Visiting Cajas National Park from Cuenca

01 · THE JOURNEY

Getting there from Cuenca

Three places to catch the bus

Choose a bus that travels via Cajas on the Cuenca–Molleturo–Puerto Inca road. Tell the driver you want to get off at Toreadora, or name the other open visitor area you plan to visit. 2

• Terminal Terrestre

  Buy a ticket and board the interprovincial bus via Cajas here. Ask for the Cuenca–Molleturo–Puerto Inca road and name the open visitor area where you want to get off.

  View on the map →

• El Arenal

  At El Arenal (Feria Libre), use the Occidental bus terminal behind the market. Before boarding, confirm that this service continues toward Cajas and where it can drop you off; regional services do not all follow the same route. 1 3

  View on the map →

• La Y de Sayausí

  Catch the bus at La Y de Sayausí, on the road west from Cuenca. Use the stop on the side heading toward Cajas and Molleturo; confirm your destination with the driver before boarding.

  View on the map →

Before paying, confirm the departure, current fare, exact drop-off and where to catch the return bus. A stop on the main road may still leave an approach walk; ask about the distance to the visitor entrance.

By car or with a driver

Head west from Cuenca along the road through Sayausí toward Molleturo and Puerto Inca. The Llaviucu access is separate and currently closed; Toreadora is farther along the main road. Agree on the destination, pickup point and return time if hiring a driver. 1 13

Check road conditions and the forecast before leaving, and ask the park about access to the area you want to visit.

Stopping for lunch or a night on the way? Where to eat and stay on the Cajas road

02 · YOUR FIRST STOP

Choose the landscape

• Toreadora

  For the open highland landscape: lake, páramo and surrounding ridges. Start at the visitor control and ask which marked walk suits the day’s conditions. ETAPA lists the Toreadora trail at about 2.8 km and two hours; altitude and weather still matter. 7

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  Find Toreadora on the map →

• Llaviucu

  Closed following the 2024 forest fires. Choose Toreadora or another open visitor area instead, and check ETAPA before travelling in case the access status changes. 13 14

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  View Llaviucu on the map (closed access) →

For a summit or a longer crossing, choose a route with the park or an authorized guide. Authorized operators

03 · BEFORE LEAVING

Register and pack for the day

ETAPA’s visitor guidance directs the general public to reserve before entry and register at a designated control. Bring identification, check the current arrangements for your chosen area and confirm your route with the ranger on arrival. 4

• Warm layers, waterproof outerwear, gloves and walking shoes with grip.
• Water, food, sun protection and a hat.
• Identification, a charged phone and a map you can consult without a connection. Tell someone your plan and expected return.

ETAPA’s packing and visitor recommendations 5

04 · ON THE GROUND

Take the altitude and weather seriously

Allow time to acclimatize

Take it slowly, especially after arriving from lower elevations. If you develop headache, nausea or dizziness, stop ascending. Descend if symptoms worsen despite rest; confusion, loss of coordination or breathlessness at rest need urgent medical help. 9 10

Keep the walk within the day

Cold, rain and thick fog can change a walk quickly. Follow ranger advice, stay on marked paths and turn back when conditions deteriorate. ETAPA advises against starting or continuing walks after 16:00. 5

Keep fires out of the park, leave plants and wildlife undisturbed, carry your rubbish out and stay out of the lakes. 5

Emergency: 911. Give your location, the nearest named landmark and what happened. 11