Stroll through the colonial streets spotting iconic landmarks
Relaxing time at famous Piedra de Agua Spa hot springs.
Explore the Cañón del Cóndor and hike to Inca-Cañari ruins with breathtaking views of the Jubones Valley.
Stay in Saraguro and dine at a local restaurant known for its Ecuadorian fusion cuisine.
Visit the textiles workshops and also a goat cheese farm while exploring the beautiful surroundings of Oña.
Walking
Hiking
Culture
Gastronomy
Shopping
Hot springs
Honeymooners
Friends
Couples
Families with children are welcome
Year around
8 years old
Full Itinerary
Cuenca City tour & thermal springs
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.
Saraguro and Cañon del Condor
For lunch, we’ll indulge either in a pic nic lunch or a traditional Pampamesa on the mountain—a communal meal where the local specialty Pinshi, a fresh and sweet agave sap, is shared as part of the experience.
After lunch, we’ll drive 45 minutes to the charming town of Saraguro, where we’ll spend the night at the cozy Achik Wasi hotel. In the evening, we’ll enjoy dinner at ShamuiCO, a renowned local restaurant known for its creative fusion of Ecuadorian flavors.
Overnight at Hotel Achik Wasi
Meals included: Breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Oña´s waterfall and return to Cuenca
Next, we’ll visit Oña for a panoramic city tour before making our way to La Caprina, where we’ll savor aged goat cheese, dulce de leche, and a delicious lunch made with local ingredients.
Afterward, we’ll return to Cuenca, arriving around 5 p.m. where you’ll be either dropped off at the airport to connect with a flight or perhaps stay an extra night in Cuenca (hotel accommodation is not included on this day).
Meals included: Breakfast and lunch.
Let's design your adventure
Transfers Cuenca´s airport – hotel – Cuenca´s airport
Top Experienced Certified English-Speaking Guide
Private Land Transport
Accommodation for two nights (1 night in Cuenca + 1 night in Saraguro)
Meals according to itinerary
All fees to reserves, museums, hot springs, workshops
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
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.
Level of Activity: This trip is considered as 2 out of 5. No prior experience is required, and your guides will always brief you about safety and proper use of gear on every leg of this trip.
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
Passport
Credit card
Lightweight hiking pants (2 pair)
Cold weather hiking pants (1 pair)
One bathing suit
Three 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
Water bottle
Regular Season Private operation, price based on number of guests:
2 - 3 guests
$810/per person
All premium features
Departure any day of the week operation in private
4 or more guests
$710/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.
