock to Cajas National Park from Cuenca for an immersive eight-hour tour showcasing the region’s diverse avian life.
At an elevation of 12,800 feet, the tour promises sightings of endemic species like the Tufted Tit Tyrant and Variable Hawk.
With a bilingual guide well-versed in local birds, plants, and wildlife, the experience is highly personalized to accommodate individual interests and abilities.
Included amenities, such as private transportation, a box lunch, and binoculars upon request, ensure a comfortable and seamless outing.
Attracting only 5-star reviews, this birdwatching adventure is a must for nature enthusiasts visiting Cuenca.
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Excursion to the National Park El Cajas
For a breathtaking day in nature, visitors to Cuenca can embark on an excursion to the renowned El Cajas National Park.
Recommended by 93% of travelers, this full-day tour boasts an impressive 4.7-star rating from 27 reviews. Priced from $55 per person, the excursion includes round-trip transportation, air-conditioned vehicles, lunch, and coffee or tea.
While a moderate fitness level is required, the park’s stunning scenery and knowledgeable guides, such as Wilson and Alejandro, make the experience truly memorable.
Though there have been some concerns about tour organization and lunch arrangements, the majority of travelers praise the personalized attention and off-the-beaten-path exploration during this excursion.
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Wonderful Cajas National Park Tour From Cuenca
Exploring the stunning landscapes of Cajas National Park is a must-do activity for visitors to Cuenca. This eight-hour tour takes you on a journey from the city to the park, with a 95% traveler recommendation rate and a Badge of Excellence award.
You’ll spend three hours exploring the Toreadora area with a guide, enjoy a local lunch, and walk around the lake to experience a different ecosystem.
The tour includes a professional guide, hotel pickup and drop-off, and transport by private vehicle. With a maximum of 15 travelers, this tour is suitable for those with a moderate fitness level and is available for $49.99 per person, with free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience.
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Cajas National Park Tour From Cuenca
Venturing into the captivating landscapes of Cajas National Park from Cuenca offers visitors a chance to enjoy the remarkable Andean ecosystems.
This full-day excursion showcases the park’s diverse vegetation and local wildlife, including llamas and alpacas. Travelers can expect a guided hike, informative insights from a professional guide, and an optional traditional lunch.
With round-trip transportation from select Cuenca accommodations, this tour caters to small groups of up to 15 people. While a moderate level of fitness is required, the experience is suitable for ages 11 and above.
Booking this tour ensures a memorable journey, despite potential weather challenges.
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Private Cajas National Park Tour Through Cloud Forest and Moorlands
Hiking enthusiasts seeking a more immersive Cajas National Park experience can embark on a private full-day tour from Cuenca.
Designed for hikers, the tour explores the primary cloud forest and high-altitude paramo landscape of this UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. Guests can expect to hike through diverse ecosystems, with the potential to spot llamas, and enjoy scenic views.
The tour includes a lunch of local trout. Priced from $89 per person, the tour offers flexibility with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.
With an overall rating of 4.8/5, the tour receives positive feedback on knowledgeable guides and the stunning natural beauty, though guests should be prepared for the high elevation.
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Full-Day Cajas National Park Tour With Small-Group
A full-day adventure in Cajas National Park, Cuenca’s UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, offers travelers an immersive exploration of the region’s diverse ecosystems.
Recommended by 93% of visitors, this small-group tour promises a comprehensive experience, with licensed guides providing insights into the park’s flora and fauna.
Travelers can expect to traverse highlands, wetlands, and Polylepis forests, with an optional lunch at a local restaurant specializing in fresh trout.
Transportation, taxes, and handling charges are all included, while moderate fitness and group size requirements ensure a comfortable and personalized journey.
Vegetarian, vegan, and dietary alternatives are available upon request, making this tour suitable for a wide range of travelers.
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Day Tour to the Cajas National Park & Hosteria Dos Chorreras
Travelers embark on a captivating day tour that immerses them in the stunning landscapes of Cajas National Park and the charming Hosteria Dos Chorreras.
Priced at $54.49 per person, the tour accommodates up to 15 participants and includes lunch, transportation, and an expert guide.
Pickup is available from hotels and Parque Calderon between 8:30 and 9 AM.
Though not wheelchair-accessible, the tour is suitable for most travelers, except those with back problems or pregnant women.
Past guests have praised the knowledgeable, professional, and friendly guides, particularly Enrique and Jessica, as well as the delicious fresh trout served during the included meal.
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Cajas Express National Park Excursion
The Cajas Express National Park Excursion provides travelers with a captivating glimpse into the stunning landscapes of Cajas National Park, located just outside the vibrant city of Cuenca.
Operated by Turibus Cuenca/Cuenca City Tour, this guided tour offers private transportation and a delectable lunch, all for the reasonable price of $25 per person.
