How to Visit Ingapirca Ruins from Cuenca on a Budget
Ingapirca ruins are the largest archeological Inca complex in Ecuador, and it is really worth to visit this site if you plan on traveling to this part of the country. Read our travel guide on how to visit Ingapirca ruins from Cuenca independently or with a tour, and our tips on how to make your trip more comfortable and cheaper.
Although Ecuador is a small South American country, it offers incredible diversity and an uncountable number of places worth visiting.
After spending three days in Riobamba, where we biked down Chimborazo volcano, we arrived in Cuenca. By that time, we were also already planning to slowly cross borders to Peru, as we could not wait to see some of the most famous Inca ruins.
But except for the sightseeing in Cuenca, a UNESCO city, there were more reasons not to rush and enjoy a few more days in Ecuador. These reasons were Cajas National Park and Ingapirca ruins.
When we were looking for the best things to see and do in Cuenca, we found information about Ecuador's largest archeological site and decided we must see it as a starter before hitting Kuelap Ruins, or Machu Picchu.
Ingapirca, an interesting archeological site, is a great example where visitors can see the blend of two cultures - Cañari and Inca.
Moreover, this site is quite easily accessible and makes it for a great one-day trip from Cuenca.
Although it is still not that popular as other destinations Ecuador has to offer, like the Galapagos Islands, Quito, Banos, or Mindo, when in Cuenca, Ingapirca is a place you should not miss.
Read our travel guide on how to visit Ingapirca ruins independently with tips on where to stay, what to pack, and what to see.
Hopefully, this post will inspire you to include Ingapirca in your Ecuador itinerary.
INGAPIRCA RUINS
The area around Ingapirca had been settled a long time before the Incas arrived by Cañari indigenous people (their descendants, by the way, live in the area until today). Incas arrived at the end of the 15th century.
Incas needed a strategically located settlement from where they could patrol the large empire.
There are two versions of how Incas overruled the Cañaris. One story says they defeated them in a long battle; the other story says Incas used political strategies such as marrying the local women to win the fortress.
Either way, it is interesting that in the end, the Incas and Cañari people lived in the settlement peacefully side by side.
Ingapirca is 3200 meters above sea level, and the position overlooking the surrounding valley was crucial for Incas. Unfortunately, it did not help them against Spaniards who arrived in the 16th century and partially destroyed the site.
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE VISITING INGAPIRCA
When traveling to Ingapirca, you should remember that the town and ruins as well lie at a high altitude, 3200 meters above sea level to be precise.
So unless you are well-acclimatized, you can experience mild headaches from the altitude. To avoid it, drink lots of water and stay active.
Also, this region is known for its harsh weather, which can change any minute. It rains, the sun shines, and the wind blows, and it just goes on and on, so arrive well-prepared.
ENTRANCE FEE
When you arrive at Ingapirca, you need to go to an information center and buy a ticket for $2.
This ticket included a guided tour (it is impossible to wander around on your own) either in English or Spanish. In case you have more time before the tour starts, you can visit a small on-site museum, eat in a restaurant, or buy a souvenir.
VISITING INGAPIRCA
Ingapirca in translation means Inca Wall, and it is a very fitting name. You will certainly see a few walls here.
A narrow trail leads around the largest Incan ruins of Ecuador, but the advantage is that only a few people visit the site, so the whole guided tour felt very relaxed.
We could see remnants of the Canari settlement, a tomb, block of rocks that Inca people dragged from a nearby valley and used for building their houses, and we also cannot forget to mention llamas, animals that freely wander the site.
Undoubtedly, the highlight of Ingapirca Ruins is the structure called Temple of the Sun, an important ritual site.
Temple of the Sun is very photogenic, very well-preserved, and we liked the fact we were basically walking towards it the entire tour, so our guide saved the best for the last.
Once the tour finishes, you will have an opportunity to walk a short trail near the ruins, and you can try to look for faces carved in the rock. Just make sure you do not miss the bus back to Cuenca, in case you arrived independently.
HOW TO VISIT INGAPIRCA RUINS FROM CUENCA
It is quite easy to get from Cuenca to Ingapirca ruins either independently or with a tour, but it does not change the fact that it is quite time-consuming.
We've put together all the information on the best ways to make this popular one-day trip from Cuenca, plus we share one helpful tip that will save your time and money if you are traveling on a budget or a strict schedule.
Here's a list of the options you have to visit Ingapirca ruins on a day-trip from Cuenca.
BUS TO INGAPIRCA RUINS
As we wanted to travel to Ingapirca from Cuenca independently by bus, we had to go in the morning to Terminal Terrestre, from where we took a regular bus at 9 AM to Ingapirca.
Bus to Ingapirca goes directly to the ruins and waits there approximately two hours (usually leaves at 1 PM back, but check the up-to-date schedule with the driver), and you will return with the same bus to Cuenca.
The only disadvantage is that the bus stops way too often, and the one-way journey takes between 2.5 to 3 hours, although the distance is only 80 kilometers.
There is one more bus scheduled from Cuenca at 1 PM, but we would definitely prefer the morning one unless you do not want to spend the night in a village close to the ruins.
The ticket cost $3.5 one way (plus you must pay $0.10 to get on the platform).
