Cuenca, Ecuador

Bus & minivan tours

Begin your journey of the Cajas National Park — southern Ecuador's most famous national park — with a hotel pickup, where you will be greeted by your guide who will take care of you throughout the day.  Head straight to the park, whereupon arrival your guide will take you on a walking tour through the Andean flora and fauna. Breathe in the incomparable fresh mountain air and challenge yourself by walking along the park trails at 4,000 meters. Make sure to stop and admire several turquoise lagoons and the famous Polylepis trees — unique to the Andes — on your walk. Best of all, choose from either a small-group or private guided experience to make your trip special.

After the guide picks you up from your hotel or Airbnb, you will head towards the canton of Biblian where you will visit one of the most beautiful churches in all of Ecuador, which is located on the top of the Shalao mountain, considered sacred by the Cañaris. From this place you will enjoy a great view of the Andean landscape. Then you will have a technical stop on the road to observe how local people prepare traditional food with local techniques. Next you will travel to the archaeological complex of Ingapirca, considered the most important in Ecuador, where in the company of our guide you will learn many things about the Cañari and Inca cultures. After visiting the Ingapirca complex you will have a complementary tour to the famous mountain of the Incan Face, a site of great importance to the locals. Next you will have a delicious lunch at a local restaurant to taste Ecuadorian food. Around 2 p.m. you will return to the city of Cuenca. Arrive in Cuenca around 3:30. End of the tour.

Experience Cuenca's top two must-see attractions on a full-day tour. Visit the largest Inca archaeological site in Ecuador and the only elliptical temple of the Inca empire. Later, visit two artisan villages where crafts such as ikat weavings, fine filigree jewelry, and more are made. Start your tour with a ride towards the valley of Cañar through the enchanting highlands, offering amazing views along the way. Arrive at Ingapirca, Ecuador’s major Inca archaeological site, located approximately 60 miles northeast of Cuenca at 10,500 feet above sea level. Stroll through the fascinating ruins and listen to the facts and information provided by your guide. The time in the ruins highlights a visit to the Cañari constructed temple of the moon and the Inca constructed Temple of the Sun, 2 incredible places characteristic to both those ancient civilizations. Continue your tour to Gualaceo and Chordeleg, two charming villages famous for handicrafts. Visit a workshop in Chordeleg where artisans produce the finest silver filigree in Ecuador. There will also be time for shopping or simply admiring the interesting atmosphere of the town. Your final stop will be at a local family’s workshop where you’ll see the process of weaving shawls and ponchos on antique looms, using dyes extracted from plants. At the end of this full-day tour, you will be returned to your accommodation.

Embark on an express tour that immerses you in the natural splendor of Cajas National Park, located just west of Cuenca. This tour is perfect for nature enthusiasts seeking tranquility and breathtaking landscapes. Begin your journey with a visit to Laguna de la Toreadora, where you'll walk along scenic trails and learn about the park's significance to Cuenca from your knowledgeable guide. The park is renowned for its evergreen cloud forests and hundreds of lagoons, making it a haven for diverse fauna. Next, head to Mirador Tres Cruces for panoramic views that will leave you in awe. This viewpoint offers a unique perspective of the park's rugged terrain and lush greenery. Continue your adventure with a stop at the beautiful Hostería Dos Chorreras, a charming spot where you can relax and soak in the serene atmosphere. The tour concludes in Cuenca's Central Park, providing you with the perfect opportunity to explore the city's vibrant heart. Whether you're a seasoned traveler or a first-time visitor, this express tour offers a memorable experience of Cajas National Park's natural beauty and cultural significance.

Visit the most important places in the historic center of Cuenca and its surroundings on a guided walking tour. Start with a pickup from your hotel in downtown Cuenca in private transportation. Observe the city from the top of the Turi mountain and marvel at the stunning views. Then, walk through its cobbled streets and enjoy its colonial and republican architecture. Take advantage and enjoy a delicious Cuenca snack on the street of the Herreras, and do not miss the opportunity to buy a famous toquilla straw hat, made exclusively in Ecuador. Stroll through the plaza de las Flores, Central Park, New Cathedral, and the most beautiful buildings in the city.

