Best trails in Cajas National Park
Want to find the best trails in Cajas National Park for an adventurous hike or a family trip? AllTrails has 17 great trails for hiking and camping and more. Enjoy hand-curated trail maps, along with reviews and photos from nature lovers like you.
Ready for your next hike or bike ride? We've got you covered, with trails ranging from 160 to 4,662 feet in elevation gain. Whatever you have planned for the day, you can find the perfect trail for your next trip to Cajas National Park.
Top trails
1
5
6
(14)
•Moderate
•4.8 mi
•Est. 2h 50m
This hike starts at the beginning of the Luspa Trail a few meters from the parking lot and Tres Cruces, it closely follows the Luspa river and passes through the Lagunas: Negra, Larga, Togilacocha, and finally Luspa, on whose shores you can camp and continue enjoying interesting points to appreciate the landscape and nature of the Cajas National Park.
8
(14)
•Hard
•11.3 mi
•Est. 6h 45m
This section of the Inca Trail or Ingañán departs from Guagrahuma, very close to the Luspa Lagoon and will travel along a historical route, which is currently part of the Cajas National Park, to the Zorrocucho Lagoon also known as Llaviucu Lagoon. The landscapes of mountains and lagoons will surely take your breath away!
10
(9)
•Hard
•14.1 mi
•Est. 7h 49m
Ideal for a nature escape! The route from Laguna Luspa to Laguna Taitachungo or Mamamag is surrounded by fantastic landscapes within the Cajas National Park, where you can camp and enjoy unspoiled nature. In addition, this trail covers more or less half the route of the Inca Trail that goes to Laguna Zorrocucho.
Showing results 1–10 of 17
Trail reviews for Cajas National Park
Bought tickets and boarded the bus in Cuenca at the bus terminal terrestre. Cost is $3 per person and you will want the bus for Guayaquil and the stop Cajas. Trail starts about 2km up the road from where the bus drops you off and you register. You are required to register and there was no fee to pay. The trail starts as a dirt road and you follow it uphill for a few km. The trail turns off the road and you start your downhill descent. Trail has lots of loose rock and you have to really watch your footing to make sure you don't slip. We did the hike with no hiking poles and trail runner shoes. Shoes got a little wet in the boggy areas but really wasn't bad. We made it down to the road, flagged down a bus and rode it into Cuenca for $3 each
Sanctuary of the Virgin of Cajas via Patul
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Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to hike in Cajas National Park?
According to users from AllTrails.com, the best place to hike in Cajas National Park is Toreadora Lagoon - Patoquinoas Lagoon, which has a 4.8 star rating from 229 reviews. This trail is 3.3 mi long with an elevation gain of 780 ft.
What is the longest trail in Cajas National Park?
According to AllTrails.com, the longest trail in Cajas National Park is Patoquinuas, Larga and Toreadora Lagoon Circuit. This trail is estimated to be 17.7 mi long.
How many trails are in Cajas National Park?
There are 17 trails in Cajas National Park. These trails have an average 4.7-star rating from 547 AllTrails community reviews.
Which trail has the most elevation gain in Cajas National Park?
If you're looking for elevation gain, Cajas National Park has you covered. Patoquinuas, Larga and Toreadora Lagoon Circuit boasts the most elevation gain with 4,662 ft of total ascent. The park's runner-up is Osohuayco - Luspa, which will get you 4,504 ft of elevation gain.
Are there camping trails available in Cajas National Park?
According to AllTrails.com, there are 8 camping trails in Cajas National Park and the most popular is Tres Cruces - Luspa with an average 4.7 star rating from 14 community reviews.
Are there running trails available in Cajas National Park?
According to AllTrails.com, there is 1 running trail in Cajas National Park which is Toreadora Lagoon - Patoquinoas Lagoon with an average 4.8 star rating from 229 community reviews.
Are there biking trails available in Cajas National Park?
According to AllTrails.com, there is 1 biking trail in Cajas National Park which is Toreadora Lagoon - Patoquinoas Lagoon with an average 4.8 star rating from 229 community reviews.
Are there any trails with lakes in Cajas National Park?
Yes, there are 7 trails with lakes in Cajas National Park, including Inca Trail: Laguna Luspa - Zorrocucho, Mamamag - Zorrocucho, Laguna Luspa - Laguna Taitachungo Mamamag, Burin Grande - Ingañan - Shayana, and Patoquinuas, Larga and Toreadora Lagoon Circuit.
Are there any trails with rivers in Cajas National Park?
Yes, there are 3 trails with rivers in Cajas National Park, including Zorrocucho Loop, Inca Trail: Laguna Luspa - Zorrocucho, and Mamamag - Zorrocucho.
Are there any trails with scenic viewpoints in Cajas National Park?
Yes, there are 5 trails with scenic viewpoints in Cajas National Park, including Tres Cruces via Luspa Trail, Tres Cruces - Luspa, Tres Cruces Overlook, Burin Grande - Ingañan - Shayana, and Patoquinuas, Larga and Toreadora Lagoon Circuit.
Are there any trails with scenic mountain peak views in Cajas National Park?
Yes, there are 2 trails with scenic mountain peak views in Cajas National Park, including Cerro San Luis Loop and Cerro Avilahuayco.