We walked on foot to the terminal, but you can take a taxi as well. Based on our experience, it is not necessary to book a ticket from Cuenca to Ingapirca in advance; we just showed up and bought the ticket at the counter.
BY CAR
Ecuador is a small country, and travelers usually get around by bus the same as we did, but there is an option to rent a car at Cuenca's airport only for a day or two, depending on how long you want to explore the area.
Renting a car is definitely the most comfortable and quickest way how to get from Cuenca to Ingapirca.
In case you decide to go this way, you will have to pick up and drop off the car at the airport, but the truth is it is pretty close to the city center.
INGAPIRCA TOURS
Honestly, we do not think that taking a Ingapirca Tour from Cuenca is worth it, but it is still definitely an option.
The only difference when traveling with the tour is that you do not have to go to the bus terminal, and the drive will be a bit faster as you won't be picking up locals every 20 meters.
There is a guide service included, but you must pay for the guide either way as it is not allowed to wander around the complex independently.
TRAVEL TIP
Although Ingapirca is an interesting site, and we would include it on every best Ecuador itinerary, you will spend quite a lot of time on a bus in exchange for only an hour, a maximum of two hours exploring the ruins.
In case you are short on time, traveling on a strict budget, or if you simply seek another option on how to visit Ingapirca, you can get there from small villages such as Cañar, El Tambo or Ingapirca.
When traveling between Cuenca and Riobamba or in the opposite direction, you can get off at one of those small villages and either stay there overnight or take a colectivo to the site and then catch a bus to Cuenca or Riobamba.
This way, you don't have to retrace your steps and lose one day.
Travel Insurance
We never leave home without travel insurance that was designed to cover our expenses if something goes wrong during the trip.
Travel insurance protects against theft, flight delays, injury, illness, cancellations, and much more.
World Nomads provides travel insurance for travelers to cover their trip essentials, including sports and adventure activities.
SafetyWing is affordable travel insurance for backpackers, long-term travelers, and digital nomads.
Travel smarter and safer!
ECUADOR'S INCA TRAIL
We do not know if you've heard about it, but Ecuador also has its Inca Trail. It is not that famous or spectacular as the Inca Trail in Peru that carries the same name, but it is for sure an interesting experience.
And if you have three spare days, this might be the thing to do!
The trek starts at Achupallas (you need to get there from Alausi) and ends at Ingapirca ruins.
The hike is not that long, but note you will go via the Ecuadorian countryside, where the path can easily get muddy. You will walk above 3000 meters and sleep in a tent, which makes this adventure a bit more challenging.
You can trek the Inca trail on your own, but it is compulsory to have at least some wilderness experience and navigating skills.
If we inspired you to walk this trail but you are not sure if you can do it on your own, then consider this 3-Day Inca Trail to Ingapirca Tour.
WHERE TO STAY IN CUENCA
Cuenca is the prettiest colonial city in Ecuador, and thanks to its popularity, it is not hard to find accommodation that suits almost every budget.
The city center is approximately 2 kilometers from the bus terminal.
However, it is still walking distance, or there is an option to take a taxi, and therefore, we would prefer to look for accommodation in the historic center.
We've handpicked the three best hotels for every type of traveler.
Budget | Selina Cuenca - Perfect location, beautiful and clean facilities for a low price, co-working place, kitchen, and terrace - you probably won't find a better deal in Cuenca.
Mid-range | Hostal Mariscal Inn & Suites - Reasonably priced hotel which offers the best value for your money in Cuenca. Comfortable beds, excellent breakfast, and a great atmosphere are the main reasons why to stay here.
Luxury | Mansion Alcazar - Colonial boutique hotel in the center of Cuenca offers comfortable, spacious rooms, perfect service, and a tasty breakfast. Top pick for everyone looking for a higher standard.
WHAT TO PACK
When traveling from Cuenca by public transport, but even with a tour, visiting Ingapirca will take you one full day.
You will spend most of your time on a bus (2.5 - 3 hours one way), and then you will walk around the archeological complex where the weather is very changeable and can be rainy at times.
That's why you should travel to Ingapirca well-prepared.
Here are essential things you should pack with you for this great one-day trip from Cuenca. By no means do not forget a reusable water bottle, and a light comfortable daypack.
Sneakers are fine, but we do not recommend flip flops as you will walk quite a lot. It can rain anytime, plus it gets windy at Ingapirca, so make sure you have a good rain jacket, just in case.
Bringing a travel camera is a must; just make sure you will keep your backpack on your lap all the time on the bus, as bag snatching is very common.
This is actually one of the things you should know before visiting Ecuador.
Travel Resources
Here you can find links to all the travel resources we use and which you might find helpful when planning your next holiday.
Accommodation: When looking for accommodation, we usually search hotels via Booking.com or Hostelworld.
Tours: Although we love to travel independently, some places are better to visit with a guided tour.
We prefer GetYourGuide for its easy-to-use interface and solid reputation. Another great alternative is Viator.
Rental Cars: When going on a road trip, we always use Rentalcars.com, a reliable site for booking a rental car in advance.
Flight Tickets: When looking for flight tickets, you can search Skyscanner to find the best price.
Travel Insurance: World Nomads and SafetyWing cover against risks of travel.
