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20 Best Things to Do In Cuenca Ecuador: Travel Guide

March 10, 2019 By John Widmer 19 Comments

Cuenca, Ecuador, is a colonial gem that lays sprawled out amidst the Andes mountains that surround the city. Between Cuenca’s history, the culture, and many adventurous pursuits that abound in the area, there are so many interesting and fun things to do in Cuenca, Ecuador!

This comprehensive Cuenca Ecuador travel guide aims to highlight the best things to do in Cuenca. We hope this guide helps travelers to plan out activities & explorations when visiting the city, in addition to discovering some worthwhile day trips from Cuenca.

During each of our month-long visits to Cuenca, we’ve made a concerted effort to really get to know this city and deeply explore everything that visitors may find interesting to do. Recommendations span from the popular must-see attractions in Cuenca, like the New Cathedral to more obscure pursuits such as getting a traditional cleansing at a local market.

And let’s not forget about those Cuenca day trips. Don’t miss hiking through the most biologically diverse place in the Andes or exploring Ecuador’s largest Inca ruin site. We’re now happy to share all these intrigueing discoveries of what to do in Cuenca, Ecuador!

Yet before listing Cuenca’s best attractions and excursions, perhaps it may help to get to know this city a little better. So let’s begin with a brief background about Cuenca and its appeal as a great place to travel in Ecuador.

• About Cuenca Ecuador
• New Cathedral | Cleansing | Riverfront | Panama Hats | Viewpoint |  Museums | Inca Ruins | Wildlife Park | Spa Day | Flower Market  |  Flower Water | Local Food | Int’l Beer | Craft Shopping | Parque Calderon
• Cajas Nat’l Park | Horseback Riding | Giron Waterfall | Artisan Towns | Ingapirca Ruins
• Cuenca Ecuador Travel Tips 💡

Get to Know Cuenca, Ecuador!

The city’s full name is Santa Ana de los Cuatro Ríos de Cuenca . That’s quite a mouthful, so almost everyone simply refers to the city as “Cuenca” instead. The translation of this lengthy city name references the four rivers that run through Cuenca . One of those rivers pleasantly slices right through the center of town, making for a particularly nice stroll.

Cuenca is also known as the “ Athens of Ecuador .” The charming colonial streets of Cuenca do give off a certain European flair. But this nickname is not only a reflection of Cuenca’s architecture, cathedrals, and ruins. It’s also a reference to Cuenca being a long-held hub of culture, art, and artisanry.

It’s this history and traditions that have helped make the historic center of Cuenca to be designated as one of only three of Ecuador’s cultural UNESCO World Heritage Sites . (The others are the Inca Andean Road System and Quito ).

UNESCO further recognizes Cuenca for its centuries-old colonial architecture. Cuenca’s city planning has been respected and followed here for more than 400 years. You can read the full UNESCO description outlining Cuenca’s universal value here .

Cuenca is largely a safe city in Ecuador . It carries a pleasant and tranquil vibe. Local people are notoriously welcoming and friendly. And we found there to be little threat of petty theft and pickpockets, as there is in some of Ecuador’s larger cities.

Between Cuenca’s friendliness, colonial charm, Andean culture, beautiful mountain scenery that surrounds, and the consistently pleasant climate, it’s no wonder that many foreigners are traveling here. Cuenca is becoming not only a popular travel destination in Ecuador. Expats and retirees are moving to Cuenca to make it their new home. There’s certainly lots of appeal here to do so!

After all, there are so many great things to do in Cuenca itself in addition to the many day trips, that make it well worth a lengthy stay. We now hope this detailed Cuenca, Ecuador travel guide helps to highlight exactly that!

Best Things to Do in Cuenca Ecuador

There are so many awesome things to do in and around Cuenca. Simply strolling the cobblestone streets of Cuenca’s historic city center can be a fantastic casual pursuit while touring around the city. Undoubtedly, visitors will do exactly that while exploring the many recommendations laid out in this Cuenca travel guide.

We hope this list of things to do in Cuenca provides some solid ideas on what to do around town. Also, here’s a handy Cuenca map to help find your way around to all the points of interest listed throughout this travel guide.

1) Climb the Towers of Cuenca’s New Cathedral

Cuenca’s Cathedral de la Inmaculada is a centerpiece of the city that is commonly referred to as the New Cathedral. Although construction began in 1885, the cathedral was not completed until nearly a century later (1975). That’s why it’s referred to as the “new cathedral.” The cathedral’s signature blue domes have defined Cuenca’s skyline ever since.

A visit inside this grand Catholic church is a must-do while visiting Cuenca. The New Cathedral is among some of the largest churches in South America. The massive interior is said to be able to fit over 9,000 church-goers. Cuenca’s New Cathedral is easily accessible and open to the public, as faithful Cuencanos pop in throughout the day to worship.

As long as visitors are dressed modestly and service isn’t going on, don’t hesitate to quietly explore the New Cathedral’s vast interior. You’ll find plenty of marble and stained glass to admire. Take a look at the gold leaf-covered altar. Also, find the wooden replica of the cathedral (towards the front right, facing the altar). Perhaps even consider lighting a candle.

But don’t stop there . Many visitors don’t realize that it’s possible to climb up the towers of the Cathedral! There’s a small ticket booth just as you enter the cathedral’s northern (right-side) entrance that grants access to a narrow spiral staircase.

It takes many steps to reach the top, where the effort is rewarded with fantastic views of Cuenca’s historic center. You’ll also get an up-close look at the Cathedral’s pretty blue domes. (Note: the domes were still undergoing renovations in early 2019, but efforts should be wrapped up by the time you’re reading this.)

There’s also a plaque up here explaining why the bell towers you’re standing on don’t contain any bells. It describes why the church was left unfinished and incomplete. We won’t give it all away though. You’ll have to go to Cuenca’s New Cathedral and climb those steps to find out!

💲 Cost : Free to enter, $2 admission to climb the towers

🕒 Hours : 8:00 am-7:00 pm

⌚ Length of visit : 15 minutes + 15-30 minutes if also climbing the New Cathedral towers

📍 Location : Right in the center of Cuenca in front of Parque Calderón, located here .

2) Get a Limpia (Traditional Cleansing) at the Local Market

The Mercado 10 de Agosto is a local Market in Cuenca, where residents come to stock up on fresh fruits and vegetables, among other local products. It’s a great place on its own merit to simply see all the local produce and soak in the market atmosphere.

Consider buying some fruit while you’re here! There are also many exotic fruits to discover, like tree tomatoes and naranjillas, that you may not have access to at home.

Just be aware that the bundles of produce tend to be priced by the dollar. So if you’d like a single banana, that’s not going to happen. A dollar will likely buy you over 10 bananas!

Yet another reason to visit this local Cuenca market is to experience a “ limpia .”

A limpia is a traditional cleansing that has been passed down through generations. On the bottom floor of Mercado 10 de Agosto , there is a steady stream of customers partaking in this traditional cleansing. Pregnant women and babies appear to form the largest base of limpia clients. Yet everyone from working-class men to sweet old abuelas come to Mercado 10 de Agosto to seek this treatment.

This spiritual cleansing process is meant to help rid anything terrible from within. It’s interesting to watch the action of what’s involved in the cleansing. Yet for a real cultural experience while in Cuenca, visitors can consider jumping right in to get a limpia too!

But before you go ahead with getting a limpia in Cuenca, just know what you’re in for. This video provides a primer of the process.

Those being cleansed may endure a fair bit of being roughed-up by various plants and herbs. A raw uncracked egg is rubbed around the body as part of the cleansing. It’s a diagnosis mechanism. Strong herbal alcohol fumes are breathed in too. And a process known as baño de flores, or flower bath, involves having a mouthful of flower petals being spit at you . Yes, really.

It all makes for quite the travel experience and arguably one of the most interesting cultural things to do in Cuenca.

💲 Cost : Free to enter the market. A  limpia costs $2-$3

🕒 Hours : 7:00 am-6:00 pm

⌚ Length of visit : Spend 15 minutes looking around. A limpia takes 5-10 minutes.

📍 Location : In Cuenca’s historic center, a few blocks southwest of Parque Calderón, located here .

3) Stroll, Bike, or Picnic Along Cuenca’s Rio Tomebamba Riverfront

Running along the southern edge of Cuenca’s historic center is a scenic stretch of the Tomebamba River. The river originates up in the mountains of Cajas National Park and flows onward down into the Amazon. On its way down the Andes, the river slices right through the middle of Cuenca.

The  Tomebamba River makes for a most pleasant place in Cuenca to take a leisurely stroll from right within the city center. The grassy riverbank is lined with trees that offer shade on sunny days, while colonial buildings loom above. There are a few cafes and restaurants with views along this section of the Tomebamba River. Don’t hesitate to pop in for a coffee, cerveza , or a snack.

Better yet, consider a picnic right along a grassy stretch of the river. Many canoodling Cuencano couples can be found doing just that.

And if you happen to be in Cuenca on a Sunday, consider going for a bike ride along the Tomebamba River. Every Sunday morning here in Cuenca, the city provides hundreds of mountain bikes to residents and visitors for free. It’s known as Ruta Recreativa .

This gives everyone an opportunity to bike on the off-road trails that extend further down the river. On two wheels, you’ll be able to get much further than walking. To get a free bike on Sunday mornings, just exchange an ID or passport and off you go!

💲 Cost : Free

🕒 Hours : Walking along the river is best during daylight hours. Sunday bike rentals: 8:00-Noon (Arrive early to ensure you’ll get a bike.)

⌚ Length of visit : About 1-2 hours, depending on the length of walk/ride

📍 Location : Free bike rental station is at Paseo 3 de Noviembre & Puente Juana de Oro , next to Inca Bar. The riverside trails extend 13 kilometers through Cuenca.

4) Learn About Cuenca’s Production of Panama Hats

Ecuador, not Panama, is the origin and production center to what is well-known around the world as the “Panama Hat.” The reason for this confusing name is because these Ecuadorian hats were being exported to Panama while the Panama Canal was being built in the early 1900s. Then US President Roosevelt visited the construction site and was photographed wearing the hat in Panama. Hence the name “Panama Hat” has stuck ever since.

But make no mistake, this is purely an Ecuadorian product . The town of Montecristi lays claim to the birthplace of Panama hats. Yet it is Cuenca and the surrounding area that has become the largest producer of these hats, which are also known locally as sombreros de paja toquilla .

So when visiting the city, a great thing to do in Cuenca is to learn about the delicate process it takes to produce these hats. You’ll see just how the hats are weaved with painstaking detail, entirely by hand. There are a few factories, “museums,” and shops around Cuenca to explore the craft of this truly Ecuadorian tradition.

