Polylepis Forest

Hike through the ecosystem of primary cloud forest, afterwards the intercontinental water division and finally take an amazing walk across the highlands to exprore the unique Polylepis Forest. The park includes approximately 768 lakes in an area of 70,533 acres. It is one of the most important water sources in Cuenca and Ecuador

Embark on an exclusive small-group hiking adventure in Cajas National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its breathtaking landscapes and rich biodiversity. Begin your journey at the continental divide, where waters flow toward both the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans, offering a unique geographical perspective. Proceed to the Toreadora Refuge, situated amidst the park's highlands, and traverse trails that wind through a mesmerizing tapestry of glacial lakes and the rare Polylepis Forest, home to some of the world's highest-altitude tree species. Conclude your exploration in the serene Llaviuco montane forest, immersing yourself in its tranquil beauty during a second invigorating hike. This meticulously crafted tour provides an unparalleled opportunity to experience the diverse ecosystems of Cajas National Park, ensuring an unforgettable adventure for nature enthusiasts and hikers alike.

Enjoy the fascinating views and contrast of the Ecuadorian Andes and lowlands in our one-way flexible, convenient tour departing from Cuenca to Guayaquil including a visit to Cajas National Park, a local fruit market, and a cacao farm. Allowed 2 suitcases per person.

The Cajas National Park, has a lake system of more than 160 lagoons, with a unique landscape. In our visit we characterize the high Andean forest where we have a large number of birds and a unique flora; We also characterize the moorland ecosystem where we will visit the polylepis forest and perform an environmental interpretation of these sites while our tourists enjoy the landscapes offered by the national park

Enjoy our one-way flexible, convenient and private tour departing from Guayaquil to Cuenca including a visit to a cacao farm and a optional hike in Cajas National Park. Allowed 2 suitcases p.p

Hike through the ecosystem of primary cloud forest, later the intercontinental water division and finally take an amazing walk across the highlands to the unique Polylepis Forest.

Discover the magic of Cajas National Park, one of the most beautiful places in South America, on a full day tour of approximately 7 hours. Explore and learn about the Andean vegetation. In this spectacular place you can enjoy a lake system that has more than 200 lakes of glacial origin. In addition to the beautiful landscape, you can enjoy the presence of beautiful birds, llamas and alpacas. The park is located 30km west of the city of Cuenca, between 3160 and 4450masl, the surface area of the park is 28544 hectares and the ecosystem known as paramo predominates. Experience the authentic!

A unique experience very private small group, personalized attention, and the best places, we include the most complete tour, include food, landscapes, nature, history, heritage, and culture in a very friendly and host environment we try to do feeling like family. We start the tour We will take an walk in the highlands through the moorland ecosystem of wetlands and lakes to get to the unique forest of Polylepis trees. These are the highest growing trees in the world and are native to South America. Before returning to Cuenca, we will have a hot chocolate with sweet bread at a amazing hostery in Cajas Discover In addition to sating your appetite and cultural curiosities, this tour is a great way to know the fusion between nature, landscapes, culture, architecture, and heritagehighlights include Sanduche de pernil, tamales, empanadas, and traditional beverages like morocho and coconut juice. Along the way, visit the ruins of Todos Los Santos, the Broken Bridge, and other

The park is located only 45 minutes from Cuenca. This lagoon system, with over 230 lakes, invites you to enjoy one of the nicest landscapes in South America. There are different ecosystems such as: Andean Mountain forest, Polylepis forest, paramo or grassland. You will have the chance to spot many interesting birds, even the endemic hummingbird of Cajas – the “Violet Throated Metaltail”- one of the most important birds in Ecuador. Also, on this tour you will see the beautiful Tit Like Dacnis, Blue Mantled Thornbill, Stout Billed Cinclodes, Tawny Antpitta, Spectacled Whitestar, Tyrian Metaltail, Gray Breasted Mountain Toucan, Andean Guan, and so much more.

Enjoy a walk through the snowy Chimborazo, called the closest point to the Sun from the center of the earth, where you can observe flora and fauna typical of the Ecuadorian moors, in addition, appreciate the perpetual snow of the Colossus of the Andes. Added to this experience is the fact of being able to visit one of the few remnants of the Polylepis forest or paper tree in the area called El Arenal.

