CITY TOUR ( 4 HOURS)

Departures: Everyday

Pick up: Hotel

Our tour of the beautiful city of Cuenca will include sites such as the traditional and picturesque barrio of San Sebastián, the Museum of Modern Art, Parque Calderón (the city’s central plaza), the Flower Plaza, the Sagrario Cathedral (also called the Old Cathedral) and the Cathedral of the Immaculate C onception (also called the New Cathedral), considered the largest in Latin America.

Also included is a visit to the famous Toquilla Straw Hat factory (Panama Hat Factory), where we will observe the production of these fine famous sombreros.

We will also explore the majesty and charm of El Barranco, where typical architecture meets the natural environment. Finally, we will arrive to the “Mirador de Turi”, or the Turi Viewpoint, where a cityscape of red rooftops and blue domes can be seen ringed by impressive mountain peaks.  Along the way we will visit the ceramics workshop of Eduardo Vega, a famous cuencano potter.

**Ask for our shared services

SERVICES INCLUDED: 

√ Professional driver/ guide

√ Private transportation from and to the meeting point

√ Activities as described in the itinerary

√ 24/7 assistance in English and Spanish

SERVICES DO NOT INCLUDE:

× Entrance fees

× Food and drinks

× Personal Expenses

× Tips

× Any other service not mentioned

GUALACEO & CHORDELEG CRAFT-MAKING VILLAGES (FD)

Departures: Everyday

Pick up: Hotel

This tour begins with a visit to the picturesque town of San Bartolome, famous for its artisans specializing in the construction of fine acoustic guitars.  There are various workshops along the main roadway, one of which we will visit.  In addition, we will pass through the town’s central park and tour its church.

Along the way, the famous Cholas Cuencanas will make an appearance, women renowned for their skill in and dedication to hand-knitting Ecuador’s Panama Hats while going about their daily activities.  We will then arrive in the town, or “canton”, of Chordeleg, the highlight of which is the fine fabrication of gold, silver, filigree, wooden, ceramic and other artisanal products.  We will visit the central park and the church, and have free time to browse the workshops.

Next, we’ll visit the central market of Gualaceo, where if you wish you may try a delicious typical dish called “Chancho Hornado”.  This dish features roasted pork accompanied by fried potato patties (llapingachos) and salad.

Finally, we arrive to a workshop in which the typical shawl worn by the Cholas Cuencanas are made, called “chales” or “macanas”.  The artisans will explain the fabrication process used to make these famous and unique textiles.

**Ask for our shared services

SERVICES INCLUDED:

√ Professional driver/ guide

√ Private transportation from and to the meeting point

√ Lunch

√ Activities as described in the itinerary

√ 24/7 assistance in English and Spanish

SERVICES DO NOT INCLUDE:

× Food and drinks

× Personal Expenses

× Tips

× Any other service not mentioned

CAJAS NATIONAL PARK DAY TRIP

Departures: Everyday

Pick up: Hotel

El Cajas National Park offers us a glimpse of the impressive cloud forests and Andean “páramo” landscapes and ecosystems.  The mysterious, mountainous silence invites us to explore its marvelous lakeside trails, which follow the shores of a number of the park’s 235 lakes.  During the hike, we will observe many of the park’s endemic plant and bird species.  Enjoy a close encounter with nature in this unique part of the Ecuadorian Andes.

During the visit we hike in the Cloud forest calls “Llaviucu” (3100masl) for 45 minutes to warm up and then we get to La Toreadora area (3900 masl) to hike for 2 hours and a half.

**Ask for our shared services

SERVICES INCLUDED:

√ Professional driver/ guide

√ Private transportation from and to the meeting point

√ Lunch

√ Activities as described in the itinerary

√ 24/7 assistance in English and Spanish

SERVICES DO NOT INCLUDE:

× Food and drinks

× Personal Expenses

× Tips

× Any other service not mentioned

GIRON WATERFALLS & YUNGUILLA VALLEY

Departures: Everyday

Pick up: Hotel

A journey through the Southern countryside, with ever-changing climates and landscapes (from green to brown back to green in a matter of minutes).

The tour from Cuenca to the valley of Yunguilla will invite us to experience the combination of diverse landscapes and climates: green valleys, cloud forests, tropical forests, and deserts all within a very small area.

We will begin our trip headed southwest, where we’ll observe the lush valleys of Tarqui and their extensive agricultural infrastructure.  Continuing the tour, we will arrive to Girón, where we will find two impressive waterfalls known collectively as “El Chorro” and reaching a height of 100 meters (330 feet).  The first waterfall has an easy-access approach of 15 minutes through high montane forests.

We will then continue south and arrive in Yunguilla, a beautiful wooded valley.  The climate is warmer than that of Cuenca and is characterized by lush tropical vegetation, making it a preferred weekend retreat of many cuencanos. 

Along the way we will find numerous old yet functional sugarcane presses, which reveal the importance of traditional sugarcane production in this region.