Two of these Panama Hat museum/factories are :

• Museo Sombrero De Paja Toquilla
• Homero Ortega Museum

Museo Sombeweo de Paja Toquilla . Within Cuenca’s historic center, it’s easy to get to the Museo Sombrero De Paja Toquilla . It’s more of a shop than a true “museum,” despite having a few very basic exhibits. Yet it’s still definitely worth going into, to see the fine craftsmanship and possibly purchase a hat. There’s also a very pleasant café in the back, overlooking the Tomebamba River.

Homero Ortega Museum . A more complete look into these famous Ecuadorian hats can be found at the Homero Ortega Museum. This is more of an actual museum, where a guide accompanies visitors on a free 30-minute tour. During this tour, you’ll learn about the history of this Ecuadorian tradition while taking a look directly into the hat-making process.

This fifth-generation company claims to be the oldest and most experienced Panama hat producer in Ecuador . So they’re well-equipped to explain all about Ecuador’s famous hats. Of course, museum-goers exit through the gift shop. There, you’ll be greeted with a friendly, no-pressure sales attempt.

💲 Cost : Both museums are free.

💵 Price of Panama Hats in Cuenca : Expect to spend somewhere between $40-$100 for a good quality hat. They range in price, starting at about $20 for cheaper looser-woven hats that take only a day or two to make. Meanwhile, superfinos can cost as much as $1,500 which takes nearly a half year to produce.

🕒 Hours : Museo Sombrero De Paja Toquilla: Weekdays 8:30-6:30, Sat: 9:30-5:00, Sun 9:30-1:30. Homero Ortega Museum: Weekdays: 8:00-12:30 & 2:30-6:00, Sat: 8:30-12:30, closed on Sundays.

⌚ Length of visit : 30-60 minutes at Homero Ortega Museum. Less time at Museo Sombrero De Paja Toquilla.

📍 Location : Museo Sombrero De Paja Toquilla in the historic center, located here . Homero Ortega Museum: Near bus terminal, located here .

🔗 Official website : of Homero Ortega Museum here .

5) Take in Cuenca’s Sweeping Views from the Turi Viewpoint

The Mirador de Turi is a lookout point perched high above the city, with spectacular views down below. Many of Cuenca’s churches and avenues can be easily seen from this high point located on the southern fringes of the city. It makes for a fantastic place for photos, whether attempting to capture the cityscape or to snap a few Cuenca selfies.

Adjacent to the lookout is also the Parque Extreme Turi , a small adventure park. It’s well worth the $1 admission fee and the short stair climb to reach what we believe is an even better view than the initial mirador .

Daredevils can further enjoy some thrills, for an additional yet nominal cost ($1-$3 each). The extreme activities include ziplines, swing bridges, high-flying swings, and a “crazy ball” that launches any takers into the air.

To get to the Mirador de Turi and adjacent adventure park, it’s most easily accessed by taxi. Expect a cab fare around $2-$5 each way, depending on where in Cuenca you’re coming from.

Alternatively, it’s possible to walk up to the Mirador de Turi. Just be prepared to ascend the nearly 500 steps to get to Cuenca’s most famous lookout point.

💲 Cost : Mirador is free, Parque Extreme Turi is $1

🕒 Hours : Best to go during daylight hours. But also consider evenings to see Cuenca light up.

⌚ Length of visit : Plan 15 minutes if only going to the Mirador. Plan an hour or so if entering the adventure park.

📍 Location : On the south side of Cuenca, located here . Take a taxi ($2-$5, each way). Or use the hop-on-hop-off bus ($8 roundtrip).

6) Discover Cuenca’s History Through Its Museums

There are a number of museums in Cuenca. Many of them focus on Ecuador’s history and Cuenca’s in particular. Some of these museums are free. So it’s certainly worth taking some time to learn more about the culture and history of the country you’re visiting. In the process, you may even find some interesting oddities, like shrunken heads!

So what are the best museums in Cuenca? Here are our top picks.

For indigenous culture : A great place in Cuenca to begin a foray into Ecuador’s past is at the city’s Pumapungo Museum. It’s the largest museum in Cuenca and many vouch that it’s the best. The bottom floor contains modern art exhibits in addition to some ancient artifacts. Yet it’s the second floor that dives deep into Ecuador’s indigenous culture and history. This is where you can find the curiosity-inducing shrunken skull exhibit.

💲 Cost : Free 🕒 Hours : Tues-Fri: 8:00-5:30, Weekends: 10:00-4:00. Closed Mondays.

For ancient relics : For an even more in-depth look into Ecuador’s ancient artifacts, the Museo de las Culturas Aborígenes is a must-visit for any archeology buffs. Their collection of over 5,000 artifacts is the most vast we’ve seen in Ecuador. Even those with only a mild interest Pre-Colombian artifacts may be amused by the ancient “love carvings” displayed from the Tolita culture.

💲 Cost : $4 🕒 Hours : Weekdays: 9:00-6:00, Sat: 9:00-2:00, Closed Sunday

For religious history : The Religious Art Museum is housed in the Cuenca’s Old Cathedral. This temple goes way back to the 1500s. A recorded audio tour (in English) tells all about its nearly 500-year history of this church, with great detail and enthusiasm.

💲 Cost : $2 🕒 Hours : Weekdays: 9:00-5:30, Weekends: 9:00-2:00.

7) Explore Cuenca’s Inca Ruins from Right Within the City: Pumapungo Archaeological Park

In the back of the Pumapungo Museum, there are doors to the outside that lead to what is left of an ancient ruin site known as Parque Arqueologico del Pumapungo . The ruins found here are believed to be a part of the ancient city of Tomebamba that was first inhabited by the Cañari people before the Incas overtook it for use as a fort.

It’s theorized that the structures once here may have been destroyed during a civil war between the Incas. The remaining stone was later used by the Spanish in the construction of Cuenca. Because of this, it’s the foundations and stone terraces that remain today.

Walking down the side of this former fortress leads to a garden showcasing crops of the ancient civilization. That’s also where you can get the best glimpse of this ruin site that lies intermingled with the city of Cuenca. This is a great thing to do in Cuenca coupled with the adjacent and aforementioned Pumapungo Museum. Plan to spend a few hours between the two Cuenca attractions.

🕒 Hours : Tues-Fri: 8:00-5:30, Weekends: 10:00-4:00. Closed Mondays.

⌚ Length of visit : About an hour

📍 Location : Behind the Pumapungo Museum, located here .

8) Encounter Ecuador’s Native Wildlife at this Rescue Center: Amaru Biopark

Cuenca’s Amaru Biopark is a non-profit conservation organization that rescues animals from situations like illegal trafficking and circuses. This allows the rescued animals to live out happy lives on the side of the mountains surrounding Cuenca in sizable spaces with lots of room to roam.

The wildlife park is so full of species native to Ecuador , from the high Andes to the Amazon. Most people traveling through Ecuador likely won’t be lucky enough to encounter native species such as jaguars and Andean bears in the wild. So Amaru Biopark provides visitors a rare chance to see them.

Yet what’s really unique about this place is the layout. Amaru Biopark is sprawled all across the mountainside. Rugged hiking trails connect each of the different habitats . This makes it necessary to trek a few kilometers while visiting the animal residents along the way.

It’s so cool to get a little workout while learning all about the biodiversity that exists throughout Ecuador. It’s also nice to find strong conservation messages, all along the way. It’s one of the most un-zoo-like zoos we’ve ever encountered in the world.

💲 Cost : $6 for adults

🕒 Hours : Monday-Saturday: 6:00 am – 10:00 pm. Sunday until 9:00.

⌚ Length of visit : Plan about 3 hours or so if hiking the entire zoo.

📍 Location : It’s on the east side of Cuenca and best to take a taxi, $4-$7. Located here .

🔗 Official website : here .

9) Unwind in the Warm Volcanic Mineral Water of Baños

On the outskirts of Cuenca is the community with several spas, known as Baños. (Note: this is not to be confused with the more well-known Baños of Ambato, which is several hours away.) This Baños, here in the Azuay province, is a mere 10-minute drive from the center of Cuenca.

It boasts natural warm spring waters that are rich in minerals from the thermal activity occurring underground. The Ecuadorian Andes are full of volcanos after all!

Always on a lookout for luxury-for-less experiences, our Cuenca spa recommendation is for Piedra de Agua . Their 3-hour “spa circuit” includes eight treatments ranging from Turkish baths to steam baths to subterranean contrast pools. Perhaps most interesting is the volcanic mud exfoliation treatment, involving two different mud baths. The red mud cleans and exfoliates the skin. The blue mud then acts hydrate and moisturize. Together, they leave skin incredibly soft and smooth!

During weekly promos at Piedra de Agua, couples get a 2-for-1 deal, dropping the price of the entire circuit to a mere $17.50 per person. If traveling solo, find a friend to take advantage of this deal! In doing so, the spa can make for a fantastic affordable luxury.

If that wasn’t nice enough, this spa combines the 2×1 spa circuit deal with 2-for-1 cocktails. And they’ll even deliver those drinks to you on a little floating boat. We can personally recommend a cool mora (blackberry) daiquiri to enjoy in these warm waters. At the end of the spa circuit, guests can spend as much time as they’d like relaxing in the three warm outdoor mineral pools.

A trip to the Piedra de Agua spa can feel absolutely heavenly for anyone who has been doing lots of hiking in the surrounding Andes mountains. It can be the perfect way to clean up and relax after a day trip to Cajas National Park.

At time of publishing, the 2×1 spa circuit deal runs on Monday 11-5 and Wednesdays & Fridays from 5-10. As promotions can change, be sure to check their promo page to verify these deals are still in place during your visit. No advanced reservations are required.

💲 Cost : The spa circuit is normally $35 per person. But it’s 2-for-1 with the aforementioned promotion. The cost to access the thermal pools without doing the spa circuit is $12. Prices for additional treatments, like massages, vary.

🕒 Hours : Monday-Saturday: 6:00 am – 10:00 pm. Sunday: until 9:00.

⌚ Length of visit : Plan at least three hours for the full spa circuit. Consider additional time to relax in the pools, have some drinks, eat at the onsite restaurants, or get a massage.

📍 Location : On the west side of Cuenca. Best to take a taxi, about $5 fare each way. Or try the #12 or #100 bus. Piedra de Agua is located here .

10) Wander Through Cuenca’s Impressive Flower Market

Ecuador is the third-largest flower exporter in the world. The country is particularly known for its high-quality roses. But not all of Ecuador’s flowers leave the country. This is evidenced in Cuenca’s beautiful flower market.

Cuenca’s colorful flower market is located in a prime setting, right next to the New Cathedral. It provides a picturesque backdrop to this plaza that’s filled with dozens of flower vendors. Known locally as the Mercado de las Flores, it’s well worth stopping in the open-air square to admire all the beautiful arrangements for sale.

This picturesque plaza even caps the National Geographic list of the Top 10 Outdoor Flower Markets in the world. It’s their only entry in all of the Americas.

Even if you’re just there to have a quick look, a visit to the flower market is a very worthwhile thing to do in Cuenca.

🕒 Hours : Daylight hours and a bit into the evening.

