Cajas National Park
Parque Nacional Cajas
A high-altitude wetland national park about 30 km west of Cuenca, at 3,100 to 4,450 m, with roughly 270 glacial lakes and páramo grasslands.
The park's main entrance is the Laguna Toreadora visitor center (the coordinates given are for its parking lot). From there, you can walk the lakeside loop in about 1 to 2 hours, or take on longer hikes linking several lakes. The lower Llaviucu lake area has cloud forest and gentler trails. Entry is free, but you must register at the visitor center. The altitude is high and temperatures are low, often 0 to 12°C, so bring a windproof and waterproof jacket and warm layers. Visitors new to high altitude should take it slowly to avoid altitude sickness. From Cuenca, a bus toward Guayaquil takes about 1 hour, and you can get off at the park entrance.
Opening hours
Approx. 08:00–16:30 (entry registration)
Nearby sights
- Baños de Cuenca Hot Springs
- Church & Plaza of San Sebastián
- Municipal Museum of Modern Art
- Church of Santo Domingo
- Mercado 10 de Agosto
- Calle Larga
- Plaza de las Flores
- Plaza & Church of San Francisco