Tour of the Cajas

El Cajas is a secluded area of high, rugged, eroded mountains and lakes in the last southern gasp of the Western Cordillera, with a huge variety of landscapes and thus of walking. It ranges from peaks at up to 4,450m, to high and exceptionally attractive páramo grass and shrublands, to a rare example of cloud forest on the eastern flanks of the western cordillera at some 3,100m. There is a rich variety of plant and animal life, as might be expected with such a range of habitats.

While there are plenty of alternatives, a 3 day tour of the NP as recommended by Lonely Planet’s Trekking in the Central Andes would be an ideal choice.

Starting near the 4,167m Tres Cruces pass, drop steeply south to the fabulous Laguna Larga and Laguna Togilacocha lakes, then cross the Inca road to pass Languna Luspa and reach lovely Laguna Canutillos for the first night (3.5-4 hrs).

Day 2 crosses two passes to reach dramatically sited Laguna Osohuaycu, then descends to finish by some Inca walls (4-6 hrs).

The third day descends down a valley into rare and interesting cloud forest to Laguna Llaviuco, itself a roadhead; you can continue walking on to the Cuenca road (4-6.5 hrs).

Note that most paths are not marked, so a map and good map-reading skills are needed if you are planning a longer walk.

This can be tough walking in high, remote mountains with unpredictable weather,frequently cloud-bound and thus difficult to navigate and with a reputation for being cold. You will have to be self-sufficient. Altitude can cause problems. Come fully prepared, including proper acclimatization.

Have a look at TripAdvisor – there are tens of millions of reviews, so you may get good, current views on guides, places to hike and places to stay in the area.

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For more information and photos, including detailed practical information and some warnings, see our Cajas NP walk page.