Ingapirca Ruins & Chordeleg Jewelry Day Tour from Cuenca

Summary

Handmade Makana Weaving & Cañar Culture Experience

If you’re curious about Ecuador’s history and love crafts, this day trip is for you. You’ll walk ancient Inca ruins at Ingapirca, watch real artisans weave makanas by hand, and browse Chordeleg’s famous silver jewelry—all with local guides who know every shortcut and story.

What’s the experience like?

Early morning, the air felt crisp as we left Cuenca behind, winding through the patchwork hills of Azuay. Our guide, Andrés, shared stories about the Kañari people as we approached Ingapirca. The ruins themselves—massive stones fitted so tightly you can’t slip a coin between them—felt almost silent except for the wind whistling through the grass. I remember the faint scent of eucalyptus and, off in the distance, a woman selling warm humitas near the entrance. Sundays are livelier here; local families gather at the market in Biblián, their laughter mixing with the calls of vendors selling fresh cheese and tamales.

After exploring Ingapirca’s Temple of the Sun and tracing old Inca paths, we headed to Gualaceo. The town’s market buzzed with color—baskets of golden maracuyá, piles of soft wool hats. But what really stuck with me was our stop at José Jiménez and Ana Ulloa’s workshop. Watching Ana weave a makana shawl by hand was hypnotic—the clack of wooden looms, her fingers moving so fast I could barely keep up. She let us try on a finished shawl; it felt surprisingly heavy and smelled faintly of dye and smoke from their kitchen stove.

Chordeleg came next—a small town but packed with jewelry shops. The main square sparkled with silver filigree earrings called candongas. I chatted with a jeweler who explained how each piece takes days to finish. There were toquilleras weaving Panama hats in doorways, too. Free time here meant wandering cobbled streets, popping into tiny stores for a look at gold bracelets or clay mugs. Before heading back, we stopped for a quick coffee at Café La Plaza—strong, sweet, just what I needed after all that walking.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Ingapirca and Cultural Visits

• Visit Ingapirca archaeological complex
• Explore Makana shawl workshop
• Tour Chordeleg jewelry and crafts

Top questions

Is lunch included on this tour?

Yes, lunch is included—you’ll get to try regional dishes at a local spot along the way.

Can I buy jewelry or crafts during the tour?

Absolutely! In Chordeleg and at the makana workshop you’ll have free time to shop for handmade pieces directly from artisans.

Is this tour suitable for people using wheelchairs?

Yes, all transportation and sites are wheelchair accessible. Let us know if you have specific needs so we can help out.

What should I bring for this full-day trip?

I’d recommend comfy shoes (lots of walking), sunscreen (the sun can be strong), a light jacket (it gets chilly in the hills), and some cash for snacks or souvenirs.

What’s included

You’ll get private transport all day (no crowded buses), a tasty local lunch, entrance to Ingapirca ruins, guided visits in English or Spanish, plus time to explore markets and workshops at your own pace.