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Spend a day above Cuenca on a guided tour through Cajas National Park’s high-Andean lakes, Polylepis woodlands, and paramo fields. Learn about local flora, glacial geology, and the watershed that feeds the city while hiking moderate trails at altitude.
Spend a day above Cuenca on a guided tour through Cajas National Park’s high-Andean lakes, Polylepis woodlands, and paramo fields. Learn about local flora, glacial geology, and the watershed that feeds the city while hiking moderate trails at altitude.
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by Polylepis Tours · Cuenca, Azuay
You step out of the van into air that tastes thin and sharp; wind tugs at your jacket and a ring of high lakes glints between low, cushiony grasses. The 3 Cruces viewpoint opens the world to the west—granite ridges, scattered lagunas, and the slow, visible geometry of a glacial landscape.
moderate.
7–8 hours.
Moderately fit — able to hike 3–5 hours with repeated short climbs at high altitude (3,200–4,000m).
The tour runs roughly 7–8 hours with about 3–4 hours of walking in the Toreadora area over undulating paramo and some rocky sections.
Yes—Cajas ranges from ~3,160 to 4,450 m. Acclimatize in Cuenca, stay hydrated, eat light, and notify guides of symptoms; the tour is not recommended for those with serious cardiovascular issues.
Lunch is typically included (soup plus main dish); vegetarian options are available if requested at booking.
Expect to encounter llamas/alpacas, Andean waterfowl, Polylepis trees, and paramo grasses; sightings depend on season and weather.
Local indigenous routes and colonial-era water use shaped access to the park; many high passes still mark traditional movement and ceremonial sites.
Cajas protects fragile paramo bogs that store water for Cuenca; stay on trails to avoid trampling peat and follow guide instructions to minimize erosion.
Polylepis Tours operates guided outdoor trips and adventures with an emphasis on safety, stewardship, and memorable experiences.
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