Ingapirca ruins tour from Cuenca: Small-group Incan sites

The Incan Face mountain is carved into the ridge above the ruins themselves.

A small-group tour from Cuenca to Ingapirca, Ecuador's most significant archaeological site, with hotel pickup and a professional guide explaining Cañari and Incan history across the ruins, a sacred church, and the Incan Face mountain. The tour runs eight hours total and includes a traditional Ecuadorian lunch. You can book with or without it. A minimum of two people per booking is required, and children are welcome from age five.

Step-by-step itinerary

Explore Ingapirca ruins and surroundings

• Pickup from Cuenca hotel
• Drive through Andean landscapes
• Stop at typical food restaurants
• Arrive at Ingapirca ruins
• Explore Cañari and Inca cultures
• Visit elliptical temple
• Visit Church of La Virgen del Rocio
• Climb stairs to main altar
• Enjoy view of Biblian valley
• Return drive to Cuenca

The experience

The drive from Cuenca takes two hours through Andean landscapes, with a stop along the way to learn how pork is prepared at a typical local restaurant before you arrive at Ingapirca. The site itself is Ecuador's most important archaeological attraction, and your guide walks you through the Cañari-Inca walls and the unique elliptical temple that once served as part of Tahuantinsuyo, the Incan empire's administrative center. The commentary covers both cultures and their history across the sectors of the ruins.

Before heading back, the tour includes a visit to the Church of La Virgen del Rocio, built on the Shalao mountain, which the Cañaris considered sacred. Climbing the stairs inside to see the main altar rewards you with a view across the Biblian valley. The return journey to Cuenca takes about an hour, completing the full eight-hour loop.

You choose at checkout whether to include the traditional Ecuadorian lunch or skip it. Hotel pickup and drop-off are part of every option, and the guide speaks English or Spanish. Groups stay small, so the pace stays manageable and the guide can answer questions as you move through each stop.

What’s included

• Hotel pickup and drop-off from your Cuenca accommodation.
• professional guide speaking English or Spanish.
• transport by private vehicle through the Andean landscape.
• traditional Ecuadorian lunch (on the group tour with lunch option).
• access to Ingapirca ruins, the Church of La Virgen del Rocio, and views of the Incan Face mountain.

Options for this experience

3 options

Tour for a group, lunch not includedGuide in English or Spanish · 08:00 and 08:30Tour without lunch: A great option for travelers who would rather bring their own food. Pickup is included

Group tour including a local lunchGuide in English or Spanish · 08:00 and 08:30Tour with a local lunch: An ideal choice for those who want to sample homemade dishes at a neighborhood restaurant. Pickup is included

Private tourGuide in English or Spanish · 08:00 and 08:30A special tour made just for you, where you choose the pickup time and other details. Pickup is included

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 SundayDepartures at 08:00 and 08:30

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.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated today

Good to know

Moderate physical effortNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problemsInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Polylepis Tours

Is this one for you?Book the group tour with lunch if you want the full cultural experience and a meal included. Choose the group tour without lunch if you prefer to eat separately or have dietary needs the operator cannot accommodate. A private tour option is available if you'd rather have the guide and vehicle to yourself or your family alone.

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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.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What exactly is Ingapirca and why is it important?

Ingapirca is Ecuador's most important archaeological site, built by the Cañaris and later expanded by the Incan empire. The guide explains both cultures as you walk through the Cañari-Inca walls and view the elliptical temple that was part of Tahuantinsuyo, the Incan administrative system.

How long is the drive from Cuenca to Ingapirca?

The drive takes two hours each way through Andean landscapes. On the way there, you stop at a typical local restaurant to learn about traditional pork preparation before arriving at the ruins.

What is the Church of La Virgen del Rocio and where is it?

La Virgen del Rocio is one of Ecuador's most beautiful churches, located on the Shalao mountain, which the Cañaris held sacred. You climb stairs inside to see the main altar and enjoy a view of the Biblian valley from the church grounds.

Is lunch included, and can I choose a vegetarian option?

Lunch is included in the group tour option with lunch. You can book without it if you prefer. A vegetarian option is available. Let the operator know when you book if you need it, or mention any other dietary requirements.

What is the Incan Face mountain?

The Incan Face is a mountain formation visible from the Ingapirca site, with features carved or naturally formed to resemble a face. It's included as a stop on the tour so you can see it from the ruins area.

What do I need to bring or know before booking?

A current valid passport is required on the day of travel. Children are welcome from age five. A minimum of two people per booking applies, and the tour involves walking and climbing stairs at the church, so moderate physical fitness is recommended.