Cajas National Park Small-Group tour from Cuenca

As the city gives way to mountain landscapes, your guide will introduce the park’s páramo ecosystem, its glacial lakes, and its importance as a protected water source for southern Ecuador. Cajas is part of the Macizo del Cajas Biosphere Reserve, recognized by UNESCO in 2013.

This area marks the continental water divide, where rainfall flows either toward the Amazon Basin or toward the Pacific Ocean. We will take a short walk nearby to enjoy the highland scenery, dramatic mountain views, and the fresh air of the Andean páramo.

Located beside Toreadora Lake, this stop offers beautiful views of the surrounding wetlands, hills, and native vegetation. The area is also an ideal place to understand how the park’s lakes and sponge-like páramo help regulate water for Cuenca.

rough páramo grasslands, wetlands, rocky paths, and high-altitude lagoons. The guide will adjust the pace to the group, making the experience comfortable while taking time to enjoy the views, observe unique native flora, and possibly spot local bird species such as the beautiful blue Tit-like Dacnis, highland hummingbirds, and other Andean birds. Unlike a simple sightseeing visit, this tour is designed to experience Cajas on foot, with meaningful stops along the route to appreciate the park’s geology, biodiversity, and quiet mountain landscapes.

These remarkable high-altitude trees, known for their thin, layered bark, create a rare and peaceful forest landscape surrounded by mountains and lagoons. Walking through this ancient-looking forest can feel like stepping into a scene from The Lord of the Rings, with twisted trees, soft moss, and misty Andean scenery. Your guide will explain why this ecosystem is so important for biodiversity and conservation in the Andes.

Trout is the local specialty and a favorite option after walking through the cool highlands, while vegetarian and vegan options are also available. This stop adds a warm cultural touch to the day and supports local businesses connected to the communities around Cajas National Park.

With guided hiking, scenic landscapes, local insight, and time to connect with the park’s ecosystems, this tour offers a deeper and more active way to experience Cajas National Park.