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Cuenca World Cultural Heritage Site
Considered one of most beautiful cities in Ecuador, Cuenca is also a designated World Cultural Heritage Site by UNESCO. This charming city offers culture, history, nature and unique experiences in every corner of its well-preserved historic center. Our trips to Cuenca can be done from Quito by air or land-transfer. You can always choose to stay at the excellent boutique hotels that the city of Santa Ana de los 4 Ríos de Cuenca has to offer and experience the charm and magic of the south of Ecuador.
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The wonderful city of Cuenca offers countless alternatives to explore the historic center as well as enjoy outdoor activities close by. The city is a magnificent example of colonial architecture with cobblestone streets, convents, museums, beautiful plazas, and has an important archaeological complex such as Pumapungo, located in the heart of the city. Two of the most interesting things to do when visiting Cuenca are: Ingapirca, the most famous Inca site just one and a half hours drive from downtown, and the Cajas National Park lake district with its beautiful nature, lakes and mountain views.
The following day tour options below are intended to show you the two most emblematic sites of Cuenca: downtown plus the majestic Cajas National Park with its overwhelming landscapes and the most important archaeological complex in Ecuador, the Cañari-Inca ruins of Ingapirca.
The itinerary below is for reference only and is subject to change without notice.
We begin our tour by visiting the “Cajas National Park” (45 minutes from Cuenca). This lake district has around 178 lagoons and is part of the National Park system of Ecuador. The Cajas offers impressive views and unique flora such as the Pollylepis forest. After taking a hike in the area near by the interpretation center, bordered by the beautiful lake of La Toreadora, we return in the afternoon to Cuenca to take a comprehensive city tour visiting the most interesting sights of the city.
With its proximity to Cuenca, we cannot miss a visit to Baños of Cuenca to spend the afternoon relaxing at the hot springs. The hot water comes from an old volcano crater, bringing to the surface rich waters with many health benefits, due to their temperature and rich mineral content that produce some anti-inflammatory effects that calm pain and relax the muscles.
Return to Cuenca for overnight or continue to your next destination.
Duration of the tour: 8 hours approx.
We depart Cuenca in the morning heading north east, driving about an hour and a half, passing picturesque Andean villages such as: El Tambo, Azogues and Cañar. Next, we arrive at Ingapirca which is the largest archaeological site in Ecuador. Its famous Temple of the Sun is the most prominent Incan ruins that remains; with its unique elliptical shape, this Inca temple is one its kind outside Cusco. The “Ingapirca Ruins” are part of the heritage of the Inca and Cañari ancestral cultures.
Here you can learn about the Cañari and Incas, that once were a thriving culture in the region. Your local guide will explain the history and importance of this place emphasizing the Cañari culture and relationship they had with the Incas.
Return to Cuenca for overnight or continue to your next destination.
Tour duration: 8 hours approx.
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