Cuenca to Ingapirca Day Trip: How To Visit This Exceptional Site!
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WONDERING HOW TO GET FROM CUENCA TO INGAPIRCA!?
Are you wanting to take a day trip from Cuenca to Ingapirca and wondering how to get there!? No worries, Dylan and I went to Ingapirca from Cuenca in November and can share all the information you’ll need before you go! You go from Cuenca to Ingapirca by public transportation, rental car, taxi, or tour. We’ll cover all the logistics in this post!
An Overview: Cuenca To Ingapirca Day Trip
One of my favorite day trips from Cuenca was to Ingapirca, and that’s because it’s one of the few Inca sites in Ecuador with a fascinating history and impressive stonework. The Ingapirca archeological site features the Temple of the Sun, once-utilized bathing sites, agricultural grids, and more. If you’ve landed on this post, chances are you’re already interested in visiting, so let’s go over how to get there.
Cuenca to Ingapirca Day Trip: How To Visit
Ingapirca is an easy day trip from Cuenca, as it’s 44 miles north, just outside the city of Cañar. If you’re interested in the Incan or pre-Colombian history of Ecuador, this world UNESCO site should be at the top of your list. You can learn about the fascinating lives of the Cañari and Incan peoples and walk their footsteps along the nearby Incan trail just outside of the complex. Here is how to visit:
Are You Prepared For Your Trip?
By Public Transportation
The most popular way to reach Ingapirca is by bus. This is the method Dylan and I took to reach Ingapirca, so we can definitely speak on the subject. If you’d like to take public transportation to Ingapirca, head to Terminal Terrestre in Cuenca to begin your journey. Once you’re at Terminal Terrestre, there are a few options to arrive at Ingapirca.
By Direct Bus
Dylan and I went by a direct bus (Cooperativas de Transportes Cañar). If you book this option, you have the opportunity to book your ride back with them. The bus left at 9 AM, took two and a half hours to arrive, and left Ingapirca at 1:30 PM, allowing only two hours to explore the site. The bus leaves from Cuenca on weekends at 9 AM and Wednesdays and Thursdays at 9 AM and 12:30 PM.
It cost us $16 total (the two of us) there and back ($4/person each way). We personally felt like it didn’t allow us enough time to explore it fully and get lunch, but it gave us peace of mind knowing we had a ride back. Had we known we would’ve felt limited for time, we would’ve packed a lunch so we had more time to explore the site.
Bus to Cañar & Then Ingapirca
Alternatively, you can go on your schedule by finding a bus that leaves for Cañar. A few companies include EXPRESS Sucre and Cooperativa de Transportes Terrestres Cañar. Depending on which company you go with (they leave hourly at the minimum), you’ll pay anything between $2 and $5.
Once you arrive in the Cañar providence, you can take a direct bus to Ingapirca. A blue and white bus goes from Cañar to El Tambo, then to Ingapirca. It’ll cost you about $1.25 ($0.50 to El Tambo, and $0.75 to Ingapirca) and takes around 45 minutes to arrive. The bus leaves every half hour or so.
By Rental Car
If you’ve happened to rent a car during your time in Cuenca, there’s no reason why you can’t drive to Ingapirca yourself! To get there, head to Carretera Panamericana E35. Continue left towards Cañar on Troncol de la Sierra. Then, turn right onto San Pedro Road, which leads to the Ingapirca Archeological Site.
This is the quickest route that will only take about an hour and a half. You’ll reach the small city of Ingapirca where there are places to park on the street right in front of the Ingapirca museum and entrance. We recommend booking through RentalCars.com because of their low prices and easy booking!
By Taxi
Another alternative is to book a taxi to take you to the Ingapirca Archeological Site. Out of all the options available, we consider this the path of last resort. Taking a taxi would be the most expensive option, and I’d recommend avoiding it if possible. There are more economical alternatives, though it is an option if you have the budget. It’ll once again take around an hour and a half and would cost an estimated $40 to $50.
By Tour
Lastly, you can always book a day trip tour from Cuenca to Ingapirca! We believe it’s completely feasible to do this day trip independently. However, a tour is a viable option if you’re looking for a way to meet people or want to avoid the hassle of figuring out transportation.
This Full-Day Ingapirca Archeological Site Tour on Viator costs about $54. It includes a pick-up from your accommodation site, a professional guide, lunch, and a few other stops on the way back. You can learn about the traditional foods in Biblian and visit the beautiful Virgin del Rocio Sanctuary church. Alternatively, you can book a similar tour with the option of stopping at the Cañar market on Sundays on GetYourGuide here for $58.
What To See at Ingapirca
Now that you know how to get to Ingapirca from Cuenca, we can discuss what to expect once you get there! Ingapirca has more than just an archeological site, believe it or not. In addition to the archeological complex, you can also check out the museum or Incan Trail directly behind the complex! Each offers unique perspectives into the lives of the Incan and Cañar people.
The Archeological Site
What attracts visitors to Ingapirca is undoubtedly the archeological site. It’s the largest Incan Ruins in Ecuador and highlights the coexistence of the Incan and Cañar people dating back to 500 AD. The site encompasses over 3,200 meters (or over 10,000 square feet).
