Parque Nacional Cajas, also known as Cajas National Park, lies in the province of Azuay in southern Ecuador, reached along the Vía Cuenca-Molleturo at Km 27. It is a high-altitude park, and its landscape is shaped by the páramo, the open grassland and shrub ecosystem typical of the Andes at great height.
What you will see
- Over 200 glacial lakes scattered across the terrain, giving the park its distinctive character.
- Páramo ecosystem, a landscape of tussock grasses, low vegetation and changeable weather that visitors often find striking.
- Pre-Columbian archaeological sites, reminders of peoples who lived in and around this region long before the Spanish arrived.
Why it matters near Cuenca
The park forms part of the buffer zone that supports the UNESCO World Heritage designation of Cuenca, the colonial city nearby. For visitors already staying in Cuenca, it is a natural complement: the city offers its historic centre, and the park offers the high country that surrounds it.
Planning your visit
Cajas is an outdoor destination, best suited to visitors who are comfortable with altitude, changing weather and walking on uneven ground. Because the park is at a considerable height, it is wise to dress in layers and bring rain protection. For current information on access, visiting conditions and any requirements, you can call +593-7-370-0126 before you go.