With a maximum of 15 participants, the excursion ensures an intimate experience amidst the park’s breathtaking scenery.
While not recommended for those with certain medical conditions, the easy-to-navigate trail is accessible to most travelers.
With overwhelmingly positive reviews, the Cajas Express National Park Excursion promises an unforgettable adventure in the heart of Ecuador’s natural wonders.
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Cajas National Park and Cuenca City Private Tour
Embarking on this Cajas National Park and Cuenca City Private Tour promises an immersive exploration of Ecuador’s natural and cultural treasures.
Priced from $110 per person, this 5-star rated tour by Guide Ecuador Travel offers private transportation, lunch, and park entrance fees.
Highlights include the breathtaking landscapes of Cajas National Park and the historic charm of Cuenca City.
Led by the knowledgeable guide Edison, this tour is suitable for most travelers, though it’s not wheelchair accessible.
Guests can enjoy the flexibility of a private experience and take advantage of the free cancellation policy up to 24 hours before the tour.
With positive customer feedback, this tour offers an unforgettable adventure in Cuenca.
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Private Cajas National Park and Cuenca City Tour
Exploring the natural wonders of Cajas National Park and the historic charm of Cuenca City is made effortless on this private tour.
Venture into the Llaviucu Valley, marvel at the Toreadora Lagoon, and visit the Garden of the Virgin of Cajas. With a certified bilingual guide, embark on short hikes and scenic viewpoints at an elevation of over 10,000 feet.
Then, discover Cuenca’s iconic landmarks, including the New Cathedral, Old Cathedral, and Parque Calderón. Learn about local handicrafts at a Paja Toquilla hat factory.
Enjoy a delicious lunch and all-inclusive transportation throughout the day. This private tour offers a seamless and personalized experience for first-time visitors or those short on time.
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Inca Trail: El Cajas National Park
Explore the captivating Inca Trail within El Cajas National Park, a breathtaking natural wonder near Cuenca.
This private tour offers an immersive experience, transporting you through the park’s stunning landscapes. For $350 per person, the package includes private transportation, camping equipment, and meals.
While not wheelchair accessible, the trail caters to those with a strong fitness level. Pickup points are available, with a 10-minute margin before and after the scheduled time.
Cancellations are free up to 24 hours prior. Explore the park’s rich history and natural beauty on this private Inca Trail adventure.
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Inca Trail Cajas National Park Tour From Cuenca
For those seeking an immersive Inca Trail experience within the breathtaking Cajas National Park, this private tour from Cuenca offers an unparalleled adventure.
The 9-hour excursion includes comfortable round-trip transportation and a challenging 5-6 hour hike guided by a personal expert. Explore the Andean Mountains, surrounded by Ecuador’s diverse flora and fauna, while enjoying a provided boxed lunch.
The tour covers national park fees, and participants must meet physical fitness requirements. With flexible booking and cancellation policies, this tour is an ideal way to discover the UNESCO-listed Cajas National Park from Cuenca.
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Camping Tour Cajas National Park From Cuenca
Set out on a captivating camping adventure within the stunning Cajas National Park, departing from Cuenca. This private tour offers an informative, friendly, and professional guide to lead your group through the park’s breathtaking landscapes.
All necessary camping equipment is included, along with meals throughout the trip. Transportation and hotel pickup and drop-off are provided, making the experience hassle-free.
To participate, you’ll need a moderate level of physical fitness and no serious medical conditions. Vegetarian options are available, and the tour operates in all weather conditions, so dress appropriately.
With free cancellation and competitive pricing, this camping tour is a must-do for nature lovers visiting Cuenca.
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Private Cajas National Park Full Day Tour
Discover the captivating landscapes of Cajas National Park on this private full-day tour from Cuenca.
Explore serene lakes, rugged mountains, and lush forests as you trek through this stunning protected area. Highlights include the Tres Cruces lookout, Toreadora Lagoon, and Patoquinuas Lake.
The tour offers flexible, easy-to-moderate hiking options tailored to your interests. With a local guide providing personalized attention, you’ll gain insights into the park’s unique ecology and wildlife.
Convenient hotel pickup and drop-off, lunch, and park fees are included, making this an all-inclusive experience.
Whether you’re a nature enthusiast or seeking an adventure, this Cajas National Park tour is an excellent way to learn about Ecuador’s breathtaking wilderness.
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Sum Up
Cajas National Park offers a variety of tour options from Cuenca, whether you’re interested in a small-group excursion, birdwatching, hiking the Inca Trail, or a full-day private tour. With its stunning landscapes, abundant wildlife, and rich cultural heritage, it’s a must-visit destination for nature enthusiasts exploring the region. Whichever tour you choose, you’re sure to have an unforgettable experience in this breathtaking Ecuadorian national park.