Another very enjoyable tour with Polylepis. We stopped at Giron on the way to the falls, a laid back old school town with many 'Chola' in traditional dress. They were not dressed up for tourists cos apart from us there wasn't any, its the way they live there. Then on to the falls. I'm 75 and my partner 70 (neither of us that fit!) and we managed the 100m or so up the steps to the lower falls viewing area, so dont let the terrain put you off. Wear good strong shoes and carry a waterproof jacket, cos if it has been raining and the falls are heavy, you will need it. A great experience. Sebastian the guide was very good. We also stopped at a monument to a significant victory Ecuador had over Peru in the 1820s. Sebastian had great knowledge of the events and history of the formation of Ecuador as a country, which really made the trip a very interesting as well as enjoyable experience.

Edison drove me from Cuenca to Guayaquil, and the experience was excellent. Along the way, we made a stop in Cajas for some photos—a fantastic suggestion that added to the trip. Edison was not only a cautious and professional driver but also a great conversationalist. We had engaging discussions about a variety of topics, and he shared valuable insights about the places we passed. He also provided helpful tips on things to do in Guayaquil. The price was reasonable, and his service exceeded my expectations. Highly recommended! Thanks, Edi!

Wonderful tour. Our guide Edison was extremely knowledgeable and highlighted all the important points of this amazing site. Highly recommend!

Edison was very knowledgeable, answered all my questions, asked me about my preferences and had a great conversation.

A Fantastic Day Trip to Ingapirca, Gualaceo and. Chordeleg – A Must-See in Ecuador! Our day trip to Ingapirca Ruins was an unforgettable experience! From start to finish, everything was perfectly organized, making the journey as enjoyable as the destination itself. The scenic drive from Cuenca to Ingapirca was breathtaking, with rolling green hills, charming villages, and glimpses of the famous Andean countryside. The weather cooperated and was unusually clear. Our guide Sebastian from Polylepis tours was incredibly knowledgeable, sharing fascinating insights about Ecuador’s history, the Cañari and Inca cultures, and the significance of Ingapirca as Ecuador’s most important archaeological site. Upon arrival, the grandeur of the ruins was truly mesmerizing. The Temple of the Sun, with its precisely cut stones, showcased the incredible engineering skills of the Incas. Walking through the site, I could feel the history come alive, imagining how this place once thrived as a religious and ceremonial center. The contrast between Cañari round structures and Inca rectangular designs was intriguing, a testament to the blending of these two cultures. Sebastian explained this beautifully. After exploring the ruins, we had time to enjoy a canelazo and even spotted some wild llamas roaming nearby! Gualaceo, a lively town known for its traditional markets and weaving workshops. Visiting a local ikat weaving workshop was one of the highlights! We watched skilled artisans create intricate handwoven textiles using ancient techniques passed down for generations. The level of detail and craftsmanship was truly impressive. I bought a beautiful chalupa from Makana after seeing Master Jose’s wife show us how she does them. I would have bought the complete shop of if I could have. We also explored Gualaceo’s vibrant market, where we sampled fresh tortillas con queso. Not to be confused with quesadillas, those we sampled at a local bakery. They are a sweet treat you must enjoy with coffee. We made our way to Chordeleg, a town famous for its exquisite handmade jewelry. Strolling through the picturesque streets, we admired the beautifully crafted silver and gold filigree pieces, a testament to the town’s deep-rooted tradition in jewelry-making. I bough some exquisite earrings to take home with me of beautiful filigree orchids. Sebastian was nice enough to take us to the Orchid museum and it was well worth it!! A must see for all you plant lovers To top it all off, we enjoyed a delicious traditional Ecuadorian lunch at a local restaurant, savoring locro de papa and a chicken and beef seco. Overall, this tour was a perfect blend of history, culture, and natural beauty. Whether you’re a history enthusiast or simply looking for a unique experience in Ecuador, Ingapirca is a must-visit! Highly recommended!

An excellent day out. Pick up from our Air B+B was bang on time, and we had a comfortable trip up to Ingapirca. Edy the guide gave us a brief history of the place on the way so we were well prepared when we started the tour. He really made the site come alive, the history was facinating. The difference between the Canari and Inca constructions on the site became very obvious and the cultural developments were clearly explained by Edy. His English is very good, we were all kept well informed as we wandered around the site. My partner and I are no longer youngsters, but we managed the walk round without any problem at all.

The whole tour from start to finish was fantastic! The guide was very knowledgeable and entertaining, we saw a lot of species including the endangered Giant Conebill and the endemic Violet-throated Metailtail. I would recommend this to anyone wanting to birdwatch in Cajas National Park. Such a unique and beautiful place!

Sebastian was our guide. He was incredibly knowledgeable and very personable. We had a wonderful day. We had plenty of time at Ingapirca, a fascinating site.

Flavio took us to the market near San Francisco Plaza, which was amazing to see with all of its produce, meats, & prepared foods. There, we enjoyed some fresh juice (I loved the blackberry & coconut combo) & a warm corn tortilla. We left there and visited a bakery where we enjoyed Rodillo de Christi (bread with cheese on top). We walked around the city, learning about the area, and enjoyed a few sweets…ice cream & espumilla. Flavio was very personable & it all made for a lovely evening!

This tour was very enjoyable! The Girón waterfall was gorgeous & Basa lake was pretty & peaceful. While in Girón, we even got to see a beautiful valley view at a former battleground & walk through a museum about the war between Ecuador & Peru. The tour ended with a delicious lunch of traditional Ecuadorian food. We were fortunate to have Diego as our guide, as he was able to share a lot of interesting information with us.

Our guide, Diego, was so knowledgeable and easy to talk to in English or Spanish. He pointed out tons of different plants and geological features that I would have missed on my own. He went above and beyond in sharing his knowledge. Everything happened on time, the driver was safe, and the place we stopped for lunch was delicious. Highly recommended.

This tour was wonderful! We loved being in the mountains, the scenery was beautiful! Diego, our guide, was a knowledgeable & gracious host! The lunch was delicious, as well. I definitely recommend this tour for anyone interested in being in & learning about nature.

My walking city tour of Cuenca with Flavio, and it was an outstanding experience. Not only did I get a great tour of the city, but I also got to practice my Spanish as Flavio (since I was the only person on the tour that day). He was patient with translations when needed and went above and beyond, answering my questions about things that weren’t even part of the tour. His knowledge and willingness to help were truly appreciated. He even helped me with a taxi driver when my Spanish failed me. I highly recommend this tour—it was informative and a lot of fun!

Moses was fantastic! My parents only speak English and were able to understand him perfectly. He drove safely to Ingapirca and back, and it was a lovely scenic drive. Definitely worth the time and money!

Our guide, Juan Pacheco, created an educational, memorable experience through the Ingapirca site and related visits. Not only was he knowledgeable about history and, archeology, he also "taught" us some Kichwa phrases. Good walks, good lunch made for a satisfying day trip