Full-Day Ingapirca, Gualaceo & Chordeleg from Cuenca
Recommended by 98% of travelers
Badge of Excellence
Cuenca, Ecuador
- 9 hours (approx.)
- Pickup offered
- Group discounts
- Mobile ticket
- Offered in: English
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Overview
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.
- Save time by visiting two important attractions in one tour
- Skip the line at the Ingapirca entrance
- Free time for shopping in two of Ecuador’s best artisan villages
- Hassle-free roundtrip transport from downtown Cuenca area
What's Included
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- Licensed Tour Guide / Driver
- Transportation
- Lunch
- Fuel surcharge
- Entrance Fees $2 each (Apply for shared Tours)
- Gratuities
- Makanas Workshop $1 per person (Apply for shared tours)
Meeting and Pickup
Pickup points
Select a pickup point
Pickup details
If your hotel is not listed, please provide the details after booking.
Itinerary
1
Ingapirca Ruins
1 hour • Admission Ticket Not Included
2
Arhaná Hosteria Resort
1 hour • Admission Ticket Free
3
Chordeleg
45 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
4
Gualaceo
30 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
5
La Casa de la Makana
30 minutes • Admission Ticket Not Included
Additional Info
- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
- Not wheelchair accessible
- A minimum of 2 people is required to operate the tour. We reserve the right to cancel the tour there are not at-least 2 participants
- Infants must sit on laps
- No heart problems or other serious medical conditions
- Most travelers can participate
- Please advise any specific dietary requirements at time of booking
- Reservations made 48 hour prior the tour are subject to guide availability
- For 1 to 6 passengers, a bilingual guide will also be the driver
- Infant meals not included
- Contact us to info@cuencabestours.com to coordinate the exact pick up time please
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 30 travelers
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Cancellation Policy
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
Traveler Photos
Featured review
Michael_Z
This was a great experience for my wife and I. The whole day was a blast. Our guide, Moises, was the best. He provided a great history of the surrounding countryside, discussing the original people, the Inca expansion into Ecuador, through to the modern day. A great wealth of knowledge. After visiting the ruins, we went to watch and learn from several artisans, carrying on long-held crafting traditions. Lunch was great too. Highly recommend this one.
Reviews
4.9
based on 169 reviews
Michael_Z, Jul 2025
This was a great experience for my wife and I. The whole day was a blast. Our guide, Moises, was the best. He provided a great history of the surrounding countryside, discussing the original people, the Inca expansion into Ecuador, through to the modern day. A great wealth of knowledge. After visiting the ruins, we went to watch and learn from several artisans, carrying on long-held crafting traditions. Lunch was great too. Highly recommend this one.
Valerie_E, Jun 2025
This tour was wonderful. Our tour guide, Wilson and the driver were great! The tour was well organized and informative. The lunch was very good. I highly recommend. Five out of five stars for sure.
Response from Host, Aug 2025
Thank you so much for your lovely review! We’re delighted to hear you enjoyed the tour, the organization, and the lunch experience. Wilson and our driver will be so happy to know they made your day special. Your recommendation means a lot to us—we truly appreciate the five stars.
Team Cuenca Bestours
jay_a, Mar 2025
Ingaprica tour was very good. I signed up for the group tour, but we were the only people, so I got a private tour for the price of a group tour. They honored the price and everything was great. Our tour guide Wilson was great. He is knowledgeable, helpful and has excellent English. He picked us up at our centro hotel at 8.30 and returned about 4.30. We went to Ingaprica ruins, and a couple of villages for crafts and lots of scenic views. The crafts were interesting and the sales pitch was low pressure. The countryside is beautiful. They stopped for photos whenever I asked. Lunch was included and was good. I would recommend the tour.
Response from Host, Mar 2025
Thank you for your fantastic review! We're so glad you enjoyed your Ingapirca tour and that everything went smoothly. It’s great that you got a private experience at the group rate, and we’re happy to hear Wilson made your day even more special with his knowledge and excellent service. We appreciate your recommendation and hope to welcome you on another adventure soon! 😊🏛️🌿
Team Cuenca Bestours
Jane_D, Jan 2025
This tour is fabulous. It made our trip to Cuenca worthwhile. Guide was an expert and driver was fantastic
Response from Host, Jan 2025
Thank you so much for leaving a review. Fantastic to read that our Ingapirca tour made your Cuenca trip so memorable. We're glad that you appreciated our guide and driver. We'd be glad to have you again on another experience!
Team Cuenca Bestours
Jacob, Jan 2025
Had a good time with Wilson on this tour. He was a knowledgeable and friendly guide. Would recommend this tour to family and friends.
