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Experience a 5–6 hour hike on the Inca Trail through Cajas National Park from Cuenca. High-altitude landscapes, archaeological remains and glacial lagoons make this a challenging but rewarding day trip.
Experience a 5–6 hour hike on the Inca Trail through Cajas National Park from Cuenca. High-altitude landscapes, archaeological remains and glacial lagoons make this a challenging but rewarding day trip.
Book with Polylepis Tours
Book directly with Polylepis Tours for the best rates and real-time scheduling.
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Operated by Polylepis Tours · Cuenca, Azuay
The air above the high Andean grasslands is thin and purposeful; it nudges you forward as you step onto a stony section of the Inca Trail that threads Cajas National Park.
challenging.
7–8 hours.
Requires strong aerobic fitness and comfort walking 5–6 hours over uneven, high‑altitude terrain
The guided walk is about 5–6 hours on uneven trail sections; total tour time including transport is roughly 7–8 hours.
No technical skills are required, but participants must be in strong physical condition and comfortable with several hours of uphill and high‑altitude walking.
Round‑trip hotel pickup, bilingual guide, national park fees and a boxed lunch are included; confirm vegetarian options when booking.
Trails range around 3,100–4,000+ meters; prepare by resting in Cuenca beforehand, hydrating, avoiding alcohol and speaking with your guide about pacing and symptoms.
The Cajas corridors carried Cañari settlements before the Incas used these high passes for trade and pastoral routes; scattered stonework marks past human movement.
Cajas is a fragile páramo ecosystem—stick to trails, avoid introducing food waste, and respect local rules to protect peat bogs and water sources.
Polylepis Tours operates guided outdoor trips and adventures with an emphasis on safety, stewardship, and memorable experiences.
Book with Polylepis Tours
Book directly with Polylepis Tours for the best rates and real-time scheduling.
Reserve Now