After pickup at your Cuenca hotel, take off through the city, bound for the Andes. A professional guide and driver means that you can focus on the the scenery as you approach Cajas National Park.
Arrive in the Toreadora area at 12,992 feet (3,960 meters), where you'll trek through the Polylepis Forest and moor-like Paramo. Listen to your guide's commentary on the flora and fauna of the area, including alpacas, llamas, and a variety of birds.
Refuel at a local restaurant, then head to the Llaviuco region, an entirely different ecosystem at 10,335 feet (3,150 meters) to spend time exploring the chain of glacial lakes.
This ambitious hiking tour would be difficult to undertake independently, but the company of a guide and the inclusion of lunch along the way makes it a perfect, stress-free day trip from Cuenca.
