Cultural Cuenca & Surroundings (4 days)

Overview

This 4-day immersive tour offers a deep dive into Cuenca, Ecuador's colonial gem, and its surrounding wonders. You’ll explore rich historical and cultural landmarks, from ancient Inca-Cañari ruins to the famous Ingapirca complex. Additionally, you’ll visit charming local villages, known for their traditional crafts and vibrant heritage. Along the way, you’ll enjoy the region's renowned cuisine and relax in natural thermal pools.

Highlights

Stroll through the colonial streets spotting iconic landmarks
Relaxing time at famous Piedra de Agua Spa hot springs
Travel in time by visiting the Ingapirca Archaeological Complex and hike around the ancient ruins
Cultural Villages tour where you’ll witness traditional weaving, silver filigree jewelry crafting, and the production of high-quality guitars and charangos.
Enjoy local gastronomy
Immersive local experiences, interact with artisans

Activities

Walking
Hiking
Culture
Gastronomy
Shopping
Hot springs

Activity level

Easy

Tourist profile

Honeymooners
Friends
Couples
Families with infants are welcome

Season

Year around

Minimum age

5 years old

Full Itinerary

Day 1

Cuenca City Tour & thermal springs

Upon your early morning arrival in Cuenca, we will transfer you to your hotel for breakfast and to drop off your luggage. Then we’ll begin our day with a pleasant walk from the hotel to Pumapungo (closed on Mondays), where you’ll explore the fascinating Inca-Cañari ruins of what was once the northern capital of the Inca Empire (around 1400 AD). From there, we’ll stroll along the scenic Tomebamba River, heading towards the historic downtown. Along the way, we’ll discuss the iconic Republican Hanging Houses, Colonial churches, and charming plazas. Next, we’ll visit Cuenca’s famous Two Cathedrals, taking the opportunity to snap a picture from the top of the impressive New Cathedral of Santa Ana. For lunch, we’ll enjoy traditional Cuenca dishes like mote pillo and espumillas at the renowned "El Consuelo Restaurant." Afterward, we’ll make our way to San Sebastián Plaza to admire the Republican-era houses and visit the Modern Art Museum—originally a recovery center for alcoholics when built in 1878.

Our transport will then take us to Turi, where we’ll soak in the breathtaking panoramic views of Cuenca, also known as Guapondelig (Valley as Big as the Sky) by the Cañari people.

The day will conclude with a visit to Piedra de Agua Spa, where you can unwind in the thermal pools (massages are available at an additional cost). Dinner is included. Return to the hotel.

Overnight at Hotel Victoria or similar
Meals included: Lunch and dinner.

Day 2

Full-Day Visit to Ingapirca

After breakfast, we’ll set off on a scenic drive to Ingapirca, Ecuador's most significant Inca-Cañari archaeological site. Here, we will explore the impressive Temple of the Sun and Moon, as well as other fascinating ruins of the complex. A short hike will take us to the renowned "Face of the Inca" and other notable features of the area.

For lunch, we will indulge in a meal at a local restaurant, featuring fresh, regional ingredients that will offer a delightful culinary experience. Afterward, we’ll continue to Biblian to visit the remarkable Church of the Virgin of the Myst. This stunning church, built directly into the rock, stands as a symbol of the region’s deep Catholic faith.

We’ll then return to Cuenca, where you'll have time in the evening to wander through the city's charming colonial streets. Dinner will be on your own, allowing you to explore Cuenca's vibrant dining scene.

Overnight at Hotel Victoria or similar
Meals included: Breakfast and lunch.

Day 3

Gualaceo, Chordeleg, San Bartolo charming villages

After breakfast, we’ll head to Gualaceo, where our first stop will be a local textile shop showcasing the traditional Ikat weaving technique. You’ll have the opportunity to observe this intricate process firsthand and see the skill involved in creating these beautiful fabrics.

Next visit will be Chordeleg, we’ll visit a local jewelry workshop, where artisans craft silver filigree pieces. You'll get a behind-the-scenes look at the delicate techniques used in filigree making, with the option to purchase unique items directly from the artisans at exceptional prices.

We’ll enjoy a delicious lunch at a local restaurant, sampling authentic regional cuisine before heading to the town of guitars, ‘San Bartolo’. Here, talented local artisans handcraft high-quality guitars, ukuleles, and charangos. You’ll have the chance to admire their craftsmanship and perhaps pick up a musical instrument. In the evening, we’ll return to your hotel in Cuenca. To cap off the day, we’ll enjoy a special farewell dinner at a local restaurant, celebrating your journey with flavorful local dishes.

Overnight at Hotel Victoria or similar
Meals included: Breakfast, lunch and farewell dinner.

Day 4

Transfer out

Transfer to the Cuenca´s airport.

