Cajas Park & Cuenca Tour: Lakes, Architecture, Highlights

Two ecosystems in one day: highland lakes and a UNESCO city

A full-day tour from Cuenca combines a two-hour hike through Cajas National Park (home to over 200 glacial lakes in the Andean highlands) with an afternoon walking tour of Cuenca's colonial center, including the New Cathedral, traditional neighborhoods along the Tomebamba River, a working Panama Hat factory, and the local market. Hotel pickup and drop-off, a professional guide in English or Spanish, and lunch at a local restaurant are included.

Step-by-step itinerary

Stops and time spent at each

1. El Cajas National Park3h
2. Turi Viewpoint15m

Explore Cajas Park and Cuenca City

• Walk in Cajas National Park
• Lunch at local restaurant
• Visit Turi viewpoint
• Tour Cuenca city and churches
• Walk in La Cruz del Vado neighborhood
• Explore Mercado 10 de Agosto
• Visit Panama Hats factory
• Hotel drop-off

The experience

The day starts in Cajas National Park with a two-hour hike through one of Ecuador's most significant natural areas. The trail moves through the park's distinctive flora and passes several of the glacial lakes that define the landscape. The hike is moderate and suited to travelers with a reasonable level of fitness. After the walk, you eat lunch at a local restaurant serving Ecuadorian food before heading back down to the city.

The afternoon focuses on Cuenca itself. Your guide takes you first to Turi Viewpoint, where the city spreads below you across a valley. Then the walking tour begins in earnest: you visit the New Cathedral (Catedral de la Inmaculada Concepción) and La Iglesia del Carmen, then move through the neighborhood of La Cruz del Vado, where colonial-era houses line streets with views of the Tomebamba River. The Mercado 10 de Agosto comes next: a working market where vendors sell produce and traditional textiles worn by local Cholas Cuencanas. A stop at a Panama Hat factory rounds out the tour. The guide explains how these hats, made only in Ecuador, are constructed. Hotel drop-off ends the day.

What’s included

• Private transportation with hotel pickup and drop-off.
• a professional guide speaking English or Spanish.
• lunch at a local restaurant (included in the group tour with lunch and private tour options).
• entry to Cajas National Park and access to all stops including Turi Viewpoint, the New Cathedral, La Iglesia del Carmen, the Tomebamba River neighborhoods, Mercado 10 de Agosto, and the Panama Hat factory.

Options for this experience

3 options

Group tour, lunch not includedGuide in English or Spanish · 08:00 and 08:30Tour without lunch, ideal for those who would rather bring their own food. Includes pickup.

Group tour with lunch at a local restaurantGuide in English or Spanish · 08:00 and 08:30Tour with lunch, ideal for those who want to taste homemade food in a local restaurant. Includes pickup.

Private tourGuide in English or Spanish · 08:00 and 08:30A specially designed tour built around your requirements, with the pickup time chosen by you. Entrance fees and lunch are included. Pickup is included.

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 dayDepartures at 08:00 and 08:30

AgesAdult (12 to 78 years) · Child (5 to 11 years) · Under 5: can't be booked

GroupUp to 12

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 5 days ago

Good to know

Moderate physical effortInfant seats availableNot recommended with heart problems

Operated by Polylepis Tours

Is this one for you?Pick the private tour to move at your own pace, or the group tour with lunch included if you'd rather follow a set schedule and share the experience with others.

Traveler reviews

5.00★★★★★★★★★★

4 verified traveler reviews

Read all the reviews ›

Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English and Spanish.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (5 to 11 years). Children under 5 can't be included in the booking.

What is the hike in Cajas National Park actually like?

The hike lasts approximately two hours and moves through the park's highland ecosystem, passing several of the glacial lakes and observing the native flora. It requires a moderate level of fitness but is designed for a range of abilities.

Does this tour visit the Panama Hat factory?

Yes, a stop at a working Panama Hat factory is included in the afternoon city tour. The guide explains the production process and details of this traditional Ecuadorian craft.

Is lunch included, and what kind of food is served?

Lunch at a local restaurant is included in the group tour with lunch and the private tour options. The meal features Ecuadorian cuisine. The group tour without lunch option excludes this meal.

How long is the full tour, and what time does it end?

The tour runs for eight hours total, starting with hotel pickup in the morning and ending with hotel drop-off in the afternoon.