Response from Host, Jan 2025
We’re thrilled to hear you had a great time with Wilson and appreciated his knowledge and friendly guidance. Your recommendation means a lot to us, and we’d love to welcome your family and friends on a future adventure!
Team Cuenca Bestours
Gabriel_T, Jul 2024
This tour was wonderful! The guide - Cristian - is really knowledgeable and was able to engage our mixed group (ages 5 - 65, mix of English and Spanish speakers). The artisans he works with in Gualaceo and Chordaleg who share their talents with the group are amazing. He was also on top of making sure the lunch met several varying dietary needs.
Response from Host, Jul 2024
We're delighted to hear that Cristian's expertise and engaging approach made the tour enjoyable for everyone in your group. It's wonderful that the artisans' talents left a lasting impression and that Cristian ensured everyone's dietary needs were met. We appreciate your kind words and look forward to your next visit!
Cuenta Bestours Team
Cliff, May 2024
Seeing the shawls made and touring a lot of countryside plus guide very pleasant and informed. Wonderful area.
Response from Host, May 2024
Thank you for your lovely review! We're delighted that you enjoyed seeing the shawls being made and touring the beautiful countryside. It's also wonderful to hear that you found our guide pleasant and well-informed.
Cuenca Bestours Team
Marielena_M, Apr 2024
Andes our tour guide was fantastic! Very knowledgeable and helpful! We loved everything out the trip.
Response from Host, Apr 2024
We're thrilled to hear that you had a fantastic experience with our tour guide, Andres! It's wonderful to know that his knowledge and assistance added to the enjoyment of your trip. Thank you for choosing us!
Cuenca Bestours Team
Donald_E, Mar 2024
Our guide, Pedro, was knowledgeable, friendly and easy to talk with. Definitely would recommend him.
Response from Host, Apr 2024
Thank you for your glowing review of our guide, Pedro! We're thrilled to hear that he provided you with a memorable and enjoyable experience. We appreciate your recommendation and hope to welcome you back for more adventures in the future!
Cuenca Bestours Team
Alden_C, Dec 2023
I had Pedro on a private. He was interesting to talk to and very well informed as well as being attentive. I had a great time and learned a lot about the site, Cuenca, and Ecuador in general. Recommend.
Response from Host, Jan 2024
Thank you for taking the time to share your experience with us! We are thrilled to hear that you had a great time with Pedro on your private tour. It's fantastic to know that he was both interesting and well-informed, providing valuable insights into the site, Cuenca, and Ecuador in general. We appreciate your recommendation and hope to welcome you back for another enriching experience soon.
Cuenca Bestours Team
DeeDavis_O, Nov 2023
Great fun and super educational. Ingapirca was fascinating as we learned about the coexistence of the Cañari and the Inca. Plus, llamas! Then we went to a six generation weaving family and learned the process for making Makana. After a fabulous lunch went to the UNESCO World Heritage Site Chordeleg and enjoyed the beautiful square and window shopping for the lovely silver filigree they make there. Finally ended at the also lovely square In Gualaceo where I had the best hot chocolate I have ever had. Javier was wonderful.
Response from Host, Nov 2023
It sounds like you had an amazing time exploring Ingapirca and discovering the rich history of the Cañari and Inca cultures, not to mention the charming llamas! The visit to the six-generation weaving family and the insights into the Makana-making process must have been truly special.
We're pleased to know that you enjoyed the UNESCO World Heritage Site in Chordeleg and indulged in some silver filigree window shopping. Ending the day with the best hot chocolate in the lovely square of Gualaceo sounds like the perfect way to wrap up your tour.
Cuenca Bestours Team
Rosaline_C, Oct 2023
My friend and I had a very reasonably priced private tour to Ingapirca, Chordeleg, and Gualaceo. Pedro was our guide and driver. Pedro is super professional, personable, and knowledgeable. It was the most relaxed tour I have been on in a long time. I especially liked having as much time as we wanted to walk through and take photos in Ingapirca, a fascinating site. We opted for lunch at a local market before heading to Chordeleg and Gualceo where we learned about making silver filigree jewelry and a special kind of pre-dyed woven textile. It was an incredibly pleasant day trip from Cuenca. I highly recommend Pedro's travel services.
Response from Host, Oct 2023
Thank you for your kind words regarding your private tour to Ingapirca, Chordeleg, and Gualaceo with Pedro as your guide and driver. We're delighted to hear that you found the tour relaxed and enjoyable, with the flexibility to explore Ingapirca at your own pace. It's wonderful that you had the chance to learn about local crafts and culture. We appreciate your recommendation and hope to assist you with more memorable trips in the future.
