Ingapirca Ruins and Inca Face Small Group Tour from Cuenca.

Azuay, Ecuador



Discover the largest Inca-Cañari Ruins in Ecuador on a day trip from Cuenca. See the Inca Face and visit the only elliptical temple of the Inca empire. On Sundays, visit the Cañar indigenous Market.

Ingapirca Archaeological Site Tour from Cuenca

Explore Ecuador's largest Inca-Cañari archaeological site, Ingapirca, on a full-day guided tour from Cuenca, ideal for history and culture enthusiasts.

Highlights

  • Discover Ecuador's largest Inca-Cañari archaeological site
  • Visit the only elliptical Inca temple at Ingapirca
  • Drive through the Ecuadorian Andes countryside
  • See the neo-Gothic Sanctuary of the Virgen del Rocio
  • Learn about ancient cultures from a professional guide

Description

Begin early with pickup from your hotel in Cuenca and travel into the Southern Ecuadorian Andes. Stop at the Sanctuary of the Virgen del Rocio, a neo-Gothic church built on a cliff resembling a medieval castle, offering panoramic mountain views.

On the route to Ingapirca, visit a local food stall to observe traditional Ecuadorian dishes being prepared, including cascaritas, fritada, and fried plantain. You may choose to sample these dishes, experiencing Ecuador’s culinary traditions firsthand.

Make additional stops at select viewpoints to photograph the Andes' rolling green hills and rugged mountain ranges. Upon arrival, explore the Canari-Inca archaeological complex, including the unique elliptical Temple of the Sun, agricultural terraces, and courtyards. Your guide will provide detailed historical insight into these ancient cultures.

Hike briefly to see the Inca Face, a natural rock formation believed to hold spiritual significance. After the visit, return to Cuenca.

Includes

  • Hotel pickup
  • Professional tour guide
  • Round-trip transportation by car, van, or minibus (depending on group size)
  • Visit to the Sanctuary of the Virgen del Rocio
  • Visit to the Cañar Market (Sundays only)
  • Optional traditional lunch (if selected at booking)

Excludes

  • Food and drinks (available for purchase at local restaurants)
  • Entrance fee to Ingapirca Ruins: $2 per person
  • Gratuities (optional)

Important Information

  • Wear comfortable walking shoes and warm clothing due to potentially chilly weather
  • Bring water and sunscreen for hydration and sun protection
  • Traditional food tasting is optional and paid separately
  • A minimum of two participants is required; alternatives or refunds offered if not met
  • A camera is recommended for photos of landscapes and historic sites
  • The Cañar Market visit is available only on Sundays

Cancellation Policy

Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Frequently Asked Questions

It is a full-day guided tour from Cuenca to Ecuador's largest Inca-Cañari archaeological site, Ingapirca, featuring historical and cultural exploration.
The tour is suitable for history and culture enthusiasts of all ages who are interested in Ecuadorian archaeology and Inca heritage.
The Ingapirca ruins are located in southern Ecuador, in the Andes mountains, northeast of Cuenca.
The temple at Ingapirca is the only elliptical Inca temple found in Ecuador, reflecting Inca architectural design.
The tour is a full-day experience, usually lasting around 7 to 8 hours including travel and site visits.
Yes, the tour includes a stop at the neo-Gothic Sanctuary of the Virgen del Rocio and drives through scenic Ecuadorian Andes countryside.
Yes, the tour includes transportation by road through the Andes from Cuenca to the Ingapirca archaeological site.
No prior knowledge is needed; the expert guide provides detailed insights into the Inca and Cañari cultures.
The site can be visited year-round, but check the tour website for current schedules and weather recommendations.
Wear comfortable walking shoes, bring water, sun protection, and check the weather forecast for Andes conditions.

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