Cuenca Tours
Cajas National Park Half Day Tour from Cuenca
5

Cajas National Park Half Day Tour from Cuenca

By Polylepis Tours
Recommended by 99% of travellers
99% of reviewers gave this product a bubble rating of 4 or higher.
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Cajas National Park is a great destination for nature lovers. With its close proximity to Cuenca, it’s easy to escape the city for this half-day tour, which includes a range of hiking alternatives. Your guide will highlight the natural landscapes along two trails in the Andean highlands. Transport by private vehicle is provided from your hotel.
Lowest price guaranteeReserve now & pay laterFree cancellation

Ages 5-80, max of 12 per group
Duration: 4h 20m
Start time: Check availability
Mobile ticket
Live guide: English, Spanish
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Highlights
  • Visit Cajas National Park, one of Ecuador’s must-see places
  • Hike with a guide along two trails in the Andean highlands
  • Enjoy the vivid scenery among some 200 glacial lakes
  • Hotel pickup and drop-off from Cuenca by private vehicle

  • Professional guide
  • Hotel pickup and drop-off
  • Transport by private vehicle
  • All Fees and Taxes
What's not included
  • Lunch
  • Food and drinks


Start:Multiple pickup locations offered.
    Pickup details
    • We need the correct address of your apartment / house or hotel, and your passports and names
    Hotel pickup offered
    During checkout you will be able to select from the list of included hotels.
      End:This activity ends back at the meeting point.

        • Not wheelchair accessible
        If you have questions about accessibility, we’d be happy to help. Just call the number below and reference the product code: 30796P19

        • Confirmation will be received at time of booking
        • Not recommended for travellers with back problems
        • Not recommended for pregnant travellers
        • No heart problems or other serious medical conditions
        • Travellers should have a moderate physical fitness level
        • This experience requires a minimum number of travellers. If it’s cancelled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund
        • This tour/activity will have a maximum of 12 travellers

        • For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience.

        If you have questions about this tour or need help making your booking, we’d be happy to help. Just call the number below and reference the product code: 30796P19

