El Cajas National Park

The basics

The 112-square-mile (290-square-kilometer) reserve is dotted with some 230 lakes and a vast network of walking trails, making it a prime spot for hiking, fly fishing, horseback riding, and camping. Most travelers visit as part of a full- or half-day guided tour from Cuenca; tours typically revolve around guided hikes through different areas of the park, though it’s also possible to join birdwatching, biking, or fishing tours. Travelers can also combine a visit to the national park with a soak in a nearby thermal bath, a city tour of Cuenca, or a visit to a local cacao farm.

Things to know before you go

• Save money with a small-group tour of the park, or enjoy a more flexible itinerary with your own private guide.
• Remember to wear sturdy hiking boots, and dress in layers, as temperatures can vary significantly throughout the park.
• The park sits 13,000 feet (4,000 meters) above sea level; give yourself time to acclimate to the altitude before visiting the park.

How to get there

El Cajas National Park is located 19 miles (30 kilometers) west of Cuenca. If you’re not driving yourself, the best way to get there is by taking a guided tour with included round-trip transportation. You can also take the Occidental Bus from Terminal Terrestre, which departs twice daily in the morning.

When to get there

Due to its position near the equator, there is little seasonal variation in temperature inside the national park, though rainfall tends to be more frequent from January to May.

Wildlife of El Cajas National Park

Famous for its array of native wildlife, the park plays host to white-tailed deer, pumas, tapirs, llamas, Andean gulls, and Violet-tailed Metaltail; as well as rare species like Andean condor and cougar; and colorful flora like wild orchids and rare bromeliads. The park is a popular spot among birdwatchers, thanks to its 152 different recorded species (24 species of hummingbirds), many of which are difficult to find in other parts of Ecuador.