⌚ Length of visit : About 10 minutes

📍 Location : In Cuenca’s historic center, right next to the New Cathedral, located here .

11) Drink the Agua de Pitimas While At the Flower Market

At one end of the flower market, there’s a window offering a mysterious flower-based drink known as Agua de Pitimas . This flowery water concoction is made by nuns who live in complete seclusion inside adjoining monastery They formulate this pink drink with a secret recipe that’s been passed down for decades. It uses dozens of flowers and herbs.

This Agua de Pitimas is supposed to be a cure-all for many ailments. It’s even recommended by local doctors to help with anxiety and sleeplessness. The drink must be doing something right because there are regular queues of people lining up at the cloister window to get a $0.50 cup of this fragrant water. As it’s made from many different flowers, it’s not surprising that the drink tastes quite perfumey.

A local Cuencano told us that the nuns are actually adding drops of valium (Diazepam) to the water and cited it as fact. He says that’s really the secret to agua de pitimas! We couldn’t find any other information to corroborate this claim. Yet the sheer calmness that soon overcame us is proof enough for us to totally believe it. We recommend sipping a cup only if you’re ready to relax.

12) Eat Cuenca’s Local Cuisine  

You can find nearly all Ecuador’s local specialties throughout Cuenca. Popular Ecuadorian dishes like churrasco, locro de papa, fritada, and seco de chiva are all here, among others. Yet when in Cuenca, there are some regional specialties to the city itself and to the Azuay province that visitors can try.

Some of these dishes can be difficult to find in Ecuador, outside of this region. So here are the hyper-local foods to try in Cuenca!

For a Cuenca Staple: Eat Mote Pillo

This is a signature staple food of Cuenca that is made with mote , AKA hominy (dried corn treated with alkali) and mixed with eggs. It’s simple, delicious, and often used as a side dish. 🌱 Note: Strict vegetarians and vegans should be aware that while it seems meatless, mote pillo is cooked with pork lard.

Mote is further used in many Cuencan dishes. Also, keep an eye out for mote pata (a mote-based soup) and mote sucio (mote and pork).

For a Market Tradition in Cuenca: Eat Hornado

This is whole-roasted pig. In Cuenca, it’s often seared with a blow-torch. The hornado is tender, well seasoned and usually served with mote, vegetables, and llapingachos or potatoes. It’s delicious and definitely something for any meat-eater to try when traveling through Cuenca.

Hornado is a great market food and can be easily found during lunchtime at the Mercado 10 de Agosto and Mercado 9 de Octubre . They’ll usually let you try before you buy. Also, consider heading out to Av Don Basco , which is known locally as “Pig Road” because of the many competing restaurants here serving up hornado right from the spit.

For Adventurous Eaters: Try Cuy in Cuenca

Yes, the Azuay province is an area of Ecuador that does indeed eat guinea pig, known here as cuy . It’s a local specialty for adventurous eaters to try in Cuenca. Most people either enjoy it or despise it. Personally, we find it to just be okay. There’s not much meat to it and the skin can be a bit rubbery. But, hey, when in Cuenca!

Guijebamba is the oft-recommended restaurant in Cuenca to try cuy. But be aware that Guijebamba requires a call-ahead order (or a very long wait) to prepare. You’ll also need to order an entire cuy, which is $22. So it’s not particularly conducive for anyone who may simply want to try cuy for the first time.

Instead, look for cuy at the aforementioned Av Don Basco. Or we can personally recommend Picanteria Reine del Cisne , near the Mirador de Turi. Here, you can order a 1/4 cuy meal for $5.50 or even a mixed hornado and cuy plate for $8.50. That way you’ll have plenty of other food to fall back on if you decide the cuy isn’t to your taste.

Other Cuenca Foods To Look For

That all just scratches the surface of some of the typical foods in Cuenca to try. When in Cuenca, also consider trying these regional dishes:

• tamal cuencano (cornmeal tamale that typically includes fillings such as pork, cheese, and egg),
• pan cuencano (Cuencan bread),
• La Fanesca (a special soup eaten during Holy Week),
• corn tortillas with morocho (a thick, sweet, and spiced corn-based drink)
• fresh trout from the Cajas mountains,
• and other local Cuenca specialties.

13) Drink Beer Around the World Locally Produced in Cuenca

There is a thriving international beer scene that’s brewing up fantastic results from the Andean waters flowing into Cuenca.

Cuenca boasts a large immigrant/expat community after all. And this clearly shows throughout the city’s brewpubs. Nowhere else in South America have we seen such a vast array of local breweries representing their home styles from abroad.

Here are some interesting international breweries to check out while roaming around Cuenca:

🇧🇪 Jodoco Belgian Brew : There is a legit Belgian brewery with a Belgian brewer who concocts delicious Saisons, Tripels, Quadruples, and Farmhouse sours. They’re spot on the authentic styles found throughout Belgium. Fun fact: Jodoco claims to be the highest Belgian Brewery in the world ! 💲It’s $3.90 for their 300 ml beers.

🇨🇿 Golden Prague Pub : Czech brewers just moved into Cuenca a few years ago, opening up a sizable brewery with classic Czech Lagers served alongside fare from their homeland. 💲 It’s $3 for 330 ml beers and $5 for pints (500 ml). Note: 2×1 happy hour daily 3:00-6:00 pm.

🇩🇪 Far Out Cerveceria Alemana : Germany is represented by a classic rock-loving German brewer who produces three styles from his home country, ranging from a kolsch to darker beers. 💲Prices start at $3.50 for 300 ml beers and go up.

🇺🇸 The Pub : There’s an American-run brewpub pouring pints of craft beer styles that have been popularized in the US, like west-coast style IPAs. Yet they further represent other countries, such as their delicious Scottish Ale. 💲Pints for $4. Drops to $3 during happy hour, which is all day Wednesday, Thurs 5pm-7pm and Sat, 3pm – 5pm.

It’s pretty remarkable to be in a city with so many international beer offerings that are brewed locally right here in Cuenca.

14) Shop for Andean Artisan Crafts in Cuenca

Cuenca and the surrounding villages have become a center for artisan crafts in Ecuador. It’s a great place to shop for ceramics, woven goods, wood carvings, jewelry, housewares, utensils, furnishings, baskets, and many other uniquely Ecuadorian souvenirs.

There are two main markets in Cuenca that make for particularly great craft shopping:

• Plaza de San Francisco and
• Mercado de Artesanias Rotary .

In early 2019, the Plaza de San Francisco finished a major renovation, which took a year and a half to complete. The attractive plaza is now sparkling like new and even has a nice red Cuenca sign that makes for great photo ops. Plaza de San Francisco also boasts the New Cathedral’s domes as a backdrop. Dedicated craft stalls were also added for vendors to sell their artisan wares in this picturesque plaza, right in the heart of Cuenca.

Meanwhile on the northeast fringes of the historic center is the Mercado de Artesanias Rotary . This market offers even more opportunities for bargain-hunters to walk away with some great local finds. Shop away!

15) Relax and Discover Parque Calderón

While roaming around Cuenca, you’ll certainly cross Parque Calderón many times. It’s Cuenca’s most central plaza. It’s directly in front of the city’s centerpiece, Cuenca’s New Cathedral.

This central square is an enjoyable place to sit in one of the many park benches to relax and soak in the local life happening around. You can get your shoes shined here. Enjoy a snack. Or practice your Spanish with a Cuencano.

And like most of Cuenca’s plazas, Parque Calderón is connected. So you can use the wifi to catch up on emails, access this article again, or post a picture of Cuenca on Instagram to let all your friends know how much fun you’re having!

But don’t get too comfortable. There’s plenty to explore on the outskirts of Parque Calderón. Some of these points of interest are hidden in plain sight .

For example, on the northeast corner of the plaza, you can find a government office that is guarded and looks uninviting. But go inside, walk upstairs, and ask the receptionist if you can access the exterior. She may let you on the balcony for fantastic views of Parque Calderón and the New Cathedral. Note: some minimal Spanish, smiling, and gesturing may be required. It can be great for photo ops!

Another interesting building here you may not know can be entered is Provincial Court and Judicial School . It’s found on the southeast corner of Parque Calderón. The court is a beautiful building to explore and visitors are free to walk right inside. It’s there you’ll find a most pleasant courtyard, with three levels that are lined with murals and artwork. Take a look around!

Additionally, consider taking a look into the 16th-Century Old Cathedral , as already mentioned in Thing to Do in Cuenca #7 .

If you’re ready for a sweet treat, pop on into Tutto Fredo and choose among the many different ice-cream flavors, to then enjoy back out in the plaza.

Take a stroll down the pedestrian walkway of Calle Santa Ana , where you’ll be entrapped by the tall looming walls of the New Cathedral.

And if you need some more friendly advice or a map of Cuenca, don’t hesitate to ask some questions at the tourism information center on the south end of Parque Calderón.

🗺️ On your own : Pick up a handy tourism map from the tourist information center and set off on your own for some DIY explorations in Cuenca.

🚶 Cuenca Free Walking Tour : Every day at 10:00 am, there is a free walking tour of Cuenca that begins at Parque Calderón. It’s about two hours long and conducted in both Spanish and English. The walking tour begins at this central plaza and discusses the buildings that surround it, continues to the Flower Market (#5), goes through Plaza de San Sebastian (#13) delves into Mercado 10 de Agosto (#2), before ending at the Panama Hat museum/shop (#4). So you’ll hit up at least five of our recommended things to do in Cuenca during this free walking tour. Tips are accepted at the end of the tour.

Best Day Trips to Do from Cuenca

Perhaps some of the best things to do in Cuenca, aren’t technically in Cuenca at all.

In addition to all the things do to in Cuenca itself, the city makes an ideal base to further explore the Azuay Province that Cuenca is the capital of. The previously mentioned 15 things to do in Cuenca can likely be experienced within a few days. Yet there are many more awesome things to do further afield, which can help to justify a longer stay in Cuenca.

Hiking, waterfalls, artisan towns, and Inca ruins abound. They can each be accessed by public transport or tours. We’ve got all the details and directions to help you reach these interesting excursions from Cuenca. So to inject some adventure into your stay, be sure to pursue what we’ve found to be the best day trips from Cuenca!

16) Hike Cajas National Park: A Trek Through Otherworldly Landscapes

If you only have time for a single day trip from Cuenca, let it be Cajas National Park.

Imagine a place that looks a bit like the green hills of Scotland, feels like the arctic tundra, is full of swampy wetlands, yet has firm trails that are like wandering into a dark forest straight from a fairy tale. That’s our best attempt to describe what it’s like to go roaming around Cajas National Park!

Cajas is a wild and unique alpine environment that boasts nearly 300 lakes . Ponds and streams spill across the tundra landscape, spread across this portion of the Andes. It all takes place over mountains that rise well over 3,000 meters in altitude!

