Excursion: Cajas National Park

The cajas national park is on an altitude of about 4000 meters above sea level and consists of a big amount of mountain lakes that are settled in the wrinkles of the Andes. It is possible to do different treks that are longer than just a day trip, but one can also do simpler one day treks.

To get there you have to take the bus leaving at the terminal of Cuenca, called Emtroc. It is situated at the other end of the terminal already outside again just in front of the gates. A oneway ticket costs 2$ and the bus takes about 1 hour to get there. The time table is as follows: 7am, 8am, 9.15am, 10.20am, 11.50am, 2pm, 2.30pm.

The park has no entrance fee but one has to register before entering the park, which can take some time as most tourists arrive by bus. The park is open from 8am to 4pm. Groups larger than 5 people have to make a reservation on 074049569. It is allowed to camp in the park. The weather can be quite foggy and it can be cold. However when the sun is shining it can be hot, so one has to pack for both. Most important is the sunscreens, as you are on 4000m. If you do a more day hike it is also important to take a good map with you and enough food. One can get lost easily, when the clouds are coming, because the landscape is moor like.

To go back wait for the bus to pick you up.