El Cajas National Park Tours and Tickets

Q: How much does it cost to visit El Cajas National Park in 2026?

International travelers typically pay around US$10 to enter El Cajas National Park, with the fees contributing directly to the park’s maintenance and preservation efforts. (There’s an extra fee to camp there.) Before exploring the landscape, all visitors are asked to register upon arrival, for safety and management purposes.

Q: What is the best time of year to visit El Cajas National Park?

The best time to visit El Cajas National Park is from June to September, when the weather is at its driest, with temperatures averaging around 85°F (30°C). This is when you’ll find the best conditions for hiking and outdoor activities, though more visitors come to the park during these months. The rainiest months are March and April.

Q: Can I hike in El Cajas National Park without a guide?

Yes, you can hike in El Cajas National Park without a guide, but it’s best to do this if you’re familiar with the terrain, in a group, or an experienced hiker. To be safe, it’s important to register at the park entrance when you arrive. Some trails can be challenging, so going with a guide is recommended for longer hikes.

Q: What wildlife can I see at El Cajas National Park?

El Cajas National Park is rich in wildlife, so you may spot Andean bears, wild horses, Andean foxes, pumas, llamas, and coatis. It’s also a bird-watcher’s paradise, with species such as giant hummingbirds, parrots, and toucans; look out for smaller mammals and amphibians too.

Q: Is El Cajas National Park accessible?

No, El Cajas National Park is not particularly accessible to wheelchair users and those with reduced mobility. This is mainly because of its uneven paths, rugged terrain, and high-altitude landscapes. Some trails may be easier than others, but generally, the paths are geared toward hiking and still wouldn’t be fully suitable.

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Amazing Cajas National Park Tour from Cuenca

7 to 8 hoursFree Cancellation

4.9

(255)

from $47

Price varies by group size

Cajas Unveiled: A Half-Day Escape from Cuenca

Experience the world renowned natural beauty of Cajas National Park on a 4-hour guided tour from Cuenca. Convenient round-trip transportation from your accommodation enables you to relax and enjoy the scenic drive through the mountains. Once at the UNESCO listed park, your guide takes care of navigation allowing you to fully appreciate the llamas, Polylepis trees, and impressive lakes that surround you.

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Cajas Unveiled: A Half-Day Escape from Cuenca

4 hoursFree Cancellation

5.0

(71)

from $40

Price varies by group size

Cajas National Park Small-Group tour from Cuenca

7 to 8 hoursFree Cancellation

5.0

(224)

from $48

Price varies by group size

Cajas National Park Half Day Tour from Cuenca

4 hours 20 minutesFree Cancellation

4.9

(178)

from $39

Price varies by group size

Cajas NP Hiking & Thermal Baths from Cuenca

8 hoursFree Cancellation

4.7

(3)

from $49

Price varies by group size

A unique experience very private small group, personalized attention, and the best places, we include the most complete tour, include food, landscapes, nature, history, heritage, and culture in a very friendly and host environment we try to do feeling like family. We start the tour We will take an walk in the highlands through the moorland ecosystem of wetlands and lakes to get to the unique forest of Polylepis trees. These are the highest growing trees in the world and are native to South America. Before returning to Cuenca, we will have a hot chocolate with sweet bread at a amazing hostery in Cajas Discover In addition to sating your appetite and cultural curiosities, this tour is a great way to know the fusion between nature, landscapes, culture, architecture, and heritagehighlights include Sanduche de pernil, tamales, empanadas, and traditional beverages like morocho and coconut juice. Along the way, visit the ruins of Todos Los Santos, the Broken Bridge, and other

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Private Day Tour in Cuenca and Cajas

7 hoursFree Cancellation

5.0

(3)

from $41

Cajas National Park Hiking Tour from Cuenca

8 hoursFree Cancellation

4.9

(14)

from $47

Price varies by group size

Experience the unbeatable beauty of Cajas National Park your way on a private day tour from Cuenca. The start time and duration of the excursion are entirely up to you. Whatever you decide, relax in convenient round-trip transportation from your hotel. The park offers a variety of picturesque trails to suit every experience level. In between your two Andean treks, enjoy lunch at a local restaurant.

