Explore El Cajas’ high-altitude lagoons and páramo on a managed half-day tour from Cuenca. Short walks, interpretation exhibits and scenic lookouts deliver a compact, accessible taste of this glacial landscape.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
A thin wind moves across the high páramo and the lagoons answer with a slow, glassy hush. On the Boxes 360 half-day tour, travelers step from an air-conditioned vehicle into a landscape of low, hardy grasses, scattered peat pools and cobalt lakes that hold the sky. The place feels deliberately ancient: weathered granite ridges, glacially carved basins and waterways that seem to dare you to follow them upstream.
Difficulty
easy
Duration
4–4.5 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for most fitness levels; expect short walks at high elevation so be comfortable with slow uphill sections and uneven ground.
Wildlife
History
The high Andean wetlands have long supported local communities and were later protected to conserve water sources and páramo biodiversity.
Conservation
Páramo soils are sensitive; visitors should minimize impact—carry out trash, stay on trails and avoid disturbing water sources.
Reserve your spot on the Boxes 360 Half Day National Park today and enjoy a trusted, highly rated experience designed to help you make the most of your adventure.
Acclimatize First
Spend at least a day in Cuenca before the tour—altitude near 3,900–4,000 m can cause breathlessness even on easy walks.
Dress in Layers
Temperatures swing quickly; pack a windproof shell plus warm mid-layer and hat for exposed viewpoints.
Protect Against UV
High-altitude sun is intense—wear sunscreen, a brimmed hat and UV sunglasses.
Stay on Trails
Páramo soils are fragile—stick to boardwalks and marked paths to avoid erosion and protect water sources.
Insulating mid-layer (fleece or down)
Keeps you warm during chilly, windy stops at viewpoints.
Waterproof wind shell
Protects from sudden rain and strong highland winds.
Sturdy hiking shoes or trail runners
Provide traction on wet boardwalks and rocky shorelines.
Water bottle (1–1.5 L) and snacks
Hydration is essential at altitude and snacks help maintain energy on short walks.