Cañar

Travelers head to Cañar largely to connect with Ecuador's ancient history and to visit the nearby Ingapirca archaeological site, the largest and best-preserved Inca ruins in the country. The town itself is a stronghold of the indigenous Cañari people, whose culture, music, and traditional colorful dress remain a vital part of daily life. Exploring the Sunday market here provides a highly authentic glimpse into local Andean customs and agriculture, far from typical tourist trails. The surrounding landscapes consist of sweeping paramos (high-altitude moorlands), rugged mountains, and small agricultural plots that paint the hillsides in patchwork colors. It is an excellent region for hiking and photography. When it comes to food, visitors can sample traditional mountain dishes like cascaritas (crispy roasted pork skin), chicha (a fermented corn drink), and hearty quinoa soups. Cañar is located along the Pan-American Highway, easily reached by bus from Cuenca in under two hours. The region experiences a cool, high-altitude climate, so dressing in layers is recommended. The best time to visit is during the dry months from June to September, or in June during the Inti Raymi (Festival of the Sun) celebrations, which are spectacular at the Ingapirca ruins.

Nearby cities

La Troncal

The sweetest city in the Cañar province due to its huge sugarcane fields and mills.

Azogues

A colonial city in the Andes known for its majestic Franciscan church.

Guaranda

The city of seven hills, nestled in the steep valleys of the Ecuadorian Andes.

Gualaceo

The gateway to the east from Cuenca, known for hand-woven ikat textiles and leather goods.

Zamora

The center of mining and nature tourism on the edge of the southern Amazon.

La Maná

A canton where the tropical climate meets the foot of the Andes, known for its waterfalls.

Riobamba

Often called the Sultana of the Andes, surrounded by snow-capped volcanoes.

Vilcabamba

Known as the Valley of Longevity, Vilcabamba is a peaceful Andean retreat popular for its healthy climate and stunning mountain hiking tr…

El Triunfo

An agricultural hub connecting the provinces of Guayas and Chimborazo.

Catamayo

The sunny valley of Loja, known for its sugarcane fields and regional airport.

Gualaquiza

Gualaquiza is a charming Amazonian town known for its lush rainforests, rivers, and gold mining history.

Saquisilí

Saquisilí is an authentic Andean town famous for hosting one of the most vibrant and expansive indigenous markets in Ecuador every Thursday.

Naranjito

A lively small town characterized by extensive banana and cocoa fields.

Latacunga

A colonial town near the Cotopaxi volcano, known for the Mama Negra festival.

Ventanas

The economic center of corn production in Ecuador, often referred to as the capital of yellow gold.

History & landmarks

Alausí

Alausí is a charming heritage town in the Andes, globally famous as the starting point for the dramatic "Nariz del Diablo" train journey.

Sanctuary of Our Lady of the Dew

A spectacular church built directly into the steep cliffs above the small town of Biblián.

Pujilí

Pujilí is a picturesque town in the Cotopaxi province, renowned for its indigenous markets and vibrant Corpus Christi celebrations.

Sanctuary of the Virgin of El Cisne

A monumental Gothic church in the mountain town of El Cisne, the center of one of Ecuador's largest pilgrimages.

Nature

Quilotoa Crater Lake

Quilotoa is a water-filled caldera and the most western volcano in the Ecuadorian Andes, famous for its emerald green water.

More places

Baños del Inca en Coyoctor

Rock-carved ruins that served as sacred baths and ceremonial sites for Inca rulers.

Ingapirca

The largest and best-preserved Inca archaeological site in Ecuador, famous for its Temple of the Sun.

Catedral Vieja de Cuenca

The first cathedral of Cuenca, which today functions as a museum of religious art.

General Tire Cuenca

An important tire manufacturer in Cuenca, supplying the national and Andean automotive market.

Cajas National Park

A highland national park featuring over 200 lakes and many endemic bird species.

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Chimborazo Fauna Production Reserve

A protected area on Ecuador's highest mountain, created specifically for the protection of vicuñas, alpacas and llamas.

Iglesia de la Balbanera

The oldest Catholic church in Ecuador, built from volcanic rock to mark the first Spanish village in the country.

Chimborazo Cement Plant

One of the largest cement plants in the country, playing a crucial role in the construction sector of the Andean region.