Diana_B, Apr 2023
Wonderful day out. The tour company was fabulous , lunch was delicious and the sights were very interesting.
Response from Host, Apr 2023
I'm so glad to hear that enjoyed the tour and the delicious lunch. It's also great to know that the sights you visited were interesting and engaging. Thank you for sharing your positive feedback with others. I am sure it will encourage more people to take the same tour and have a wonderful experience like yours.
Cuenca Bestsours Team
Marvilynne_H, Feb 2023
Excellent experience and our guide Javier was exceptional with lots of knowledge, patience and a great sense of humor.
Beatrice_B, Oct 2022
Beautiful scenic route with spectacular views. The driver and tour guide were very accommodating. The only negative was a mix up with the pickup time.
Response from Host, Nov 2022
Dear Beatrice, thank you for your feedback, we are glad you enjoyed the tour and we apologize for the pick-up misunderstandings. We actually send you two messages the day before the tour reconfirming the pick-up time and location, unfortunately, we didn't hear back from you. Our guide went to the hotel you selected for pick up but you were not registered there, he waited for 15 minutes there, we called you several times but we couldn't reach you. Then he decided to go pick up other guests that we had on the list and were waiting for us. Our team was accommodating and we went back to the hotel to pick you up when we finally heard back from you. We also detail on the tickets the instructions to reconfirm the pick-ups 24 hours prior to departure. Sometimes these things might happen, but we are very flexible to solve the issues and make sure our guests enjoy their tours.
Enjoy Cuenca!
Sincerely,
Javier Vallejo
Monica_V, Aug 2022
We learned a lot the tour guide was very informative and helpful with other questions and suggestions he dad about restaurants and museums.
Myles_H, Aug 2022
I had a really fun time on this trip to Ingapirca. It's like a mini Machu Picchu! The tour operator couldn't do the trip but they still got me another tour guide at the last minute, who spoke English. Recommended
Yelena_V, Jun 2022
Tour was canceled the day before. The guide was nice about it but disappointing having to book the tour just to have it canceled with very short notice
Response from Host, Jun 2022
Dear Yelena, we apologize again for the inconvenience with the cancellation of the tour. However, we detail at the time of booking and it actually says clearly in your voucher that we need minimum of two participants to operate the tour. After you booked the tour we contacted you to explain that we don't have more guests for that tour, we offer you the option to join a similar tour for a discount, we tried to give you an alternative but unfortunately you didn't want to join. So, we cancelled the tour as you requested and issue a full refund.
We could close bookings for solo travelers and set a minimum of two people in order to book the tour, but that would not be fair for people like you that are looking to join a shared tour, then the only option they would have is to pay for two participants in order to book a tour. More than 90% of the times we are able to accommodate solo travelers.
We are very disappointed with your review. We are a small company and work really hard to build up a reputation. Your review will have a big impact on our ranking and its a pity because we are sure that if you would have take the tour, you would have liked. Happy travels!
Sincerely,
Cuenca Bestours Team
Rodney_F, May 2022
Started with our guide, Andreas, picking us up exactly on time! He was the best tour guide - very knowledgeable on every aspect and the most fun guide ever! Andreas knew and explained Ingapirca so clearly we will always remember the incredible place it is! The remainder of the tour was just as incredible! A great day tour made most memorable by Andreas! Highly recommend!
Emily_L, May 2022
We took a private tour to Ingapirca, Gualaceo, and Chordeleg with Andre. Andre was awesome and a wealth of knowledge for history of Ecuador. The transportation was very comfortable as well. We would definitely book with Andre again!
JoAnne_C, Apr 2022
Just being at Ingapirca was amazing, we were in the clouds! Our tour guide Sebastion was the best and spoke English very well which helped. The stone work was incredible. Gualaceo was beautiful and our lunch was delicious, the shawl factory was so historic. Sebastian was able to take us to Ecuagenera which is the largest orchid farm in South America! Gorgeous! Chordeleg with all the gold and silver craftsmen was beautiful as well.
Heidi_F, Apr 2022
Incredible tour included visit to traditional weaving center, local towns, stops for lunch which included delicous healthy Ecuadorian dishes. Ingapirca is an amazing historical sight. Guide Javier is informative and friendly. Thanks for great tour!
