A Fantastic Day Trip to Ingapirca, Gualaceo and. Chordeleg – A Must-See in Ecuador!
Our day trip to Ingapirca Ruins was an unforgettable experience! From start to finish, everything was perfectly organized, making the journey as enjoyable as the destination itself.
The scenic drive from Cuenca to Ingapirca was breathtaking, with rolling green hills, charming villages, and glimpses of the famous Andean countryside. The weather cooperated and was unusually clear. Our guide Sebastian from Polylepis tours was incredibly knowledgeable, sharing fascinating insights about Ecuador’s history, the Cañari and Inca cultures, and the significance of Ingapirca as Ecuador’s most important archaeological site.
Upon arrival, the grandeur of the ruins was truly mesmerizing. The Temple of the Sun, with its precisely cut stones, showcased the incredible engineering skills of the Incas. Walking through the site, I could feel the history come alive, imagining how this place once thrived as a religious and ceremonial center. The contrast between Cañari round structures and Inca rectangular designs was intriguing, a testament to the blending of these two cultures. Sebastian explained this beautifully.
After exploring the ruins, we had time to enjoy a canelazo and even spotted some wild llamas roaming nearby!
Gualaceo, a lively town known for its traditional markets and weaving workshops. Visiting a local ikat weaving workshop was one of the highlights! We watched skilled artisans create intricate handwoven textiles using ancient techniques passed down for generations. The level of detail and craftsmanship was truly impressive. I bought a beautiful chalupa from Makana after seeing Master Jose’s wife show us how she does them. I would have bought the complete shop of if I could have.
We also explored Gualaceo’s vibrant market, where we sampled fresh tortillas con queso. Not to be confused with quesadillas, those we sampled at a local bakery. They are a sweet treat you must enjoy with coffee.
We made our way to Chordeleg, a town famous for its exquisite handmade jewelry. Strolling through the picturesque streets, we admired the beautifully crafted silver and gold filigree pieces, a testament to the town’s deep-rooted tradition in jewelry-making. I bough some exquisite earrings to take home with me of beautiful filigree orchids. Sebastian was nice enough to take us to the Orchid museum and it was well worth it!! A must see for all you plant lovers
To top it all off, we enjoyed a delicious traditional Ecuadorian lunch at a local restaurant, savoring locro de papa and a chicken and beef seco.
Overall, this tour was a perfect blend of history, culture, and natural beauty. Whether you’re a history enthusiast or simply looking for a unique experience in Ecuador, Ingapirca is a must-visit! Highly recommended!
Our guide, Juan Pacheco, created an educational, memorable experience through the Ingapirca site and related visits. Not only was he knowledgeable about history and, archeology, he also "taught" us some Kichwa phrases. Good walks, good lunch made for a satisfying day trip
My guide Wilson was very knowledgeable and friendly. I was happy with the amount of time we took in each of the places we went. Also, the fact that he suggested trying authentic foods/drinks from those places. Beautiful places.