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Cajas National Park tour from Cuenca

7 to 8 hoursFree Cancellation

4.7

(11)

from $50

Price varies by group size

Wonderful Cajas National Park tour from Cuenca

8 hoursFree Cancellation

4.9

(21)

from $48

Price varies by group size

Ultimate Cajas National Park Full-Day Adventure with Local Expert

Cajas National Park protects a huge swath of lake-dotted Andean grasslands—one of the most biologically diverse in the Andes range—just west of Cuenca. During this full-day tour, save time waiting in line at the national park visitors center, and go on a hike through highlands, wetlands, and a Polylepis forest, home to the highest altitude trees in the world. This leaves time for lunch at a local restaurant specializing in fresh trout.

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Ultimate Cajas National Park Full-Day Adventure with Local Expert

7 to 8 hoursFree Cancellation

4.8

(24)

from $55

Price varies by group size

Private Cajas National Park Half-Day Tour from Cuenca

3 to 4 hoursFree Cancellation

3.0

(2)

from $74

Price varies by group size

Shared Cajas National Park Half-Day Tour from Cuenca

Cajas National Park with its cloudy moors and hundreds of high altitude lakes sits just a short drive outside the usually sunny Cuenca. With this half-day tour, even travelers with limited time in Cuenca can see the park’s natural wonders while saving money on shared transportation to and from the park. This area is known for its biodiversity, and you’ll see two distinct ecosystems in the higher and lower portions of the park.

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Shared Cajas National Park Half-Day Tour from Cuenca

4 to 5 hoursFree Cancellation

5.0

from $76

Full-Day Cajas N. Park and Cuenca CityTour

Cajas National Park and the city of Cuenca offer the best of this part of Ecuador and this full-day tour includes both. Enjoy a moderate hike in Cajas National Park to appreciate its unique geography, flora, and fauna, including llamas. In Cuenca, see the architecture, churches, art, and ambiance that make this one of the most beautiful cities in Ecuador. Hotel pickup and drop-off are included for convenience.

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Full-Day Cajas N. Park and Cuenca CityTour

8 hoursFree Cancellation

5.0

(4)

from $55

Price varies by group size

Private Cajas National Park Tour through Cloud Forest and Moorlands

7 hours 30 minutesFree Cancellation

4.8

(10)

from $89

Price varies by group size

Birdwatching Tour in Cajas National Park from Cuenca

The park is located only 45 minutes from Cuenca. This lagoon system, with over 230 lakes, invites you to enjoy one of the nicest landscapes in South America. There are different ecosystems such as: Andean Mountain forest, Polylepis forest, paramo or grassland. You will have the chance to spot many interesting birds, even the endemic hummingbird of Cajas - the “Violet Throated Metaltail”- one of the most important birds in Ecuador. Also, on this tour you will see the beautiful Tit Like Dacnis, Blue Mantled Thornbill, Stout Billed Cinclodes, Tawny Antpitta, Spectacled Whitestar, Tyrian Metaltail, Gray Breasted Mountain Toucan, Andean Guan, and so much more.

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Birdwatching Tour in Cajas National Park from Cuenca

8 hoursFree Cancellation

5.0

(9)

from $105

Price varies by group size

The Best of El Cajas National Park in a Photography Adventure

7 hoursFree Cancellation

3.5

from $250

Discover the best of Cajas National Park without the overwhelming tourist crowds on a private hiking tour from Cuenca. Starting from the park's highest elevation, you'll follow your guide on a leisurely downhill trek through three ecological zones, each offering unique flora and fauna. With very few people on the backcountry trail, you'll enjoy unobstructed views of mountains, rivers, grasslands, and more.

