To many, Cuenca embodies the tourist’s ideal of Ecuador: narrow cobble-stone streets, whitewashed colonial buildings, tile roofs and small wooden balconies, flower markets, baskets, woven rugs and hats, ornate churches and quiet convents. The peaceful streets and cheerful faces provide a sense of timelessness that can transport a visitor through centuries long past.

The best and most well known Inca archeological site in Ecuador is Ingapirca, a name which means “walls of the Inca”. But before the Incas arrived this site was even then a sacred place to the local Cañari, who called it Cashaloma or “the place where the stars pour from the heavens”.

Gualaceo is a small town that looks and feels a lot like a miniature Cuenca. Here you will find narrow cobblestone streets lined with whitewashed colonial buildings where friendly people live in a relaxed environment.

The best known craftspeople in the area are to be found in the little town of Chordeleg, a few kilometers to the east of Gualaceo. If you like jewelry, this is the place for you, Chordeleg is the jewelry capital of Ecuador.

We will meet you at the hotel in Quito or Guayaquil and transfer you to the airport to take your flight to Cuenca. After arrival in Cuenca we will drive to the towns of Gualaceo and Chordeleg. Full day will be spent touring the area, including a visit to the small centers where Panama hats are manufactured. Lunch in Gualaceo. In the afternoon we drive back to Cuenca. Overnight at your hotel.

Full day visit to the Ingapirca Ruins and surrounding areas. Lunch in a typical restaurant. Afternoon drive back to Cuenca. Overnight at your hotel.

Morning we take city tour of Cuenca. Lunch in a typical restaurant. Afternoon transfer to the airport for your flight back to Quito or Guayaquil. Arrival and transfer to your hotel.