Cuenca to Guayaquil: Cajas Park Hike & Cacao Farm Transfer

Summary

Andes crossing with lakeside walks fruit stalls and chocolate making

You’ll cross from Cuenca to Guayaquil through wild Andean scenery, walk among ancient trees in Cajas Park, taste fruits you’ve never heard of at a bustling market, and learn how real chocolate is made on a working cacao farm — all with a local guide who keeps things easygoing. Expect muddy shoes, full bellies, and stories you’ll want to retell.

What’s the experience like?

We left Cuenca early, bags packed in the van (they really do let you bring two each), winding up into the misty green of Cajas. Our guide, Diego, kept pointing out tiny lakes between patches of cloud — I counted maybe five before I lost track. The air smelled like wet moss and eucalyptus, and when we stopped at Toreadora, it was quiet except for some distant bird calls. I’m not much of a hiker but tried the Polylepis forest loop anyway; the trees looked twisted, almost haunted. My shoes got soaked in about ten minutes but I didn’t care — it felt good to just be out there.

After that we crossed over what Diego called “the continental divide” (I had to ask twice what that meant). Suddenly the landscape dropped away into rolling hills and banana plantations. We stopped for lunch at this roadside place where everyone seemed to know our guide — he ordered trout for us but there were veggie options too. The fish was so fresh it almost tasted sweet? Or maybe that was just me being hungry after all that walking.

The market stop was loud and bright — piles of dragon fruit, little mandarins with leaves still attached. Our guide handed me something called naranjilla and told me to bite right in; it was tart and kind of fizzy on my tongue. I tried to ask for another in Spanish but probably butchered it because one of the ladies behind the stall laughed and handed me a slice anyway.

On the cacao farm, a family showed us how they crack open pods — sticky pulp everywhere — and roast beans over an open fire. There was this earthy smell mixed with something sweet and smoky. Tasting warm chocolate straight from their hands felt oddly intimate; I still think about that moment sometimes when I buy chocolate back home. We made it to Guayaquil just as dusk hit, tired but weirdly happy — not sure if it was all the sugar or just seeing so many sides of Ecuador in one day.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Cuenca to Guayaquil via Cajas Park and cacao farm

• Drive from Cuenca to Toreadora refuge
• Optional hike in Polylepis Forest and Moorland
• Cross continental divide and enjoy scenery
• Stop for lunch at local restaurant
• Visit local fruit market and sample fruits
• Visit cacao farm and learn chocolate making
• Drop off in Guayaquil at chosen location

Top questions

Is hotel pickup included from Cuenca?

Yes, hotel pickup is included at your location in Cuenca.

How long does the drive from Cuenca to Guayaquil take?

The full day trip takes most of the day including stops; exact timing varies with weather and group pace.

Is lunch provided on this tour?

Yes, lunch is included if you select that option during booking.

Can vegetarians or vegans be accommodated?

Yes, vegetarian and vegan options are available at lunch; let them know your needs when booking.

Will we hike in Cajas Park?

An optional hike is offered at Toreadora refuge through Polylepis forest and moorlands; you can join or skip as you like.

Are there stops for photos or scenery along the way?

Yes, several scenic stops are made depending on weather conditions during the drive.

What do we do at the cacao farm?

You’ll see how cacao is grown and processed by a local family, taste fresh beans and chocolate if you wish.

Where will we be dropped off in Guayaquil?

You can choose drop-off at your hotel, airport or any location in Guayaquil city center.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup in Cuenca (or Guayaquil if going reverse), private van transport with AC for your luggage (up to two suitcases per person), an experienced bilingual guide who also drives for small groups, all entry fees for Cajas Park and farm visits, a traditional lunch with vegetarian options if selected during booking, plus drop-off wherever you need in Guayaquil city or airport at day’s end.