Let's design your adventure

Included

Transfers Cuenca´s airport – hotel – Cuenca´s airport
Top Experienced Certified English-Speaking Guide
Private Land Transport
Accommodation for three nights
Meals according to itinerary
All fees to reserves, museums, workshops, hot springs, ruins complex

Not Included

Domestic flights to/from Cuenca
Transfer to/from Guayaquil. For those needing this service, supplement fee and change in the order of itinerary´s activities will apply. Transfer in or out only available in the morning or early afternoon hours
Meals not mentioned in the itinerary
Tips for guides and drivers
Travel insurance
Optional activities
Massage at Spa

Important Information

Itinerary Disclaimer: Even though we have a detailed itinerary, changes can be made by your guides, due to weather or safety reasons. Please also note that none of the wildlife sightings mentioned on the itinerary are guaranteed.
- Visas and Passports: Make sure you check your visa and passport validity and requirements per country. It is important your passport is valid for at least 6 months before your travel.
Accommodation: We strive to use charming places that are unique and provide stellar service.
Single Supplement Costs: Solo travelers are subject to a 100% supplement of the 2-3 pax rate.
Transportation: Driving time can take more than expected in Ecuador, as it is a small country with roads meandering through the Andes Mountains. We assure your comfort during transit no matter the size of the group, while in the Galapagos the speed boat from Santa Cruz to Isabela can be a bit challenging if you are not use to travel by boat, so we highly recommend to carry some seasickness medicine with you.
Level of Activity: This trip is considered as 1 out of 5. No prior experience is required, and your guides will always brief you about daily details.
Weather and Elevation in Mainland: In Ecuador the weather can be vary greatly depending on which side of the Andes you are traveling to, so it is highly recommended to come ready for all kinds of weather. When they say “Ecuador, All in One Place” they mean it! The altitude determines the temperature and the higher you go the colder it gets. Don’t let the geographic location of the country fool you. Even at a mere 15,000 feet the temperatures can feel like those of a winter in the northern United States. The coastal lowlands in the western part of Ecuador are typically warm with temperatures in the region of 25 °C (77 °F). Coastal areas are affected by ocean currents and between January and April are hot and rainy. Like the rest of the Ecuadorian Andes, Cuenca enjoys a mild climate year-round. Days are generally warm and nights are cool enough that sweaters or jackets are usually desired. The average daily temperature is 14.7 °C (58.5 °F). There are two seasons: rainy and dry. The dry season, with some variation, falls between June and December. The rainy season, which is characterized by bright sunny mornings and afternoon showers, falls between January and May. The heaviest rains come in the invierno (wet season) of March, April and May.
Sustainability: We do our best to not produce any trash; we believe that recycling is not enough, so we try to avoid using any plastic or materials that pollute our environment. Every day we work towards being a zero-waste tour operator and our staff is well trained to leave the least impact possible in our service areas. We also work with local indigenous communities in the different regions. By doing so we are able to teach our guests about the rich culture Ecuador, all the while helping the people preserve their traditions and lands. By working directly with local peoples, we are able to create a sustainable touristic income for the community.
Guides: All our guides have a professional background from the Tourism University; this means they have a degree in guiding, so their knowledge and skills when leading a group are top-notch. Each guide has many years of experience and they all have taken additional courses for other outdoor activities as well as have International First-Aid certifications. On top of all of this, they are all extremely personable and strive to deliver travel experiences of a lifetime.
Heath advices: No vaccinations needed for this trip

Suggested packing list

Passport
Credit card
Lightweight hiking pants (1 pair)
Cold weather hiking pants (1 pair)
One bathing suit
Four non cotton t-shirt
Rain jacket
A Winter warm jacket or fleece
Sneakers
A pair of hiking shoes
A pair of sandals
A buff
One cap or hat
Sunscreen
Sunglasses
Mosquito repellent
Binoculars
Head lamp
Water bottle

Considerations

• Ingapirca is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays, while Pumapungo is closed on Mondays. Please note that the itinerary may be adjusted based on the operating hours of the tourist sites.
• Room configuration: Double with twin beds or matrimonial bed. Triple room with twin beds or matrimonial bed plus sofa bed
• The extension program is operated on a private basis.
• Extension programs are flexible and can be scheduled either before or after any other itinerary.
• We are able to offer more activities such as rafting, mountain biking, paragliding and more.
• This program is adjustable: it can either be shortened or added extra days.
• For passengers preferring to arrive and depart from Guayaquil, please consider our extension programs in Cuenca.

Regular season private operation, price based on number of guests:

2 - 3 guests

^$880_{/per person}

All premium features
Departure any day of the week operation in private

4 or more guests

^$760_{/per person}

All premium features
Departure any day of the week operation in private

Further assistance

We are ready to meet your needs and put together an unforgettable experience.