This high mountain environment in Cajas National Park can be notoriously cloudy, foggy, and even rainy. Yet that it still doesn’t distract from the otherworldly beauty shining through. And if you’re lucky enough to catch this scenery on a clear and sunny day, you’re in for a real visual treat.

It’s also interesting to note that the Continental Divide of South America runs right through the ridgeline spine of Cajas National Park. Cajas further claims the superlatives of having the most biologically diverse portion of tundra in all the Andes . It even has some of the highest forests in the world! The Polylepis trees that grow here have managed to adapt to this high-altitude environment.

Cajas is a big national park. Yet most visitors come to the Laguna Toreadora ranger station (3,850 meters). That’s where there’s also a visitor center and restaurant. Even if you’re not much of a hiker, it can still be well worth the trip here to soak in the raw natural beauty. The mountains and lakes can be seen from the short boardwalks and lookouts leading from the visitor center.

Yet it’s the trekking throughout Cajas National Park that really makes it a worthwhile day trip from Cuenca. There are a few routes to consider.

When registering upon arrival, a ranger will review the routes with you and offer recommendations based upon the desired length. “Route 1” can make for an ideal half-day hike. It’s said to take 4-5 hours to complete the 5-kilometer loop trek. But we find that 2-3 hours is a more realistic estimate. It’s a scenic route that passes by several lakes, crosses a few rivers, and enters a Polylepis forest.

Warm home-cooked meals, including fresh Cajas trout, can be enjoyed upon returning to the visitor center for lunchtime.

🕒 Hours : 8:00 am – 4:30 pm.

📱 Important: Download These Apps : Trails in Cajas aren’t particularly well-marked. If visiting Cajas on your own, be sure to download these apps, which can be used offline to help navigate while in Cajas. There is no cellular service at the National Park, but the offline maps still work with GPS, no data or wifi required.

Android: Parque Nacional Cajas app and Maps.me

iPhone: Parque Nacional Cajas app and Maps.me

🚌  How To Get From Cuenca To Cajas by Bus : Those comfortable with independent travel can reach Cajas by buses, departing from Terminal Terrestre in the morning at 7:00, 8:00, 9:15, and 10:20. Although there are later buses, it’s not recommended, as you won’t have enough time at Cajas. Also, a daily visitor limit allows only 92 people each day. So go early. To find the Cajas bus, depart through the gate marked Turno 4 and locate platform Andén 25. The fare is $2 each way, paid on the bus. To return to Cuenca, flag down a passing bus.

🚐 Hiking Tour of Cajas National Park : For a much easier and informative way to visit Cajas, skip all the logistics involved with the bus and the potential of getting lost on the loosely marked trails. Instead, take this highly-rated hiking tour . The price includes hotel pick-up in Cuenca, a hot lunch at a restaurant, a 3-hour guided hike at the Toredora area, and a subsequent 1.5-hour hike at the Llaviuco area. Read reviews, check availability & prices .

17) Go Horseback Riding Through the Andes: Centro Ecuestre Bellavista

In the mountains just south of Cuenca, there is an incredible horseback riding adventure that awaits! A very professional stable offers a variety of trail rides through this scenic section of Andes. The horses here are very well cared for by Sebastian, who runs the stable and leads the trail rides during his tours that are conducted in either English or Spanish.

The most popular ride is the 2-hour route that ascends up the Frances Urco hill. This route begins by clopping through rural farming communities, where locals are tending to the crops and dairy cows. The dirt road through the farmland eventually transitions to a trail that rides up a tree-lined ridge. It’s actually an old Inca trail that soon opens up to 360-degree views of the rugged Andean landscape that surrounds.

It all makes for a most memorable half-day trip from Cuenca that we highly recommend.

💲 Cost : $40 for 2-hour ride

🕒 Hours : 8:00-6:00, but reservations are required. Contact Sebastian for availability and times.

🔗 Reservations & More Info : Email Sebastian at  [email protected] or fill out the reservation form found on the Centro Ecuestre Bellavista website .

🚕  How To Get From Cuenca To Bellavista Equestrian Center : It’s best to take a taxi. Expect $5-$8 taxi fare each way. It’s located here and takes 15-30 minutes to get to, pending traffic.

18) Descend to a Cloud Forest to See a Massive Waterfall: El Chorro de Girón

An approximately 1.5-hour drive south of Cuenca lies the small village of Girón, where visitors can find a huge 70-meter (230-foot) high waterfall ! The trails through the lush cloud forest environment are scenic on their own merit. Yet the main attraction is the plummeting falls known as Cascada El Chorro or the Giron Waterfall.

It’s just a short hike of less than a kilometer to reach the giant waterfall. Further adventure activities abound such as a high-flying swing, ziplines, and a swing bridge that spans the valley in front of the waterfall ($3). A few restaurants have set lunch ($5) near the base of the waterfall help to help make this excursion a more complete day trip from Cuenca.

There are some additional hiking trails to consider exploring more waterfalls in the area. But we were advised not to go due to recent heavy rains eroding the trail during the time of our last visit. We were told to come back, so that’ll likely be all cleared up for those who want to pursue a longer hike while at the Giron waterfalls. The trails to the upper falls and the lookout points are well marked on the maps.me app that can be used to navigate offline while visiting. ( download on Android , download on iPhone ).

The Giron waterfalls are an awesome natural sight for nature-lovers to seek out while based in Cuenca.

💲 Cost : $2 admission

🕒 Hours : 8:00 am – 6:30 pm.

🚌  How To Get From Cuenca To Giron by Bus : Those comfortable with independent travel can easily reach Giron by bus, with regular departures from  Terminal Terrestre approximately every 30 minutes. Depart through the gate marked Turno 4 and find platform Andén 24. The fare is $1 each way, paid on the bus. From the town of Giron, it’s an additional $5 taxi ride, each way to the El Chorro waterfall, which is located here .

🚐 Tour of Giron Waterfalls : For a much more convenient and complete way to visit the Giron waterfalls, consider this private tour . It includes hotel pick-up, a stop a Tarqui Valley, a guided nature hike to the waterfall, an included lunch at a restaurant, and then continue further onto the sacred Busa Lake. This private tour is a great way to explore the Giron area during a very complete 8-hour tour. Rates become more affordable, the more people you have in your group. Check prices and availability for your travel dates .

19) Visit Azuay’s Artisan Towns: Gualaceo, Chordeleg, and Sigsig

To the east of Cuenca lies a string of small towns that are perhaps best known for the handicrafts they produce. Yet we found these communities to be pleasant to visit, even for non-shoppers like us. A Sunday visit can be appealing to find these towns at the most bustling among leisure-going locals. Yet the trade-off is that some shops may be closed.

What to Do in Gualaceo

Known as the Garden of Azuay , Gualaceo is the closest of the artisan towns to Cuenca and hence makes a logical first stop. It’s also the largest. Here are some things to do in Gualaceo:

• Wander the historic center : Be sure to find the Central Church of Gualaceo and the broad plaza that lays at its doorstep, both of which anchor Gualaceo’s historic center.
• Eat Hornado : Gualaceo is known for its hornado (pork) and there are dozens of vendors eager for you to try theirs by offering hearty samples and compliments. Find them on the second level of Mercado 25 de Junio . ($3-$5, priced by size of plate.)
• Stroll along the riverfront : During the weekends the Rio Santa Barbara comes alive with locals picnicking along the rivers grassy shoreline, which makes for a nice place to soak in the local vibes. Walk along both sides of the banks.
• Walk over the covered bridge : This is the only covered bridge we’ve ever seen in Ecuador, making it a novelty to check-out while visiting Gualaceo.
• Go for a boat ride: On weekends a small boat offers boat rides up the Santa Barbara river.
• Shop for artisan goods : While Chordeleg provides for a better place to shop, there are some new stalls set up in Gualaceo’s main plaza selling various local handicrafts. Local artisan wares could also be found here .

What to Do in Chordeleg

Just a few kilometers south of Gualaceo is Chordeleg. We found this quaint town perched up in the mountains to have the best tourism infrastructure and the best shopping opportunities of the three artisan towns. Chordeleg is particularity known for its jewelry.

If only visiting one of the three artisan towns, Chordeleg is our recommendation. Here are some things to do in Chordeleg:

• Shop for artisan goods : We counted over a dozen dedicated artisan shops scattered all around Chordeleg that are easy to stumble upon.  Galeria Huellas en la Tierra is a particularly recommended boutique. Also, don’t miss the Plaza Artesanal if visiting during the weekend.
• Check-out the Church & Plaza : As with any fine Ecuadorian town, take a look around its central plaza and church. Many shops surround this one. Note: Chordeleg’s plaza was undergoing renovation during our last visit in early 2019.
• Visit the Chordeleg Museum : Located on the central plaza, this small, free museum provides a glimpse into Chordeleg’s history, culture, and the textiles it produces.
• See the Llaber Inca Ruins : This archaeological site better serves as a mirador (viewpoint). You have to search really hard to find some of the crumbled remnants of stone. But the views are spectacular! Find the unmarked trailhead here and walk uphill about 500 meters.

What to Do in Sigsig

A scenic 30-minute drive beyond Chordeleg along a river valley brings visitors to the town of Sigsig. Here, there are more pleasant town squares, churches, and markets. Sigsig is particularly known for its Panama hats. If running short of time, Sigsig may be skippable. Yet it can make for a nice place to round out a 3-stop trip. From Sigsig, it’s 1.5-2 hours back to Cuenca.

🚌  How To Get From Cuenca To Gualaceo and Beyond : Those comfortable with independent travel can reach Gualaceo by bus, with regular departures from  Terminal Terrestre approximately every 30 minutes. Depart through the gate marked Turno 4 and find platform Andén 22 & 23. The fare is $1 to Gualeceo and $1.75 to/from Sigsig. Bus between Gualaceo and Chordeleg is $0.50.

🚐 Tour of Artisan Towns : Really, these artisan towns are best approached by a tour. A guide can provide a wealth of knowledge into the culture and knows where all the best spots are. At a mere $25, this small-group tour makes for an easy and ideal way to get around these charming towns near Cuenca. Check price and availability .

20) Explore the Ancient Inca Ruins of Ingapirca

Ingapirca is said to be the most important, best preserved, and largest Inca ruin site in Ecuador . As such, it makes for a great day of exploration from Cuenca to the neighboring province of Cañar to see these famous ruins.

Way up in the Andes Mountains, a few hours drive from Cuenca the remnants of these Inca/Cañari remain scattered about. The stone terraces, walkways, and buildings found here are punctuated by the impressive Sun Temple. Slits in the temple align perfectly with the sun on solstice days. When that occurred during ancient times, the sun & moon worshiping Incas would throw a huge party, complete with fermented drinks. It’s interesting to imagine!

A short guided tour of Ingapirca is required upon a visit. Both English and Spanish tours are available.