        From
        £31.87
        per adult (price varies by group size)
        Select date and travellers
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        Itinerary
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        About the operator
        Don’t take it from us – here’s what people have to say about this operator:
        • Polylepis Tours
          829
          Cuenca, Ecuador
          Joined in November 2013
        • Tamiam88
          0 contributions
          5.0 of 5 bubbles
          Excellent tour!
          This was an excellent tour. Our guide was top notch. He shared all sorts of interesting information and took excellent care of everyone in the group. Communication was great, they brought water and healthy snacks. I highly recommend Polyepsis for your sightseeing experiences.
          Written 3 February 2025
        • thomasmV2458MM
          0 contributions
          5.0 of 5 bubbles
          Must go to Cajas’
          The Cajas are a very unique and amazing landscape. We expressed concern with the hike, given the high altitude and possible rainy conditions. The hike was scaled to our needs. Wilson (our guide) checked with us along the way and had an encyclopedic knowledge of the area. If you are in Cuenca, the Cajas are not to be missed! Polylepis tours were a pleasure to deal with.
          Written 27 January 2025
        • garberark
          0 contributions
          5.0 of 5 bubbles
          Great day birding with Edison of Polylepsis Tours in Cajas Park
          We had a great day birding at Cajas National Park ( 12,000 ft) and at 10,000 feet along the way. Edison, a local from Cuenca Ecuador, is great. He is a very experienced birder, friendly, patient, a safe driver and he speaks English well. He would be perfect for any birder from the novice to the most experienced. He is also knowledgable about the local geology, flora and fauna of the area. Lunch was included in the package and we had a great meal of trout and the local potato and cheese soup. I highly recommend Edison for anyone wanting a nice tour in the area of Cuenca and especially for birders. He also does birding tours in other areas of Ecuador and Peru.
          Written 26 January 2025
        • BizjetDriver_51
          0 contributions
          5.0 of 5 bubbles
          Birdwatching in the Cajas Mountains with amazing views!
          Excelent bird watching tour with Polylepis Tours. Edison Juca picked me up at 0615 in a very nice SUV and off we went to the Cajas mountains, about 45-minutes west of Cuenca. Edison is a licensed tour guide and extremely knowledgeable of the various species and their habitats. We made five or six stops during the seven hours, with no strenuous hiking required. In total, we saw different 21 species and enjoyed fabulous mountain vistas. Highly recommend Polylepis Tours.
          Written 26 January 2025
        • DougBancel
          0 contributions
          5.0 of 5 bubbles
          Highly recommended
          This was our second hike in the Cajas, this time on a private tour with Edison of Polylepis Tours, and it was exactly what we were hoping for. Edison is a very knowledgeable, personable, and experienced guide and because there were only four of us, we got much more out of it than we did our first trip with a tour bus load. (And not much more in cost.) We highly recommend Polylepis Tours and thank Edison for a wonderful trip to Cajas today!
          Written 24 January 2025
        • Kayla F
          0 contributions
          5.0 of 5 bubbles
          First was a look out point of the city! Then we travelled 1.5 hours to Ingapirca, had lunch then a city tour of Cuenca!
          I had an Amazing private tour today with Juan! He was very friendly and accommodating. I feel like at the end of the tour we were friends! Very informative and engaging! I would 1000% recommend Juan and this tour! Cuenca is a very rich city with a beautiful history and culture. I am very grateful for the experience I had today! Thank you Juan!
          Written 24 January 2025
        • BenC4294
          0 contributions
          5.0 of 5 bubbles
          Great hiking/learning experience
          Diego was very friendly and knowledgeable about the area, and spoke English very well (important since I don't speak Spanish). He was attentive and answered all of our questions while telling us about the area and culture. We went on a hike to see beautiful views.
          Written 21 January 2025
        • Stella57
          0 contributions
          5.0 of 5 bubbles
          Excellent tour!!
          This was an excellent trip! We were picked up promptly and our guide Christian was just wonderful. He was extremely knowledgeable and charming. The Ingapirca ruins are really fabulous. I highly recommend this trip.
          Written 19 January 2025
        • 958brisaa
          0 contributions
          5.0 of 5 bubbles
          Beautiful day in the mountains and learning about Cuenca and Ecuador
          The chorro was amazing! Beautiful and it happened to be a very sunny day. Busa Lake was very beautiful and quiet which was quite nice. Our tour guide was Sebastian Cardenas. He was very knowledgeable and friendly. He had a lot of suggestions for things to do in Cuenca so I wish I would have done the tour at the beginning of my trip.
          Written 18 January 2025
        • gaylinng
          0 contributions
          5.0 of 5 bubbles
          Ingapirca with a fun and well informed guide
          We spent the day birdwatching and visiting Ingapirca. Our guide Edison was fantastic. We learned so much! The information he shared was so valuable and was presented in a manner that brought history to life! We sampled some local foods and beverages; he also treated us to a delicious lunch which we ate outdoors. Highly recommended!
          Written 18 January 2025
        • gaylinng
          0 contributions
          5.0 of 5 bubbles
          A magical day in the Cajas
          My friends and I spent a half day hiking in the Cajas. It was so beautiful that I cried! Our guide Edison was exemplary. He is very knowledgeable about all aspects of the park which he has visited more than one thousand times! He knows a great deal about the unique ecosystem there as well as the plants and birds. Edison is also kind, respectful and has a great sense of humor. He was animated and explained things in an interesting and accessible way. We toured with him 2 days in a row because we had such a great experience
          Written 18 January 2025
        • pazyachp
          0 contributions
          5.0 of 5 bubbles
          Awesome hike in Cajas
          Everything was nice, really good hike with Moises. Cajas is a really nice place to enjoy the nature. Highly recommend :)
          Written 17 January 2025
        • cjmG1786CU
          0 contributions
          5.0 of 5 bubbles
          Enjoyable Day Trip to Ingapirca and the Sanctuary of the Virgin of El Rocío
          My wife and I booked a private tour with Polylepis Tours, and Diego our English speaking guide was excellent. He provided a great deal of information so we could fully understand the history of the site, the vegetation and their uses, the wild life, and also the past and present cultures of Cuenca and broader Ecuador. We enjoyed Diego's company and the trip very much.
          Written 17 January 2025
        • alchiez
          0 contributions
          5.0 of 5 bubbles
          Awesome
          Edison our tour guide is awesome! I would recommend him. It’s so nice to know about Ecuadorian culture, crafts and arts.
          Written 13 January 2025
        • joelw843
          0 contributions
          5.0 of 5 bubbles
          A great day trip
          Diego was a great guide. He explained things well, answered our questions all while being a safe driver. We enjoyed the a stops and lunch.
          Written 11 January 2025
        See all 829 reviews
        These reviews are the subjective opinions of Tripadvisor members and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

        Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

        Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

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        5.0
        5.0 of 5 bubbles122 reviews
        Excellent
        116
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        5
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        1
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        These reviews have been automatically translated from their original language.
        This service may contain translations provided by Google. Google disclaims all warranties, express or implied, with respect to translations, including any warranties of accuracy, reliability, and any implied warranties of merchantability, fitness for a particular purpose, and freedom from forgery.