You can find excellent stonework in the cobblestone streets and walls within the site itself. Even though the Spanish took the stones for building after they conquered, you can still get a feel of what the complex looked like back in the day. Within the complex, some grids outline once-inhabited neighborhoods, astronomical observatories, and more.
One of the most fascinating parts of the Archeological Site is the Temple of the Sun. Scholars theorize that the temple was for religious purposes and teachings. Additionally, scholars believe the temple housed higher religious officials, as there are two compartments inside the Sun Temple.
Ingapirca Museum
Dylan and I didn’t have enough time to visit the museum. However, if you can, we highly recommend you start there. With the limited time we had, we felt we couldn’t learn as much as we wanted to because the 45-minute tour through the site felt rushed and overcrowded. We always find that learning about a site before actually visiting makes the experience much more meaningful.
You can learn about the stonework, gastronomy, terrain, fashion, and more in the museum. It will give you better insight into what the day-to-day life looked like for the Cañari and Incan people who resided there that you won’t be able to see in the archeological site alone. Your ticket covers the museum and the site, so it’s worth checking out if you have the time.
Inca Trail
Other than the Sun Temple, one of my favorite parts about exploring Ingapirca was the Inca Trail which was just behind the archeological site. Tons of hidden treasures will also offer glimpses into the Cañari and Incan way of life during the Ingapirca period which is extraordinary. Even walking on the same path felt extremely special, knowing how much history had taken place there.
Along the route, you’ll encounter many stone carvings that will make you think about life differently. You’ll see an Incan game, rock carvings of a turtle, a natural rock formation once used to worship the sun, and what appears to be the face of an Inca in the rock wall. The trail takes less than an hour to walk, and the views are absolutely spectacular. Don’t sleep on the Incan trail behind Ingapirca!
Why Cuenca To Ingapirca Is Worth The Day Trip
One of the questions that popped up online when I searched Ingapirca was: Is it worth it!? My personal answer is ABSOLUTELY! It’s deemed one of Ecuador’s most important Incan archeological sites, and for good reason. The site is fascinating and provides a unique glimpse into the past. Let’s talk a little bit more about it:
Ingapirca History
Ingapirca was built in the 15th century by the Incan and Cañari people. The site is important in the fact that it demonstrates harmonious coexistence between these two groups, which is rare in the case of the Incas. It’s argued that the site’s significance is because it was a communication and trade hub between the two groups.
Being in between Cusco and Quito, it’s believed that Ingapirca was utilized as a stopping point for travelers en route. It’s believed it was also used as a religious fortress, with the Temple of the Sun being built next to the Temple of the Moon. The remainder of the temple shows the impressive stonework that was used in the 1400’s.
After the Spanish conquered, the site was destroyed and the materials were used to build things like churches and nearby villages. However, in the later part of the 20th century, the government decided to restore the site and opened it up for tourism in 1966. Since then, it’s been a major tourist attraction you can visit or hike to via the Inca Trail.
Cost To Enter Ingapirca
One of the things I appreciated about Ingapirca (being one of the most important Incan sites in Ecuador) was how affordable visiting was. It only costs $2 to enter the archeological site and museum. The ticket price includes a 45-minute guided tour, and the Inca Trail behind the building is completely free. On top of that, the bus tickets were extremely cheap, costing at most $5 each way.
What You Can Find Nearby
In addition to the site itself, there are plenty of artisanal and gift stores you can shop nearby. There were also a few tiendas and restaurants you could stop to enjoy a meal in between or after exploring. We stopped at the restaurant Inti Pakari and bought some coffee and almuerzos for extremely cheap!
Insider Tips For a Cuenca To Ingapirca Day Trip
Now that this post has covered how to get to Ingapirca, what there is to experience there, and its history, let’s go over logistics, like what to pack and when to visit! After all, you’ll want to make sure you’re adequately prepared for your trip to make the most out of your experience!
What To Pack For Ingapirca
When Dylan and I visited Ingapirca in November of 2024, the temperature was windy and slightly cold. Temperatures can vary throughout the year, but no matter what month, I recommend packing layers in case the weather changes (like it tends to in Ecuador). We wore a light jacket, a wool hat, and pants.
You’ll want to bring sunscreen, hat, and sunglasses with you to protect yourself from the sun as well. And, like in any South American country, bring a rain jacket at all costs! It’s always better to bring it and not need it than vice versa. If you have a camera, it’s a great place to bring it since the stonework there is impeccable! Bring any cash for bus tickets, entrance fees, and souvenirs, too.
For more packing tips, check out my Backpacking Ecuador Packing List!
When To Visit Ingapirca
It’s ideal to visit Ingapirca during the dry season in Ecuador which is between July and September. Temperatures will be warmer towards September. We recommend going in the morning to avoid getting stuck in the rain. Generally, though, Ingapirca can be a spectacular site to visit no matter the time of year.
Wrapping Up: Cuenca to Ingapirca Day Trip!
There you have it! A complete guide to visiting Ingapirca. In this post, we’ve covered everything you need to know to take a day trip from Cuenca to Ingapirca. We’ve covered transportation methods, including different public transportation options, what to expect and see once you get there, the significance and history of the site, and insider tips before you go.
We hope that you feel better prepared to visit this incredible site! We had an amazing time visiting, and we hope that you get as much out of it as we did! Don’t forget your raincoat, sunscreen, camera, and cash! Happy travels!