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Cuenca, EcuadorOutdoor sports

Our most recommended Cuenca, Ecuador Outdoor sports

From Cuenca: Cajas National Park Half-Day Trip

1. From Cuenca: Cajas National Park Half-Day Trip

Begin your journey of the Cajas National Park — southern Ecuador's most famous national park — with a hotel pickup, where you will be greeted by your guide who will take care of you throughout the day.  Head straight to the park, whereupon arrival your guide will take you on a walking tour through the Andean flora and fauna. Breathe in the incomparable fresh mountain air and challenge yourself by walking along the park trails at 4,000 meters. Make sure to stop and admire several turquoise lagoons and the famous Polylepis trees — unique to the Andes — on your walk. Best of all, choose from either a small-group or private guided experience to make your trip special.

Cuenca, Ecuador: Cajas National Park Day Trip

2. Cuenca, Ecuador: Cajas National Park Day Trip

Your guide will pick you up from your hotel in the morning and then you will head to Cajas National Park. During the tour, you will visit two altitude levels within the park. In the middle part, you will walk around for two and a half hours in the Toreadora area. The trek will give you the opportunity to enjoy the beautiful scenery. Then, move on to enjoy a local lunch in a nearby restaurant. Afterwards, visit Llaviuco, located in the lower part of the park. This area is part of a different ecosystem, known as montage primary forest. Here you will walk around the lake for about half an hour before you return to your hotel.

From Quito: 4-Day Nature & Culture Tour

3. From Quito: 4-Day Nature & Culture Tour

Start your four-day Quito adventure with a visit to the Cotopaxi National Park where you can walk around Limpiopungo Lake and enjoy the scenery of one of the highest and most active volcanoes in Ecuador. The next day, explore the charming city of Baños to enjoy the famous Avenida de las Cascadas. Visit the Pailon del Diablo waterfall where you can try what’s known as the “swing at the end of the world.” The following day, get picked up by your guide and travel to Chimborazo Faunistic Reserve. Walk around and enjoy the scenery of the highest mountain in Ecuador, Chimborazo. Spot some vicuñas. Take time for lunch before visiting Balbanera church, and then traveling south to Ingapirca, the most important archaeological complex in Ecuador, where you will learn about the Cañari and Incan cultures. Stay overnight in Cuenca, known as one of the most beautiful cities in Ecuador which you can continue to explore the next day with a visit to the historic center, and Cajas National Park or Gualaceo and Chordeleg.

Cuenca: Historic Sites and Landmarks Biking Tour

4. Cuenca: Historic Sites and Landmarks Biking Tour

Following your arrival at the convenient meeting point, get ready to depart after getting familiar with your bike and choosing your helmet. Begin your bike tour of the beautiful city of Cuenca by heading for the cliffs of Barranco, the name given to the buildings that hang above the rushing Tomebamba River which is flanked by grassy riverside and gorgeous colonial buildings.   Next, see Puente Roto, the broken bridge originally built in the 1840s by Juan de la Cruz Pugara. The bridge was destroyed in 1950 when the river broke its banks and took the bridge with it, along with other bridges in El Vado and El Vergel. It was reopened as a monument in 1961 and is used for open air markets and events. Continue onwards to the Pumapungo Archaeological Park, the central city of Tomebamba ordered to be built by the Inca commander Topa Inca Yupanqui after the Inca defeat of the Cañari. In its splendor it was said to have rivaled the Inca capital of Cuzco.   See also El Paraíso Park, the largest park in Cuenca covering 17 hectares. The park opened its doors for the first time in 2003. Two rivers pass through the park — the Yanuncay and Tomebamba — and you'll also find hundreds of trees including eucalyptus, willow, and alder. Lastly, visit the colonial house Quinta de Bolí­var, the location at which Simón Bolívar used to rest and plan military and political actions when in Cuenca. It is now a cultural center used to exhibit work related to the life of Bolívar and his ideology.

