Cajas Park Day Trip from Cuenca: Lakes Walk & Tres Cruces View

Summary

Cuenca to Cajas for wild lakes, forest trails & highland views

You’ll hike through Cajas’ wild highlands with a local guide from Cuenca—walking past glacial lakes and ancient Polylepis forests before reaching Tres Cruces Viewpoint at over 4,100 meters. Expect shifting weather, silence broken by birdsong, hotel pickup included—and moments that stick with you long after you leave.

What’s the experience like?

“Is it always this quiet?” I asked our guide, Daniel, as we stepped out of the van into Cajas. He just smiled and pointed at the mist curling off the grass — honestly, it was so still I could hear my own boots crunching. The drive from Cuenca only took about an hour but it felt like we’d landed somewhere totally different. At Toreadora, Daniel explained the altitude (almost 4,000 meters) and handed me a coca candy “just in case.” I didn’t expect to feel the air that sharp or see so many tiny lakes scattered everywhere — more than 200, apparently. We started walking and I kept stopping to touch the weirdly soft moss underfoot. It’s spongy, almost bouncy.

We wandered through these twisted Polylepis trees that looked like something out of a storybook — bark peeling in curls, all red and papery. Daniel showed us some plants people use for tea (I forgot the name already), and there was this moment where everything went quiet except for a bird call echoing over the water. Felt like time paused right there. My friend tried to take a selfie with a llama but it just stared back, chewing very slowly — not impressed at all. The weather kept shifting: sun for five minutes, then sudden cold wind on my face. I actually liked not knowing what would happen next.

The last stop was Tres Cruces Viewpoint — over 4,100 meters up. The clouds moved fast here; one minute we saw valleys spread out forever, then everything disappeared in white mist again. Daniel told us stories about travelers getting lost before there were proper trails (not scary exactly… but I stuck close). On the way back to Cuenca I realized my jacket smelled like wet grass and earth. Still does a bit now. If you’re short on time but want to feel Ecuador’s highlands properly — this half day trip to Cajas is kind of perfect.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Half day tour to Cajas National Park

• Pick up from accommodations
• Drive 1 hour to Cajas National Park
• Walk 1 hour 30 minutes in Toreadora area
• Cross gaps and Polylepis forests
• Learn about moorland vegetation
• Visit Tres Cruces Viewpoint at 4160m

Top questions

How far is Cajas from Cuenca?

Cajas is about 32km west of Cuenca—roughly an hour’s drive by car or tour vehicle.

What’s included in the Cajas half day tour?

The tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off in Cuenca, all entry fees and taxes, transport by private vehicle, and a professional local guide.

How difficult is the hike at Cajas National Park?

The walk lasts about 1 hour 30 minutes at high altitude; travelers should have moderate fitness due to uneven terrain and elevation.

What is Tres Cruces Viewpoint?

Tres Cruces is a panoramic viewpoint at 4,160 meters above sea level inside Cajas Park—famous for its dramatic views when clouds clear.

Is lunch included on this day trip?

No lunch is included; the tour focuses on hiking and sightseeing with return to Cuenca after around four hours total.

Are there llamas or wildlife in Cajas?

You might spot llamas or Andean birds along the trail—wildlife sightings are common though not guaranteed.

What should I bring for this hike?

Bring warm layers (weather shifts quickly), rain protection, water, snacks if needed, and comfortable walking shoes.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup from Cuenca with private transport out to Cajas Park’s Toreadora area; all entry fees are covered; you’ll be guided throughout by a knowledgeable local who shares stories about moorland plants and Andean life before returning you safely back to your accommodation.