Cajas National Park Private Trek: Hike Three Ecological Zones

Descend through mountains, lakes and grasslands on the only trek into this remote backcountry section.

The Legendary Luspa Private Trek is a guided hike through a remote section of Cajas National Park near Cuenca, Ecuador, where you descend from the park's highest elevation through three distinct ecological zones. The route passes mountains, cliffs, lakes, rivers, grasslands and indigenous flora as elevation and landscape change. Private transportation from Cuenca, an expert guide in English or Spanish, and coca tea (a medicinal Andean drink) are included. You choose your option at checkout, and some include dinner or thermal spa access afterward.

Step-by-step itinerary

Hike through Cajas National Park

• Drive through Cajas National Park
• Begin 4-hour guided trek
• Observe ecological zones and landscapes
• Enjoy views of mountains and lakes

The experience

This is the only operator running treks into this backcountry section of Cajas National Park. The tour starts with a scenic drive through the park to the trailhead, then a four-hour hike that descends the whole way. A deliberate design choice that makes the day easier and more enjoyable than climbing uphill. As you move through changing elevations, you pass through three different ecological zones, each with its own mountains, lakes, rivers, grasslands and unique flora adapted to that height.

Your guide is an expert in the park and speaks English or Spanish. Private transportation picks you up from Cuenca and brings you back, so there's no coordinating a group departure or waiting for a shuttle. Coca tea, a medicinal drink used by indigenous Andean peoples, is available on request if you let the operator know ahead of time. The trek takes five to seven hours total, including the drive and the hike itself. You'll want to bring lunch or snacks and plenty of water. The operator can advise on what works best for the elevation and the season.

The high altitude of Cajas National Park means spending at least two days in Cuenca beforehand to acclimate is strongly recommended. The hike itself requires intermediate fitness and good cardiovascular health. This is not a casual walk. Children are welcome from age twelve, and infants can sit on an adult's lap during the drive.

What’s included

• Private transportation from Cuenca to the trailhead and back.
• expert guide in English or Spanish.
• coca tea on request.
• access to the remote backcountry section of Cajas National Park that no other operator offers.

Options for this experience

4 options

Legendary Luspa TrekGuide in English or Spanish · 09:00Pickup is included.

Luspa Trek including Coca TeaGuide in English or Spanish · 09:00Hot tea made from the coca leaf, used by the indigenous people of the Andes for energy and to adjust to altitude. Includes pickup.

Luspa Hike, dinner includedGuide in English or Spanish · 09:00Dinner at a restaurant at the end of our hike. Choose from fresh trout, chicken, or pork. Includes pickup.

Luspa Hike and visit to the Thermal SpasGuide in English or Spanish · 09:00The perfect finish to a day of activity. We take our guests to Baños, Cuenca, to enjoy the thermal pools and spa. Includes pickup.

You pick the guide language when booking.

You'll see the exact price of each option when you check availability.See dates and prices

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day except WednesdayDeparts at 09:00

Book up to1d before

AgesAdult (18 to 64 years) · Senior (65 to 75 years) · Youth (12 to 17 years) · Under 12: 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.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 8 days ago

Good to know

Moderate physical effortNot recommended with heart problemsInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Marc King

Is this one for you?Book this trek if you want to hike through multiple landscapes and ecosystems in a single day without the strain of climbing uphill. The downhill-only design and private guide make it manageable for intermediate hikers who've acclimated to the altitude. If you prefer a shorter outing or are new to high-altitude hiking, consider spending extra days in Cuenca before booking to let your body adjust.

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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: Youth (12 to 17 years). Children under 12 can't be included in the booking.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What makes the Luspa Trek different from other hikes in Cajas National Park?

This is the only operator offering access to this remote backcountry section of the park. The route is also designed to descend from the highest elevation downward, which makes it physically easier than climbing while still moving through three distinct ecological zones with different landscapes, flora and views.

How long is the actual hiking on this trek?

The hike itself takes four hours, and the full tour including the scenic drive to and from the trailhead runs five to seven hours total.

What should I bring for this hike?

Bring lunch or snacks and plenty of water. The elevation and the length of the day mean you'll need both. Wear hiking boots or sturdy shoes, and dress in layers since you'll be moving through different elevations and weather can change quickly in the mountains.

Do I need to be an experienced hiker to do this trek?

The tour requires at least intermediate hiking fitness and good cardiovascular health. The downhill design makes it easier than an uphill hike, but you'll still be at high altitude for several hours. Spending at least two days in Cuenca to acclimate before the trek is strongly recommended.

What are the purchase options, and do they change what's included in the hike itself?

You can choose Luspa Hike with Dinner, Luspa Hike with Thermal Spas, Luspa Trek with Coca Tea, or Legendary Luspa Trek. All four options include the same private hike, guide, transport and access to coca tea. The options differ in what happens after the trek ends: dinner in Cuenca or a visit to thermal spas, depending on which you pick.

Is coca tea included, or do I have to pay extra?

Coca tea is included and available on request. Just let the operator know ahead of time if you'd like it. It's a medicinal drink traditionally used by indigenous Andean peoples to help with altitude adjustment and energy.