Cajas National Park Day Hike & Lunch from Cuenca

Summary

Highland Lakes & Polylepis Forest Walk with Local Guide

Step into Cajas National Park’s wild highlands with a local guide from Cuenca, hike past glacial lakes and ancient Polylepis trees, then relax over fresh trout lunch before heading home — it’s a day full of contrasts and quiet moments you’ll remember long after the clouds clear.

What’s the experience like?

I didn’t expect the air to feel so sharp when we stepped out near Toreadora — it’s like the wind carries a bit of the Andes right into your lungs. Our guide, Diego, grinned at my shiver and said it’s always like this up here, even if Cuenca feels warm an hour away. The drive itself was quiet, except for Diego pointing out which side of the road would send rainwater to the Pacific or Atlantic. I’d never thought about continental divides before — just one of those things you hear in school but don’t really picture until you’re standing there, boots sinking into spongy moss.

The hike through Cajas National Park started slow, mostly because I kept stopping to stare at the lakes (there are so many — Diego said over 700). The ground squished underfoot and sometimes you could smell wet earth mixed with something almost metallic. We passed these twisted Polylepis trees that looked like they’d been peeled by wind for centuries. I tried running my hand along one and the bark felt papery, almost fragile. There was a moment when everything went quiet except for some distant bird calls — not sure what kind — but Diego said if we were lucky we might spot a toucan later in Llaviuco. Didn’t happen for us, but honestly I didn’t mind.

Lunch was trout at a little place on the way back toward Cuenca. It tasted fresh, maybe because it probably came from one of those lakes we’d just walked past. Someone at another table tried to order in Spanish and got tangled up; everyone laughed, including the waitress. It felt easy being there after all that walking — you know that tired-but-happy feeling? The drive back sort of blurred by; I kept thinking about those trees and how old they must be.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Cajas National Park Hiking Adventure

• Hike from Toreadora Refuge through Polylepis forest
• Hike in Llaviuco Cloud Forest and lunch stop

Top questions

How long does the Cajas National Park day trip from Cuenca take?

The tour lasts a full day, starting with morning pickup in Cuenca and returning in the afternoon after hiking and lunch.

Is lunch included on this Cajas National Park hike?

Yes, lunch is included — usually featuring trout at a local restaurant during the return to Cuenca.

Do I need to be very fit for this Cajas National Park tour?

You should have at least moderate physical fitness since there are two hikes through different parts of the park.

Are hotel pickups included in this day trip?

Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off in Cuenca are included as part of your booking.

Can vegetarians or vegans join this tour?

Vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and lactose-free meal options are available if requested during booking.

Will there be a guide on this Cajas National Park hike?

A licensed naturalist guide leads the tour; for small groups they also drive.

What should I bring or wear for hiking in Cajas?

Comfortable walking shoes and sun protection are recommended due to changing weather conditions in the park.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup and drop-off from Cuenca, private transportation with a bilingual naturalist guide leading both hikes through Cajas National Park’s highlands and cloud forest areas, all entry fees covered, plus a traditional lunch (with trout or other dietary options) before heading back home together in the afternoon.