We then continue our visit to the Jubones zone, and as we descend the temperature will increase.  We’ll find ourselves in the desert of the Tumbesina region, where dry forests, shrubs and reptiles dominate.  It is a hardy ecosystem that also harbors a variety of plant and bird life.

SERVICES INCLUDED:

√ Professional driver/ guide

√ Private transportation from and to the meeting point

√ Lunch

√ Activities as described in the itinerary

√ 24/7 assistance in English and Spanish

SERVICES DO NOT INCLUDE:

× Entrance fees to museum USD 3.00 per person

× Entrance fees to the Waterfalls USD 3.00 per person

× Personal Expenses

× Tips

× Any other service not mentioned

CANYONING

Departures: Everyday

Pick up: Hotel

The tour takes approximately 5 to 6 hours, the journey start with a short 20 minutes ride, Norwest of Cuenca, to the east flank of Cabogana.

Then we will hike for 40 minutes with an awesome view of the city, trough fields and cloud forest until we get to the gorge of Rio Amarillo. Then we will get in to our new outfit (wetsuit, helmets, and harnesses). Business will begun!!! Sliding for natural rock carve slides, diving in to ponds, down climbing, scrambling, swimming  and rappelling up to 7 different waterfalls, in the most wild and amazing scenario.

Two qualified guides will go along with the group during the journey, transportation, a light snack and equipment included in the rate.

SERVICES INCLUDED:

√ Specialized guides in Vertical Extreme Sports Safety/ speaks Spanish and English

√ Private transportation from meeting point

√ Equipment: wetsuits, helmets, harnesses, carabiners, etc.

√ Professional driver/ guide

√ Private transportation from and to the meeting point

√ Activities as described in the itinerary

√ 24/7 assistance in English and Spanish

SERVICES DO NOT INCLUDE:

× Lunch and Drinks

× Personal Expenses

× Tips

× Any other service not mentioned

ROCK CLIMBING

Departures: Everyday

Pick up: Hotel

Cuenca is well known as a beautiful city and as a Cultural Heritage of Humanity. Those looking for adventure in its surroundings know that this city has the reputation of being the best place for climbing in Ecuador!

One hour from the city we can find more than ten places, with 200 different routes. Cojitambo and Paute are the most popular places for experienced climbers.

Our professional guide will make sure that you enjoy the activity and the beautiful landscapes.

SERVICES INCLUDED:

√ Professional driver/ guide

√ Private transportation from and to the meeting point

√ Lunch

√ Activities as described in the itinerary

√ 24/7 assistance in English and Spanish

SERVICES DO NOT INCLUDE:

× Entrance fee to Ingapirca USD$6 per person.

× Train Tickets USD$30 per person

× Drinks

× Personal Expenses

× Tips

× Any other service not mentioned

TREKKING CAJAS NATIONAL PARK DAY TRIP

Departures: Everyday

Pick up: Hotel

Pick up at hotel 07h00am. Departure to Cajas National Park we will enter the area of caballo Shayana, where we say goodbye to our driver. The hike begins in the Cucheros lagoon(Altitude 3950 masl) Our naturalist guide will accompany us throughout the tour, which starts with a trek ascending for 40 minutes until the cuchilla/filo (altitude 4080 masl) from where we can observe the valley of Burines (altitude 4010 masl) where you will find several lakes such as Burin Grande, Burin chico, Ingañan among others (Route 7) where we immerse ourselves in the pajonal andino while we admire the natural attractions especially the panoramic view of the sector and the canyon where low slope that will feed the lagoons Mamamag and Llaviucu. We descend towards the Mamamag lagoon (Altitude 3550masl).

This route leads us to the Laguna Mamamag (3.500 masl)which combines the walk between water streams and a small polilepys forest also the vestiges of pre-Columbian cultures in the Royal Inca Trail. Here we will have a brief stop for a box lunch. The trail leads to an important vantage point from which we will observe the spectacular valley of Llaviucu as we continue the journey through the forest of San Antonio we begin the descent into the forest of Llaviucu, where the landscape changes drastically from pajonal to upper montane forest.

We finally arrive at the Forest of Llaviuco (altitude 3100masl), is an upper montane forest in an excellent state of conservation. Considered the best place in the National Park for bird watching, among the most prominent are: Tucán Andino Pechigris (Andigena hypoglauca), the Pava Andina (Penelope montagnii) the Trogón Enmascarado (Trogon personatus), the Urraca Turquesa (Cyanolyca turcosa), and several species of colorful tanagers. The twelve species of hummingbirds recorded in the area are a sample of the high diversity that reaches this group of birds in the montane ecosystems, and among these stands the hummingbird Frentiestrella Arcoiris (Coeligena iris), Rayito Brillante (aglaeactis cupripennis). We will also observe plants, such as: pumamaquis, chuquiragua, moss, huicundos, ferns, a great variety of orchids, etc.  Return to the city of Cuenca

SERVICES INCLUDED:

√ Professional Licensed Tour Guide to guide in the Cajas National Park / speaks Spanish and English

√ Private transportation from meeting point

√ Box lunch

√ Rubber boots and Water Ponchos(on request)

√ Activities described in the itinerary

√ 24/7 support in Spanish and English

SERVICES DO NOT INCLUDE:

× Entrance fee to Ingapirca USD$6 per person.

