Ingapirca is one of my all time favorite day trips we took around Cuenca, Ecuador!

12 Interesting Day Trips around Cuenca, Ecuador (2025)

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LOOKING FOR DAY TRIPS AROUND CUENCA, ECUADOR!?

Heading to Cuenca, Ecuador, and wondering what’s around!? Dylan and I spent two weeks in Cuenca and once wondered the same thing! If you’ve seen everything within the city and want to take some day trips around Cuenca, this blog post will cover twelve great destinations.

Interested in a Tour? Check These Ones Out!

For History Lovers: Ingapirca Archeological Ruins Day Trip Tour
For Beautiful Views: Laguna de Busa & Gíron Waterfall Four
To Escape Into Nature: Cajas National Park Tour
Artisenal Towns: Gualaceo, Chorodeleg & San Bartolomé Tour
For Shopping & History: Ingapirca, Gualaceo & Chordeleg

Sun Temple at Ingapirca, one of the best day trips you can take around Cuenca!

Day Trips From Cuenca, Ecuador: An Overview

It’s argued that Cuenca is the most beautiful city in Ecuador, and after mozying around for two weeks there, I can see why! The architecture is absolutely breathtaking, and there is a ton of culture and history to learn from while you’re there.

While we visited Cuenca for two weeks, I’d argue that you really only need one week to explore the city and take a few day trips around the area that interest you most. Here are all of the day trips around Cuenca we’ll cover in this post:

In the Department of Justice building in Cuenca!

12 Interesting Day Trips From Cuenca, Ecuador

While Dylan and I strolled around Cuenca for two weeks to get to know the city, I really wish we had ventured out more than we had because there are many interesting places around. The most popular are Ingapirca (highly recommend!) and Cajas National Park, though there are many artisanal towns nearby as well. Let’s dive in!

Ingapirca is one of my all time favorite day trips we took around Cuenca, Ecuador!

1. Ingapirca Archeological Site

If you only take one day trip from Cuenca (which is what we did), we’d HIGHLY recommend you head to Ingapirca. Ingapirca is a pre-Colombian archeological site once inhabited by the Cañari and Incan peoples. You’ll find Incan masonry, a Sun Temple, and more. You can also take a short hike just outside the site to see more artifacts that provide insight into this fascinating culture!

How To Get There

There are a few ways you can reach Ingapirca from Cuenca: a rental car or taxi, tour, or public transportation. Ingapirca is situated on the outskirts of Cañar, 70km away from Cuenca. A taxi might cost around $40 to $50 and take slightly over an hour. Travelers on Viator highly recommend the Inca Ruins Small Group Tour, and it is one of the cheapest options available!

Dylan and I on one of our favorite day trips around Cuenca - Ingapirca!

The cheapest way is public transportation, which will cost you between $2 and $5 each way. You can head to Cuenca’s central bus terminal (Terminal Terrestre) and take a direct bus to Ingapirca via Cooperativa de Transportes Terrestres Cañar. It’ll take around two and a half hours to get there.

Insider Tip: The bus company will ask you if you want to buy a return ticket. Dylan and I went this route and felt a bit rushed for time, though it did ease our worries about finding our way back. It’s something to consider!

Cost To Enter

 As of November 2024, Ingapirca costs $2 per person to enter, which includes a guide. Usually, they won’t let you in without a guide since you can easily get lost in the complex. Dylan and I were about fifteen minutes late to the last guide and had to catch up.

Cajas National Park is arguably one of the best day trips around Cuenca, especially if you're a nature lover!

2. Cajas National Park

Next up on the list is Cajas National Park! Dylan and I desperately wanted to go to Cajas, but there were bad forest fires in the area when we visited, and the park was closed to visitors. Cajas National Park is one of the more popular destinations from Cuenca, and if you like beautiful views, hiking, and trekking, you’ll want to stop here! The national park has over 700 lakes, making it a beautiful hiking destination for those in the area!