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Legendary Luspa Private Trek

5 to 7 hoursFree Cancellation

4.7

(14)

from $75

After hotel pickup in Cuenca, you’ll set off on an 8-hour avian adventure at El Cajas National Park. From an elevation of 3,800 meters (12,800 ft), you’ll see a long list of endemic birds, including the Tufted Tit Tyrant and Variable Hawk. Go at a leisurely pace with your private guide to maximize your sightings and enjoy the scenery. Unwind as private transport takes you back to your hotel.

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Birdwatching Tour in Cajas National Park from Cuenca

8 hoursFree Cancellation

5.0

(60)

from $105

Price varies by group size

4 or 5 Day Quito to Cuenca and Cotopaxi,Quilotoa,Baños,Chimborazo

If you’re short on time and want to see all that Ecuador has to offer, take a comprehensive 4-day tour. Three nights of accommodation and transportation are included between your visits to Quito, Banos, Cuenca, and more. If you'd like to tack on an additional day, a visit to El Cajas National Park and Piedra da Agua Spa is on the itinerary. Where you begin is up to you, as the tour can begin from either Quito or Cuenca.

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4 or 5 Day Quito to Cuenca and Cotopaxi,Quilotoa,Baños,Chimborazo

5 daysFree Cancellation

5.0

(64)

from $695

Price varies by group size

Inca Trail Cajas National Park tour from Cuenca

Hike the trails of the Incas and Cañaris on a private 9-hour tour to the UNESCO listed Cajas National Park. Thanks to comfortable round-trip transportation from your Cuenca hotel, you can avoid the headache of infrequent public buses. After arrival, follow your personal guide on a challenging 5- to 6-hour hike through the Andean Mountains. Along the way, have a boxed lunch amongst the Ecuadorian flora and fauna.

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Inca Trail Cajas National Park tour from Cuenca

7 to 8 hoursFree Cancellation

5.0

(1)

from $110

Price varies by group size

Birdwatching Tour Cajas Park and Tamarindo Tropical Forest area from Cuenca

With more than 1660 species, Ecuador´s avifauna is considered one of best places in the world to practice birdwatching. The high percentage of endemic birds found in both Choco and Tumbesian regions invite birdwatchers to enjoy a really amazing experience in this small country!! Our trips offer the possibility to see around 50 species in only one day, while you visit different ecosystems like: the Cloud Forest, Tropical Forest, Andean Mountain Forest, Andean Dry Forest, etc. In our daily tours in the south of Ecuador, you will have the chance to spot some of the Southern Endemic birds. Let us to show you the wonders of the birds.

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Birdwatching Tour Cajas Park and Tamarindo Tropical Forest area from Cuenca

9 hoursFree Cancellation

4.8

(6)

from $140

Price varies by group size

Cajas National Park and Cuenca City private Tour

If you’re on a tight schedule this program is ideal to see the highlights of Cuenca city and Cajas National Park You’ll start the day visiting Cajas National Park, one of the most beautiful natural sites in Ecuador. Its landscapes, flora, fauna, and more than 230 lakes, makes it an essential place to visit. After hiking with amazing views, you will return to Cuenca for lunch and a guided tour of the historic center, declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and see places like the new and the old Cathedral, the 10 de agosto market, Turi Viewpoint and the famous Panama Hat (Straw hats) factory. Because, as a matter of fact, all Panama hats are proudly manufactured in Ecuador! We will tell you all its history while on tour.

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Cajas National Park and Cuenca City private Tour

8 hoursFree Cancellation

5.0

(2)

from $115

Price varies by group size

The Best of Ecuador & Galapagos 12 Days / 11 Nights

Discover the Avenue of the Volcanoes at the Ecuadorian Andes very well known for its striking volcanic peaks and rugged Andean scenery. Some of Ecuador’s most visited sites lie in this area, including the view Cotopaxi volcano, the Quilotoa Lake a huge crater lake, the lively little holiday town of Baños and of course, Ecuador’s highest peak, Chimborazo. Continue to Cuenca with its cozy old town with colonial plazas, squares and much more. The land tour ends in Guayaquil city based at the pacific coast in order to depart to the Enchanted Islands of Galapagos which will captivate to every traveler with its unique flora and fauna.