There’s time after the tour to walk down a portion of an Inca trail, visit the onsite museum, and eat lunch. This is another great thing to do from Cuenca for anyone interested in archeology and/or fascinated by the Inca. Note: those who have recently been to other famed Inca sites, like Machu Picchu , may be underwhelmed. But try not to draw comparisons and you’ll hopefully find this ancient site to be a fascinating day trip from Cuenca.

💲 Cost : $2 entrance fee, includes a guided tour of ruins.

🕒 Hours : 8:00 am – 6:00 pm.

🚌  How To Get From Cuenca To Ingapirca by Bus : Those comfortable with independent travel can reach Ingapirca by public bus, departing from Terminal Terrestre at 9:00 am. Tickets are $7 roundtrip and are purchased at the booth for Cañar with a picture of the ruins in front. Depart through the gate marked Turno 1 and look for the Ingapirca-bound bus. It’s a 2-2.5 hour trip to the ruins. The same bus departs Ingapirca back to Cuenca at 1:00 pm, giving visitors nearly two hours at the Ingapirca ruin site.

Cuenca Travel Tips to Know Before You Go

The following are some travel tips and logistical info that may prove helpful to those visiting Cuenca.

📅 How much time to spend in Cuenca Ecuador?

How long to stay in Cuenca depends on your interests and the amount of time you have to budget. It is very possible to visit all of Cuenca’s city highlights mentioned in this travel guide within two rushed days, if you move quickly.

But you’ll need to budget an additional day for each day trip mentioned throughout this guide. So it would require at least one full week to do all 20 of the things to do in Cuenca, including the day trips. Even taking a more leisurely approach, one week in Cuenca can be an ideal amount of time , if feasible.

Best Ways to Get to Cuenca Ecuador

✈️ flying to cuenca ecuador.

Cuenca’s Mariscal Lamar Airport is a small airport with only a handful of flights each day to Quito (LATAM Ecuador and Tame airlines) and to Guayaquil (Tame airlines). Quito and Guayaquil have many international connections outside of Ecuador. So fly there first. Then catch a domestic flight to Cuenca.

By Flight, then Bus or Shuttle to Cuenca

It can prove more economical, and sometimes even quicker (depending on long layover times) to fly into Guayaquil and then take a bus or shuttle van the remaining four hours to Cuenca.

Guayaquil’s big bus terminal is located next to the airport. A very short taxi is required. From Guayaquil’s bus station, there are regular departures, about every 30 minutes or so, from Guayaquil to Cuenca.

💡 Tip : there are two bus routes from Guayaquil to Cuenca. It’s strongly recommended to choose the faster route that goes through Cajas.

🚌 Getting to Cuenca by Bus

In addition to taking the bus from Guayaquil, Cuenca is also easily reached by bus from popular destinations throughout Central and northern Ecuador. There are frequent buses to Cuenca from popular travel destinations, such as Quito , Baños, Riobamba , Alausi and more.

🚇 Getting around Cuenca Ecuador

🚶 Cuenca is an extremely walkable city . If you’re of decent health, then using your own two feet can be the best way to get around town.

🚕 To get further afield, consider taxis . Cabs in Cuenca are generally honest and inexpensive. Just make sure the taxi driver uses the meter. If not, agree on a price before you begin rolling. Note: there is currently no Uber or rideshare service in Cuenca.

🚎 Also, consider the Cuenca Tranvia . After much delay, Cuenca’s brand new tramway, the first of its kind in Ecuador, is scheduled to begin tests with passengers in February 2020. These tests are scheduled to continue for six months in 2020 before (hopefully) becoming fully operational by the end of the year.

 🍽️  Get to Know the “Almuerzos”

The Spanish word for lunch is“Almuerzo.” But throughout Ecuador, it takes on a slightly different meaning, as restaurants offering almuerzos are generally dishing out a 3-course set menu of soup, a main w/ sides, dessert, and juice. Almuerzo prices typically range $2.00-$3.50. These incredible values are very common in Cuenca.

☀️ Stock Up on the Sunscreen

The sun shines strongly in Cuenca and it’s easy to get burnt at this altitude, particularly if pursuing many outdoor day trips. Use at least SPF 50.

💡 Tip : Sunscreen in Ecuador tends to be quite expensive, so we always recommend to stock up before you go. Amazon has good prices, so consider adding a few bottles of Banana Boat sunscreen to your cart.

⛰️  Beware of the Altitude

Cuenca is situated at 2,560 meters high (8,400 feet). Altitude sickness can occur at altitudes higher than 2,400 meters. If coming from lower elevations, take it easy during your first few days in the area. Some people visiting Cuenca from sea level do experience mild symptoms of altitude sickness.

Be sure to allow a few days to acclimatize before pursuing physical activities like hiking in Cajas National Park. For those particularly prone to altitude sickness, consider this natural medication . It’s well worth it, as evidence from all the great reviews it gets on Amazon . Avoid that throbbing headache and instead enjoy your trip to Cuenca!

💵 Money Matters in Cuenca

Ecuador uses the US Dollar as its currency. There are plenty of ATMs around town to access cash. But there are some ATMs that can be finicky with foreign cards. If you find this to be the case, then simply find a different ATM to use.

Many businesses in Cuenca will have a difficult time breaking larger bills. So don’t come with $50 and $100 notes. Thankfully, the ATMs in Cuenca typically don’t spit out anything higher than $20s.

Credit cards are beginning to be accepted much more in Cuenca. But it’s still not quite the norm. Cash is best.

💬 Learn Some Spanish before Visiting

Most places around Cuenca are strictly Spanish-speaking . There are some establishments catering to the gringo crowd with personnel who do speak English. But that tends to be the exception rather than the norm.

A trip to Cuenca will prove much more enjoyable, knowing some basic Spanish. Even learning a few simple pleasantries can go a long way with pointing and a smile.

We like to use Babbel as an easy, fun, and inexpensive way to learn Spanish. With each lesson just 10-15 minutes, it’s something we can always work into the day and the associated app even lets us use it on-the-go. Right now they’re having a sale with this discount link to save up to 60% off a subscription.

☠️ Safety in Cuenca

Cuenca is a particularly safe city in Ecuador. There are no major personal safety issues to be concerned for. Just take general precautions you would in any other city.

Do be careful of speeding vehicles when stepping into the streets. Also, keep belongings close when in crowded markets. Petty theft is not particularly common in Cuenca. But it does occasionally happen.

☔ Prepare for Wet Weather

Year-round, temperatures in Cuenca tend to warm up to the low 70s F/ 22 ° C during the day . At night it regularly dips down into the low 50s F / 10 ° C . Being close to the equator, there’s little variation throughout the year. But it does get a bit cooler June-August.

February through April tends to bring the most rain to Cuenca. Even so, the sun still shines during this rainy part of the year too. Don’t let a trip during Cuenca’s rainy season halt a trip. Just come prepared with a rain jacket or a compact travel umbrella like this .

June through August are the driest months in Cuenca. Despite this added sunshine, June-August is also the coldest. During this period daytime highs may not warm up beyond the 50s F (15 ° C). If visiting Cuenca during this time, plan for chilly weather and pack accordingly.

🧳 What To Pack for Cuenca

Pack for Cuenca like you would for any cool-weather destination. Having layers is critical. Short sleeves can be comfortable during the day until the sun drops. Then you’ll need to bundle up more.

Long-sleeve shirts and light jackets prove to be very valuable in Cuenca. For a complete list of everything we pack for Cuenca, be sure to go through our: Ultimate Packing Checklist .

🆔  Carry your ID

It’s not only the law in Ecuador. Bars often ask to see your ID upon entry (even when you’re clearly of age). IDs are also required for any credit card purchases.

⚠️  Important: Be Sure to Have Travel Insurance in Cuenca

You never know what may happen during a trip to Ecuador, from a minor incident like lost luggage or flight cancellation to a major disaster like an earthquake or a car accident. In such instances, travel insurance will not only come to your rescue to assist with these hardships. They will further cover those unexpected costs.

Whether you sprain an ankle while hiking in Cajas or take a spill while walking around the historic center, don’t let something like this ruin a trip to Cuenca.

We always use travel insurance while roaming around Ecuador and recommend it. We like World Nomads , which has what we’ve found to have the best price and coverage combination, particularly so for longer trips.  Enter the dates for your Ecuador trip   to get a quick estimate.

Traveling to Cuenca, Ecuador?

We hope this Cuenca travel guide has helped to show all the best things to do in this delightful colonial city in Ecuador. If you’ve used this guide to help plan a trip to Cuenca, please let us know in the comments. We always love to hear from people who may have stumbled across these travel posts.

🙋 Or if you have any questions as you plan a trip to Cuenca, feel free to ask and we’ll try to answer.

Finally, if you’ve been roaming around Cuenca yourself and have your own favorite thing to do, please stop back by this article to let us know in the comments. It’s interesting to hear what others’ favorites are, to discover even more things to do in Cuenca. Then we can check it out during our next Cuenca trip and continue to keep this post up-to-date!

Where to Next in Ecuador?  🇪🇨

If you found this Cuenca Travel Guide helpful, then you may be interested in the other free travel guides we’ve published about Ecuador.

 🇪🇨 For the most comprehensive round-up on traveling Ecuador, be sure to check out our article that sums up Ecuador’s best experiences and where to go.

• Read : 20 Best Things to Do in Ecuador & Interesting Places to Visit

🎡  Guayaquil is less than a 4-hour drive from Cuenca. If traveling to Cuenca, it can often be most economical to fly into Guayaquil and then take a bus or shuttle to Cuenca. But there are actually many interesting things to do in Guayaquil to consider a stopover of a few days.

• Read :  15 Best Things To Do in Guayaquil Ecuador: Travel Guide

🚠 Quito is another great city in Ecuador and there are loads of things to do there too. So if you’re traveling to Ecuador’s capital, check out our big fat Quito travel guide.

• Read: 20 Best Things To Do in Quito Ecuador: Travel Guide

🏔️  Riobamba is 6 hours by bus north of Cuenca on the road towards Quito. It lies at the base of Ecuador’s tallest mountain, Chimborazo, and hence there are lots of awesome adventure pursuits from this Andean city.

• Read: Riobamba Ecuador Travel Guide: Best Adventures & Things to Do

🐢 Did you know that you don’t have to take a pricey Galapagos tour? You can actually visit the Galapagos independently for cheap! This post reveals exactly how it’s possible:

• Read :  How To Afford the Best of the Galapagos: Budget Travel Tips

Related Posts

August 16, 2022 at 7:44 PM

Thank you for this amazing guide! So extremely helpful and useful! We are using it!

May 10, 2022 at 11:16 AM

May 20th, 2022. The bus to Cajas only runs 3 times a day, with the first at 1020am. I showed up for the 7am and waited 2 hours before giving up, then saw the sign on a random ticket window.

February 2, 2022 at 10:43 AM

Lash here of LashWorldTour…

OMG! That ‘limpia’ cleansing video was hilarious!!!

