Highlights of Cuenca Tour Standard 4D

Make your own way to the hotel in Cuenca on arrival in the afternoon, free time to relax and acclimatise to the city.

Without doubt the Ingapirca Archeological Complex is the biggest and best preserved in Ecuador.  It lies deep in the dry sierras swept by the wind of the southern mountain range, 80 kilometers (48 miles) north of Cuenca and at 3180 meters above sea level.   Along the way you will observe interesting Andean landscapes and people in colorful dress.  Along the highway we see the famous “cascaritas” (pork rinds), a typical dish based on crisp pork skins.   Ingapirca offers us an incredible view of the past, coming to know the Cañari and Inca cultures.  Marvel at the different styles of construction of the temples as well as the precise solar calculations and aqueduct system.  In addition we visit the outstanding Virgen del Rocío church, which sits high on the cliffs of the nearby town of Biblián.

In Cuenca we will visit places such as the picturesque and traditional Barrio of San Sebastián, the Museum of Modern Art, Calderón Park (central park), the Flower Plaza, the Sagrario Cathedral (Old Cathedral), and the Immaculate Conception Cathedral (New Cathedral), considered the largest in Latin America.

In addition we go through the majestic and enchanting Barranco, where architecture and natural surroundings are joined.

Finally, we arrive at the “Turi Lookout”, where the landscape of a valley filled with red tiled roofs and blue domes is bordered by impressive mountains.  

Tour duration: 7-8 Hours / Type: This is a privately organized tour

Transfer from Cuenca to Cajas National Park, directly to the Llaviuco zone in the lower part at 3100 meters above sea level.  The path is level and easy to navigate through the woods, taking between 45 minutes and an hour.

Then we continue to the higher region of the Park called Tres Cruces (Three Crosses) at approximately 4160 meters above sea level.  There we will have a panoramic view of the Park with time for taking photographs and listening to information from the guide.

After visiting Tres Cruces the group goes by vehicle to Lake Toreadora, where we visit the Interpretation Center.  Then we begin a walk of 2 ½ hours from an altitude of 3900 meters above sea level to 3600 meters.  The hike crosses the Polylepsis Forest called “San Luis” and then continues toward the Lagunas Unidas (United Lakes), named Totoras and Patoquinuas.  

Tour duration: 7-8 Hours / Type: This is a privately organized tour

Your tour ends after breakfast at the hotel.