Leonora_H, Apr 2022
Everything was great. The view was amazing at the ruins. I was amazed about learning about the few families that make the traditional ponchos
Patricia_S, Mar 2022
Luis Gonzales is a fantastic guide with excellent English. Very knowledgeable as well as considerate and personable. Our pickup was right on time and at the designated location. It was a thoroughly enjoyable day thanks to Luis and to Manual our driver.
Dwayne_B, Jul 2021
We thoroughly enjoyed our tour and tour guide. We don't usually take guided tours, but this tour included two things we really wanted to visit: Ingapirca and the Casa de la Makana in Gualaceo. The tour far surpassed anything we were expecting. Our guide, Wilson, is one of the most intelligent persons we have ever met. He has a deep knowledge and love for his country and the indigenous people in Ecuador. We asked many questions, about various things, during the tour and Wilson answered them all with ease. It is the best tour we've taken and would recommend Wilson and the tour to anyone who is interested!
Dwayne and Meadow
Response from Host, Aug 2021
Thank you for your review. We are glad you enjoyed the Gualaceo and Chordeleg tour with Wilson. He is such a great guide! We hope to have you back in our tours in the future!
Cuenca Bestours Team
mireillehoude59, Feb 2026
Our guide Diego was excellent and made the experience great with all his historical knowledge of the country, and its ancient civilizations. He was attentive and very attentive. I would not hesitate to recommend it warmly. As we were only 3 people, it was a "private" tour if you can put it that way. The restaurant chosen was excellent and the service impeccable. The visit of the two villages of Gualaceo and Chordeleg, and its craftsmen, as well as the visit of the ruins were of great professionalism on the part of Diego.
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Response from Host, Feb 2026
Merci infiniment pour votre magnifique commentaire ! Nous sommes ravis d’apprendre que votre expérience avec Diego a été aussi enrichissante et agréable. Sa passion pour l’histoire de l’Équateur et des civilisations anciennes, ainsi que son attention et son écoute, font vraiment la différence lors de nos excursions.
Votre recommandation nous touche beaucoup🌿✨
Team Cuenca Bestours
Ricardo_S, Aug 2025
The tour in Ingapirca and Chordeleg is very interesting and cultural! The guide Diego, well acquainted with the history, made a spectacular visit....
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Response from Host, Aug 2025
Muito obrigado por compartilhar sua experiência! Ficamos felizes em saber que vocês aproveitaram o tour cultural em Ingapirca e Chordeleg. Diego ficará muito contente em saber que seu conhecimento e orientação tornaram a visita espetacular. Agradecemos o seu feedback.
Team Cuenca Bestours
JAIRR_S, Nov 2023
Estivemos com Wilson em Ingapirca, Gualaceo, Chordeleg e orquidário de Ecuagenero. O passeio foi sensacional. Wilson é muito simpático e nos deu muitas informações interessantes ao longo de todo o percurso. Agradecemos ao Wilson mais uma vez pelo dia espetacular e recomendamos muito o passeio com ele.
Response from Host, Nov 2023
Agradecemos sinceramente por compartilhar sua experiência conosco! Ficamos encantados ao saber que você teve um passeio sensacional com o Wilson em Ingapirca, Gualaceo, Chordeleg e no orquidário de Ecuagenero.
É gratificante ouvir que Wilson foi simpático e forneceu muitas informações interessantes ao longo do percurso. Transmitiremos seus agradecimentos a ele e tenha certeza de que ele ficará feliz em saber que contribuiu para tornar o seu dia espetacular.
Cuenca Bestours Team
GullBritt_B, Jul 2023
Ingapirca para nosotros muy bien . Pueblo los joyas no interesante pero Ikat technico muy muy interesante.
nelly_m, Jun 2023
no me gustó el guía, explicaba más a los de habla inglesa. hablaba tan bajito e iba en la parte de atraz él que no alcanzaba a escuchar. caminaba demasiado rápido
Response from Host, Jun 2023
Agradecemos tus comentarios sobre tu experiencia en nuestro tour compartido. Queremos señalar que nuestros tours se realizan en ambos idiomas, inglés y español, y nuestros guías se esfuerzan por adaptarse a las necesidades del grupo. Sin embargo, lamentamos que hayas sentido que el guía dio más atención a los hablantes de inglés y que no pudo escuchar claramente debido a su posición en la parte trasera del grupo. Tomaremos en cuenta tus comentarios para mejorar la comunicación y la velocidad del recorrido. Si prefieres una atención más personalizada, te recomendamos considerar un tour privado en el futuro. Agradecemos tus comentarios y esperamos tener la oportunidad de brindarte una experiencia más satisfactoria.
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Full-Day Ingapirca, Gualaceo & Chordeleg from Cuenca
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