Cajas National Park Small-Group tour from Cuenca
Hike through the ecosystem of primary cloud forest, afterwards the intercontinental water division and finally take an amazing walk across the highlands to exprore the unique Polylepis Forest. The park includes approximately 768 lakes in an area of 70,533 acres. It is one of the most important water sources in Cuenca and Ecuador
Options
Group tour with lunch full day
Duration: 8 hours
Lunch in local restaurant
Pickup included
What's included in Cajas National Park Small-Group tour from Cuenca
(Subject to Option Inclusions)Itinerary
El Cajas National Park
Cajas National Park is located a short 40-minute drive from Cuenca. It has gained international prominence in several categories such: Wetland of International Importance by RAMSAR and Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO in 2013. We will visit the dividing inland waterway first and then we will start a moderate 2 ½ hour hike (Depending on the pace of the group) in the highlands through the moorland ecosystem of wetlands and lakes. Our naturalist guide will spot some of the endemic flora, and explain some of the main facts of the geology, history, and culture of the area. Then we will get to the unique forest of polylepis trees, which are considered some of the highest growing trees in the world. Before returning to Cuenca, we will have lunch at a traditional restaurant in the area. The specialty is trout!
Then we will continue our tour with a 1 ½ hour soft hike in the Llaviuco area, located in the lower part of the part of the park through the ecosystem of the primary montane forest, also known as "Cloud Forest". This is a great opportunity to acclimatize while our naturalist guide shows you some of the main aspects of the local flora and fauna.
Inclusions
- Lunch with trout option (IF SELECTED during the booking process)
- All taxes, fees and handling charges
- Naturalist Tour Guide
- Hotel/port pickup and drop-off
- Transport by private vehicle
- Gratuities (Optional)
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
- A minimum of 2 people is required to operate shared tours. We reserve the right to cancel the tour if there are not at least 2 participants.
- Bookings made 48 hours prior to the tour are subject to guide availability.
- For Shared Tours hotel pickups commence prior to this time, exact pickup time will be advised on reconfirmation.
- Vegetarian/Vegan/Gluten-Free/Lactose-Free options are available, please advise at the time of booking if required.
- For 1 to 6 passengers, a bilingual guide will also be the driver. For more than 6 passengers, a driver and a bilingual guide will be provided. Max group size 15 travelers.
Meet
Pickup and Dropoff
Choose to be picked up from a list of locations
Please arrive at the pick up point 15 minutes before departure time.
Additional Information
If your hotel or airbnb is not listed, please send that information after booking.
Redeem
Ticket Redemption
• A minimum of 2 people is required to operate shared tours. We reserve the right to cancel the tour if there are not at least 2 participants. • Bookings made 48 hours prior to the tour are subject to guide availability. • Please get in touch with us at [email protected] within 24 hours notice to reconfirm the tour. • For Shared Tours hotel pickups commence prior to this time, exact pickup time will be advised on reconfirmation. • The group will be maximum 16 participants including you. • Vegetarian/Vegan/Gluten-Free/Lactose-Free options are available, please advise at the time of booking if required. • A current valid passport or Id is required (A copy or picture is ok). • Not wheelchair accessible. • Infant meals not included. • Please be advised that lunch is included in the tour package, subject to the category selected during the booking process. • For 1 to 6 passengers, a bilingual guide will also be the driver. For more than 6 passengers, a driver and a bilingual guide will be provided. • Not recommended for participants with heart complaints or other serious medical conditions. Cajas Tips The weather is very unpredictable in Cajas, sunshine one minute and sudden mist or rain. We suggest considering the following tips: 1. Dress Comfortably and layered clothing: t-shirt, sweater or jacket, and raincoat. (Rain season is March and April) 2. Bottle of water and snack (Keep in mind that we will have lunch usually around 2 pm) 3. Hiking shoes or comfortable shoes for walking 4. Rainproof gear 5. Hat (for sun protection and warmth) 6. Sunscreen 7. Sunglasses