Cajas National Park and Cuenca City private tour

Hike past 230 lakes at 11,000 feet, then explore a colonial city from above.

A private tour of Cuenca and Cajas National Park combines a morning hike around La Toreadora Lake (at 11,000 feet in one of Ecuador's most biodiverse reserves) with an afternoon walking tour of Cuenca's UNESCO World Heritage historic center, including the cathedral, markets, and a working Panama hat factory. The eight-hour itinerary includes park entry, private transport, and a guide in English or Spanish. Children from age 4 are welcome. Lunch is on your own.

Step-by-step itinerary

Visit Cajas Park and Cuenca City

• Travel to Cajas National Park
• Hike around La Toreadora Lake
• Visit Tres Cruces viewpoint
• Enjoy chocolate and potato soup
• Return to Cuenca City
• Walking tour of Cuenca historic sites
• Visit Turi viewpoint
• Tour Panama Hat Museum and Factory
• Return to hotel

The experience

Cajas National Park sits 45 minutes outside Cuenca and opens the day with a hike around La Toreadora Lake, where you'll see endemic plants and birds against views of more than 230 lakes spread across the high-altitude landscape. The trail climbs to 11,000 feet, and if weather and time allow, you'll push to Tres Cruces viewpoint at 12,200 feet for views across the park. A guide leads the hike and points out what grows and lives there. At the end, you get hot chocolate and a traditional potato soup before heading back down to the city.

The afternoon is a walking tour of Cuenca's historic center, which UNESCO designated a World Heritage Site. You'll move through Calderon Park, see both the New and Old Cathedrals, stop at the flower and produce markets where you can taste local fruits and snacks, and visit the Modern Art Museum. From Turi viewpoint (at 10,000 feet). You look down at the whole city. The tour ends at a working Panama hat factory and museum, where you watch how the hats are made from start to finish. Private transport picks you up from your hotel and brings you back at the end of the day.

The pace is steady but not rushed: the hike is the physical core, and the city walking tour spreads across two hours with time to linger at the markets. A guide in English or Spanish is included, as is bottled water and park entry. You'll want to eat lunch separately in the city before or after the afternoon walking tour.

What’s included

• Private transportation from your hotel.
• Cajas National Park entrance fee.
• bottled water.
• a guide in English or Spanish.
• a hot chocolate and traditional potato soup after the hike.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 08:00

Book up to6h before

AgesAdult (13 to 85 years) · Child (4 to 12 years) · Under 4: can't be booked

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish and Spanish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.

Prices and times updated 4 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortStroller-friendlyNot recommended with heart problems

Operated by Guide Ecuador Travel

Is this one for you?The hike involves steady walking at high altitude, so it suits travelers comfortable with elevation and a few hours on foot. The afternoon walking tour is gentler and moves at a pace that lets you stop at markets and viewpoints. Both parts of the day fit into eight hours, which works if you have a full day free and want to see both the park and the city without splitting them across two trips.

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English and Spanish.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (4 to 12 years). Children under 4 can't be included in the booking.

How difficult is the hike in Cajas National Park?

The hike around La Toreadora Lake climbs to 11,000 feet and involves walking with elevation gain, but it is suitable for all fitness levels. The altitude and terrain are the main factors. A guide leads the way and sets the pace. Children from age 4 can join, though the high elevation is not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health.

What is there to see and do at the Panama hat factory?

The factory and museum show you how Panama hats are made from start to finish: all the hats sold as Panama hats are actually manufactured in Ecuador. You watch the process and learn the history of the craft. It is one of Cuenca's main attractions and a working production site, not just a display.

Will I have time to eat lunch during the tour?

Lunch is not included in the tour price, so you'll eat on your own. The itinerary leaves time in the afternoon to stop at a restaurant in the city before or after the walking tour of the historic center.

What's included in the private transport?

Private transportation picks you up from your hotel and brings you back at the end of the day, covering the drive to and from Cajas National Park and all movement around Cuenca. Bottled water is also provided throughout the tour.