× Train Tickets USD$30 per person

× Drinks

× Personal Expenses

× Tips

× Any other service not mentioned

TREKKING INCA TRAIL & INGAPIRCA DAY TRIP

Departures: Everyday

Pick up: Hotel

This tour will allow us to walk a portion of the famous Inca Trail. The hike it’s done at an altitude between 3,100 and 4,000 meters above sea level.

This will takes us through the Andean paramo  , indigenous communities, and beautiful lagoons towards Ingapirca , the most famous Canari – Inca ruins of Ecuador . This hike requires good physical condition and health. We also offer additional horses to ride upon  prior request at an extra charge .

The walk will be held for 4 to 6 hours depending on fitness and acclimatization to the altitude. We will finish with a visit to the ruins of Ingapirca , where our guide will interpret the different theories about its construction and purpose.

SERVICES INCLUDED:

√ Professional Tourism Guide / Speaks Spanish and English

√ Private transportation from meeting point

√ Box lunch

√ Activities described in the itinerary

√ 24/7 support in Spanish and English

SERVICES DO NOT INCLUDE:

× Entrances to the Ingapirca Complex USD 6.00 per person

× Drinks

× Personal Expenses

× Tips

× Any other service not mentioned

INCA TRAIL 3 DAYS 2 NIGHTS (CAMPING TRIP)

“INCA TRAIL FROM ACHUPALLAS TO INGAPIRCA”

The Incas created an impressive system of trails, which connected Quito, at the North of their empire, with Talca, south of Santiago in Chile.  In the southern part of the central valley of Ecuador, it’s possible to follow one of these ancient trails.  This will bring us through paramo, indigenous communities, and beautiful lakes until we reach Ingapirca, the most famous Incan ruins of Ecuador.  This hike requires average physical condition.

DAY 1

We leave early from Cuenca, traveling on the Panamerican Highway to the north.  From La Moya, we follow a small highway and after 3.5 hours we arrive to Achupallas (3420 m).  There, the local guide will meet us with the horse to carry equipment.  We begin our walk following the Cadrul river and we go through the narrow pass between 2 mountains, Callana Pucará and Mapahuiña.  Continuing upriver in this U-shaped valley, we arrive to an Incan town (3910 m) where we’ll camp.

On the trail, we have the possibility of ascending Callana Pucará mountain (4190 m), which has a fantastic panoramic view all the way to Chimborazo if the weather condition allows us.

Hiking Time: 5-6 hours approx.

Degree of Difficulty: Medium – High

DAY 2 

We follow the Cadrul River until we get to Tres Cruces (Three Crosses) Lake to go up to the Three Crosses Knife Pass (4420 m), cossing the crest towards Quillaloma.  The ascension will provide us with a view of the many different mountain ranges and lakes.  Below, we will be able to make out Espíndola Valley with the well-known Qhapaqñan (Inca Trail), and at the bottom of the valley, the sacred Lake of Culebrillas.  We will go down towards the valley and, near the Espíndola River, we will set up our tents.  Along the trail, we will climb various small crests and summits.

Hiking Time: 5-6 hours approx.

Degree of Difficulty: Medium – High

DAY 3

We will follow the Inca Tral along the River Espíndola towards the Culebrillas Lake and we will arrive to the Incan ruins of Paredones (Large Walls).  After crossing the Puyal pass (4000 m) and walking through typical vegetation of the paramo, we arrive to San José a nice and little town close to Ingapirca.

Our driver will pick us up to take us to a local restaurant for lunch. We leave all our luggage in the vehicle and visited the Ingapirca complex (3160 m) where we will find the most important prehistoric archeological monument of Ecuador, embedded in the southern Andes.  We will find cultural remains that attest to the presence of important Andean societies such as the Kañari and later the Inca.Return to Cuenca

Hiking Time: 3.5-4 hours approx. plus the 02 hours Complex visit

Degree of Difficulty: Medium

IMPORTANT: We also offer a 2 days 1 night Inca trail camping trip which requires a very good physical condition for longer hikes.

SERVICES INCLUDED:

√ Private transportation from Cuenca to Alausi / Ingapirca to Cuenca

√ Transfer to Achupallas

√ Professional, bilingual guide

√ Horseman/muleteer

√ Packhorses/mules

√ Mountain equipment:  (Tents, insulators, and in case the tourists do not have their own, we also includes rubber boots, sleeping bags, cooking utensils, dishes, place settings, etc.)

√ All meals Day 1: 01 Box lunch, Hot dinner. Day 2: Hot breakfas, Box lunch, Hot dinner. Day 3: Hot breakfast, hot lunch at Local Restaurant.

√ Drinks (water, coffee, tea)

SERVICES DO NOT INCLUDE:

× Ingapirca Entrance Fee

× Tips and other expenses not specified in the program.

** In case a guide who speaks a language other than English is required, the cost will vary.

** If you want to hire horses to ride ask for the extra cost.