Cajas National Park: My Big Guide With Photos And Trail Descriptions
Another natural and wildlife-rich destination in Ecuador is the Cajas National Park. You will find the stunning and pristine landscapes of Cajas National Park located less than an hour away from city of Cuenca in Ecuador. The park's 28,000 hectares, which range in elevation from 3,160 to 4,450 meters, are evocative of the Scottish highlands, with steep green mountains mixed with crystalline lakes and streams. We added Cajas park to the list of places to visit during our Ecuador mainland trip.
Quick Facts About Cajas National Park
| Entry | No entrance fee for visitors (exempt on the park operator's tariff page); registration at the Toreadora control point is obligatory |
|---|---|
| Size | 28,544 hectares |
| Elevation | From 3,160 m up to about 4,450 m |
| From Cuenca | Less than an hour; one official bus stop on the main road in front of the visitor center |
| Landscape | Glacier valleys, páramo moors, polylepis forest and many lakes; a Ramsar wetland of international importance |
Our Take On Cajas National Park
We saw Andean Condors soaring above us in Cajas National Park, and even caught a glimpse of a Spectacled Bear in the distance. The park's 28,544 hectares of glacier valleys, moors and forests reminded us of the Scottish highlands. Being less than an hour from Cuenca made it an easy choice for us during our travels in Ecuador.
Cajas National Park is truly a natural wonder that offers an incredible escape into nature. Being less than an hour from Cuenca made it an easy choice for us during our travels in Ecuador. The park’s diverse landscapes, reminiscent of the Scottish highlands, immediately captivated us with its steep green mountains and crystal-clear lakes.
As we explored the park’s 28,544 hectares, we marveled at the breathtaking glacier valleys, moors, and forests. The abundance of pristine mountain lakes provided a perfect backdrop for our adventure. One of the highlights was spotting the local wildlife; we were fortunate enough to see some Andean Condors soaring above us, and we even caught a glimpse of a Spectacled Bear in the distance. I also loved watching the colorful hummingbirds flit about and the wild alpacas grazing peacefully.
How Do You Get To Cajas National Park From Cuenca?
Cajas National Park is less than an hour from Cuenca. We visited while driving from Cuenca to Guayaquil, taking an Occidental bus from Cuenca's Terrestre bus station. The park has one official bus stop on the main road in front of the visitor center, and buses toward Cuenca stop when waved down.
El Cajas National Park is indeed quite accessible, making it an ideal stop during our travels. We decided to visit the park while driving from Cuenca to Guayaquil, and it turned out to be one of the best decisions we made.
For those looking to spend the night or more in the park, I highly recommend booking a Cajas National Park tour, as these packages often include transportation to and from the park. This makes the experience even more convenient.
If you prefer to travel independently like we did, reaching the park is simple. We took an Occidental bus from Cuenca’s Terrestre bus station, which departs frequently. Just a tip: it’s always a good idea to check the departure schedules at the station, as they can sometimes vary.
Getting back to Cuenca from the park was really straightforward for us. There’s just one official bus stop in the park, conveniently located right on the main road in front of the visitors center. All we had to do was wave at a bus heading towards Cuenca, and it would stop to transport us back to the Terrestre station. It was as easy as that!
What To Do In Cajas National Park?
El Cajas has trails for every skill level, from a few hundred meters to multi-day hikes with camping. We tackled the 4.2-kilometer Toreadora to Lagunas Unidas and Totoras Trail, the 2.2-kilometer Cerro San Luis Trail to the 4,264-meter peak, and the 18-kilometer Osohuaycu Trail over two days with overnight camping. Shorter options include the 300-meter Ilincocha trail.
| Trail | What it is |
|---|---|
| Uku Trail | 1.7 kilometer loop around Llaviucu Lagoon, good for birdwatching and fishing |
| Toreadora | 2.2 kilometer flat walk around Toreadora Lake from the tourist center |
| Ilincocha | 300 meter trail for birdwatching with a Polylepis high altitude woodland |
| Nature and Human History Trail | Challenging 4.2 kilometer trek through Polylepis woodland below Cerro San Luis |
| Cerro San Luis Trail | 2.2 kilometer track to the 4,264 meter peak with panoramic views |
| Cajas Inca Trail | 18 kilometer Osohuaycu journey taking two days with overnight camping |
| Quinuas Valley | 8.1 kilometer trail with its own unique scenery and challenges |
| Encuentro con las Burines | 5.3 kilometer trail with its own unique scenery and challenges |
| Great Osohuaycu | 12.2 kilometer trail with its own unique scenery and challenges |
El Cajas has something for every outdoor enthusiast, no matter the skill level. For those like us who love nature without wanting to dive into extreme activities, there are shorter trails that only span a few hundred meters. For the more adventurous, though, there are longer hikes that require multi-day efforts and outdoor camping. Here are a few of our top trail recommendations in Cajas!
