Cuenca: Day Trip to Cajas National Park & Dos Chorreras

Ecuador

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Explore the stunning landscapes of El Cajas National Park. Enjoy a guided hike and savor a local lunch at Hosteria Dos Chorreras.

Experience a guided day tour hiking El Cajas National Park near Cuenca, ideal for nature lovers and photographers.

Highlights

  • Hike at high altitudes in El Cajas National Park
  • Photograph Tres Cruces viewpoint
  • Explore Polylepis San Luis forest and 'Unidas' lagoons
  • Enjoy a local lunch at a nearby restaurant
  • Learn about the park’s ecosystem from an expert guide

Description

Depart daily from Cuenca with hotel, Airbnb, or Cuenca Airport pickup included. The tour starts at Tres Cruces, approximately 4,160 meters above sea level, where you can take photos and learn about the area from your guide. Then travel by vehicle to Laguna Toreadora to begin a 2.5 to 3.5-hour hike through the Polylepis San Luis forest and past the 'Unidas' lagoons at around 3,900 meters altitude.

After hiking, enjoy a regional lunch at a local restaurant. The tour ends with a return to Cuenca and drop-off at your accommodation or a central location.

Includes

  • Lunch
  • Transportation
  • Tour guide

Excludes

  • Personal expenses

Important Information

  • Not recommended for travelers with back problems or pregnant travelers
  • Most travelers can participate
  • Wear comfortable hiking shoes and bring a jacket

Cancellation Policy

Cancel up to 24 hours before the tour for a full refund.

Book at least 24 hours in advance. The best time to visit is during dry weather for safer hiking conditions.

Frequently Asked Questions

The tour includes guided hikes, visits to Tres Cruces viewpoint, Polylepis San Luis forest, Unidas lagoons, local lunch, and roundtrip transportation from Cuenca.

The tour departs daily from Cuenca with hotel, Airbnb, or airport pickup included.

The hike involves high-altitude terrain and moderate physical activity, suitable for hikers with reasonable fitness levels.

Yes, the tour offers excellent opportunities to photograph high-altitude landscapes, lakes, forests, and local flora and fauna in Ecuador's El Cajas National Park.

Yes, a traditional regional lunch is included at a local restaurant during the tour.

Tres Cruces viewpoint is situated at approximately 4,160 meters (13,650 feet) above sea level in El Cajas National Park.

No special permits are required; the guided tour includes any necessary park access arrangements.

Visit during the dry season, typically from June to September, for clearer skies and better hiking conditions.

Children can join if they are capable of handling high-altitude hikes; check with the provider for age recommendations.

The full-day tour usually lasts around 8 to 10 hours, including hiking, sightseeing, and transportation.

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