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Cuenca & Southern Ecuador 

Private tour: starting any day of the year

Duration: 4 days

Description:

Cuenca is located in the south of Ecuador. Is considered to be the most picturesque city in the country and UNESCO World Heritage site. Among its many charms you will find colonial buildings, colorful plazas, markets, Inca ruins and beautiful protected natural areas.

Highlights:

  • Explore the UNESCO World Heritage city of Cuenca

  • Visit the largest Inca archaeological site in Ecuador 

  • Relax at the hot springs of Piedra de Agua Spa

  • Enjoy a full day tour hiking in Cajas National park

Itinerary:

Day 1: Arrival in Cuenca 

Upon your arrival in Cuenca, a friendly guide will be waiting for you at the airport to take you to the hotel. 

 

Day 2: Half day city tour and Ingapirca Ruins

We start early visiting the historical center of the city. An English speaking guide will take you through some of the main attractions. We will visit San Sebastian, El Vado, food market, flower market, Calderon Park, Homero Ortega museum, Turi and the New Cathedral.

Later your guide will drive you on the Panamerican Highway where you will be able to enjoy views of the southern Ecuadorian Andes and its countryside.

We will have lunch at one of the best restaurants in the area. Afterwards, we’ll visit the most important Inca-Cañari archaeological site in Ecuador.

Overnight in Cuenca

 

Day 3: Cajas National Park

Our naturalist guide will escort you to Cajas National Park, one of the biggest highlights in the Cuenca area.

We’ll start by hiking for one and a half hours through the ecosystem of primary cloud forest at an elevation of 10,300 feet. Later we’ll go to the intercontinental divide after an amazing hike across the highlands to the unique Polylepis Forest.

You can choose the difficulty of your hike together with your guide, considering altitude, weather and fitness.

We will lunch at a scenic Cajas Restaurant where the specialty is trout. 

 

Day 4: Piedra de Agua Spa

A relaxing day at the hot springs of Piedra de Agua Spa.

Lunch and return trip to the airport. 

Made-to-Order Tour

 

This itinerary is designed to give you an idea of the activities you can choose from. This trip can be customized to suit your needs, tastes, time frame and budget. You have the flexibility to make any changes that you prefer together with your guide who will advise what activities fit together in the time allowed.

Map

        Important Info

Included: 

  • Transfers to and from the airport

  • Private transportation 

  • Entrance fees

  • Bilingual guide (English/Spanish)

  • Meals as listed in the itinerary

  • Activities as listed in the itinerary

  • Accommodation according your needs (Single, double, triple rooms)

Not included: 

  • Personal expenses 

  • Travel Insurance

  • Tips

  • Meals not listed as part of itinerary

  • International flights

  • Flights to Cuenca

  • Any other service not mentioned herein

Our Hotels: 

Standard

Cuenca Suites or similar

Confort 

Santa Lucia or similar

Passengers requesting a hotel in another category, please consult. 

Please Note:

For 1 to 5 passengers, a bilingual guide will also be the driver.  For more than 5 passengers, a driver and a bilingual guide will be provided.

Packing tips:

  • Walking shoes

  • Sunscreen

  • Sunglasses

  • Swimwear

  • Fast-drying clothing

  • Raincoat or rain poncho

  • Clothes for warm and cool weather

  • Warm hat and gloves

 

Prices (Per person)

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