Tours and Tickets to Experience El Cajas National Park

There are plenty of ways to experience El Cajas National Park. Looking at ratings and reviews previously given by customers, these are the best tours available right now:

• Cajas National Park Small-Group tour from Cuenca

• Amazing Cajas National Park Tour from Cuenca

• Cajas National Park Half Day Tour from Cuenca

• Cajas Unveiled: A Half-Day Escape from Cuenca

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.