We leave Cuenca in the morning and first visit the lower areas of the National Park, called Llaviucu, which are about 3200 meters above sea level. We walk here for about an hour and a half before we move to the higher area. This is where one of the most beautiful and largest lakes in the park, called La Toreadora, has its source. The Polylepis or paper tree grows on the shores of this lake. We walk here for about two hours and a half and then retreat to civilization for lunch in a restaurant that offers typical dishes of the region.
Difficulty: easy – moderate.
Bring along: sun and rain protection, camera, water, warm clothing and sturdy walking shoes.