The Llaviucu Lagoon Trail is a 1.7-kilometer loop that circles the beautiful Llaviucu Lagoon. My wife and I found this path to be perfect for birdwatching and enjoying a peaceful fishing experience from the lakeshore. The serene surroundings make it an ideal spot to relax and take in the stunning natural beauty of Cajas.
Toreadora
From the tourist center, walk 2.2 kilometers around Toreadora Lake on flat terrain.
Ilincocha
This trail is short but worth it! It is a 300-meter trail that is ideal for birdwatching and features a little Polylepis (Quinoa) high-altitude woodland.
Nature and Human History Trail
The Toreadora to Lagunas Unidas and Totoras Trail is a challenging 4.2-kilometer trek that my wife and I tackled during our visit. This journey takes you through beautiful Polylepis woodland at the foot of Cerro San Luis. The trail offers a rewarding experience for those willing to take on the challenge, with breathtaking views along the way that made the effort worthwhile.
Cerro San Luis Trail
The Cerro San Luis Trail is a 2.2-kilometer track that my wife and I found to be more challenging but incredibly rewarding. This hike takes you to the peak of Cerro San Luis, which stands at 4,264 meters. When we reached the top, we were treated to stunning panoramic views on a clear day that made the climb absolutely worth it.
Cajas Inca Trail
The Osohuaycu Trail is a longer 18-kilometer journey that we embarked on, taking us two days to complete, including an overnight camping experience. It was an adventure we won’t forget!
Additionally, there are several other trails in Cajas that are worth exploring. We found Quinuas Valley, which is 8.1 kilometers, Encuentro con las Burines at 5.3 kilometers, and the Great Osohuaycu, which spans 12.2 kilometers. Each of these trails offers its own unique scenery and challenges, making them great options for hikers of all levels.
What Wildlife Can You See In Cajas National Park?
Las Cajas is home to many animal species, though spotting them can be challenging. We saw llamas, alpacas, deer, Andean foxes, wild horses and rabbits, and were fortunate to watch Andean Condors soaring above us. The park hosts 157 bird species and 24 hummingbird species, including the gigantic hummingbird, the world's largest.
There’s a lot of flora and fauna worth seeing in Cajas National Park. Since this is a protected area, we always made sure to follow the park’s rules and regulations. We appreciated that Ecuadorians maintain this protected area for the benefit of the wildlife living here.
Flora
The Andean Paramo environment is exposed and tough for plant life, but we found fascinating plants if we knew where to look. The dominating plant in the area is straw grass, which grows almost everywhere. We also came across unusual cushion plants; their spongy quality is ideal for absorbing and storing water, which is then gently released.
These plants are essential for regulating humidity in the local ecology and ensuring a consistent water supply for Cuenca’s rivers. We were captivated by the tiny high-altitude flowers that brightened the green cushion carpet with yellows, reds, and purples.
The Polylepis (Quinoa) — the world’s highest altitude tree — is perhaps the most remarkable plant we encountered at Las Cajas. It caught our attention with its thin, red-brown, peeling bark, earning it the nickname “the paper tree.” We were fascinated by how these trees had a lot of twisted and curling limbs, reminiscent of something out of a haunting fantasy woodland.
Fauna
Las Cajas is home to a plethora of animal species, though spotting them can be a bit challenging. During our visit, we saw some of the more common animal sightings, like llamas, alpacas, deer, Andean foxes, wild horses, and rabbits. However, we were also on the lookout for the shyer species, such as pumas, Andean bears, coatis, weasels, skunks, porcupines, and the unique Cajas water mouse.
We were fascinated to learn that Cajas is not just a Ramsar Wetland of International Importance for migrating birds but also home to 157 different bird species!
While the Andean Condor is often the major attraction for birders like us visiting Cajas, we were thrilled to see other colorful species, such as parrots, toucans, tanagers, and guans. Among the 24 hummingbird species present at Cajas National Park, we kept an eye out for the gigantic hummingbird (Patagona gigas), which is the world’s largest species. We also hoped to catch a glimpse of the rare Cajas indigenous violet-throated metal tail (Metalura gorjivioleta) during our exploration of the park.
What Is The Elevation Range Of Cajas National Park?