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The Best of Ecuador & Galapagos 12 Days / 11 Nights

12 daysFree Cancellation

5.0

(11)

from $2,720

Price varies by group size

All of Ecuador mainland in 10 days mountains, jungle and lowland

Ecuador is a country where you will enjoy nature, mountains, culture, history and fun. You can start your day in the beach , get to the mountains in the afternoon and sleep in jungle. Ecuador is small country but with a high biodiversity. One of the most interesting thing is its people, you will see indigenous living in mountains, natives in the jungle , farmers working on the land, fisherman on the sea Food in Ecuador is incredible , you can try seafood when you are in the Costal region , potatoes, corn and ginea pig on mountains and casava or yuca and fish in Amazon region .

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All of Ecuador mainland in 10 days mountains, jungle and lowland

10 daysFree Cancellation

5.0

(12)

from $1,500

Price varies by group size

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What are people saying about El Cajas National Park

Cajas National Park Half Day Tour from Cuenca

Anne_F, Jul 2026

Great day at Cajas National Park.

Our guide Eddie was excellent! He drove us safely to the park, led us on a great hike, and made the whole experience enjoyable and stress-free. He was friendly, knowledgeable, and made sure everyone had a great time. Highly recommended!

Amazing Cajas National Park Tour from Cuenca

Clara_M, Mar 2026

Small group, very funny...

Small group, very funny and kind driver and guide. The landscape of cajas national park was so amazing, I think its a must when you are in Cuenca

Amazing Cajas National Park Tour from Cuenca

Sorina_M, Mar 2026

Day trip to Cajas national park, Cuenca

The trip was very informative- you will be trekking at altitude so be aware of the strong uv. Sunscreen hat and water are essential. Sturdy boots, layered clothes and a small rucksack. It was about 3 hours but tailored to guests ability and desire. We visited 3 separate climates and altitudes the highest 4200m. The main trek at 3800m. We stopped for a great lunch as part of the deal and then visited the lower part of the valley. Diego our guide was excellent in every aspect.

Birdwatching Tour in Cajas National Park from Cuenca

Lorraine_S, Mar 2026

This was a great trip...

This was a great trip with a very knowledgeable guide. Edison not only knew about the local birds, but also about local history and local plants.

Ultimate Cajas National Park Full-Day Adventure with Local Expert

Karen_B, Oct 2025

Hiking in Cajas National Park

We had a wonderful time hiking in Cajas National Park. Xavier was our guide and he was fantastic! Xavier always gave us options and asked what we preferred. He went at our pace and had lots of interesting information about wildlife, plants, nearby trails and the area in general.

Private Cajas National Park Half-Day Tour from Cuenca

Tammy_D, Oct 2025

A Must See National Park!

If you can get Eddy as your tour guide, you are already having, in our opinion, the best tour guide in Cuenca. The National Park is amazing. So much history, beautiful scenery and a knowledgeable tour guide added so much to this trip. Being Canadians, we were surprised and impressed that the trout in the lake were brought in from Canada.

Amazing Cajas National Park Tour from Cuenca

Harrison_B, Feb 2026

Perfect Tour of a Breathtaking Place

Excellent tour of the national park! Our terrific tour guide (Pedro) was not only experienced in navigating the park but also had lots of great information about the natural environment. I would say the tour is best for hikers with medium level of fitness/experience - there are some steeper hills and rock scrambles but nothing unmanageable. The lunch add-on is definitely worth it. A lot of good food at a traditional Ecuadorian restaurant. The park itself is absolutely stunning - towering mountains, chilly lakes, marshes, forests, and out of this world fauna. Truly unmissable if you’re traveling in Ecuador.