Spend a full day hiking the high-elevation lakes and paramo of Cajas National Park, just west of Cuenca. This guided tour combines shoreline walks, Polylepis forest, and valley viewpoints with hotel pickup and lunch.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
The bus eases out of Cuenca and the city’s red tile roofs shrink as the road climbs into the Andes. Within an hour you arrive at the 3 Cruces viewpoint where wind and thin air sharpen the outline of glacial basins; the lakes below catch light like scattered coins. Walks in the Toreadora area put you into the heart of Cajas National Park’s paramo — a landscape of peat, cushion plants, and scattered Polylepis groves.
Difficulty
moderate
Duration
6–8 hours
Fitness Level
Moderate fitness with prior experience walking on uneven trails; ability to cope with high altitude is important
Wildlife
History
Cajas protects glacial lake systems and high‑Andean paramo that have long supported local communities and provide critical water to the region.
Conservation
The paramo is a fragile carbon- and water-retaining ecosystem; stay on trails, avoid disturbing peat bogs, and pack out waste to limit erosion and habitat damage.
Reserve your spot on the Cajas National Park Hiking Tour from Cuenca today and enjoy a trusted, highly rated experience designed to help you make the most of your adventure.
Acclimatize before you go
Arrive in Cuenca a day or two early to reduce the risk of altitude sickness — take it slow on the first hike above 3,000 m.
Wear waterproof layers
Weather changes fast; a lightweight waterproof jacket and windproof layers will keep you comfortable on exposed ridgelines.
Footwear matters
Use sturdy hiking boots with good grip for boggy, rocky trail sections and wet grasses.
Hydration and snacks
Bring at least 1–1.5 liters of water and electrolyte snacks to maintain energy at high elevation.
Sturdy hiking boots
Support and grip for rocky trail sections and wet paramo terrain.
Layered clothing (base, insulating, waterproof)
Variable high‑altitude weather requires warm and waterproof layers.
Water bottle or hydration system (1–1.5 L)
Staying hydrated at altitude reduces fatigue and headache risk.
Camera with spare batteries
Cold saps battery life and the park offers dramatic photographic opportunities.