Thanks so much for sharing.I will definitely go for my limpia while in Cuenca. Sooooo funnnnyyyy! Can’t wait.

cheers, Lash

December 10, 2021 at 9:08 PM

Really appreciate your guide, I read it on my flight from Quito and had lots to check out by the time I landed

November 13, 2021 at 3:46 PM

My friend Kathleen and I are planning a trip to Cuenca next March. Your guide is very informative and useful. While there, we’ll definitely make use of your recommendations . Thanks for the advice.

November 9, 2021 at 10:32 AM

The best travel guides! PERIOD. Thank you. It help me safe a lot money.

June 20, 2021 at 10:12 AM

I would suggest people consider visiting some of the parques (parks) in Cuenca, particulary Parque de La Madre, Parque Paraiso, and the new Botanical Park as well, (google parques Cuenca for a list). Also for the adventurous shoppers the largest fiera in town, Fiera Libra but beware pick pockets (anywhere really). Finally, if sports minded, take a look at the Coliseo Jefferson Perez, 8 tennis courts, 3 swimming pools (one Olympic), volleyball, boxing, racquetball, and a large stadium that has a basketball court and also hosts concerts. In addition to walking the Tomeboma, add the Yanuncay River to the lost, lots of walking and bike trails along all the rivers.

February 1, 2021 at 10:45 PM

We went to Cuenca just before Christmas a few years ago (not sure of the exact day), and watched their Christmas parade. We have been to over 100 countries, and this was one of the most fun things we have ever done. The parade is completely free-form. Anything is OK. Huge trucks towing flat-bed trailers with high-school bands seated on the trailers, beautiful ladies in evening gowns on horseback, farm tractors decorated with Christmas tree ornaments, and one group even had a Maypole. They would set it up, stretch out the ribbons, dance around it 5-10 times, tear it down and run up 100 ft, and do it again. I don’t remember any professionally constructed floats. A hotel let us go in and watch from an empty room on the 3rd floor. We must have watched for an hour and a half, and the parade was in full swing when we got there, and it hadn’t slowed down when we left. The street was jammed with people, animals, and vehicles. We estimated that 100.000 people passed our viewpoint while we were watching.

March 12, 2020 at 5:39 PM

We used this post on our trip to Cuenca…. great and through advice. Thank you!

October 27, 2019 at 3:55 PM

This is a GREAT guide. Thank you.

September 3, 2019 at 1:05 PM

Hi, I found your website when I was looking for things to do in Cuenca. And now I’m scrolling through all the information you’re offering about Ecuador. It’s really amazing. You’ve done a great job with that. I’m going to Ecuador and Galapagos in November. It will be my first time in South America and I found a lot of useful information here. I’m very excited and looking forward to it

greetings from Germany Sabine

September 7, 2019 at 9:55 PM

Thanks so much for the kind comment! 🙂 It’s very encouraging and motivating to read. Hope you have an excellent trip to Ecuador and the Galapagos!

August 15, 2019 at 10:33 AM

Hi! Do you have any recommendations about the trip from Cuenca to Guayaquil? Some people say shared transport is risky (robbery/kidnap…) – what’s your experience?

August 15, 2019 at 2:06 PM

We’ve found the Cuenca-Guayaquil bus to be just fine on the many times we’ve taken it. I think the risk of kidnapping is extremely low and virtually nonexistent. (Personally, we’ve never heard of it occurring.) Petty theft is a more legit concern, although still fairly rare and can be easily prevented. Simply keep any valuables close to you. Don’t store anything valuable under your seat or in the overhead. We’ve probably taken nearly 100 different local buses throughout Ecuador and never encountered any theft. But it has been known to happen. If the bus is of concern, there are also shuttle vans that regularly go between Cuenca and Guayaquil, which costs only a wee bit more than the bus and may prove more comfortable. Private transport is another option, although that will cost significantly more. The tourism agencies in centro should be able to help you with the latter options.

July 26, 2021 at 6:29 PM

My Grandson and me spent 10 days in Cuenca. We visited all the sites in Cuenca and Inca ruins outside the city. The food was great. For those who want a change there was a Pizza Hut. We ate the cuy. It was served whole and it taste like rabbit or squirrel. Could not eat the brains. Ecuador was worth the money and time to explore. We climbed to the top of Tres Cruses. Give it a try.

May 29, 2019 at 2:06 PM

For the bus to Ingapira, the ticket office was in front of Turn 1 and was the bus to Canar. There was a wall size picture of Ingapira to help you find the correct office. The bus takes 2 hours and Ingapira is the last stop.

Have you found better was to get around Ecuador than the interstate buses? They are slow, stop everywhere, no bathrooms even if the trip is 10 hours and crime is rampant as we found out. You must keep your backpack in your lap. Not on the floor and not in the overhead.

We found a shuttle from Cuenca to Villabomba through Hostal La Cigal. But now we need to get to Banos then the Quiltoa loop, Mindo and then the Amazon.

June 2, 2019 at 6:12 PM

Thanks for the added tip about the Ingapirca bus office.

As for busing around Ecuador, we tend to travel fairly short distances on them (usually not more than a few hours), so fare just fine. We’ve likewise heard many cautionary tales about theft on the buses, but after taking probably over 100 different buses across the country, we’ve never seen or experienced it firsthand. Still, we always keep our electronics bag on the floor between our legs or on our lap, just in case. Our greater concern on the buses is those precarious winding Andes roads.

There are two other bus companies that provide a higher level of service specifically catering to travelers that you may want to look into. They are Ecuador Hop and Wanderbus Ecuador. When going to the Amazon, you may want to consider an inexpensive flight from Quito. Also, many of the Amazon lodges and tours can provide transportation from Quito. Hope that may help and you enjoy your trip to Ecuador!

May 28, 2019 at 9:10 AM

Thanks a lot for your wonderful guide to Cuenca. We just came from spending a week at that beautiful and quiet city and your tips were very useful to us. We were able to visit most of the places you recommend, and also try the local food. At the end, we want to go back, and spend more time the next time. We will be always grateful for the information you posted. Also, Galapagos now seems affordable thanks to your guide. It is now in our plans for the future. By the way, I bought the umbrella that you recommend, plus some other items from your list.

June 2, 2019 at 6:25 PM

Thanks so much for stopping back by after your trip to let us know. It always puts big smiles on our faces when we hear these travel guides and tips are being put to good use. 🙂 Hope you do get a chance to return to Ecuador and maybe add in that Galapagos trip next time! It’s really such a unique place and has been a favorite eco-adventure for us during all our travels. ¡Buen viaje!

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After Quito, Cuenca is Ecuador’s most important colonial city. But don’t say that to the locals, who insist that their laid-back culture, cleaner streets and more agreeable weather outclass the capital, hands down.

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Experience the real Cuenca. Let a local expert handle the planning for you.

Attractions

Must-see attractions.

Museo del Banco Central ‘Pumapungo’

One of Ecuador's most significant museums, Pumapungo houses great modern art downstairs, but the highlight is on the 2nd floor. Here begins a…

El Sagrario

Standing across the park from the new cathedral, the whitewashed El Sagrario is also known as the 'old cathedral.' Construction began in 1557, the year…

Catedral de la Inmaculada Concepción

Also known as the ‘new cathedral,’ construction began on this vast cathedral only in 1885. Its giant domes of sky-blue Czech tile are visible from all…

Museo de las Culturas Aborígenes

This indigenous culture museum has more than 5000 archaeological pieces representing more than 20 pre-Columbian Ecuadorian cultures going back some 15,000…

Mirador de Turi

For a lovely view of Cuenca, take a taxi ($5) 4km south of town along Avenida Solano to the stark white Church of Turi. The views of Cuenca’s famous,…

Archaeological Park

Walk through the extensive ruins of buildings believed to be part the old Incan city of Tomebamba. Thanks to the Spanish conquistadors who carted off most…

Museo de la Ciudad

Housed in the former Escuela Central la Inmaculada, this beautifully preserved colonial building has been revamped with sleek, contemporary lines to house…

Río Yanuncay

About 1km south of the Old Town's La Escalinita staircase, this peacefully wending river has tree-clad bankside green space perfect for a picnic. Upriver,…

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When it comes to adventure, you can’t go wrong in Ecuador. There are towering Andean peaks and volcanoes, vast swaths of Amazonian rain forest, chilled…

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Visit Cuenca Ecuador: Complete Guide (Things to Do, Facts, Getting There)

Cuenca Ecuador is a top destination for travelers & expats. Learn all about food, culture, attractions, travel, retirement and living in Cuenca, Ecuador.

Cuenca Ecuador: Complete Guide

Cuenca Ecuador is located in the Andes mountains at an elevation of 8500 feet. The city is famous for its architecture, climate and people.

Favorite dishes in Cuenca Ecuador include hornado and fritada (roasted and fried pork), cuy (guinea pig), chicken and mote (boiled corn kernels – served as mote pillo and mote sucio).

Tourists generally come from Argentina, United States, Canada, and Spain.

Tons of articles have been written about the colonial city of Cuenca, Ecuador. About how it’s so cheap, and how it’s such a great retirement place, etc.

Here is what you need to know about this great city.

7 Facts About Cuenca Ecuador

• Full Name and founding: Santa Ana de los Ríos de Cuenca . Founded in 1557, by the Viceroy of Peru, Mr. Andrés Hurtado de Mendoza.
• Location: Southern Ecuador, Azuay Province. Ecuador is located on the north-west part of South America. Borders Columbia to the north, Peru to the east and south, and the Pacific Ocean to the west.
• From Guayaquil: South-east 155 miles (250 km). 3 1/2 – 5 hours by bus, just 30 minutes by plane.
• From Quito : South 274 miles (442 km). 9 hours by bus, less than 1 hour by plane.
• Elevation: 8400 ft (2560 meters)
• Population: 417,632 – (331,028 urban and 86,604 rural)
• Climate: known as “the land of eternal spring” Cuenca and surrounding areas experience very little climate change throughout the year. Expect warm to hot days (67°F – 82°F / 19°C – 28°C) and cool evenings (as low as 51°F / 10°C).

Getting to Cuenca Ecuador

• By Plane: There are two international airports – Quito (Airport code: UIO) and Guayaquil (Airport code: GYE). Both airports have daily flights to Cuenca. Expect airfares of roughly $45 – $55 from Guayaquil (on the coast) and $55 – $68 from Quito (in the Sierra). Choose from TAME Airlines, LAN or Aerogal. All flights to the Galapagos Islands go through Guayaquil Airport.
• By Bus: Cuenca is well connected to the rest of Ecuador by a network of buses. Buses leave from Quito every hour, 24 hours a day – the trip takes roughly 9 hours and costs between $9 and $12. Buses run roughly $1 to $1.50 per hour of travel time. From Guayaquil, buses are leaving every 30 min for Cuenca. The trip ranges from 3 1/2 – 5 hours, depending on if it goes through Cajas National Park or through Cañar – cost is roughly $7-9 each way.

Take a free tour of Cuenca in this 12 video post.