How To Get There

You can get to Cajas National Park via public transportation, a rental car, or a private tour. It’s only about 30km away from Cuenca. It’ll take you about 30 minutes to arrive via car, and you can register in four places, but Lago Torreadora is right off the highway and is the main entrance point. This Cajas National Park Small-Group Tour from Cuenca is the top pick on Viator and 100% recommended by other travelers!

Llamas in Cajas National Park!

To arrive by public transportation, head to Cuenca’s Terminal Terrestre and look for buses headed to Guayaquil (the route goes through Cajas) or the bus company Cooperativa de Transportes Turismo Occidental. It’ll cost around $3 and leaves at various times throughout the day from 8 AM to 4 PM. Ask them to drop you off at Lago Torreadora to register. You can catch a ride back to Cuenca from the highway. 

Tip: Try to arrive as early as possible in the morning because the park closes at 4:30. Plus, this gives you better odds if you plan on catching a bus on the highway back!

Cost To Enter

It’s free to enter, but you must register at the Visitors Center. You’ll need to enter your name, nationality, and ID number. Dylan and I have never had problems using photos of our passports for reference.

Next Up: 12 BEST Hiking Trails In And Around Quito, Ecuador

Entrance to Giron del Chorro Waterfall!

3. Chorro de Girón Waterfall

El Chorro de Girón is a beautiful outdoor area in the cloud forest of Yunguilla Valley. The most popular thing to see in the city of Girón is the Chorro de Girón waterfall. There are two entrances: one to the lower falls and one to the second tier of the falls! The waterfall is breathtaking (230 feet for reference), and this is a fantastic day trip for a nature retreat away from the city!

How To Get There

Take public transportation, a tour, or a car to arrive at Chorro de Girón Waterfall from Cuenca. It’s around 45 km away and takes an hour via car. Plenty of public buses leave for Girón from Cuenca from the Terminal Terrestre. To catch a bus to Girón, find the ticket booth at Cooperativa de Transporte Girón Buses.

Chorro de Giron waterfall

After buying your ticket, you’ll need to pay 10 cents to enter through the bus gates, and the bus will drop you off in the city of Girón, where you’ll have to take a taxi (or walk) to the waterfall entrance. It costs around $3 to take the bus and takes approximately an hour and a half. Otherwise, the best-priced tour from Cuenca (I’ve found) is the Girón Waterfall and Bus Lake Tour

Cost To Enter

It costs $3 for access to the Chorro de Girón Waterfall. If you choose to do the additional hike to the second tier, your ticket covers that as well.

Tip: The last Cooperative de Transportes Girón bus back to Cuenca is at 5:40 PM. Try to get there early in the morning for the best weather and to avoid feeling rushed!

Chordeleg Village outside view

4. Chordeleg

Chordeleg is a hidden gem in the Azuay province of Ecuador, known for its silver shops, traditional jewelry, and filigree crafts. It was declared a Creative City in 2017 and has a ton of cultural and natural attractions nearby! In addition to the town’s craftsmanship, you can also visit the Llaver archeological remains and Pungo Huayco rock formations!

How To Get There

You can always take a taxi or drive yourself, but the budget-friendly option is public transportation. For public transportation, you can head to Cuenca’s bus terminal for a direct bus. The Cooperativas Unidas de Transporte Santiago de Gualaceo leaves every twenty minutes and only takes over an hour to arrive. It’ll cost only a few dollars each way.

Gualaceo, Chordeleg, SigSig, and San Bartolome are artisanal towns that make for great day trips around Cuenca!

5. Gualaceo

For a change of scenery, you might consider visiting one of the charming towns in the Azuay province. Gualaceo is known for its open market, public parks, and ancient aqueducts! Gualaceo is amazing for shopping since it is known for its leather works and ikat weaving.