Cajas National Park sits at 3,160 to 4,450 meters. With less oxygen to breathe, some people, including us, tired faster than usual, so acclimatization mattered. The weather is unpredictable and generally chilly, not freezing, and can be rainy and muddy. Ecuador's dry season runs from June to September, but it can rain at any time of year.
Cajas National Park is situated at a high elevation of 3,160 to 4,450 meters. Acclimatization is crucial for us before trekking in the park to avoid altitude sickness and to fully enjoy our trip. Staying hydrated was especially important at this altitude. We noticed that, because there is less oxygen to breathe, some people, including us, tended to tire out faster than usual.
The weather in Cajas National Park is quite unpredictable, so it’s best for us to come prepared. During our visit, we noticed that Cajas receives a lot of rain, which was the main reason we didn’t hike. The weather is generally chilly, but not freezing; it can be rainy and muddy, with clouds frequently rolling over the hills due to the high altitude.
We found that checking the weather forecast ahead of time and dressing accordingly was a good strategy. Ecuador’s dry season lasts from June to September, but we learned that it can rain at any time of year.
What Should You Bring To Cajas National Park?
Layers are the key in Cajas, where the weather can change every minute. We wore sturdy hiking footwear because the paths are frequently muddy and rainy, and packed a rain jacket, poncho, fleece and warm layers. Even on a pleasant day we kept these essentials in our bag, and wore sunscreen and lip balm against sun and wind.
As I mentioned earlier, the weather in Cajas National Park is so unpredictable that it can literally change every minute. If we planned on trekking here, we knew not to compromise on our attire; layers are the key to success.
We wore sturdy hiking footwear since the paths are frequently muddy and rainy. It was important for us to bring a good-quality rain jacket and poncho, along with any extra warm layers, such as a fleece jacket. We also opted for leggings and outdoor hiking pants.
Even if the day of our visit turned out pleasant and warm, we made sure to keep these essentials safely packed in our bag.
And even if the sky looked gloomy, we remembered to wear sunscreen and lip balm to protect our skin and lips from the sun and wind. Lastly, we took ChlorOxygen 1-2 weeks ahead of our trip to help us deal with the high altitudes more easily.
Is Cajas National Park Worth Visiting?
Las Cajas National Park has something for everyone. We were amazed by the landscapes carved by ancient glaciers, the birds around the crystal-clear lakes, and the unique flora and wildlife. With a network of pathways for hikers and nature lovers, this rugged Ecuadorian landscape is, in our view, a must-visit place worth seeing for yourself.
Las Cajas National Park in Ecuador has everything for everyone. We were amazed by the awe-inspiring landscapes carved by ancient glaciers, the abundance of birds around the crystal-clear lakes, and the unique flora and wildlife. With a network of pathways for hikers and environmental enthusiasts, Las Cajas National Park truly is an enticing destination for travelers. With its rugged and natural beauty, we believe this Ecuadorian landscape is a must-visit place, and we highly recommend seeing it for yourself!
Planning trip to Ecuador?
My wife and I spent 15 days traveling from the northern part of Ecuador to the south, 11 of them in a rental car, visiting amazing cities like Quito, Otavalo, Baños, Cuenca, and Guayaquil. Along the way, we explored iconic places such as Cotopaxi National Park, Quilotoa Lake, and many more breathtaking destinations.
Not many blogs cover traveling in Ecuador in detail, so I spent nearly three weeks creating this comprehensive Ecuador travel guide based on our trip. It’s packed with everything you need to know, and honestly, I consider it the best free travel guide about Ecuador out there.
If you’re planning a trip to Ecuador, don’t forget to use my link for discounted hotel prices through Booking.com. It’s a great way to support my blog while saving money on your accommodations!
Questions About Cajas National Park
Is Cajas National Park worth visiting?
Yes. The park offers landscapes carved by ancient glaciers, birds around crystal-clear lakes, unique flora and wildlife, and a network of paths, making it a must-visit. Weather is unpredictable and often rainy.
What is the elevation range of Cajas National Park?
The park runs from 3,160 m in the Llaviucu valley up to about 4,450 m (the park management plan gives 4,445 m for the highest point), so acclimatization matters before trekking.
What to do in Cajas National Park?
Hike one of the trails, from short loops of a few hundred meters around Ilincocha or Toreadora Lake to multi-day treks with camping. Watch birds and look for the Polylepis woodland, Andean condors, hummingbirds and wild alpacas.
What are some good day trips I can take from Cuenca, Ecuador?
Cajas National Park, less than an hour from Cuenca. Take an Occidental bus from the Terrestre station, get off on the main road at the visitor center, and flag a bus back to Cuenca.
