If you’re looking for the ultimate outdoors experience and you’re ready to get down and dirty with nature, you should take your expedition to the Parque Nacional Cajas. Located just 30 kilometres west of Cuenca, the park is home to more than 200 ice-cold lakes and is easily reached by bus or taxi from Cuenca, although you should be careful which bus you choose, since you won’t get a reduced fare for the short ride. The park provides visitors with excellent fishing, hiking, birding and camping—all food and water should be packed in and packed out