Cuenca tour from Guayaquil
Private tour: starting any day of the year
Duration: 3 days
Description:
Cuenca is located in the south of Ecuador. It is considered to be the most picturesque city in the country and UNESCO World Heritage site. Our tour takes to explore the highlights in the area in this very convenient trip from Guayaquil.
Highlights:
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Explore the UNESCO World Heritage city of Cuenca
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Visit the largest Inca archaeological site in Ecuador
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Taste the local products in the cocoa farm and learn how locals make craft-chocolate
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Enjoy a hiking day tour in Cajas National park
Itinerary:
Day 1: Guayaquil - Ingapirca - Cuenca
From Guayaquil, we will drive through the beautiful farming area of the lowlands where we will see the great diversity of products that are grown here. We will make some stops on the way to enjoy the beautiful views of the Andes. After a 2-hour drive, we will arrive at Ingapirca, which is Ecuador’s major Inca archaeological site. Sun worshippers built this fortress-temple in Cañar valley. The elliptical temple of Ingapirca, for its high religious hierarchy, has evidence in the use of ashlar pillows in the purest imperial Cuzco style.
After a full day trip, we will take you to the hotel in Cuenca
Day 2: Half day city tour and free afternoon
The tour begins in San Sebastian, a traditional neighborhood of Cuenca which constitutes the western colonial border of the city. Then we also visit the San Francisco market, the flower market, Abdon Calderon Park, the cathedral “El Sagrario”, known as the “Old Cathedral”, and lastly, we will tour the “New Cathedral” which is considered one of the biggest churches in Latin America. The famous gold leaf altar is found here.
We continue our tour to a Panama hat factory. Here we’ll observe the fabrication of hats from a fiber called “Paja toquilla.” These hats range from classic simple ones to colorful, elegantly designed and costly ones. Afterward, we will go to the “Barranco”, an area of terraced houses which is located next to the Tomebamba River. Finally, we will go to the “mirador de Turi” (scenic viewpoint) to enjoy the beautiful vista of the Cuenca landscape.
Day 3: Cuenca - Cajas NP - Cocoa Farm - Guayaquil
Enjoy the fascinating views and contrast of the Ecuadorian Andes and lowlands. We will drive through the famous Andes mountains to Toreadora refuge, located in Cajas National Park. We will have the opportunity to do a hike (optional) to explore the Polylepis Forest and Moorland ecosystems with its lakes.
Then we will cross the continental divide and continue our drive to the lowlands making stops to enjoy the beautiful scenery if weather permitting. Afterward, we will visit a local family and their farm, the main product growing here is cacao (base to make chocolate), however, they have many other products such as bananas, coffee, passion fruit, pineapple, etc. That we will be able to see and try. Our tour guide will explain the features of the local customs and products.
Drop you at any location within Guayaquil.
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.
Important Info
Included:
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Private tour guide/driver (English/Spanish)
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Private transportation
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Entrance fees and tickets
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Meals: Breakfast-2, Lunch-2, Dinner-0
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Activities as listed in the itinerary
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2-nights accommodation
Not included:
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Personal expenses
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Travel Insurance
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Tips (Optional)
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Any other service not mentioned herein
Hotels:
Standard
Hotel Balcones 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:
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Walking shoes
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Sunscreen
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Sunglasses
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Swimwear
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Fast-drying clothing
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Raincoat or rain poncho
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Clothes for warm and cool weather
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Warm hat and gloves




Prices (Per person)
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