Ingapirca Ruins & Inca mountain face tour from Cuenca with Small Group
Overview
Available languages
8 hours
Mobile ticket
Ingapirca is the major Inca-Cañari archaeological site in Ecuador. Explore the ruins, including the only elliptical temple of the sun made of perfectly carved stones, terraces, patios, etc. On Sundays, we include a visit to the Indigenous Cañar Market.
Highlights:
• Visit the largest archaeological Inca site in Ecuador and the only elliptical temple of the Inca empire
• Enjoy the beauty of the Ecuadorian Andes while you drive through the fertile ranchland of the countryside.
• Visit the Cañar Market and immerse yourself in the traditions of the local indigenous tribes (Sundays)
• See how the famous Panama Hats are woven
Additional Info
Wheelchair accessible
Specialized infant seats are available
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Public transportation options are available nearby
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Travelers should have a high level of physical fitness
Infant meals not included
Vegetarian option is available, please advise at time of booking if required
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What To Expect
Santuario de la Virgen del Rocio
We start our tour by visiting Rocio Virgin Church in Biblian. This church has a very distinctive gothic architectural style, dating back to the late 19th century. Next, we will visit an indigenous family where we’ll observe the weaving of Panama hats. This is one of the most authentic crafts of Southern Ecuador and has a prominent role in the economy of the area. We continue our tour with a ride through the enchanting highlands, enjoying the beautiful views along the way.
Ingapirca Archaeological Complex
Ingapirca is located approximately 60 miles northeast of Cuenca at an elevation of 10,500 feet above sea level. Upon arrival at Ingapirca, one of the most important Inca structures is waiting for us – an elliptical platform known as the “Sun’s Temple”. Afterward, we will explore the courtyards, terraces, and various other ruins. In order to get a closer look at the local atmosphere, we will take a short hike to observe the Inca’s Face, a large stone outcropping. Lunch in a local restaurant and return to Cuenca.
What‘s Included
Lunch (if option selected)
All taxes, fees and handling charges
Lunch
Licensed tour guide/driver
Fuel surcharge
Hotel or Airbnb pickup and drop-off
Gratuities
Ingapirca Archaeological Complex
Pickup points
Select a pickup point
Options
Private Tour
Lunch included
Entrance fee included
Pickup included
Group Tour without lunch
Duration: 8 hours
Small-Group Tour without lunch: This option is for those who want to bring their own meal or buy it directly at the restaurant.
Pickup included
Small-group tour with lunch
Duration: 8 hours
Tour with lunch: This option includes a 2-course lunch in a local restaurant
Pickup included
Reviews
46 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Great trip, ask for Adrian to be your guide
Kevin F,Feb 25, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Pick up on time, very friendly driver Adrian. Excellent modern clean vehicle. Safe drive, good stops along the way. Road was mostly in good condition. Tour of Ingaprica was very informative, just enough good information to be interesting and fun. Altitude is a bit of an issue if you’re a coast dweller like us, not during the tour of the ruins but during the hike to the mountain face. If you stop every 10 minutes it is fine. Souvenir shops are great, priced reasonably and not pushy. Lunch was basic and healthy. Adrian is a very good guide and takes his job very seriously. I would ask specifically for Adrian if he is available. We have had a lot of tour guides around the world, some too academic, some just putting in time and trying to sell stuff. Adrian is none of those things, he is just very good at his job, knows his stuff and perfect English.
A must tour!
Gabor T,Oct 30, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00We enjoyed this tour. Andres is an excellent tour guide and very friendly. He is fluent in English and very knowledgeable. He explains very well and we learned a lot about the Ingapirca and the surrounding area.
Great experience
vanessarM1008DW,Oct 13, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Jovani was our driver and Adrian was our guide. Both were great! The day before we got confirmation of our pick up time via WhatsApp (0840-0845). The entire drive had a beautiful scene. We had our first rest stop at about 15-20 minutes and then stopped at the church. It’s higher altitude here and you will feel it when walking the church steps. It’s about 3-4 flight of stairs. Afterwards, we had our next stop which was catching a taste of cascaritas (toasted pork skin) and learned about the process of cooking the entire pig. We had a free sample of pork meat, then had the opportunity to buy a plate of the pork skin ($6 plate, good size for sampling for 2-3 people). Next we stopped at IngaPirca. Park entrance fee was $2.00 per person. Unfortunately for us, it was raining the entire time. This did not stop the trip. There are local shops that sell rain pancho. Even if it doesn’t rain, highly recommend wearing dry fit clothing, tennis shoes, and an umbrella. Our group had our pants and socks socked through, it was even a bit cold. Despite the weather, I had a great experience! Lastly, we had lunch which consisted 2 chicken options. Option 1: grilled chicken, salad, and quinoa. Option 2: chicken leg in a tomatoe sauce (for Spanish speakers it was like pollo entomatado), fries, salad. Both options included an horchata drink (warm sweet tea). Kudos to Jovani and Adrian. They were great company, kind, and friendly. Thank you for a wonderfully time.
Recommended 100%
Stay66633687707,Aug 15, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Our guide Adrian is very attentive. He knows the place very well and gives good explanations of the history of each specific element that is being seen, also makes it enjoyable and it is nice to talk to him.
Great day tour to Rocio Cirgin Church and comprehensive tour of Ingapirca
Ileana I,May 13, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Small group tour to the very beautiful Rocio Virgin Church with unique castle-like architecture. We had a short stop to try roasted/skin flamed pork and then a detailed walking tour of Ingapirca with option to see the “face” in the mountain. We stopped for a delicious lunch too, and our tour guide. Wilson was very knowledgeable, patient and and helpful.
Amazing time!
OnAir63157119010,Mar 20, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had a great time! Our guide Wilson was fantastic and provided great information and history about everywhere we went. Would highly recommend!!!
Knowledgeable SUPERB guide!
peggydavisb,Mar 9, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Luis Gonzales was a superb guide ! He’s very knowledgeable, personable, courteous and fun. He is a safe driver and his van was comfortable and clean.
I would not hesitate to recommend Luis and the company for whom he works.
Tour12766189645,Feb 23, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Luis was extremely knowledgeable about the history of the Ingapirca archeological site and the people who lived in that region. We learned much of the small towns we went through. The tie dye and weaving portion of the tour was so very interesting. The man made beautiful woven products—all by hand. A spot we never would have found on our own. The beautiful town of Chordeleg had so many talented creations of jewelry, leather, and handicrafts. Luis’ exceptional knowledge of the English language made our day and communication so much more special. The restaurant which he took us to for lunch was top notch, the food sensational.
Tour of Cuenca with Luis
382firstr,Feb 7, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Our guide, Luis, did an amazing job. Very knowledgeable about Cuenca, and the history of the region. Very pleased with the tour.
Great guide, great trip
SusanJane2015,Jan 31, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Andres was an excellent guide. He shared his knowledge of Ingapirca and Ecuador with us which made our visit very enjoyable.
From US$53.59
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Operated by Cuenca Bestours Tour Operator