Quito to Cuenca via air

Day 1:  Morning flight to Cuenca.  Visit the colonial city. The Old Town is best visited on foot. Our tour takes you along the cobblestone streets admiring the historic buildings, hanging balconies, carved wooden doors, the craft fair and colourful flower market, the main plaza with the Old Cathedral, which has been converted to the “Museum for Religious Art”, and the magnificent blue-domed Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception. See silversmiths at work and handicrafts of almost every kind. We end the tour with a visit to the “Panama Hat” factory.

Accommodation at one of Cuenca’s colonial hotels. (B)

Day 2: Early departure for the 2 hour drive to Ingapirca, Fortress of the Incas. On the way we visit a toquillo weaver and stop off at the Neo-Gothic church Virgen del Rocio, perched on the side of a steep rock cliff.

Ingapirca is Ecuador’s most important Incan site, with the finest example of Incan stonework in Ecuador. Ingapirca was the Incan ceremonial center of the area and was built about 50 years before the arrival of the Spaniards. The guide will explain the historical significance of this complex with stone structures that surround the prominent sun temple. You will appreciate the mastery of the stonework, while enjoying the beauty of the surrounding hills and pastures.

Accommodation at one of Cuenca’s colonial hotels. (B/L)

Day 3: In the morning we have the opportunity to enjoy Cuenca’s scenic countryside, stopping off in villages where artisans have been creating for generations. In San Bartolome we meet craftsmen making handmade guitars with the most amazing wood inlay. We visit Chordeleg famous for ceramic pottery, silver and gold filigree jewelry, in Gualaceo one can stroll around the local market learning about the local fruit, maybe taste a typical dish. In Bulcay, a family dedicated to keeping alive the dying craft of pre-Columbian Ikat weaving, will show us how these intricate patterns are created, dyed and woven.

During this tour one can observe people weaving Panama hats and other straw items. (B/L)

Afternoon return flight to Quito or Guayaquil

• Location: Combined Cultural and Nature Tours, Cuenca and Surroundings
• Duration: 3 days / 2 nights
• Start / End: Quito / Quito or Guayaquil
• Activities: City tour of Cuenca, tour of Ingapirca, visit villages near Cuenca
• Highlights: Flower market, main plaza with Old Cathedral, the blue domed Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, handicrafts of every kind, “Panama Hat” factory, handmade guitars of San Bartolome, ceramics and jewelry of Chordeleg, fruit market of Gualaceo, pre-Columbian Ikat weaving of Bulcay
• Season: All year
• Included: Bilingual guide, all visits and activities in itinerary, accommodation, meals mentioned in itinerary
• Not Included: Meals not mentioned in itinerary, airfare from Quito to Cuenca, entrance fees to National Parks and museums, drinks, tips, personal expenses
• Prices: Please contact