Top Cuenca Full-day Tours

Explore one of the most spectacular parks in Ecuador on a full-day tour from Cuenca. Hike through the park's unique high altitude landscape which includes lakes, paramo vegetation, llamas, ancient Polylepis trees, and more to delight nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts who want an easy escape from the nearby city.

Ingapirca is the most important archaeological site in Ecuador and a unique example of two cultures in one site. Enjoy the beautiful stone architecture at the site and learn about its Cañari and Inca inhabitants. A short walk reveals a rock formation that resembles an Incan profile and, on Sundays, a local market is visited as well.

The countryside surrounding Cuenca in the southern Ecuadorean Andes is home to some of the country’s most important archaeological sites and artisan villages. If you have limited time in Cuenca, this tour combines two top attractions into a single day trip. Tour Ingapirca, the largest Incan site in Ecuador, as well as Gualaceo and Chordeleg, villages known for their silver filigree and hand-woven shawls.

Don’t stress about time-consuming public transport; instead, opt for this private full-day excursion to El Giron Waterfall and Busa Lake from Cuenca. Relax and enjoy the scenery of the Tarqui Valley as you’re driven from point to point, stopping to hike through a cloud forest and lunch at a local restaurant. Ideal for first-time visitors, this tour is an easy way to see places you might otherwise overlook.

A full-day sightseeing tour to the Ecuadorian craft towns begins with private pickup from your Cuenca hotel. Whether your interests lie in textiles, woodwork, or jewelry, there’s something for everyone to marvel at on this tour.  With the help of your private guide, you’ll gain an in depth understanding of the craft process and have a chance to shop and explore on your own. You even get a traditional lunch.

The Ingapirca ruins, the most important archaeological site in Ecuador, lie to the north of Cuenca, considered Ecuador’s most beautiful city. See them both with this full-day tour. Tour Ingapirca Archaeological Site to learn about ancient Incan and Canari civilizations, then head to historic Cuenca for a city tour to the most important landmarks and attractions. You’ll also have time for a walk through the colorful Mercado 10 de Agosto.

This private full-day tour from Cuenca, Ecuador was designed with hikers in mind. Explore trails through primary cloud forest, then continue to Cajas National Park to explore the high altitude paramo landscape and watershed within this UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. A well-earned lunch of trout from local fish farms is included.

Discover some of the most important sites in southern Ecuador in just one day on this combined archaeological, cultural, and artisanal tour. Visit the Ingapirca Archaeological Complex, considered the most important in Ecuador, and learn about the Cañari and Inca cultures in the company of a guide. Then, eat like a local and enjoy a delicious traditional lunch. Finish your day with a trip to Chordeleg and Gualaceo to visit jewelry and textile workshops run by local artisans.

Spend time at the UNESCO-listed Cajas National Park on a small-group tour from Cuenca. With a guide by your side, all you have to do is enjoy the adventure on a hike that offers spectacular views as well as a look at the Andean flora and fauna.

Make the most of your visit to Cuenca with a day trip to three important artisan villages of Ecuador. After pickup from your hotel, take in the Andean landscape on your way to Chordeleg and San Bartolomé. You’ll get an immersive look at the craftsmanship that goes into textiles, guitars, and more.  Let your private guide help you decide on what to eat for your included lunch in Gualaceo.

Explore the centuries-old traces of the cultures that forged Ecuador in a unique and comprehensive tour. This tour takes you through breathtaking archaeological sites full of history, traditions and amazing scenery. Immerse yourself in ancient civilizations, learn about their mysteries and marvel at the cultural and natural richness that these places offer.

Discover Ecuador’s most noteworthy archaeological attraction on a small-group tour to Ingapirca. Relax, as comfortable transportation takes you from your Cuenca hotel on a scenic drive through Andean landscapes. Then, explore the ruins, while your guide provides commentary about Canari and Incan cultures and history. The tour also includes visits to the Biblian church, also known as La Virgen del Rocio, and a typical Canari market.