        Jonathan M
        3 contributions
        5.0 of 5 bubbles
        Jul 2023 • Solo
        Enjoyed my trip with Edison to Cajas. Started with a beautiful drive from Cuenca with commentary from Edison on everything from the history of the city and info on animals, plants, and the land. Saw a pack of llamas blocking one of the car lanes. The park itself was breathtaking and otherworldly. Bit muddy following the a rainy spell but manageable with running shoes. Edison shared his knowledge of all flora and fauna during our 2 hour journey to 3 beautiful lakes and it added another dimension of enjoyment to the experience. Highly recommend going to Cajas and especially so with Polylepis Tours. P.S. Depending on your group makeup, physical capability, and apparel; they will tailor the tour to you!
        Written 1 August 2023
        This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
        Dear Friend Thank you very much for your comment, it was a pleasure for Polylepis Tours Ecuador and our guide Edison , to help you with this tour in Cajas National Park. Thank you for enjoying the Ecuadorian nature, culture and people. We are at your service for whatever you need. Greetings from Polylepis Tours Ecuador
        Written 31 August 2023
        This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

        Manuel G
        Santa Lucia, Uruguay28 contributions
        5.0 of 5 bubbles
        Excellent walk through the Cajas National Park. We decided in the afternoon of the previous day and Edison managed to coordinate to get up the next day at 8 am, Braulio our guide came in his truck for us alone. We traveled 20 minutes to the entrance to the park with very interesting information from Braulio. He was always aware of our physical condition to be able to continue walking since the height affects breathing a little but we were able to complete the walk without problems. It was a very enjoyable day, we were very happy with the treatment received and the availability of all the people. Highly recommended if you pass through Cuenca.
        Google
        Written 7 January 2024
        This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
        Estimados Amigos Muchas gracias por su comentario, fue un placer para Polylepis Tours Ecuador, ayudarles con este tour en el Parque Nacional Cajas. Saludos
        Written 16 January 2024
        This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

        Pamela M
        1 contribution
        5.0 of 5 bubbles
        If you want to experience the Cajas National Park to the fullest I highly recommend this tour! Our guide was very interesting and had a lot of information about the geography and history of the park. As well as fun facts about the animals and plant life.

        Apart from our tour in the park our guide was also kind enough to give us tips and recommendations for the rest of our stay in Cuenca. Truly an amazing experience!
        Written 25 November 2024
        This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
        Dear Friends. Thank you very much for your comment, it was a pleasure for Polylepis Tours Ecuador and our guide , to help you with this tour in Cajas National Park. . Thank you for enjoying the Ecuadorian nature, culture and people. We are at your service for whatever you need. Greetings from Polylepis Tours Ecuador
        Written 5 December 2024
        This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

        Santiago S.
        Quito, Ecuador153 contributions
        3.0 of 5 bubbles
        It is 1 hour from Cuenca. The half day tour could have been better, we were only allowed to stay 50 minutes at Laguna Toreadora and it was the only destination of the Cajas that took us. I would recommend that the tour visit at least one other destination in it Boxes Rather they took us more than 1 hour to a restaurant, which is not of interest to me
        Automatically translated
        Written 27 July 2024
        This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
        Estimado señor/a Me parece que dejó este comentario en el lugar equivocado, nuestro tour de medio dia al Parque Nacional Cajas incluye una caminata de 1:45 a 2 horas en la parte media del parque y ademas se visita el mirador de tres Cruces para una visita complementaria de 15 minutos. Ademas en nuestro tour de medio dia Nosotros NO incluimos almuerzo. Le pido de favor nos ayude ubicando el comentario en la lista de comentarios de la Agencia que le vendio el tour. Nosotros somos "Polylepis Tours", y siempre nuestro objetivo es dar mas de lo que la gente espera de sus tours. Le agradezco de antemano que por favor elimine este comentario que afecta la buena reputación que tenemos como empresa. Atte: Polylepis Tours Ecuador
        Written 6 August 2024
        This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

        john s
        5 contributions
        5.0 of 5 bubbles
        Fascinating introduction to Cajas National Park
        I spent a very pleasant morning exploring with Diego the flora and fauna of this beautiful part of the Andes. Diego was most knowledgable about herbal plants and we identified many on the way.Standing in a Polylepsis forest was a highlight. The trails ran around lakes and hillsides and Diego kept a gentle pace leaving the traveller well refreshed at the end. All in all a very worthwhile experience .
        Written 8 January 2025
        This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
        Dear friends Thank you very much for leaving your comment about your tour. It was a pleasure for Polylepis Tours and our guide Diego Parra to help you with this tour in Cajas National Park. If you need anything in the future, we are at your service. Greetings from Polylepis Tours
        Written 9 January 2025
        This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

