Full-Day Ingapirca, Gualaceo & Chordeleg from Cuenca
Description
For travelers with limited time, we combine two of the most significant attractions in Cuenca: First, the most important Inca site in Ecuador, and later, two artisan villages where crafts such as ikat weavings, fine filigree jewelry and more are made. Highlights: • Visit the largest Inca archaeological site in Ecuador and the only elliptical temple of the Inca empire. • Get amazing panoramic views of unforgettable Andean landscapes full of contrasts. • Watch locals weave shawls using the unique technique of "Ikat" developed by the Pre-Columbian tribes. • Check out Chordeleg's famous jewelry and ceramics.
Tour Options
Itinerary
Prepare to embark on an exhilarating journey through Ecuador's stunning highlands, where breathtaking vistas await at every turn. Our destination? The awe-inspiring Ingapirca, an impressive Inca fortress-temple drenched in history. It's considered to be Ecuador's most significant archaeological site, and it's not hard to understand why. The Inca people's incredible engineering skills and architectural prowess are evident in this site built by sun worshippers.
Our adventure continues with a picturesque 1.5-hour drive to the charming villages of Gualaceo and Chordeleg, where a delightful traditional lunch at the Arhana Resort awaits. Our set menu includes an appetizer, main course, soft drink, and a small dessert, with vegetarian and vegan options available upon request.
Our next stop is Chordeleg, a town renowned for its talented jewelers and other handicraft shops. Here, you'll have free time for shopping or soak up the town's fascinating ambiance. Whether you're on the hunt for the perfect souvenir or simply looking to explore, this is a great stop.
In Gualaceo, we'll visit the colonial plaza, you'll immerse yourself in the town's rich history and irresistible charm. Enjoy a coffee, and for the adventurous, try the traditional Rosero drink. It's the perfect way to experience the authentic flavors of Ecuador.
At our last stop, we'll visit a local family's workshop where you'll get to witness the intricate process of weaving shawls and ponchos on antique looms. Using dyes extracted from plants, this traditional method has been passed down through generations. After a full day, we'll make our way back to Cuenca.
Highlights
What's included
Pickup Locations & Times
If your hotel is not listed, please provide the details after booking.
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- 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
- 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
Reviews(170)
Wilson is very professional and knowledgeable and English is very good,our driver is very courteous as well,lunch is pretty good .
Amazing time! Luis was an incredible guide and very knowledgeable in all aspects of our tour. We were so grateful to have shared this experience. Highly recommend!
We’re thrilled to hear you had an amazing time with Luis. 🌟 His passion and knowledge truly make every tour special, and we’re so happy you enjoyed sharing this experience with us. Thank you for your recommendation✨ Team Cuenca Bestours
Easy pace not rushed very knowledgeable tour guide spoke very good English Would highly recommend this tour to anyone.
Thank you so much for your kind recommendation! We’re delighted to hear you enjoyed the relaxed pace of the tour and appreciated your guide’s knowledge and English-speaking skills. Creating enjoyable and informative experiences for our guests is always our goal. Team Cuenca Bestours
Christian is so knowledgeable about history of Cuenca and surrounding area. Excellent English, generous with educating, and so much fun
Thank you so much for your kind words! We’re delighted to hear that you enjoyed your experience with Christian. His deep knowledge of Cuenca and the surrounding area, along with his excellent English and passion for sharing history, truly enrich every tour. We’re especially glad you found the experience both educational and fun. 🌄✨ Team Cuenca Bestours
Comfortable bus. Small group. Very good tour guide. Interesting stops at craft shops. Engaging explanation of historical sites.
Thank you so much for your kind review! We’re delighted to hear that you enjoyed the comfortable transportation, small group setting, and engaging atmosphere throughout the tour.🌄✨ Team Cuenca Bestours
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.
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
A center that reminds us of our roots can appreciate an incredible elliptical structure with perfectly carved walls
Nos alegra saber que pudo conectar con la esencia histórica y cultural del lugar. Sin duda, su impresionante estructura elíptica y los muros perfectamente tallados reflejan el increíble conocimiento y la habilidad de nuestras culturas ancestrales. Esperamos haber sido parte de una experiencia enriquecedora. Equipo de Cuenca Bestours
Amazing trip! Our guide Juan, and driver Homero picked us up at our hotel. Our van was comfortable and Homero was a safe driver. Juan is a local guide and is very knowledgeable about Cuenca and the surrounding areas. As we traveled he provided information about the area, its history and the environment around us. At Ingapirca he provided a great tour, not only teaching us about the site but various flora and fauna we saw. The learning continued as we visited Gualaceo and learned about the lkat style of weaving. Lunch was delicious and well worth the price! An appetizer, soup, entree, dessert and drink. Chordeleg was amazing and we enioyed seeing how the silver filigree is made. Last stop was back at the large Gualaceo market. Juan helped us find an amazing bakery where we had delicious Rocio (a local fruit drink) and bread. Homero safely delivered us back to our hotel. Fabulous tour with an excellent guide! Do yourself a favor and take this tour!
We’re thrilled to hear that you had such an amazing experience with Juan and Homero. It’s wonderful to know that Juan’s deep knowledge of Cuenca and the surrounding areas, along with his passion for sharing history, culture, and nature, made your journey so enriching. We’re also glad you felt comfortable and safe with Homero behind the wheel throughout the day. Your kind words and recommendation truly mean a lot to us. Team Cuenca Bestours
Cris was an incredible tour guide. Very attentive and full of knowledge. I learnt a lot a Cañaris and Incas. Definitely worth it.
Everything was great, exactly as promised. The transport and guide were excellent. Beautiful city and friendly people everywhere
Thank you so much for your wonderful feedback. We’re delighted to hear that everything met your expectations and was exactly as promised. It’s especially gratifying to know that you were pleased with the transportation and your guide — providing seamless service and knowledgeable, attentive guides is always our priority. Team Cuenca Bestours