The park is located only 45 minutes from Cuenca. This lagoon system, with over 230 lakes, invites you to enjoy one of the nicest landscapes in South America. There are different ecosystems such as: Andean Mountain forest, Polylepis forest, paramo or grassland. You will have the chance to spot many interesting birds, even the endemic hummingbird of Cajas – the “Violet Throated Metaltail”- one of the most important birds in Ecuador. Also, on this tour you will see the beautiful Tit Like Dacnis, Blue Mantled Thornbill, Stout Billed Cinclodes, Tawny Antpitta, Spectacled Whitestar, Tyrian Metaltail, Gray Breasted Mountain Toucan, Andean Guan, and so much more.

Our Cusco birdwatching tour will start by picking you up from your hotel at 6:00 am to go in a vehicle to “El Balcon del Diablo”. This amazing place, special for watching Cusco birds, is located next to Sacsaywaman archeological site, like 20 minutes from Cusco City. Upon arrival to Balcon del Diablo we are going to start the exploring in 2 kilometers around looking for the Cusco birds and specially the Cusco endemic birds. We will start in the Polylepis forest area. We will walk next to a inca´s water chanel and later we will descend like 300 meters to the little canyon area. In this place there are some crops plantation that attract some seedeaters depending on the season. This place is visited for Cusco birdwatchers due to its easy access and the proximity to the city. So it is an amazing chance to enjoy the Cusco birds and Cusco endemic birds in a really short time. Ending our Cusco birdwatching morning at 9:00 am aprox. We will bring you to your hotel for breakfast.

This 4-day trek will give you the chance to go back in time and experience the long journey the Incas took along the Inca trail. Enjoy four days filled with exciting adventures exploring what Cusco and the Sacred Valley have to offer. A guided walking tour in Machu Picchu is included.

The adventure begins with the pick-up from the hotel at 9:00 am, and then we will move to the RANCHO approximately 20 minutes from the city where we will then find our horses, and we will receive prior instruction on how to handle the animals correctly without mistreating them and to ride to visit archaeological sites. The TEMPLE of the MOON, then we go to the CHUSPILLO area, part of the Inca trail to ANTISUYU, Zone “X” and to EL BALCON DEL DIABLO, important for the size of its rocky blocks of natural limestone formation, establishing a cavern which is crossed by a river. Meters higher at the height of the road and constructions you can see a small cave which, when eroding, forms a window that, when you stick your head out, shows us the river that crosses the rock as if it were a BALCONY and that was used for celebrations such as RITOS AL AGUA AND EARTH.

On the 7 Day Inca Trail to Machu Picchu start at your arrival to Cusco, you will have the chance to engage in additional city activities or relax by yourself before challenging on the Inca Trail. The Inca trail as used only the Emperor Inca and is royal crown as a difference of other paths.  This journey was a pilgrim trail to the Apus or sacred mountains before arriving to his royal house, Machu Picchu.  You will be tracing back the Inca steps and appreciate the beauty scenery which very well know by a well recognised adventurers travellers. On this  Inca Trail to Machu Picchu there is an option to visit the extraordinary Sacred valley and visit its villages.  In other words, this tour has a lot to offer you meanwhile you are staying in the land of the Incas.

On the private Inca Trail 4 day trek, you will travel on a small group or a minimum between pairs.  The advantage of doing it privately is about the quality time you will get all the way meanwhile doing your trek.  You can have an amazing time with your close friends, family, or simply join a small group and become members of this Royal trip to the past.   The private Inca Trail 4 day trek, all your requirements will be taking care off and we will ensure you get personalized attention from your guide.  We are flattered on your choice about our service so we understand how important for you is to achieve this full experience in exploring the beautiful Inca Trail and Machu Picchu ancient citadel.  This is your time to join our trek and to be part of the Inca royal crown.  Enjoy the Inca 4 day trek private.

• In December 2021, Explorandino achieved TourCert certification "Sustainable management system for tour operators". • Our proposal focuses on the richness of culture and natural beauty. Each tourist experience is an opportunity to preserve and share cultural heritage, while promoting practices that regenerate the natural environment. • We work hand in hand with various stakeholders to design a model that benefits everyone. From respecting local communities to conserving biodiversity, every step is a step towards more responsible tourism.

Sightseeing: Otavalo Animal Market, El Angel Ecological Reserve, Polylepis Lodge tour 2d/1n, Magical Polylepis Forest and Cuicocha Lagoon. All in 2 days!

The Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is one of the most beautiful and important trails in South America, which shelters along its more than 40 kilometers impressive Inca remains, mountainous landscapes, cloud forests and a divers flora and fauna. The ancient inhabitants of Tahuantinsuyo used this route to make a pilgrimage to the sacred citadel of Machu Picchu. Follow their tracks and make your visit to Cusco an unforgettable experience.