Top Ecuador Archaeology Tours

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.

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.

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.

Cotopaxi Volcano is the centerpiece of Cotopaxi National Park. At more than 19,000 feet (nearly 6,000 meters), its snowy peak dominates the landscape of the park. During this full-day tour from Quito, travelers experience the volcano from many vantage points. Explore a lagoon favored by water birds, learn more about the area at an interpretive center, and hike up the flanks of Cotopaxi Volcano to a recently-renovated climbers' refuge to experience this active volcano up close.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

Enjoy this full-day tour of Otavalo Marketplace, the largest Indigenous market in Latin America. Departing Quito, you’ll travel to Otavalo Marketplace, to browse stalls for colorful, artisan souvenirs and delicious flavors. See, too, the famous equator monument and stop in Peguche to visit a waterfall and a local family to learn about local music.

Explore the rugged surroundings and stunning scenery of Cotopaxi National Park and Cotopaxi Volcano during this full-day trip. Enjoy a short hike into the Limpiopungo Valley before driving ever-higher into this sky-high region, stopping at the 15,800-foot (4830-meter) Padre Rivas Refuge. If you’re feeling up for it, you’ll continue to the 16,500-foot (5,050-meter) Cotopaxi Glacier. This Cotopaxi day trip also includes national park fees, a guide, bottled water, round-trip hotel transport and an optional trip upgrade with lunch.

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.

Discover the long history of the Incas in Ecuador on a private tour to the Ingapirca ruins archaeological complex. Complimentary hotel pickup and drop-off ensures that your journey is comfortable and secure from beginning to end. After a private tour of the ruins, enjoy lunch (included) at a traditional Ecuadorian lunch. On the way back to Cuenca, stop in Biblian to visit the hilltop Gothic-style church, the Sanctuary of the Virgen del Rocio.

With this two day tour you can enjoy the most popular places to visit while you are in Cuenca. It is a tour for all tastes, you can enjoy history while walking through the Inca ruins, gastronomy while you are in Gualaceo, shopping on your visit to Chordeleg and for nature lovers there is the Cajas National Park. We have everything for all tastes

If you’re short on time and want to see all that Ecuador has to offer, take a comprehensive 4-day tour.  Three nights of accommodation and transportation are included between your visits to Quito, Banos, Cuenca, and more. If you'd like to tack on an additional day, a visit to El Cajas National Park and Piedra da Agua Spa is on the itinerary. Where you begin is up to you, as the tour can begin from either Quito or Cuenca.

Get a sense of the architecture, history, and culture of Quito during this private tour visiting the city’s top sights. Start with an exploration of the historic city center of this Ecuadorian capital, visiting its main Basilica, Independence Plaza, and many more colonial-era sites. Then take a trip aboard the Teleférico to a peak more than 13,000 feet (4,000 meters) above the city for sublime views, finishing your day at ‘Mitad del Mundo,’ a monument marking where the earth’s equator splits the world into north and south.

Otavalo is one of the most famous indigenous fair in the country; although the market has greater activity on Saturdays but it is open every day with an impressive variety of handcrafts, tapestries and weaving made by indigenous people of the surrounding villages. Meanwhile, tourists test their Spanish and bargaining skills at stalls vending colorful and inexpensive knitted sweaters, hats, gloves and much more.

This tour is specially designed for those who want to enjoy the wonderful landscapes, culture and history of the Ecuadorian highlands.

Discover the best that Ecuador’s capital has to offer on this private sightseeing tour of Quito. Join a local guide for a tour focused on the geography, history, culture, and architecture of the city, visiting landmarks in chronological order. Highlights include the Intinan Equator Museum, Old Town Quito, and several Catholic landmarks to learn about Ecuador’s colonial history.

The best tour in Quito city. Your feet in both hemispheres. The center of the earth where the sun appears naked. Place yourself an egg on the head of a nail. Lose pounds by standing on the equatorial line. Make a video about the Coriolis effect. Learn more about the Pre-Inca ethnic groups that inhabited these territories. Explore the Intiñan Museum. See the city from the clouds (check weather conditions). This tramway was built in 2005 by French engineers, giving the city a touch of technology and modernity. The cable car reaches a maximum height of 4,000 meters. Explore the Quito colonial architecture. The most praised colonial center in Americas. Visit La Plaza Grande, La Compañía de Jesús, Quito´s most prominent convent, La Ronda street. The beautiful colonial city of Quito is just a step away from your memories. Quito Unesco City.

Enhance your experience of the Middle of the World Monument (La Mitad del Mundo) on a private 3-hour tour from Quito. Alongside a local guide, you’ll visit the Intiñan Museum to learn about the discovery of the equator and then straddle the Northern and Southern Hemispheres at the Middle of the World Monument (La Mitad del Mundo). Private hotel pickup and drop-off in Quito are included.

Discover the amazingly diverse wildlife and scenic beauty of the cloud forests of Mindo during this full-day trip from Quito. This unique ecological area is known for having one of the highest concentrations of biodiversity anywhere on earth, including numerous exotic species of birds. During your excursion, stop by the Hummingbird Garden and walk into the forest to admire the beauty of this natural reserve before proceeding to Mindo. Choose from among a range of optional activities (at your own expense), including a visit to a chocolate factory, an orchid garden tour, ziplining, a bird-watching trip with a local expert, and much more.

Discover the Amazon Witness the vibrant transformation of the Amazon at dawn on this half-day birdwatching tour in Misahuallí. As the morning light filters through the lush vegetation, immerse yourself in breathtaking landscapes and the region’s rich biodiversity. With an expert guide, you can identify fascinating bird species — from electric blue-fishing martins to colorful thongs and parrots — all while enjoying the serene beauty of the Amazon rainforest. This personalized experience guarantees you to observe wildlife in total tranquility and appreciate the natural environment before returning to your afternoon plans. Immersive experience of 5 hours of bird watching in the Amazon rainforest. Expert guide to help you identify local bird species and their habitats. Spectacular panoramic views where Amazonian rivers meet lush primary vegetation.