The main hiking attracting in Cuenca is the nearby national park Cajas. However there are some other options in the foothills that surround the city. Due to how quickly the weather can change, it is always recommended that you travel prepared for any type of weather; intense sunshine and heavy downpours can occur within a span of 20 minutes. The altitude of Cuenca and the surrounding hills is pretty high, so be sure to stay hydrated as well.
Trails in the foothills
Name | Distance KM | Difficulty |
Cerro Guagualzhumi | ??? |
Moderada |
Pico de Pescado | ??? | Alta |
Cascada Cabogana | ??? | Alta |
Trails in Parque Nacional Cajas
Source - Mapa Parque Nacional Cajas - ETAPA
Name | Distance KM | Difficulty |
Naturaleza e Historia Humana | 4.46 | Moderada |
Cumbre del Cerro San Luis | 2.51 | Alta |
Valle de Quinas | 8.94 | Moderada |
Caminos Históricos | 6.79 | Moderada |
Cumbre del Avilahuaycu | 1.87 | Alta |
Al Encuentro con el Valle de Burines | 6.36 | Alta |
Camino del Inca y la Lagunas Mayores | 18.49 | Alta |
Ruta de la GRan OsoHuaycu | 15.78 | Alta |
Sendero Camino García Moreno | 2.46 | Moderada |
Sendero Toreadora | 2.82 | Baja |
Sendero Uku | 2.1 | Baja |
Sendero Tres Cruces | 0.57 Baja | |
Sendero Zig-Szag | 3.11 | Moderada |
Sendero Illincocha | 0.16 | Baja |
Sendero Laguna Cucheros | 0.99 | Baja |
Getting There
What To Bring
Weather can change rapidly in the parámo so go prepared.
- Rain Jacket
- Beanie
- Gator
- Scarf
- Hat
- Sunglasses
- Sunscreen
- Water
- Headlamp / Flashlight
- Portable battery / extra batteries
- Download offline map of area or use the app Maps.me
- Plastic bag to carry out trash you find along your hike
Resources
- http://www.parque-nacional-cajas.org/
Tour Agencies
- Agency 1
- Agency 2
Photo Gallery



