Looking for the best day tours near Cuenca?
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Success, you have found them. Clearly, there are many wonderful things to do and see in the UNESCO World Heritage city of Cuenca, but this guide takes you outside of this charming colonial city to explore what lies beyond.
Important things to know before you go on your Cuenca day tours.
- US Citizens do NOT need a Visa to enter Ecuador for 90 days.
- Entry requires a passport valid for at least six months past the departure date.
- Enroll in the State Department Smart Traveler Enrollment Program for updates about the country in which you are traveling.
- Check with the CDC regarding vaccinations/immunizations for your travel.
- There are no direct flights to Cuenca. Instead, flights are either into Quito or Guayaquil.
- Flights from Quito to Cuenca are about 55 minutes.
- Most flights from Guayaquil to Cuenca go through Quito.
- Most visitors who fly into Guayaquil, hire daytime transport to Cuenca.
- We do NOT recommend that you drive yourself or drive at night from Guayaquil to Cuenca due to the road.
- With springlike climate, low cost of living, and availability of resources, Cuenca is an expats’ favorite.
- The local language is Spanish. Because of this, try to learn the basics before going.
- Local currency is the American Dollar.
- Bring a DEBIT card as many vendors, including tours, only take cash.
- Have small bills and change for local shopping and markets.
- Located in Southern Ecuador’s Andes, Cuenca sits at 8500 ft elevation.
- You may need time to acclimate to the altitude to avoid altitude sickness.
- Cuenca has moderate daytime temperatures and cooler evenings.
- Cuenca is an UNESCO World Heritage Site due to its many historical buildings.
- There are many things to do in this beautiful city. Plan several days to explore.
1. Cajas National Park Day Tour
A day tour for outdoor and hiking enthusiasts.
One of the best day tours, which should not be missed, is Cajas National Park. It’s just a short 40-minute drive from Cuenca plus admission is free. The Park consists of over 70,533 acres with over 270 lakes at elevations ranging from 10,300 to a high point of 14,600 feet. Most importantly, make sure you acclimate to the elevation before selecting this tour.
In addition, clothes to layer, a warm knit cap, sunhat, sunglasses, and a raincoat are essential as the Weather quickly changes! Wear sturdy waterproof shoes, if you have them, as it can be quite marshy and wet in areas.
There are many different ways to visit the Cajas. If a tour is not for you, here is our post on a day tour to the Cajas by bus. It is helpful to know, you can also drive yourself as there is parking at the park.
If you prefer a tour, there are full day, half-day, private and specialty tours. Viator offers an interesting variety which includes half and full-day, as well as fishing tours, yoga practice, Inca trail, bird watching, and more. Prices as of 2019 range from $39 up to about $150. They offer a “lowest price guarantee” and 24 hours full refund cancellation.
2. Giron Waterfall and Busa Lake Day Tour
Our favorite: The Giron Waterfall and Busa Lake.
To see the beauty of the surrounding area, filled with haciendas and ranch lands, consider the Giron Waterfall and Busa Lake tour. Transport is from Cuenca to the Giron Waterfall, also known as El Chorro. This is one of the most beautiful waterfalls in Ecuador. However, the $2 park entrance fee may or may not be included in your tour cost, so be sure to have some change.
Some tours escort you on a short hike to the first waterfall which takes about 5-10 minutes up a series of steps. Others offer an opportunity to hike an additional 2 to 3 hours to see the top of the second waterfall. This is for the hardy hikers! Throw your raincoat in your backpack – you may need it. If it’s been raining recently, spray from the viewing platform can give you a good “misting.”
Next, is Giron a small town that is home to approximately 3,400 people. This town is the location of “Casa de los Tratados” (House of Treaties) as well as a nice central plaza and interesting concrete church. The House of Treaties is where the Treaty of Girón was signed. It also houses a collection of weapons, clothing, and instruments used by the Ecuadorian army, making it well worth the visit.
Busa Lake, your final stop, is where you enjoy a tranquil walk around the lake on a boardwalk over the marshy areas. There are several tour agencies that offer trips to El Chorro and Busa Lake. Viator offers this tour for $60 as of 2019.
3. Devil’s Nose Train and The Ingapirca Ruins Day Tour
Part adventure and part history.
This tour heads to the town of Alausi for an exciting ride on the Devil’s Nose Train, famous for its steep curves down the rocky Andean slopes. Completed in 1908, it is one of the great train rides of the world. Although it proceeds at a leisurely pace, the hairpin switchbacks may get your heart beating faster!
You continue to Ingapirca, the largest known and most important Inca ruins in Ecuador. Here, the Temple of the Sun is the most significant building. Several tour operators offers this full day tour ranging in price from $85 to $165. You can check Viator, Lonely Planet and Terra Diversa to compare options.
4. Gualaceo and Chordeleg Craft-Making Villages Day Tour
Traditional crafts and Local Culture.
If seeing the creation of traditional crafts and experiencing local culture makes your day, the Gualaceo and Chordeleg Villages day tour is the one for you. Here, opportunities to observe skilled artisans creating their traditional crafts are the focus.
From hand made guitars in San Bartolome, to Chordeleg, famous for its filagree silversmiths, on to Gualaceo, known for the process of weaving on antique looms; this is an all-inclusive tour. Both Viator and Tours by Locals offer excursions ranging in price from $88 to $250. Tours last 4 to 6 hours.
5. Cuenca Birdwatching & Yunguilla Valley Day Tour
The perfect birdwatcher tour!
There are several day tours for birdwatching, most of which take place in the Yunguilla Valley or the Cajas. Conveniently, a few even start at Park Parasio in Cuenca. Viator offers a variety of birdwatching excursions out of Cuenca. They start at $99. Don’t forget, make sure you bring your binoculars!
6. Horse riding & Cooking class Day Tour
A unique combination of Cuenca day tour activities.
If you like interesting combinations of things to do on a “Cuenca day tour, this has got to be it! First, spend part of your day on horseback in a beautiful valley outside of Cuenca traversing the Andean countryside. As Winston Churchill said “There is nothing better for the inside of a man than the outside of a horse,” and we couldn’t agree more.
Next, is a trip to an organic farm and your cooking class. There is nothing better! Offered by Viator and Polylepis Tours, prices for this fun day range from $79 to $138.
Final thoughts on day tours near Cuenca.
- First, check with local tour agencies for additional tours.
- Be aware, tours are often available in different combinations, depending on the operator.
- Additional tours and events are found on GringoPost.com.
- GringoPost is also a good way to meet up with expats.
- Due to the uneven sidewalks and constant sidewalk hazards, good, sturdy walking shoes are recommended over sandals.
- A car is not necessary. Taxis are plentiful and inexpensive.
- Cuenca is generally considered safe but pay attention to your surroundings and your belongings.
We hope you like this post and found it helpful. For more Cuenca fun, visit our post on Health Care Providers in Cuenca. It’s a good read for expats or those coming for an extended visit.
To journey along with us please subscribe in the side panel for email notification of upcoming posts! We value your privacy and never sell or share your email! Most of all – have fun! You will find that the Ecuadorians are very friendly people!
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