Leave Cuenca before sunrise for a full-day, private photography tour into El Cajas National Park. Capture Zorrocucho Lake, high-altitude lakes and Andean wildlife while hiking 6–8 km over boardwalks and peat trails with a local guide and a home-style lunch.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
You set out before dawn from Cuenca, headlights cutting through Andean fog as the bus climbs toward the páramo. High above the city, the air thins and the landscape opens into a mosaic of black peat, silvery lakes and wind-polished grasses. The Tomebamba’s source threads through the first meadows, daring you to track its beginnings with a camera ready.
Difficulty
moderate
Duration
6–7 hours
Fitness Level
Good aerobic fitness for steady walking at altitude; able to handle short uphill sections and uneven peat/boardwalk terrain.
Wildlife
History
The park’s landscape was sculpted by Pleistocene glaciers and has been used for grazing and small‑scale agriculture by Andean communities for centuries.
Conservation
El Cajas is a protected watershed; visitors should stick to boardwalks to prevent peat damage and follow leave-no-trace principles to minimize erosion and water pollution.
Reserve your spot on the The Best of El Cajas National Park in a Photography Adventure today and enjoy a trusted, highly rated experience designed to help you make the most of your adventure.
Start before sunrise
Early light and fewer visitors make the boardwalks and lakes far easier to photograph; the park limits daily entry so plan to arrive early.
Layer for cold and sun
Temperatures can swing quickly at 3,500+ m—pack insulating layers plus a sun shell to handle gusts and glare.
Protect against wet ground
Boardwalks are common but adjacent trails can be boggy; waterproof boots or gaiters keep feet dry.
Hydrate and pace yourself
Altitude saps energy—drink frequently and move at a steady pace to avoid breathlessness.
Waterproof hiking boots
Keeps feet dry on boggy trails and provides ankle support on boardwalks and uneven ground.
Insulating midlayer and wind shell
Warmth and wind protection for cold mornings and exposed ridgelines.
winter
Sun hat and high-SPF sunscreen
High-altitude UV is intense—shade and sunscreen prevent burns during midday shoots.
summer
Daypack with 2–3 L water and snacks
Hydration and energy are critical at elevation for sustained photography and hiking.