Many people say that Cuenca looks a lot like a European city because of the Spanish colonial architecture.

Many of the buildings in the center are beautifully decorated in colonial style with red-tiled roofs, and little flower-filled wrought-iron balconies.

Interested to know the best of Cuenca? Check out Dena’s post about What It’s Like to Live in Cuenca .

What to Expect in Cuenca

In this article, we’ve put together the best of Cuenca Ecuador . You’ll read about:

• Attractions near Cuenca
• General information
• Food in Cuenca
• Cuenca restaurants
• Expats in Cuenca
• Living in Cuenca

Ready? Let’s get started!

1. Cuenca Ecuador for Travelers

Ecuador receives more than one million visitors each year. Cuenca (Ecuador’s third largest city) is a top destination for both travelers and expats.

Visitors to Cuenca will generally arrive either by bus or plane. We recommend booking your international flight direct through to Cuenca – saving you the hassles of making other arrangements once arriving in either Guayaquil or Quito international airports. Learn more about the  Cuenca Airport .

Check out these top attractions for tourists in Cuenca:

• Cuenca Video Tour : The best of Cuenca Ecuador in this 12-video city tour.
• The Flower Market: Prettiest Spot in Cuenca Ecuador (Video)
• Why I Love Cuenca’s Parque Calderon
• The Amaru Zoo

Learn more about  travel around Ecuador .

Cuenca Ecuador: Awards & Recognition

Cuenca has received many awards and distinctions. Cuenca has been recognized as:

• #1 city to visit in Latin America (Stern Magazine, 2009)
• #1 adventure destination (Outside Magazine, 2014)
• #1 open air flower market in the world (National Geographic, 2014)
• #1 city of the future (Foreign Direct Investment, 2013-2014)
• #1 for retired americans (CNN Money,  2012)
• top 10 City to Visit (Lonely Planet, 2010)
• #1 place for retirees (International Living, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2013)
• Cultural Heritage site (UNESCO, 1999)
• #21 destination for travelers in Latin America (Trip Advisor, 2012)

8 Family Attractions in Cuenca Ecuador

Looking for something to do with your family in Cuenca Ecuador? Here are my 8 favorite attractions:

• Banco Central
• Mirador de Turi
• Parque Paraiso
• Cuenca Flower Market
• Casa de la Mujer
• Cajas National Park
• Cuenca Orchidarium

1. Central Bank Museum (Museo del Banco Central)

The Banco Central Museum is a great place to take the family. Inside, you can learn a lot about the history and culture of Ecuador. There are displays of currency, artwork, crafts, clothing and a lot more!

Outside you can walk around the gardens, see some Incan ruins, stop at the fish pond and see all the pretty birds in the aviary. Don’t forget to get a picture of the llamas before you leave.

The museum includes exhibits featuring colonial artwork, walk-through displays of typical homes throughout Ecuador’s history, an Incan archaeological site, an aviary featuring common birds in Ecuador and a small group of llamas that graze in the open field.

The gardens at the foot of the hill are beautiful – featuring plant life from all over Ecuador. Great for an afternoon.

Find it on Calle Larga y Av Huayna Capac, not far from the center of the city.

2. Amaru Zoo (Amaru Zoologica)

The kids will love Amaru Zoo ! There are lots of animals to see and some of them are not even behind an enclosure, like the monkeys and parrots.

More reading:  Buyers Guide to the Best Sun Protection Hats – specifically for travelers to Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands.

About halfway along the trail through the zoo, there is a place to rest and get something to eat (hot dogs, hamburgers, and chips.)

This zoo is on a hill so be prepared for a hike, bring sturdy sneakers. If it’s been raining, you might want to wait a day or so to visit because the trails get slippery.

Find it by taking the Autopista (Panamericana/Circunvalación Sur) from Cuenca heading to Azogues. You will be heading toward the Hospital del Rio (at Km 10 1/2) you’ll see a sign for the zoo and will exit the Autopista to the right. You’ll drive up a steep dirt road until you see another sign on the right to enter the parking lot for the zoo.

3. The Turi Look-off (Mirador de Turi)

At the Turi Look off you will see breathtaking views of Cuenca! If you explore Cuenca before taking a trip to Turi you’ll have fun locating some of those places from this vantage point, you could even make a game of it.

Find it by taking the Autopista (Pan Amaricana/Circunvalacion Sur) from Cuenca heading to Azogues. You’ll pass Mall del Rio on your left, a short distance after seeing Mall del Rio you will come to a traffic circle, turn right. You will pass the Body Care Gym and Spa (on your right) and continue up the winding road to Turi.

When you get to the top you will see a white Church to the left and the look-off to the right. You can also take the stairs to the top, they are located just past the Body Care Gym at the base of the hill.

4. Paradise Park (Parque Paraiso)

There are many beautiful parks in Cuenca, but Paradise Park is the biggest. It’s a wonderful place to take the family for a picnic or a game of soccer/frisbee.

There is a nice trail through the woods along the river and lots of playground equipment. With wide-open green space, it makes for a nice break from the city, especially for the kids.

There are often vendors in the park selling bubble liquid and cotton candy. On the outskirts of the park there are food vendors selling french-fries and other treats.

Find it by going down Avenida 10 de Agosto, and swinging around the traffic circle just in front of the park. You’ll enter the parking lot off to the right. The park is at the end of Avenida 10 de Agosto where the Tomebamba and Yanuncay rivers meet.

5. Cuenca Flower Market

The flower market is a gorgeous spot to visit with the family. It’s an outdoor market in the heart of Cuenca, full of fresh flowers!

Find it  on Calle Sucre in the Plazoleta del Carmen, in front of the church El Carmen de la Asunción across from the New Cathedral. It’s located between Parque Calderon and the San Francisco market.

6. House of the Women (Casa de la Mujer)

Casa de la Mujer is a building full of artisan shops. You’ll find something for everyone at this souvenir hunters paradise. From leather purses to Panama hats, from tagua figurines to silver jewelry… all under one roof.

Find it  just a couple of blocks from the center of the city. It’s located on General Torres between Presidente Córdova and Mariscal Sucre, just past the flower market and behind the San Francisco market (if you are coming from the direction of Parque Calderon).

( The next three locations are not in Cuenca, but are a short distance from the city .)

7. The Waterfall in Giron (El Chorro de Giron)

El Chorro is a beautiful waterfall not far from Cuenca. The first waterfall is an easy hike for the children and they are sure to love seeing the water falling and crashing into the small pool at the bottom.

You can hire a taxi or rent a van service to take you there.

Find it about a 40 minute drive from Cuenca heading south toward the Yunguilla Valley.

8. Lake Llaviucu (Zorrocucho,) Cajas National Park (Parque Nacional Cajas)

Hiking around lake Llaviucu in the Cajas National Park is a wonderful way to spend time with your family.

Find it driving west toward Guayaquil. There is a sign for the lake on the left as you enter the Cajas National Park. About 20 minutes from Cuenca.

9. Cuenca Orchidarium

When I stepped in to the room, it smelled so good! It was such a sweet smell, it made me feel good inside. That has never happened to me before.

There were some flowers that were as  big as my head . And others that were  smaller than my pinkie . They were all so  colorful, and had such a variety of shapes and sizes, that  it blew me away!  This is one of my favorite places – right up there with the butterfly farm in Aruba.

• Horario:  De 08h00 a 12h00 y de 14h00 a 18h00 de lunes a viernes. ( Schedule: 8am to 12pm and 2pm to 6pm Monday to Friday).
• Dirección:  Av. Víctor Manuel Albornoz, Quinta de Balzay.
• University of Cuenca:  contact the University for up-to-date hours and contact information.

Have you visited any of these attractions? Are ther e any you would add to this list? Please share by commenting on this post.

2. 7 Cuenca Day Trips

From 30-60 minutes away there are a dozen amazing places. Here are nine of our favorites.

• Chordeleg – Makes a Great Day Trip From Cuenca
• Visit Paute Ecuador: Guide to Attractions, Things to Do, Getting There
• Visit Yunguilla Valley
• Cuenca Attraction: El Chorro de Giron
• Hiking in the Andes: Ecuador’s Cajas National Park
• Ingapirca: Ecuador’s Largest Incan Ruins
• Gualaceo: Just Outside of Cuenca

Video of Cuenca Sidetrip: Paute

Hiking Outside of Cuenca Ecuador

3. General Information: Cuenca Ecuador

Although Cuenca lies just south of the equator, it isn’t as hot as you might imagine. Due to the altitude, it can get cool at night. See what weather to expect in this Annual Weather Chart .

Do you have a question about Cuenca Ecuador ?  Here are answers to some of the common questions about Cuenca:

• What Language in Cuenca?
• How to Drink The Tap Water in Cuenca
• What Vaccines Will I Need In Cuenca?
• What Are Cuenca’s Newspapers?
• Is it Cold in Cuenca Ecuador?
• Is Cuenca Safe for Expats?

A few years ago, we were featured on  House Hunters International .

4. Cuenca Ecuador Food

Since arriving in Ecuador five years ago, we’ve come to love the food here. Grilled beef, traditional Andean dishes and seafood are all readily available and surprisingly inexpensive. Full meals start at $2.00 and cost an average of $2.50 – $4.50 each.

• Pork and Cuy: Street Food
• Guaba Fruit: Ecuador’s Delicious Ice Cream Bean
• Cuy in Ecuador: How to Eat Guinea Pig
• Making Wood Oven Pizza
• Dragon Fruit
• Encebollado  (tuna soup)
• Higos con Queso  (figs with cheese)
• Ecuador Chocolate
• Cubanito Coffee
• Ecuador Desserts

Learn more about the typical dishes in Ecuador in our huge guide: Travelers Guide to Ecuadorian Food .

Seafood in Cuenca

Making Pizza in a Wood Oven

5. Half Day Walking Tour of Cuenca ( Kid-Friendly)

This self-guided walking tour is great for a half day of exploring Cuenca with your family. Whether you have a morning or an afternoon this tour will put you in the right place at the right time.

Ready to begin your walking tour of Cuenca?

Half Day Kid-Friendly Walking Tour of Cuenca:  After breakfast/lunch head to Parque de la Madre on  Avenida Doce de Abril , where this walking tour starts.

Fun at the Park and a Walk Along the River

Assuming it’s around 9:00 am (or 1:00 pm) when you arrive at the park and you spend around an hour there, at around 10:00 am (2:00 pm) you’ll head across Doce de Abril  and turn left to take a nice walk along the  Tomebamba river .

This is a picturesque walk and there is a wide sidewalk with some benches.

Within about 15 minutes (you will see Banco Pichincha on your left, turn right and cross the bridge over the Tomebamba river, this will be the second bridge you come to) you’ll reach the stone steps leading up to Calle Larga. 

When you reach the top of the steps just keep walking up the hill and go straight across Calle Larga. You will be on Benigno Malo .

