Cuenca to Guayaquil: Cajas Park, Cocoa Farm & Scenic Transfer

Summary

From misty highlands to cocoa fields on the road between Cuenca and Guayaquil

You’ll cross mountains and cloud forests on this Cuenca–Guayaquil transfer with stops in Cajas Park for wild views and at a family cocoa farm where chocolate making gets real hands-on. Expect fresh air, good food (lunch included), and stories from locals along the way—a day that lingers long after you’ve unpacked.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I noticed was how thin the air felt when we stopped at Tres Cruces in Cajas. Our guide, Pablo, handed me a chunk of chocolate he said was “for altitude.” Maybe it helped, maybe it didn’t, but standing there with cold wind stinging my cheeks and that wild Andean silence all around—well, I just let myself feel small for a minute. The lakes below looked like little mirrors scattered across the grass. Pablo pointed out these strange trees—polylepis?—with bark that peels off in curls you can almost read through. I tried touching one and my fingers came away smelling faintly woody, almost sweet.

The drive from Cuenca to Guayaquil is nothing like I expected. You go from chilly moors to this sudden green explosion as you drop lower. We made a quick stop somewhere Pablo called “good grass”—I think he meant for photos, but honestly I just wanted to lie down and listen to the wind for a second. The road winds forever, or feels like it does. Then suddenly you’re passing banana trucks and tiny roadside stands selling coffee in plastic cups (strong enough to keep you up for days). Not sure if that’s a warning or an invitation.

Visiting the cocoa farm was warmer—literally and otherwise. The family who runs it showed us how they crack open the pods (the inside is sticky-sweet) and then roast the beans over a wood fire out back. Their youngest daughter giggled when I tried my Spanish; I think she understood me anyway. We tasted chocolate so fresh it still felt alive somehow. Lunch was simple but good—rice, chicken, something green—and we ate outside while chickens pecked around our feet. By the time we rolled into Guayaquil (or back to Cuenca if you’re going that way), I realized I’d barely checked my phone all day. That doesn’t happen much anymore, you know?

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Travel and visit Cajas National Park

• Pick up from hotel or accommodation
• Travel from Guayaquil to Cajas National Park
• Stop for photographs at good grass area
• Visit Tres Cruces natural viewpoint
• Explore polylepis forest
• Enjoy Andean landscape and lake system
• Visit family farm producing cocoa
• Learn chocolate making process
• Drop off at hotel or accommodation

Top questions

Is hotel pickup included for this transfer?

Yes, pickup is provided at your hotel or accommodation in either Cuenca or Guayaquil.

How long does the journey between Cuenca and Guayaquil take?

The route covers about 200km with stops; timing depends on traffic but expect several hours including visits.

Do we visit Cajas National Park during this transfer?

Yes, there’s a stop at Tres Cruces viewpoint in Cajas Park plus time to explore unique Andean landscapes.

Is lunch included on this tour?

Yes, lunch is provided during your visit to the cocoa farm.

Will we see how chocolate is made?

You’ll visit a family-run cocoa farm and see (and taste) parts of the chocolate-making process firsthand.

Are there photo stops along the way?

Yes, there’s at least one technical stop for photos in scenic areas known locally as “good grass.”

Is this transfer suitable for children or infants?

Yes; infants can ride in strollers or specialized seats are available upon request.

Can service animals join this tour?

Service animals are allowed on this transfer route.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup from either city, all transport between Cuenca and Guayaquil with photo stops en route through Cajas Park, entry to a family cocoa farm where you’ll join in tasting fresh chocolate, plus lunch before arriving at your chosen destination address.