From Cuenca: 4-Day Ecuador Exploration Tour

5. From Cuenca: 4-Day Ecuador Exploration Tour

Day 1: After getting picked up from your hotel in Cuenca, travel to Alausi, where you will have a litlle city tour and also you will admire beautiful Andean landscapes and watch an Andean music performance along the way. Afterward, break for lunch before beginning the journey to Chimborazo, then you will visit the highest peak of Ecuador " Chimborazo 6300 meters". Spend the night at a hotel in Riobamba. Day 2: After breakfast, head to the charming city of Baños to admire a spectacular waterfall. Afterward, hop on a cable car and ride towards a viewpoint where you can enjoy a ride on the "swing at the end of the world". Return to Baños after your swing ride and get a good night's sleep before tomorrow's activities. Day 3: Today, visit Pujili and do a spot of shopping at the town's indigenous market, where you'll find everything from fresh fruit and vegetables to clothing. Later, visit Tigua, where a small indigenous community lives. Immerse yourself in the daily life and culture of this community before heading to Quilotoa Lake, which is often referred to as the most beautiful place in Ecuador. Here, enjoy a stroll around the edges of the lake or even take an optional donkey ride. Spend the night at a hotel in Quilotoa. Day 4: Rise early to travel to the Cotopaxi National Park, where you can go for a walk around the Limpiopungo Lake. If the weather is clear, admire panoramic views of one of the world's most active volcanoes. Afterward, travel to Quito where you will say goodbye to your guide and spend the evening exploring the city at your leisure. 

Cajas National Park Guided Day Hike

6. Cajas National Park Guided Day Hike

Enjoy a full-day trip to Cajas National Park, located just 30 minutes to the north-west of Cuenca city. Its landscape of wetlands has glacial origins and the park boasts over 200 lakes. Your hike begins at the lower part of the park known as Llaviuco. Hike at an easy pace for about an hour at an altitude of 9,842 feet above sea level. Reach a point known as Tres Cruces, at 13,566 feet, which forms the continental divide between the Pacific and the Atlantic oceans. After a short walk to explore the area you’ll descend to an altitude of 12,795 feet to continue hiking for approximately 3 hours. The difficulty of the hike at this point is moderate, as you pass through the beautiful primary forest. Afterwards have lunch before returning to Cuenca.

GIR 10d9n

7. GIR 10d9n

Although it is the smallest of the Andean countries - half the size of France - Ecuador is a megadiverse country that has everything it takes to offer its travellers superb experiences, as varied as they are unforgettable, from the Andes to the Amazon, from the Pacific coast to the mythical Galapagos archipelago. The country's greatest asset remains its people: welcoming, jovial, proud of their country's natural and cultural treasures, and eager to share their know-how, knowledge, traditions and gastronomy. You'll be met at the airport by your guide, who will welcome you to his country and accompany you to your hotel in La Mariscal.

Cuenca: Girón Waterfall and Busa Lake Day Trip

8. Cuenca: Girón Waterfall and Busa Lake Day Trip

Visit two spectacular natural wonders on a day trip from Cuenca. Relax on your air-conditioned transportation as you arrive at Girón. Visit the historical center of the village and learn about its history. Also, taste a typical yogurt and a delicious bread known as "achira", produced with a plant of the region. Then explore the Girón waterfalls on a 30-minute hike to reach the highest waterfall in South America. Try to spot some birds and native flora of this natural landscape. On the way admire the beautiful valleys with cattle. Also, visit the Sacred Cañari Lagoon of Busa. Immerse in the mysticism of the Andean cultures before going back to Cuenca.

From Quito: The Andes of Ecuador Private Guided 5-Day Tour

9. From Quito: The Andes of Ecuador Private Guided 5-Day Tour

Day 1- Quito Old town and Middle of the world to admire the marvelous churches and old constructions in the city. La Basílica, La Compañia , El Panecillo, Plaza Grande main square, Monument in the Middle of the world and Intiñan museum Overnight in Quito Day 2- Cotopaxi and Quilotoa, beautiful volcanoes where the nature is present. Cotopaxi and its perfect cone , Quilotoa and its spectacular lake. Overnight in Quilotoa Day 3- Baños de Agua Santa- The place where we all have unlimited fun. Canopy, Cable Car, waterfalls like Pailón del Diablo, Route of the waterfalls, House of the tree and swing of the end of the world. Day 4- Chimborazo volcano and Riobamba. The highest volcano in Ecuador and the closest point to the sun. Riobamba is a small city where we can try the slow roasted pork in the local food market. Overnight in Riobamba. Day 5- Quilotoa and the lake inside of the crater. Spectacular landscapes and friendly people. Overnight in Quito.

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What people are saying about Cuenca, Ecuador

Flavio was wonderful. He was very patient with my friend. (She took excessively pictures of the landscape ) We learned a lot about the plants and the animals and it’s a really nice tour. I would definitely recommend it.