How To Get There

One of the more popular options to get to Gualaceo is by tour, though you can also take the budget-friendly route with public transportation. The bus takes less than an hour to arrive, and you can choose between a few companies to make the trip from the Terminal Terrestre. It’ll cost you between $2 and $8 each way.

Combine Ingapira, Gualaceo & Chordeleg in this Full-Day Viator Tour

Mirador view outside of SigSig

6. SígSig

SígSig is a day trip I wish I had known about before my time was up in Cuenca! It’s another artisanal town in the Azuay Province, officially known as San Sebastian de SígSig.

Travelers love SígSig for its traditional crafts like jewelry making, festivals and parades, and the largest Panama hat in the region! However, what interests me most about SígSig is the Black Cave of Chobshi – a refuge for the nomadic people who lived in the area around 12,000 BC!

How To Get There

Take a taxi or bus to arrive at SígSig from Cuenca. From Terminal Terrestre, you can take the Cenepa bus directly to SígSig. Buses run from 5 AM to 7 PM and take around two hours to arrive. It’ll cost you a few dollars each way.

Mirador overview of San Bartolome

7. San Bartolomé

San Bartolomé is another cute artisanal town in Azuay, just 18 miles away from Cuenca, known for its natural beauty, apples, and guitar-making! Stroll through the charming city or head to Sol y Agua beach for a nice walk. It’s an interesting small town to see if you’d like to venture out in a non-touristy area.

How To Get There

One of the more popular ways to get to San Bartolomé is by combining the other artisanal towns in the Azuay province through a tour. From my understanding, there aren’t any direct buses going to San Bartolomé, but you can take a bus to Chordeleg and take a taxi from there, or ask the company going to SígSig if they can drop you off on the way. However, I don’t know if there will be taxis in the area to take you the rest of the way.

This Full-Day Tour combines Gualaceo, Chordeleg, and San Bartomolomé!

Alausi Devil's Nose Train is a great way to get out of Cuenca to enjoy some beautiful scenery!

8. Alausi Devil’s Nose Train

The Devil’s Nose Train once operated from Alausi down the Ande mountains towards the coast to Simbambe. Unfortunately, during COVID, Ecuador shut down all its railways, but the Devil’s Nose Train is said to reopen in early 2025! This scenic (and somewhat thrilling) train ride is 2.5 hours long, covers almost 7.5 miles, and leaves daily except for Mondays at 8 AM, 11 AM, and 3 PM. Check their website for updates!

How To Get There

To get to Alausi from Cuenca, you can take a bus from the terminal to Riobamba. Two buses leave daily: the Cooperativa de Transporte Loja (3-hour drive) and Express Sucre (4-hour drive). Otherwise, you can drive yourself or book a tour. I don’t recommend taking a taxi because of how expensive it can be.

Read Next: The Ultimate Guide To The Best Day Trips From Quito, Ecuador

Baños de Cuenca has a ton of hot thermal springs worth checking out!

9. Baños de Cuenca

One of the things I wanted to do in Cuenca but never got around to was visiting the city’s hot springs! Baños de Cuenca sits on top of a volcano only 7.5 miles away from the historic center, and thermal springs offer relaxation and a plethora of health benefits! Visiting mineral-rich thermal springs is a stress-free way to spend a day away from the city.

How To Get There

There are three locations you can visit: Balneario el Riñon ($); Piedra de Agua, Fuente, Termal & Spa ($$-$$$) and Novaqua ($$-$$$). They’re all located in Baños de Cuenca, and you can reach the town by city bus lines #100 and #12 on the opposite side of Terminal Terrestre. You can also take a taxi, or rent a car!

