El Cajas National Park, Cuenca, Ecuador

Perched at an elevation of 4,150 meters, the Three Crosses Viewpoint - Cajas (Mirador Tres Cruces - Cajas) marks the highest point along the Cuenca–Molleturo highway and offers one of the most breathtaking panoramas in Ecuador.

From this lofty perch, visitors can gaze across the rugged expanse of El Cajas National Park, with its countless glacial lakes and jagged peaks stretching into the horizon. The viewpoint also serves as a symbolic marker of the continental divide—where waters flow either toward the Pacific Ocean or the Amazon Basin. Trails from the parking area lead to additional lookouts and even to the summit of Cerro Paraguillas, rewarding hikers with sweeping views and a sense of serene isolation.

Parque Nacional Cajas is a high-altitude sanctuary located about 30 kilometers west of Cuenca, Ecuador. Spanning over 285 square kilometers, the park is a mosaic of páramo grasslands, cloud forests, and more than 200 glacial lakes. Its dramatic terrain—shaped by ancient glaciers—features deep valleys, rocky outcrops, and pristine lagoons like Luspa, the largest in the park. The elevation ranges from 3,100 to 4,450 meters, creating a unique ecosystem that supports rare flora such as the paper tree (Polylepis) and endemic species like the violet-throated metaltail hummingbird. The park is also a vital water source, supplying around 60% of Cuenca’s drinking water.

Beyond its ecological importance, El Cajas is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts. Visitors can explore a network of trails that vary from gentle walks to challenging climbs, including segments of the ancient Inca Trail. Wildlife sightings may include Andean condors, spectacled bears, and elusive pumas. Whether you're drawn by the promise of solitude, the thrill of high-altitude hiking, or the sheer beauty of its landscapes, El Cajas offers a profound connection to nature and a glimpse into Ecuador’s wild heart.

Toreador Lagoon (Laguna Toreador)
Laguna Toreadora is one of the most iconic and accessible lakes within El Cajas National Park, located in the Ecuadorian Andes.

Sitting at an altitude of approximately 3,900 meters, it’s often the first stop for visitors entering the park from Cuenca. The lagoon is surrounded by dramatic páramo landscapes, with rolling hills, rocky outcrops, and mist-shrouded vegetation that create an ethereal atmosphere. Its proximity to the park’s interpretation center makes it a popular starting point for hikes and nature walks, offering both convenience and stunning views.
The area around Laguna Toreadora features a network of trails that wind through high-altitude tundra, Polylepis forests, and alongside other nearby lagoons like Patoquinuas and Lagunas Unidas. These trails vary in difficulty, with some sections being muddy or steep, but they reward hikers with glimpses of endemic flora and fauna, including rare hummingbirds and the ancient paper tree. The loop trail around the lagoon is moderately challenging and takes about 1 hour and 45 minutes to complete, making it ideal for those seeking a short yet immersive experience in the park’s unique ecosystem.
Beyond its natural beauty, Laguna Toreadora holds ecological and cultural significance. It’s part of a glacial system that feeds into Cuenca’s water supply and supports a delicate balance of biodiversity. Historically, rainbow trout were introduced to the lagoon in the mid-20th century, adding to its allure for anglers. Whether you're drawn by the crisp mountain air, the reflective waters, or the chance to explore Ecuador’s highland wilderness, Laguna Toreadora offers a memorable gateway into the heart of El Cajas.

Map showing the location of Three Crosses Viewpoint in El Cajas National Park

Beginning of the climb towards the three crosses

The three crosses
«The story goes that some travelers who passed through this place died from the intense cold. It was the tradition of every traveler to pray an Our Father in memory of the souls of the deceased, and as a sign of this, they placed a stone at the foot of the crosses as a form of reverence and protection for the remainder of their journey.»

At the highest point of El Cajas National Park, the Three Crosses Viewpoint (Mirador Tres Cruces) stands as both a geographical landmark and a solemn memorial. The three stone crosses, weathered by time and altitude, are said to commemorate travelers who perished from the unforgiving cold while crossing this high Andean pass. At over 4,150 meters above sea level, the conditions can be brutal—biting winds, sudden fog, and freezing temperatures have long made this stretch of road perilous. The crosses are not merely symbolic; they serve as a poignant reminder of nature’s power and the fragility of human endurance.
According to local tradition, each traveler who passed through this point would pause to pray an Our Father in memory of the souls lost to the cold. This ritual was more than a gesture of respect—it was a spiritual safeguard. By placing a stone at the foot of the crosses, pilgrims and passersby sought protection for the remainder of their journey, invoking divine guidance and strength. Over time, these stones accumulated into small cairns, each one a silent testimony to the countless individuals who honored the tradition and felt the weight of the place’s history.
Today, the Three Crosses Viewpoint is not only a site of natural grandeur but also of quiet reverence. Visitors come for the sweeping views of El Cajas’ glacial lakes and rugged peaks, but many still observe the custom, adding their own stone and prayer to the legacy. Whether one believes in the spiritual power of the ritual or simply feels moved by the story, the crosses continue to evoke a sense of connection—between past and present, between traveler and terrain, and between the living and those who came before.