We’ll begin by exploring the Historic Center: visit San Sebastián Plaza, the western colonial boundary of Cuenca, the Immaculate Cathedral, and the Modern Art Museum with its stunning colonial design. We'll walk through iconic streets and admire the republican-style houses, San Francisco Market, Flower Plaza, San Luis Seminary, Abdón Calderón Park, and view the Old Cathedral (exterior only). We’ll enter the New Cathedral, the largest in the country, where we’ll see its famous gold leaf dome and climb to the top for panoramic city views. In the afternoon, visit the Homero Ortega Panama Hat Museum, Turi Viewpoint, Eduardo Vega’s Gallery, El Barranco, the Tomebamba River, Broken Bridge, San Sebastián Plaza, the Modern Art Museum (formerly the Temperance House), and La Cruz del Vado. Return to the hotel.

Discover the Llaviucu and Toreadora lagoons, surrounded by high-altitude páramo and quinoa forests—perfect for a gentle hike at 3,200 meters (10,500 ft). Enjoy dramatic geological formations, native vegetation, and unique birdlife. We’ll continue to Tres Cruces Hill, the highest point that marks the watershed divide between the Pacific and Atlantic. We’ll finish the day at the cozy Dos Chorreras Lodge, where a hot chocolate will be the perfect ending to this magical experience.

Ingapirca Ruins: We’ll head 80 km north to visit Ecuador’s most important archaeological site. Explore both Cañari and Inca structures, visit the onsite museum, and end with a short hike to the “Inca’s Face” rock formation. Gualaceo: From Ingapirca, we drive to Gualaceo, visiting a textile workshop to learn about backstrap and horizontal looms used to create local products. Discover the preHispanic “ikat” dyeing technique used for shawls and ponchos. We’ll explore Gualaceo’s central park, church, food market, and meet traditional hat weavers along the way. Chordeleg: Famous for its ceramics and exquisite filigree jewelry in gold and silver. We’ll visit a filigree workshop and explore the central plaza, surrounded by numerous artisan shops.

Enjoy a leisurely day for shopping, walking Cuenca’s charming streets, savoring its rich cuisine, or visiting the Agua de Piedra Thermal Club for a nextlevel sensory spa experience (additional cost)

Breakfast. Transfer to the airport for your Cuenca – Quito flight.