Spend two days camping above Cuenca in the rugged, lake-studded páramo of Cajas National Park. This guided tour pairs five hours of hiking per day with simple backcountry camps and expert local knowledge—ideal for fit hikers seeking high-altitude wilderness near the city.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
Wet grass gleams under a low Andean sun as you step out of the transfer and into the wind-swept páramo of Cajas National Park. Stones click under boots, lakes mirror high cloud, and the guide tightens a map against a shoulder—this is terrain that asks to be walked slowly, then decisively.
Difficulty
challenging
Duration
2 days (approx. 5 hours hiking/day)
Fitness Level
Good aerobic fitness and previous day-hiking experience at altitude; able to carry a 10–15 kg pack.
Wildlife
History
Cajas contains trails and water systems used by pre-Columbian Cañari communities; it gained national park status in the 1990s to protect its páramo ecosystems.
Conservation
The páramo is sensitive—stick to durable surfaces, avoid fires, and pack out waste; local guides support conservation through responsible camping and community partnerships.
Reserve your spot on the Camping Tour Cajas National Park from Cuenca today and enjoy a trusted, highly rated experience designed to help you make the most of your adventure.
Acclimatize in Cuenca first
Spend 24–48 hours in Cuenca (2,560 m) to reduce altitude discomfort before ascending into Cajas’ 3,100–4,400 m range.
Bring treatment for rain and sun
Weather flips quickly—pack a waterproof shell and high-SPF sun protection to handle strong UV at altitude.
Rent gear if unsure
If you don’t own cold-weather sleeping gear, rent tents and sleeping bags from the operator to ensure safe, warm nights.
Respect water sources
Use a filter or chemical treatment for lake water and pack out all waste—peat soils and lakes are fragile and recover slowly.
Insulated sleeping bag (to ~-5°C)
Nights in the páramo are cold; a warm sleeping bag keeps you safe and comfortable.
Waterproof shell jacket
Essential protection from sudden rain and wind at high elevation.
High-ankle hiking boots
Support and traction for wet, rocky trails and uneven moraine terrain.
Water filter or treatment tablets
Reliable purification for refilling from lakes and streams in the backcountry.