We loved learning about the history of the ancient cultures, the local poncho shop, and the llamas. The scenery is lovely. Don’t expect too much from the museum.

Diego was the best guide I have had in some time. His extensive knowledge of the sites and Ecuador was impressive. I will recommend his company to others and use it again in the future. Thanks for a great day!

My husband & I went on this tour and we really enjoyed ourselves! We got to try various local foods, drinks, treats, and learn about each one along the way! Flavio (our guide) was very kind and knowledgeable, and he taught us about the history of the area too, and always answered any questions we had! We highly recommend this event!! It’s a really lovely must if you visit Cuenca!

This was an amazing tour. Our guide took us on trails I would jever have found on my own. He also had a great knowledge of local flora and fauna. The park is stunning. Lunch was delicious.

This was just a fantastic tour of the Cajas mountains!! Our tour guide Wilson did a great job giving us a tour of the Cajas mountains!! He was very attentive and helpful when we had questions! We saw so many species of plants and different species in the ecosystem! Me and my girlfriend absolutely loved this hike and we would recommend this to everyone who likes these activities!!!

We loved our time!! My husband and I went with my brother and his girlfriend. We loved each stop, and had a blast! Our host Jessica was very lovely, and we had a wonderful time! The park is beautiful, and our guides made it extra fun with some dancing on board the bus, and a game involving a balloon! 😂 Anyways, overall we had a great day and we are grateful for the experience!

Diego was wonderful. Extremely knowledgeable on all the flora and fauna and geology of cajas. He spoke English well and answered all of our questions about Ecuador. He was patient when we needed to walk slower due to the altitude. We felt very good about the tour. Thanks.

Andrés was an excellent Ird guide. He knew where to find some of the birds I wanted to meet and add to my life list. He was extremely knowledgeable about the environment and habitats in Ecuador and Cajas national park. Andres was very kind and friendly, easy to talk with about nature and the management of parks and even water and sewage in Cuenca. I learned so much. I would definitely contact this tour company again and have Andres as my guide.

Wow, wow, wow! Polylepsis Tours is the real deal! From start to end, our experience was amazing. Because of some other travel plans, we had to do it the other way around (from Cuenca to Quito), and Edison from Polylepsis helped us out and created a perfect itinerary. They were super flexible, which made our experience great. The tour itself was so awesome too. You definitely hit all of the highlights the Ecuadorian Andes has to offer. It’s a jampacked schedule, but every day and every early wake up call is worth it. We loved the Chimborazo and Cotopaxi the most. Chimborazo was surreal: 5.000 meters above sealevel!! And then the tour guide, Diego. From moment one, Diego was great! He was so knowledgable about Ecuadorian history, the indigenous legends, the local fauna and flora. We had a great time listening to Diego, either during the activity or the car ride. We learned a great deal, from Inca history and legends about the mountains we were seeing to what the plants are used for by locals and what birds/trees/animals we were seeing. Diego was also a good driver, we never felt unsafe despite the often times bad road conditions. We made a friend in Diego, and would highly recommend him! Altogether, we would highly recommend Polylepsis. As we said: they are the real deal!

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.