Cajas National Park

What is Cajas National Park?

Parque Nacional El Cajas (Cajas National Park) is a 28,544-hectare protected area located in the western Andes, just 30km from Cuenca. It sits at an altitude of 3,100 to 4,450 meters above sea level — making it one of the highest-altitude national parks in South America — and contains over 235 glacial lakes set among vast páramo (high-altitude grassland), cloud forest and rocky peaks.

The name "Cajas" likely derives from the Kichwa word "caxas," meaning coldness. The park is a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve and one of Ecuador's most important water catchment areas, supplying drinking water to much of Cuenca.

How to Get to Cajas from Cuenca

There are three main ways to reach Cajas:

1. Organized tour — the most convenient option, especially if you want a guide who knows the trails and wildlife. Several tour operators in Cuenca run half-day and full-day tours. Ask at the hotel for current recommendations.
2. Bus from Terminal Terrestre — buses heading to Guayaquil pass through Cajas. Take any bus toward Molleturo or Guayaquil and ask to be dropped at the park entrance (Laguna Toreadora). Around $3–4 each way. Buses depart frequently from about 6am.
3. Taxi or private car — a taxi from Cuenca to the park entrance is approximately $25–35 one way. Arrange for the driver to return at a set time or hire a day rate.

Best Trails in Cajas

Laguna Toreadora Loop (2–3 hours, easy)

Starting from the park's main visitor center, this loop around Laguna Toreadora is the most accessible trail and gives you a beautiful introduction to the páramo landscape and the park's distinctive lakes. The trail is marked and relatively flat. Perfect for those with limited time or who want an easy walk.

Tres Cruces Trail (4–6 hours, moderate)

A longer loop that takes you through cloud forest, along several lakes and up to elevated viewpoints. The Tres Cruces area sits at the continental divide — water on one side flows to the Pacific, on the other to the Amazon basin. Spectacular on clear days.

Fishing Trails (various)

Cajas is one of Ecuador's best trout fishing destinations. Several of the park's lakes have been stocked with rainbow trout and fishing is permitted with a license. Ask at the visitor center for current regulations and permitted areas.

What to Bring

• Warm layers — temperatures can drop below 5°C even on sunny days. Wind and rain arrive without warning.
• Waterproof jacket — the páramo can get very wet, very quickly.
• Sun protection — at altitude, UV levels are intense even on cloudy days. Sunscreen and sunglasses are essential.
• Good walking shoes — the terrain is rocky and muddy in places. Waterproof hiking boots are ideal.
• Water and snacks — the visitor center has a small café but don't rely on it for full meals. Bring enough water for your planned trail.
• Cash — the park entrance fee is approximately $2 for foreign visitors (check current prices).

When is the Best Time to Visit?

The dry season in Cuenca (June–August) generally brings clearer skies to Cajas, making it the best time for visibility and photography. However, the park is beautiful year-round and the rainy season brings lush green landscapes and dramatic cloud formations.

Aim to arrive early — mist tends to roll in during the afternoons, reducing visibility on the lakes and peaks. Departing Cuenca at 7–8am and arriving by 8–9am gives you the best morning light.

Wildlife to Look For

Cajas is home to a remarkable range of Andean species. Look out for the Andean condor (occasionally sighted over the ridges), spectacled bear, puma (rare), white-tailed deer, vicuña and dozens of endemic bird species including the Violet-throated Metaltail hummingbird and the Andean condor. The park contains 154 bird species — it's an outstanding destination for birdwatching.