Cuenca the “Athens of Ecuador”,
as it is known due to its frequent cultural activities and is one of
the most beautiful colonial cities in Ecuador. Its charm lies in its
elegant colonial architecture, impressive churches dating back to the
16th and 17th centuries, cobbled streets and red-tiled
roofs. The town has a peaceful and pleasantly provincial air and boasts
a wealth of fine ceramics, handicrafts, Panama Hats and quality gold
and silver jewellery.
ECC01
Cuenca Basic
2D/1N
Day1: On your arrival in Cuenca, we will meet you and
take you to your hotel. Optional
excursions around Cuenca can be arranged for the same day, upon request.
Day2: After breakfast transfers to the airport or to
the bus station or extension programs will be organized for you.
Included: private transport, hotel with American breakfast.
On this tour you’ll have plenty
of time to visit one of the most beautiful and picturesque cities in
Ecuador. We’ll begin with a
walk into the center of the city, where we can admire the cathedral
and historical buildings and visit the “Museo de las Conceptas” museum,
which is in what it used to be the old infirmary of the Convent of the
Immaculate Conception. Here it is possible to see an interesting display
of religious art and an exhibition of photographs. The tour ends with a visit to the spectacular
flower market.
Included: private transport, bilingual guide, and all entrance
fees.
ECC03 Gualaceo Chordeleg & Sigsig 1 Day
We will leave
Cuenca early in the morning and drive to Gualaceo, an important market
town. Here fine hand-woven shawls, belts and household
goods are sold. There is also an animal market across the covered bridge.
The biggest market in this village takes place every Sunday. Only a
few kilometers away from Gualaceo is the village of Chordeleg, which
is famous for its gold and silver filigree jewellery and also for its
textiles. Sigsig is a pleasant colonial village located 25 Km from Gualaceo
and is the center of this hat-making region.
Included: private transport, bilingual guide, and all entrance fees.
ECC04 Cajas National
Park 1 Day
El Cajas National Park lies
about 30 km west of Cuenca and is celebrated for its many beautiful
lakes, shining like jewels against the harsh countryside. Of interest
to nature lovers are the small forests of quinoa tree, which grows at
the highest altitudes of any tree in the world. The park is the perfect
place to enjoy a hike and observe breathtaking scenery. It is also a
spectacular location for keen bird-watchers, who are offered the chance
to glimpse the giant conebill, the tit-like dacnis and the grey-breasted
mountain toucan, as well as a variety of enchanting hummingbirds.
Included:
private transport, bilingual guide,
and all entrance fees
ECC05
Ingapirca Inca Ruins 1 Day
At 3230 m above sea level,
Ingapirca is the site of Ecuador’s most important ancient ruins from
the time of the Incas, who governed the region until the arrival of
the Spanish in the 16th century.
It is believed that Ingapirca was a fortress as well as an administrative
center. The main structure is known as “The Temple
of the Sun”, which had religious and ceremonial purposes and still boasts
some of the Incan’s finest stonework. You will have the opportunity
to step back in time and imagine an era when the Sun and the Moon were
worshipped here. We also invite you to visit the museum and admire the
jewellery and ceramics which date back to this ancient civilization.
Included: private transport, bilingual
guide, and all entrance fees.
ECC06 Saraguro
Indian Market 1 Day
A 4-hour drive south from
Cuenca takes us to Saraguro village, where an engaging market is held
each Sunday. The market is largely populated by the indigenous community
who give the village its name. The
Saraguros are easily identified by their traditional
black clothing and flat white felt hats with wide brims.
Included: private transport, bilingual guide, and all entrance
fees.