Thermal bath in Baños Ecuador
Thermal springs in Baños, Ecuador

Cost To Enter

Prices vary based on what thermal spring you go to, but here are the general costs as of January 2025:

  • Balneario el Riñon: $8 for adults, $4 for children and seniors
  • Novaqua: Packages starting from $18 and ending at $140
  • Piedra de Agua, Fuente, Termal & Spa: $20 Set of Thermal Experiences ($10) or $70 Underground Thermal Tour
Laguna de Busa

10. Laguna de Busa

For a day trip that allows you to spend some time outside, head to Laguna de Busa or Busa Lagoon! It’s 55km south of Cuenca in the San Fernando canton, with the perfect opportunity for strolling along the lagoon, watching out for wildlife, and fishing in February and March. The area has 12 hectares of wildlife, creating a natural oasis in the southern Ecuador mountains.

How To Get There

The easiest way to arrive is by driving or taking a day tour. I haven’t found much online about public transportation, but I have read that you can take a bus from the Terminal Terrestre and ask around for a route to San Fernando Canton/Laguna de Busa. You’ll have to take a taxi or walk to the lagoon.

Combine Girón Waterfall and Laguna de Busa with this tour here!

Cojitambo is one of the places I WISH I would've visited as a day trip around Cuenca!

11. Cojitambo, Ecuador

If you’re interested in Peru’s history, Cojitambo is a small village with a pre-Incan and Incan archeological complex that is fascinating to experience. A nice way to spend a day trip away from Cuenca would be to explore the village before heading to the archeological site to learn more about who inhabited the ruins and what their lives looked like.

How To Get There

There isn’t a direct route to Cojitambo from Cuenca, but you can take a bus from Terminal Terrestre to Azogues. From there, you can take the Cooperativa de Transportes bus that leaves every 15 minutes (Azogues-Cojitambo-Déleg route) to reach the entrance. Otherwise, you’ll want to buy a taxi or drive yourself. It’s about 20 miles away from Cuenca.

River with desert scenery

12. Losas de Uchucay

A bit farther of a day trip for outdoor enthusiasts is Losas de Uchucay! It’s a beautiful hiking trail in a desert-like environment in the Loja region, about 62 miles from Cuenca. It winds along the river (and irrigation canal) to a nice swimming hole! It’s an intermediate hike, about 1.5 miles to reach the swimming hole near Hacienda de Uchucay.

How To Get There

Truthfully, this is one of the more challenging destinations on this list to visit because public transportation does not take you to the trailhead. You can only drive or order a taxi to arrive here, and the dirt road is narrow and rocky. You could potentially arrive via public transportation in Santa Isabel (Cooperativa de Transportes Santa Isabel) and hire a camioneta to the trailhead, though transportation back would be tricky.

Here are the coordinates: -3.39165, -79.36701

Sleeping Giant mountain in Vilcabamba

BONUS: Overnight Trips around Cuenca

Now that we’ve covered the best day trips, let’s look at nearby destinations worth spending the night! Dylan and I spent time in all these places and can’t recommend them enough!

  • Loja – Loja is the musical capital of the world! The city has culture and charm. We loved visiting the city’s museums, parks, plazas, and shopping centers for two days.
  • Vilcabamba – Vilcabamba is only a short drive south of Loja, where you’ll find a peaceful atmosphere with a ton of great hiking nearby!
  • Baños de Santa Ana – Baños is the adventure capital of the world! If you like extreme sports (think rafting, canyoneering, rappelling, etc), you have to check it out!
Ramirez Room is one of the best places to stay, especially if you're taking day trips around Cuenca!!

Where To Stay in Cuenca, Ecuador

During our time in Cuenca, we stayed in two places: an Airbnb (Ramirez Room B&B) and Check Inn Bed and Breakfast. These are great for budget travelers and couples since they are private rooms. I’d recommend Ramirez Room, though if you’re looking for something fancy and comfortable, another good option is Hotel Boutique Santa Lucia.

Wrapping Up: 12 Interesting Day Trips Around Cuenca, Ecuador

There you have it! 12-day trips around Cuenca, Ecuador! This list includes artisanal cities nearby, hiking trails worth checking out, national parks, archeological ruin sites, and more! I hope you have gained some day trip inspiration for your trip to Cuenca! Happy travels!