Ecuador Travel

Cojitambo Cañar Inca Ruins

The southern Andes of Ecuador has many interesting and important destinations and attractions where the traveler can spend time. Some of the highlights include:

Ingapirca – this is Ecuador’s most important Inca ruin and is located to the north of Cuenca. It is a good day trip from Cuenca.

Inca Trail (Qapac Ñan) – depending on your physical level of fitness, this hike will take you along part of Ecuador’s Inca trail, through verdant valleys and rural communities.

Cojitambo – the seldom seen ruins of Cojitambo are located seven kilometers from the city of Azogues. They are said to be larger than Ingapirca and take the shape of what looks like a sleeping lion. The structure is made up of a number of walls, and the settlements that remain are in relatively decent shape. Although it was an important site to the Inca, there is no organized tourism at the site itself. Transport can be arranged from Azogues.

Azogues – the provincial capital of Cañar, this city is often by-passed by the traveler on their way south through the country. However, those who do not stop here are missing out. The city is home to one of the most attractive cathedrals in Ecuador, the Santuario Franciscano. It is fairly new, in comparison to other cathedrals in Ecuador. In addition to the cathedral, it is possible to arrange horseback riding in the countryside surrounding Azogues, hiking in the protected Pichahuaycu forest and visits to carving and handicraft places in the city.

Alfareria – is a community in Ecuador that is known for its special style of pottery. Visiting this community allows the traveler to really see a part of Ecuador that is off the beaten track and seldom visited.

Cuenca – this colonial city has much to offer the traveler, with colonial architecture, pretty churches, indigenous markets to wander and panama hat shops to browse.

Baños Thermal Springs near Cuenca – this peaceful little village (not to be confused with its famous namesake in the Tungurahua region) is well known for its therapeutic thermal waters where you can bathe, and later explore the village and surrounds.

Cajas National Park – this national parkis easily accessible from Cuenca, and makes for a pleasant day trip with great appeal for the hiker or naturalist.

Chordeleg – a small town in the southern Andes, this place is good for shopping, especially for picking up jewelry at a decent price.

Girón Waterfall – this waterfall is known as “El Chorro” and makes for a pleasant day hike from the sleepy town of Girón.

Loja – the capital of the province of the same name, Loja is worth a visit for its colonial architecture and interesting historical buildings.

Saraguro community – this indigenous community is located to the south of Cuenca and before Loja, which is further south. Stop here for a taste of rural life.

Vilcabamba – this tranquil village is located in the “Valley of Longevity” and is known for its residents who reportedly live beyond one hundred years of age.

Podocarpus National Park – located conveniently for a day trip from either Loja or Vilcabamba, this park is good for horseback riding, bird watching and hiking.

Petrified Forest of Puyango – this petrified forest is reportedly the largest field of exposed petrified wood in the world.