Your guide will pick you up from your hotel in the morning and then you will head to Cajas National Park. During the tour, you will visit two altitude levels within the park. In the middle part, you will walk around for two and a half hours in the Toreadora area. The trek will give you the opportunity to enjoy the beautiful scenery. Then, move on to enjoy a local lunch in a nearby restaurant. Afterwards, visit Llaviuco, located in the lower part of the park. This area is part of a different ecosystem, known as montage primary forest. Here you will walk around the lake for about half an hour before you return to your hotel.

Head through Cuenca's historic district with a local expert that will show you the highlights including churches, beautiful historical buildings with wrought-iron balconies, and carved wooden doors, amidst a flower market, art galleries, etc. Begin in the San Sebastian neighborhood, a traditional neighborhood of Cuenca that constitutes the city's western colonial border. It houses the Modern Art Museum where the famous Bienal International of Cuenca takes a place, it belongs to a select group of macro art events established in Latin America and the Caribbean. Explore not only the exhibits but also the historical house with its traditional architecture. Visit the San Francisco market, the flower market, Abdon Calderon Park, the cathedral “El Sagrario”, known as the “Old Cathedral”, and lastly, tour the “New Cathedral” which is considered one of the biggest churches in Latin America. See the famous gold leaf altar in the New Cathedral. Continue to a Panama hat factory. Observe and learn about the fabrication of a fiber called “Paja toquilla.” Your guide will tell you not only about the process of making these hats but also the story of why they are called "Panama Hats" and the importance of this product in the local economy. See hats range from classic simple ones to colorful, elegantly designed and costly ones. Drive through the “Barranco” which is an area of terraced houses located next to the Tomebamba River. Finally, go to “Mirador de Turi” (scenic viewpoint) to enjoy the beautiful vista of the Cuenca landscape.

During this tour we will know the city of Cuenca from the inside, we will walk through the hidden places of this city and we will combine it with quality information about the city and Ecuador. We will enter old colonial houses and we will see with our eyes every single detail, besides these houses are very nice to take pictures. We will visit the museum of the Ecuadorian hat and we will have the opportunity to learn about its elaboration process along with an actual demonstration of the manufacture of hats. On our tour we will have the opportunity to taste and taste organic cheese French style combined with various spices and different flavors, a coffee or a quality organic chocolate, in a place where we can see how the coffee is ground at that time, we will have the opportunity to taste Ecuadorian sweets 100% handmade and at the end of our tour we will visit a brewery where we can buy Ecuadorian craft beer and drink it on the spot. Without a doubt we will enjoy getting to know Cuenca in a different way and in a very short time.

Embark on an unforgettable day tour from Cuenca to the breathtaking El Cajas National Park. With guaranteed daily departures, you can book up to 24 hours in advance and enjoy the convenience of hotel, Airbnb, or Cuenca Airport pick-up. With 15 years of experience, our tours promise satisfaction and the best prices. Your adventure begins with a visit to Tres Cruces, standing at approximately 4,160 meters above sea level. Here, you’ll have time for photography and learn about the site from your knowledgeable guide. Next, travel by vehicle to Laguna Toreadora, where you will start a scenic hike through the Polylepis San Luis forest and the "Unidas" lagoons. This hike, lasting between 2.5 to 3.5 hours at an altitude of around 3,900 meters, offers stunning views and a chance to immerse yourself in the park's unique flora and fauna. After the hike, enjoy a delicious lunch at a local restaurant, savoring regional specialties. The tour concludes with a return to Cuenca, where you will be dropped off at your hotel or a central location, perfect for further exploration of the city.

Step into the enchanting city of Cuenca, Ecuador, and embark on a captivating half-day journey. Immerse yourself in the city's profound history, uncover hidden cultural treasures, and marvel at its stunning architecture. This tour allows you to explore Cuenca's rich cultural heritage, embrace its natural beauty, and delve into its storied history, all in just a few short hours. We will start this exciting journey directly from your hotel. We will begin with a warm welcome and provide general information about the tour. Our itinerary includes: Parque Calderón Iglesia del Sagrario Catedral Inmaculada Concepción Stroll through Parque de las Flores and visit the Monastery and Church of Carmen Exploration of the San Francisco square and time for shopping Visit to the Traditional Market 10 de Agosto Museum of the Panama Hat Not included: Meals Tips Entrance tickets Join us in this unforgettable cultural experience as we explore Cuenca's treasures on an exciting and enriching tour. Please note that the route may vary depending on your starting location."