Devil's Nose hiking and Ingapirca ruins from Cuenca

The Devil's Nose is an engineering feat carved into a mountainside, not a natural formation.

A full-day small-group tour from Cuenca combines hiking and archaeology: private transport takes you to the Devil's Nose viewpoint in Alausi, where a guide explains the historic rail engineering. A traditional dance performance follows, then a two-hour drive to Ingapirca, Ecuador's largest archaeological complex, before returning to Cuenca. Hotel pickup and drop-off are included, along with lunch and a professional guide in English or Spanish.

Step-by-step itinerary

Devil's Nose and Ingapirca Ruins Tour

• Pick up from Cuenca at 07:00 am
• Travel 3 hours to Alausi canton
• Short city tour of Alausi
• Visit Devil's Nose viewpoint
• Optional hike to Sibambe train station
• Lunch break
• Travel 2 hours to Ingapirca Archaeological Complex
• Tour Ingapirca ruins and learn about cultures
• Travel 2 hours back to Cuenca hotel

The experience

The day starts with a three-hour drive from Cuenca to Alausi in a private vehicle, giving you time to settle in before the real exploration begins. Once there, a short city tour takes you through the central square and train station, then up to the Lluglly viewpoint where you can see the Puruha people in their traditional dress and get your first look at the rail line below. The guide then drives you thirty minutes to the Devil's Nose viewpoint itself, where the engineering of this mountain cut becomes clear, and hikers have the option to walk the trail that connects the viewpoint down to the Sibambe train station.

After lunch, the tour heads inland for two hours to Ingapirca del Cañar, the archaeological complex that anchors the day's second half. Your guide walks you through the site, explaining the Cañari and Inca cultures that built here, and points out the only elliptical temple the Inca empire constructed. The return journey to Cuenca takes another two hours, landing you back at your hotel by evening.

You choose between a group tour with lunch included or without lunch. A private tour option is also available if you prefer not to share the vehicle and guide with other travelers. The tour runs ten hours total and requires a moderate level of fitness for the hiking sections, though the viewpoint visit itself is accessible to most travelers.

What’s included

• Hotel pickup and drop-off in Cuenca.
• private vehicle transport for the full day.
• professional guide in English or Spanish.
• lunch (on the group tour with lunch option).
• a traditional dance performance in Alausi.

Options for this experience

3 options

Group tour that does not include lunchGuide in English or Spanish · 07:00An option designed for enjoying the tour with more people, but you can bring your own food or buy lunch directly at the restaurant. Pickup is included

Group tour that includes lunchGuide in English or Spanish · 07:00Tour with local lunch: A special tour that includes a tasty traditional lunch. Pickup is included

Private TourGuide in English or Spanish · 07:00Private tours: A tour designed only for you; this option includes tickets and a tasty lunch. Includes pickup

You pick the guide language when booking.

You'll see the exact price of each option when you check availability.See dates and prices

Before you book

Days and timesWednesday to SundayDeparts at 07:00

AgesAdult (12 to 80 years) · Child (5 to 11 years) · Under 5: can't be booked

GroupUp to 15

Live guideEnglish and Spanish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.

Prices and times updated today

Good to know

Moderate physical effortInfant seats availableNot recommended with heart problems

Operated by Polylepis Tours

Is this one for you?Choose the group tour with lunch if you want the full experience at a shared cost. Pick the private tour if you prefer to travel alone or with your own group and set your own pace at each stop. The ten-hour day and optional hiking on the Devil's Nose trail suit travelers with moderate fitness who want both mountain views and archaeology in a single outing.

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English and Spanish.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (5 to 11 years). Children under 5 can't be included in the booking.

How much hiking is involved on the Devil's Nose portion of the tour?

The Devil's Nose viewpoint visit includes a short city tour of Alausi and a thirty-minute drive to the viewpoint itself, where the guide explains the engineering. From there, hikers have the option to walk the trail connecting the viewpoint to the Sibambe train station. This walk is optional, not mandatory.

What exactly is Ingapirca and why does the tour spend time there?

Ingapirca del Cañar is Ecuador's most important archaeological complex, built by the Cañari and Inca cultures. The tour includes a two-hour visit where your guide explains the site's history and points out the only elliptical temple the Inca empire ever constructed.

Does the tour include a meal, and what are the options?

Lunch is included in the group tour with lunch option. A group tour without lunch is also available. Vegetarian meals can be arranged if you request one when booking.

What's included in the price, and what costs extra?

Hotel pickup and drop-off, private vehicle transport, a professional guide in English or Spanish, and lunch (on the lunch option) are all included. Entrance fees to Ingapirca, drinks, and tips are not included.