        Thiago L
        1 contribution
        5.0 of 5 bubbles
        Apr 2024 • Solo
        The landscape of Cajas National Park is amazing. Every place, every view is astonishing. The tourist guide from Polylepis, Wilson, is an expert of this area and he made this tour been exceptional. Cajas National Park is a mandatory stop for those who are in Cuenca city.
        Written 21 April 2024
        This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
        Dear Friend. Thank you very much for your comment, it was a pleasure for Polylepis Tours Ecuador and our guide Wilson Avila, to help you with your visit to the Cajas National Park. Thank you for enjoying the Ecuadorian nature, culture and people. We are at your service for whatever you need. Greetings from Polylepis Tours Ecuador
        Written 3 June 2024
        This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

        Natalie D
        San Francisco, CA4 contributions
        5.0 of 5 bubbles
        Nov 2022
        This half-day tour of El Cajas began with an on-time pickup and a comfortable ride to the park. Our guide, Diego, was knowledgeable about flora, fauna, and history, and I learned a great deal from him. His English was very good, and he made the trip a pleasure. I highly recommend this tour with Diego.
        Written 16 November 2022
        This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
        Dear Friend Thank you very much for your comment, it was a pleasure for Polylepis Tours Ecuador and our tour guide Diego to help you with this tour to visit Cajas National Park, anything you need in the future will be a pleasure to assist you. Greetings from Polylepis Tours Ecuador Team
        Written 18 January 2023
        This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

        Pedro C
        14 contributions
        5.0 of 5 bubbles
        It was a memorable day, without a doubt, an otherworldly experience. The guide, Mr. Edison, is very friendly all the time, always ready to answer any questions. It is clear that he has extensive experience and knowledge, he makes you feel safe and very animated all the time, his explanations are very pleasant and clear not only about the vegetation, animals, lagoons in Cajas but also the history behind each site of this beautiful park. It was a fantastic tour, incredible landscapes and with Edison's guide even more incredible. 100% recommendable.
        Google
        Written 3 February 2024
        This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
        Dear Friend. Thank you very much for your comment, it was a pleasure for Polylepis Tours Ecuador and our Edison, to help you with your visit to the Cajas National Park. Thank you for enjoying the Ecuadorian nature, culture and people. We are at your service for whatever you need. Greetings from Polylepis Tours Ecuador
        Written 12 March 2024
        This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

        Sven S
        Berlin2 contributions
        5.0 of 5 bubbles
        We did a half day tour from Cuenca to Cajas National Park with our personal guide Diego.
        The trip was amazing. His knowledge and guidance was tremendous .During the (literally) breathtaking hike through the Cajas National park, he explained to us every possible detail about the flora & fauna and also about the animal life, He was able not to only answer every of our questions, but provided us with so much more details about all aspects of our hike. During the beautiful drive from and to Cuenca of about 45 min each, he entertained us with more stories on Cuenca and its neighborhoods, about its history and current situation. His English was excellent. At all times we felt a 100% safe. It was sad to see how little tourism was visible due to claims of safety isssue. We can only say they are completely unfounded after traveling for three weeks with our 17 year old son through this georgeous country. A trip to Ecuador should be on everybody’s bucket list. Especially now. I have travelled all around the world. You will have a hard time to find a country cleaner and safer as long as you use some common sense and listen to the advise of local guides.
        I really hope that soon people will rediscover this gem of this planet !
        Written 29 August 2024
        This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
        Dear Friends. Thank you very much for your comment, it was a pleasure for Polylepis Tours Ecuador and our guide Diego Parra, to help you with this Cajas National Park tour. . Thank you for enjoying the Ecuadorian nature, culture and people. We are at your service for whatever you need. Greetings from Polylepis Tours Ecuador
        Written 5 September 2024
        This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

        Lucy
        Quito, Ecuador7 contributions
        5.0 of 5 bubbles
        Oct 2022 • Friends
        Laguna Toreadora was splendid and remote, our walk accompanied by occasional unknown birds singing alone from across the lake. Lake Lluviucu is a softer, friendlier lakeside. Taking us around the Cajas, Edison was patient and creative in finding ways all of us could participate, the strong and the less strong. He answered all our fascinated questions about this place, about birds, flowers, geology and the history of Cuenca. A day we will never forget
        Written 18 October 2022
        This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
        Dear Friend Thank you very much for your comment, it was a pleasure for Polylepis Tours Ecuador and our tour guide Edison to help you with this tour to visit Cajas National Park, anything you need in the future will be a pleasure to assist you. Greetings from Polylepis Tours Ecuador Team
        Written 18 January 2023
        This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

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        *Likely to sell out: Based on Viator’s booking data and information from the provider from the past 30 days, it seems likely this experience will sell out through Viator, a Tripadvisor company.

        Cajas National Park Half Day Tour from Cuenca provided by Polylepis Tours

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