The Ingapirca ruins, one of Ecuador’s largest and most important archaeological sites, sit just north of Cuenca. Save time navigating public transport and waiting in line at the entrance to the site with this private tour, and visit this Incan fortress-temple in the Cañar Valley with a guide who can fill you in on its history. This leaves time to visit a family of indigenous weavers to see who Panama hats are made.

Travel back in time to the days of the Incan Empire on an 8-hour small-group tour to Ingapirca. Visit the Rocio Virgin Church, then enjoy a Panama hat weaving demonstration at the home of an indigenous family. Continue with a scenic drive through the Andean highlands, then explore the extensive archaeological complex, including the elliptical Temple of the Sun. Stop for lunch at a local restaurant, then return to Cuenca.

Discover Ecuador's Andean history and cultural identities on a full-day small-group tour from Cuenca. After convenient pickup from your accommodation, enjoy a relaxing transfer to Alausi. Then, follow your guide on a city tour and visit the Condor Pununa viewpoint. After lunch (optional) at a typical restaurant, travel back in time to the days of the Inca Empire at the Ingapirca del Canar Archeological Complex.

We start the tour we will take an walk in Tambo in old ferry and view of a old and indigen town. Then we arrive to Ingapircar Ruins we make all the tour in old castle onf Incas the biggest in Ecuador and second then of Machu Pichu. Before returning to Cuenca, we will have a tipical lunch in a magic place with a lot energy where you discovered the engenier and tecnologic development for inca empire

Experience the unbeatable beauty of Cajas National Park your way on a private day tour from Cuenca. The start time and duration of the excursion are entirely up to you. Whatever you decide, relax in convenient round-trip transportation from your hotel. The park offers a variety of picturesque trails to suit every experience level. In between your two Andean treks, enjoy lunch at a local restaurant.

Hike the trails of the Incas and Cañaris on a private 9-hour tour to the UNESCO listed Cajas National Park. Thanks to comfortable round-trip transportation from your Cuenca hotel, you can avoid the headache of infrequent public buses. After arrival, follow your personal guide on a challenging 5- to 6-hour hike through the Andean Mountains. Along the way, have a boxed lunch amongst the Ecuadorian flora and fauna.

Embark on an unforgettable journey through the hidden trails of Cajas National Park. Starting at the Toreadora refuge, our certified guide will lead you along a 16-kilometer (10-mile) pristine trail, showcasing stunning Andean grasslands, serene lakes, and sweeping views that few experience. The trail reaches a peak of 13,388 feet, descending to 10,600 feet, making it a moderate hike for those in good physical condition. After a boxed lunch in the peaceful Llaviuco valley, we’ll return you to Cuenca with hotel drop-off included.

Cuenca is Ecuador’s cultural capital, but most visitors only see the colonial center. This 4-hour tour from Cuenca explores the Andean villages of San Bartolome, Chordeleg, and Gualaceo, where you can experience local life, browse the markets, sample regional specialties, and visit traditional handicrafts workshops. Hotel pickup and drop-off is included.

Connecting the Andes Mountains to the coast, the Devil’s Nose Train was considered one of the world’s greatest feats of engineering when it was built in 1899. On this private tour, enjoy the convenience of private transportation to Alausi, the starting point for the train. Take in the scenic Andean landscape en route to the coast, then continue along the Pan-American Highway to Ingapirca, Ecuador’s largest pre-Columbian archaeological site.

Just outside of Cuenca, the towns of Chordeleg and Gualaceo preserve traditional ways of living through their well-regarded handicraft markets and typical town structures. Gain deeper insight into each location and Ecuadorian culture on this private 4-hour tour from Cuenca, which includes hassle-free transportation from the city.

The villages of Gualaceo and Chordeleg with their traditions of producing fine local handicrafts lie just east of Cuenca. With this private tour, browse the colorful wares at your leisure while learning about traditional artisan techniques. Watch as guitars, filigree jewelry, Panama hats, and shawls are being made, taste local fruits only found in Ecuador, and sit down for a local lunch. You’ll have plenty of time to shop in each village.