Visiting Ingapirca Ruins from Cuenca, Ecuador

Visiting Ingapirca – Ecuador’s largest site for ancient ruins – is a great day trip from Cuenca, Ecuador.

This post shares what we learned about the Ingapirca ruins and how to get there.

Updated: 2024. Originally published: February 2016.

Ingapirca is currently open to the public Wednesday through Saturday. (The hours posted in the photo above is now outdated.)

How to Get to Ingapirca Ruins from Cuenca, Ecuador

From Cuenca, you can either arrange a package tour, drive yourself, or take public transit.

For those wanting to travel independently by bus, the best option is to take the 9am bus from Terminal Terrestre. (Please verify at the bus station, as schedules may change.)

This bus goes all the way to the ruins, waits several hours, and returns to the bus station in Cuenca. When we went, we had 2+ hours to visit the site. More recent reports say that the bus departs Ingapirca at 4pm. Please verify with the driver!

It is $3.50 per person each way, plus 10 cents to get through the turnstile at Terminal Terrestre.

There is supposedly a second bus that does the same route later in the day, but it may not always be running.

Other buses to the town of Cañar are much more frequent (every 20 minutes for $2.50). From there, you can take a second bus to Ingapirca ($1) or pay for a taxi to the ruins.

Take a full-day guided tour with transport from Cuenca to Ingapirca Archeological site >

If you haven’t had a chance to see more of the Andes to the North of Cuenca, you will really enjoy the views of the valleys and farmland out your window. It is about a two hour trip but there’s a lot to see.

When you arrive at Ingapirca, buy a ticket at the information center (bathrooms are also available there), tell them if you want an English or a Spanish tour, and they will give you a tour time. We only had to wait about 15 minutes.

Our group was about 10 people and the guide was a local who had a thick accent but was very animated.

It’s my understanding that the guided tour is required – which really helps to get more out of the experience anyway, and it is included in the price of entry. However, recent reports indicate that on-site guides may sometimes get booked up, so you could also visit with a private guide from Cuenca or tour group.

About Ingapirca, Ecuador

Although the ruins have not been preserved as well as other famous sites – they were discovered buried under farm land, the tribal history behind it was still very interesting.

Here are some of the things we learned from our guide:

• The native Cañari were present at Ingapirca (and Cuenca) before the Incas. The Cañari worshipped the moon and maintained a matriarchal society. Their construction is characterized by round lines. The Incas, on the other hand, worshipped the sun, were patriarchal, and built in rectangular designs.
• Buried in one of the sacred sites, they found a richly-adorned female ruler surrounded by a circle of servants buried alongside her in the fetal position!
• The Incas could not conquer the Cañari so they actually allied with them, lived together and intermixed, and eventually overtook them – at least culturally – around 1470.
• Ingapirca’s ruins were uncovered under a farm, where only the sun temple had previously been exposed. Archeologists worked on the site around the 1970s.
• It estimated that about 80 people lived within Ingapirca, primarily people of religious and political importance. In the surrounding areas were another couple thousand inhabitants.
• The famous Incan stacked stones without mortar are only found in their most sacred spaces.
• Ingapirca is the site of the only Incan temple that exists in an oval shape, which is due to the strength of the Cañari and their style of architecture.

We were curious about walking around the surrounding area more after the tour (there is a trail near the exit that’s supposed to lead to a face carved into the rocks), but we only had time to eat lunch ($2.50 almuerzos) and speed through the little museum of artifacts.

Although a little bit more time might have been nice, in my opinion, it wasn’t worth the hassle to figure out an alternate way back.

We especially liked these clay pot people, which were on display in the Ingapirca museum as well as the artifact museum in Cuenca.

Tips when Visiting Ingapirca Ruins from Cuenca, Ecuador

Best Time to Visit Ingapirca Ruins

You can really visit year round, but note that the site is only open to the public from Wednesday through Saturday.

The rainy season, from October to May, can mean that rains could impact your experience. But we didn’t have a problem going in February.

What to Bring to Ingapirca Ruins

When preparing for your visit to Ingapirca, consider packing the following essentials:

Comfortable Walking Shoes – The site involves walking over uneven terrain and exploring various structures, so sturdy, comfortable shoes with good grip are recommended.

Sunscreen and Hat – Ecuador’s high altitude means stronger UV rays. Protect yourself from sunburn by applying sunscreen regularly and wearing a wide-brimmed hat.

Water and Snacks – Carry sufficient water in a reusable water bottle to stay hydrated throughout your visit. Packing some snacks can also be convenient – there are food options near the site but they’re limited.

Light Jacket or Layers – Even during the dry season, mornings and evenings can be cool due to the altitude.

Facilities and Amenities at Ingapirca Ruins

Restrooms – There are restroom facilities available near the entrance of the site.

Food Options – You can find small vendors selling snacks and beverages near the entrance. Alternatively, consider bringing your own packed lunch or eating in nearby towns like Cañar or along the route from Cuenca.

Information Center – Upon arrival, visit the information center where you can purchase tickets and inquire about guided tours in either English or Spanish. The staff can also provide maps and additional information about the site’s history and layout.

Ingapirca from Cuenca: Conclusion

This was a great day trip from Cuenca, in our opinion. As Ecuador’s most significant archeological site, it’s especially interesting for those fascinated by ancient civilizations.

If you’re not ready to visit Ingapirca independently, you can always book a guided day tour with transportation included from Cuenca.

Take a full-day guided tour with transport from Cuenca to Ingapirca Archeological site >

Have you been to Ingapirca, Ecuador? Feel free to share your travel advice in the comments section below.

For further reading:

– 5 Great Day Trips from Cuenca, Ecuador
– What to See and Do in Cuenca, Ecuador (Plus Walking Tour Map)
– How to Get Around Cuenca Ecuador: Transit Guide
– Where to Practice Spanish and Get Free Lessons in Cuenca, Ecuador

Like this post? Pin it for later or share with friends!