Cuenca to Ingapirca, Gualaceo & Chordeleg: Day Trip with Lunch

Summary

Ingapirca ruins then artisan villages near Cuenca with local lunch

You’ll step among Ingapirca’s ancient stones with a local guide from Cuenca, then share lunch in Gualaceo before wandering Chordeleg’s jewelry stalls and visiting a weaving workshop. Expect real conversations, unexpected flavors, and small moments that linger long after you’re home.

What’s the experience like?

I didn’t really know what to expect when we left Cuenca that morning—one minute you’re dodging city traffic, the next it’s all rolling green hills and misty air. Our guide, Andrés, was already telling stories before we even cleared the suburbs. He pointed out how the light hits the mountains differently here. I caught a whiff of eucalyptus as we climbed higher; it mixed with the smell of our van’s heater (which, honestly, was working overtime). The drive to Ingapirca felt long but not in a bad way—just enough time to watch the clouds shift and wonder what those old stones would feel like under my shoes.

Ingapirca itself is quieter than I imagined. Not empty—there were a few other travelers—but there’s this hush around the stones. Andrés explained how it’s Ecuador’s biggest Inca site, but also that Cañari people built parts of it first. He showed us where the temple curves in that strange oval shape (the only one like it in the Inca world, apparently). I ran my hand along one wall—cold and rough, little flecks of lichen stuck to my palm. There was this moment when a stray dog wandered by and just sat beside us while Andrés talked about sun rituals. I still think about that dog sometimes.

The road down to Gualaceo winds through valleys so green they almost hurt your eyes. We stopped for lunch at Arhana Resort—a set menu but plenty of choices (I went veggie; someone else tried trout). The soup was thick and herby; dessert was tiny but sweet enough. At some point an older woman at another table started humming quietly while she ate. It made me smile for no real reason.

Chordeleg is all about jewelry shops—silver everywhere—and people standing in doorways chatting or just watching us pass by. I tried on a ring but my Spanish failed me when I asked about resizing (the shopkeeper laughed and waved her hands, so I guess it wasn’t possible). Later in Gualaceo’s plaza we tasted Rosero—a cold drink full of fruit bits and spices; kind of odd but refreshing after all the walking. The last stop was a family workshop where they showed us how shawls are woven on these old wooden looms. The dye smelled faintly earthy, almost smoky—I can’t explain it better than that.

By the time we got back to Cuenca, the sky had gone pink behind the mountains. My feet were tired but my head felt oddly light—like I’d seen something important but wasn’t sure how to put it into words yet.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Ingapirca and artisan villages

• Visit Ingapirca Inca fortress-temple
• Drive 1.5 hours to Gualaceo and Chordeleg
• Enjoy traditional lunch at Arhana Resort
• Shop and explore Chordeleg town
• Visit colonial plaza in Gualaceo
• Try coffee and traditional Rosero drink
• Watch shawl weaving at local workshop
• Return to Cuenca

Top questions

How long does the day trip from Cuenca to Ingapirca take?

The full-day tour lasts approximately 8–9 hours including travel time between sites.

Is lunch included on this Ingapirca & Gualaceo tour?

Yes, a traditional lunch at Arhana Resort is included with vegetarian and vegan options available.

Are hotel pickups offered for this tour?

Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off in Cuenca are included in your booking.

What can I see at Ingapirca ruins?

You’ll visit Ecuador’s largest Inca archaeological site featuring an elliptical temple unique in South America.

Will we visit artisan workshops during the trip?

Yes, you’ll stop at a family-run weaving workshop in Gualaceo to see traditional ikat techniques.

Is there free time for shopping in Chordeleg?

You’ll have free time to browse jewelry shops or explore Chordeleg at your own pace.

What is Rosero? Can I try it on this tour?

Rosero is a traditional fruit drink from Gualaceo—you’ll have a chance to taste it during your visit.

How many people are needed for this tour to run?

A minimum of two participants is required for operation; solo travelers should check availability first.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup and drop-off from Cuenca, all transportation with fuel covered, guidance from a licensed bilingual guide who also drives for smaller groups, entry fees where needed, plus a set-menu lunch at Arhana Resort with soft drink and dessert before returning home in the evening.