Amazing Ecuador - A Fantastic Day Trip to Ingapirca, Gualaceo and. Chordeleg – A Must-See in Ecuador! Our day trip to Ingapirca Ruins was an unforgettable experience! From start to finish, everything was perfectly organized, making the journey as enjoyable as the destination itself. The scenic drive from Cuenca to Ingapirca was breathtaking, with rolling green hills, charming villages, and glimpses of the famous Andean countryside. The weather cooperated and was unusually clear. Our guide Sebastian from Polylepis tours was incredibly knowledgeable, sharing fascinating insights about Ecuador’s history, the Cañari and Inca cultures, and the significance of Ingapirca as Ecuador’s most important archaeological site. Upon arrival, the grandeur of the ruins was truly mesmerizing. The Temple of the Sun, with its precisely cut stones, showcased the incredible engineering skills of the Incas. Walking through the site, I could feel the history come alive, imagining how this place once thrived as a religious and ceremonial center. The contrast between Cañari round structures and Inca rectangular designs was intriguing, a testament to the blending of these two cultures. Sebastian explained this beautifully. After exploring the ruins, we had time to enjoy a canelazo and even spotted some wild llamas roaming nearby! Gualaceo, a lively town known for its traditional markets and weaving workshops. Visiting a local ikat weaving workshop was one of the highlights! We watched skilled artisans create intricate handwoven textiles using ancient techniques passed down for generations. The level of detail and craftsmanship was truly impressive. I bought a beautiful chalupa from Makana after seeing Master Jose’s wife show us how she does them. I would have bought the complete shop of if I could have. We also explored Gualaceo’s vibrant market, where we sampled fresh tortillas con queso. Not to be confused with quesadillas, those we sampled at a local bakery. They are a sweet treat you must enjoy with coffee. We made our way to Chordeleg, a town famous for its exquisite handmade jewelry. Strolling through the picturesque streets, we admired the beautifully crafted silver and gold filigree pieces, a testament to the town’s deep-rooted tradition in jewelry-making. I bough some exquisite earrings to take home with me of beautiful filigree orchids. Sebastian was nice enough to take us to the Orchid museum and it was well worth it!! A must see for all you plant lovers To top it all off, we enjoyed a delicious traditional Ecuadorian lunch at a local restaurant, savoring locro de papa and a chicken and beef seco. Overall, this tour was a perfect blend of history, culture, and natural beauty. Whether you’re a history enthusiast or simply looking for a unique experience in Ecuador, Ingapirca is a must-visit! Highly recommended!

Fun through learning - Our guide, Juan Pacheco, created an educational, memorable experience through the Ingapirca site and related visits. Not only was he knowledgeable about history and, archeology, he also "taught" us some Kichwa phrases. Good walks, good lunch made for a satisfying day trip

Knowledgeable, friendly, awesame places to visit. - My guide Wilson was very knowledgeable and friendly. I was happy with the amount of time we took in each of the places we went. Also, the fact that he suggested trying authentic foods/drinks from those places. Beautiful places.

Great day out of Cuenca - Our guide Diago was outstanding. On time, very good driver. Knowledgeable and patient. We could not have asked for anyone better. We really enjoyed all the stops we made and did not feel pressured into buying anything. Lunch was very tasty with local prepared and sourced food.

Great day out - Diego was a great guide and a really good driver, best we have had in Ecuador. He had great knowledge of his country and history and made the day go along smoothly. We had time for a little shopping and lunch was very good.

All day Ingapirca Tour - Our Tour guide was very knowledgeable about all the locations that we went to. The lunch included was delicious. It was a educational, adventurous day. I highly recommend this tour!!

Ingapirca Ruins - Absolutely amazing experience and trip. Diego was a very professional guide, and his knowledge of the Ingapirca Ruins made for an unforgettable trip. I can highly recommend this trip & Diego as a guide for anyone visiting the Ingapirca Ruins.

Great tour guide! - Our guide, Edison, really went the extra mile during the Ingapirca tour. He answered all our questions knowledgeably, and he speaks both Spanish and English.

Experience the wonders of the Incas and the Ecuadorian Sierra - This is probably the most interesting, scenic, and value-packed tour we’ve ever taken. We first took it last year when scouting Cuenca as a retirement destination—and I went again yeaterday with my daughter. Both times, Diego was our guide—and he is not only a wealth of information but also a delightful person. I highly recommend this tour and Diego in particular.

Ingapirca and cultural towns. - The tour was a nicely paced mix of history and culture, with a visit to Ingapirca and cultural villages. Overall a good balance between Incan and Cañaría history and artisan crafts. Diego was a great guide and is very knowledgeable about the region, its history and culture.