Cajas National Park (30 km west) is one of Ecuador's most remarkable landscapes — a high páramo plateau at 3,500–4,500 metres studded with more than 235 glacial lagoons. The scenery is austere and haunting: rolling moorland of ichu grass and cushion plants, still lakes reflecting grey skies, and the occasional Andean condor overhead. It is a RAMSAR Wetland of International Importance, and birdwatching is excellent (mountain toucans, hummingbirds, sunbittern). Several waymarked trails leave from the park entrance on the Cuenca–Guayaquil road; entrance is free. Dress warmly regardless of season.
Ingapirca (2 hours north) is Ecuador's most significant Inca archaeological site — a hilltop complex that served as both an Inca temple-fortress and, before the Inca, a Cañari ceremonial centre. The central Temple of the Sun is the best-preserved Inca stonework in Ecuador, its fitted stone masonry demonstrating the same precision seen at Cusco. The site museum covers both the Cañari and Inca periods and is worth the time. Buses from Cuenca's Terminal Terrestre serve the nearest town of Cañar; taxis or tour vans cover the final stretch.
Chordeleg and Gualaceo (30–45 minutes east) are paired craft villages in the Paute valley. Gualaceo is known for ikat textile weaving (the technique of dyeing threads before weaving to create patterns) and has a good Sunday market. Chordeleg specialises in filigree silver and gold jewellery, and is also a centre for Panama hat production — a common misconception worth clearing up: Panama hats originate from Ecuador, not Panama, and the finest examples come from the coastal lowlands and highland workshops like these.
Saraguro (2.5 hours south) is the home town of the Saraguro people, one of Ecuador's most distinctive indigenous communities, recognised by their traditional black clothing — worn in mourning for the Inca Atahualpa, according to local tradition. The community maintains its language and customs, and the town's Sunday market and silverwork workshops are the main draws for visitors. The road south through the highlands is scenic.