Ice Cream and Feeding the Pigeons At Parque Calderon

Within four blocks you will reach Parque Calderon . All around the park you will see beautiful colonial architecture!

We really like Tutto Freddos/Nice Cream, they have lots of flavors of both hard and soft ice-cream.

The ice cream will help keep the kids tummies from growling during the shopping you’ll be doing before lunch.

We often pick up some bread to feed the pigeons at Parque Calderon. There is a bakery called Panesa near Totto Freddos where you could grab some and head back to the park.

To get to Panesa just turn left as you come out of Tutto Freddos and cross Simon Bolivar , you will still be on Benigno Malo and the bakery will be half way down the block on your left. Mom will probably notice the Payless shoe store on the right.

Now that you have your ice-cream and bread, you can head back and enjoy some time at Parque Calderon (turn to your right as you come out of the bakery).

Outdoor Flower Market and Cultural Shopping

Around 11:45 am (3:45 pm) you’ll be heading toward the flower market . To get there head toward the Catedral de la Inmaculada Conception (the one with the famous blue domes) and walk toward the left corner.

You will cross the street and be on Mariscal Sucre. As you walk with the Cathedral on your right you will see the flower market on your left. As you cross the street and walk into the market notice how the air smells.

As you turn onto  Padre Aguirre you will see shops selling cultural clothing and souvenirs on your right. As you walk a little farther you will see a large open market, this is the San Francisco market.

Turn right into the market as soon as you come to it (the street you will be walking is San  Francisco ) continue straight, the next street you come to is General Torres, cross it and you will be in front of Casa de la Mujer. Casa de la Mujer is a covered shopping center where you will find something for everyone in the family.

Will You Take This Walking Tour of Cuenca?  I hope you like this walking tour as much as we do! If you give it a try please let us know what you think by commenting on this post .

12 Rainy Day Activities in Cuenca Ecuador

What is there to do in a wet and cloudy Cuenca?

Here are our twelve favorite things to do in Cuenca – on a rainy day.

• Go for Coffee: There are lots of great places to go for coffee. Aside from having a cup of coffee at home , we like Frutilados and Tutto Freddos – both face Parque Calderon.
• Cuenca Orchidarium: This isn’t just for flower lovers – the variety of orchids are impressive. Have you seen the monkey-faced orchid ?
• Go for Seafood: There are only few places in the city to get good seafood. Must try:   encebollado mixto (tuna and shrimp soup).
• Casa de la Mujer:  See a selection of local handicrafts, including leather, silver, wood, and straw (hats). This isn’t my favorite place, but it isn’t a bad spot to wait out a shower.
• Watch a Movie: Choose from either Mall del Rio or Millennium Plaza and catch a Multicines movie. You’ll be impressed by the quality of these theaters. Mall del Rio also has a bowling alley and two games rooms.
• Visit a Museum: You might consider Banco Central or the Panama Hat Muesum (both on Calle Larga).
• Cajas National Park: It always seems to be raining in the Cajas so it doesn’t really matter when you visit. 🙂
• Study Spanish: Maybe not quite as exciting as the others – but a good rainstorm might be just the time to sit down and start studying. Our favorite way to study is with Pimsleurs via Audible . Read why here.
• Visit Paute or  Yunguilla : Both of these areas are known to have a climate distinct from Cuenca’s and are nearby. Paute is about 30 minutes from Cuenca and Yunguilla is just over an hour away. You might just leave the rain behind.
• Visit Baños de Cuenca: When the water is warm (and wet) it doesn’t matter much if it is raining. Just a few minutes from the city center, you can visit either  Piedra de Agua  or  Hosteria Duran .
• Go Silver Shopping in Chordeleg: Just a 40-minute bus ride from Cuenca is the silver center of Chordeleg. They use the filigree technique – and it is really impressive.
• Go Tile-Sliding at Parque Calderon: This is a new family favorite. When it rains, the tiled park gets surprisingly slippery. With a small runoff, you can easily slide 6-10 feet – maybe more. To us iced-up Canadians, it reminds us a lot of home. 🙂 Watch Dena enjoying the slippery tiles of Parque Calderon in the video below…

Rainy-Day Tile-Sliding at Cuenca’s Parque Calderon

With a surprise rainstorm just around every corner, don’t forget to bring your umbrella. Need a good one? Here are some of the best travel umbrellas .

Your Turn:  What’s your favorite rainy day activity in Cuenca? Please share it in the comments below!

6. Expats in Cuenca Ecuador

Over the past few years we’ve interviewed a few of the expats living here in Cuenca. These profiles help give a glimpse into the challenges and benefits of living in Cuenca.

Learn about living abroad through the eyes of these expats.

• Ecuador Expat Profile – Gary Sisk
• Behind the Scenes: House Hunters International in Cuenca Ecuador

Read more Ecuador expat profiles .

Living in Cuenca, Ecuador

7. Life in Cuenca Ecuador

Here are a collection of our top posts about living in Cuenca, Ecuador. Since moving here in 2009, this is one of our favorite topics to write about.

While some of these topics will apply to travelers, they are written with long term expats in mind.

• Reality Check: Housing in Cuenca
• Guide to Using Taxis in Ecuador
• How to Travel in Ecuador: Using City Buses in Cuenca
• Health Concerns in Cuenca Ecuador: Dentist, Dry Air, Hospitals

Learn more about living in Ecuador .

Cuenca Ecuador’s Parque Calderon

While we love Cuenca, it (obviously) isn’t perfect. The climate, altitude and crime have affected many travelers and expats.

We continue to write about specific concerns for visitors and how they can avoid the problems. Although there are some challenges we love living here.

Keep reading: Guide to Ecuador’s 18 Largest Cities

Parishes (Parroquias) of Cuenca Ecuador

As you are planning your move to Cuenca, you’ll start to notice that attractions and real estate are listed by parroquia. In this section, you’ll learn about each of the 36 parishes in Cuenca.

What is a Parroquia?

A parroquia is a subdivision of a canton, commonly translated as “parish” in English.  Learn more: What is a Cantón & Parroquia in Ecuador?

The 36 Parroquias of Cuenca Ecuador 

Cuenca is divided into a total of 36 parroquias: 15 urban and 21 rural.

The only maps I could find are below. The maps available on the site of Alcaldía de Cuenca (Cuenca’s mayors office) are identical. The problem with these maps is that there are no points of reference.

While they can help to place one parroquia in reference to another, they aren’t of a lot of use to someone unfamiliar with the city.

Note : I’m going to try to identify specific landmarks and principal avenues – but I’ll probably get some wrong. Please help me out in the comments.

Cuenca’s 15  Urban Parroquias

Cuenca’s urban parroquias are: Bellavista, Cañaribamba, El Batán, El Sagrario, El Vecino, Gil Ramírez Dávalos, Hermano Miguel, Huayna Cápac, Machángara, Monay, San Blas, San Sebastián, Sucre, Totoracocha, Yanuncay.

• San Sebastián: home to Avenida Ordoñez Lasso and the highest concentration of apartment towers in the city. El Palermo, the tallest building in Cuenca, is located in this parroquia.
• El Batán: home to the Feria Libre, Cuenca’s largest open market.
• Yanuncay: home to Coral Centro and El Mercurio Newspaper . Borders the rural parroquia of Baños.
• Bellavista: both Av. Heroes de Verdeloma and Av. de las Americas cross this parroquia. The southern border goes into the downtown area of Cuenca.
• Gill Ramírez Dávalos:  west of downtown Cuenca
• El Sagrario: western section of downtown Cuenca
• San Blas:  downtown Cuenca: el centro
• Cañaribamba:  downtown Cuenca: el centro
• Sucre: Av. 12 de Abril and Loja cross this parroquia
• Huayna Capac: contains Avenida Huayna Capac (obviously) down to the southern highway. Borders the rural parroquias of Turi and El Valle.
• Hermano Miguel:
• Totoracocha: home to Cuenca’s airport and the bus terminal (I think).
• Monay: home to Monay Shopping – one of the larger shopping centers in Cuenca. Borders the rural parroquias of Turi and El Valle.
• Machángara: The most rural of Cuenca’s urban parroquias.

Cuenca’s 21 Rural Parroquias 

Cuenca’s rural parroquias are : Baños, Chaucha, Checa, Chiquintad, Cumbe, El Valle, Llacao, Molleturo, Nulti, Octavio Cordero Palacios, Paccha, Quingeo, Ricaurte, San Joaquín, Santa Ana, Sayausí, Sidcay, Sinincay, Tarqui, Turi y Victoria del Portete.

• Molleturo: goes into the Cajas National Park and has the largest land area of all of Cuenca’s parroquias.
• Chaucha: This is where we went for our hike in the Andes .
• Sayausí: borders the San Sebastián parroquia and is one of the largest rural parroquias in Cuenca.
• Chiquintad:
• Checa (or Jidcay):
• San Joaquín: there are lots of vegetable farms in San Joaquín. Rural and beautiful.
• Baños: home to Ecuador’s smaller Baños. Not to be confused with the more popular and larger Baños de Ambato.
• Octavio Cordero Palacios (or Santa Rosa):
• Parroquias Urbanas: (Urban Parishes shows in yellow) See the urban parroquias above.
• Turi: home of the famous lookoff: Mirador de Turi
• El Valle:  beautiful area located south of Cuenca. Many years ago, this area began to flood after the landslide and resulting dam of the river heading into Paute. We were told that an unknown person planted dynamite and blew up the landslide, thus removing the dam and saving the expensive homes of El Valle.
• Tarqui: located on the via Loja, Tarqui is colder than Cuenca and survives on dairy farms. Reminds us of the Annapolis Valley in Nova Scotia.
• Victoria del Portete (or Irquis): The last parroquia before heading down into Yunguilla Valley. It is quite flat and there are lots of dairy cows.
• Cumbe: located on the via a Loja, after the redondel. It is the similar altitude to Cuenca and is sparsely populated.

Images of Cuenca maps are courtesy of Wikipedia . Photos of Cuenca are mine.

What food, restaurant, and attraction would you add to the list? Please include it (along with any travel tips) in the comments below!

28 Comments

Well, here we are a little over a year into our move from Mesa Arizona to Cuenca. The move was quite a bit of work closing out our life in the US and filing the necessary Ecuadorian paperwork to become permanent residents. The “Manana” syndrome is well established here so do not expect the relatively quick response to getting required paperwork completed or service requests answered that you have come to expect in the US. It is not a major problem, you just need to modify your expectations, be patient and things will get done. One major warning is the nightmare it can be dealing with customs (aduana) and the restrictive rules as to what can be shipped to Ecuador after your initial shipment of personal goods included in your primary move. Most everyday items like food and personal care items can be found in places like SuperMaxi or Coral but, it is those special things that can only be found in the US that can be a problem when dealing with customs. On a more positive note, the people here are the most friendly and helpful people I have ever met in my world travels and also having lived in another country besides Ecuador and the US. We have made several good friends who have gone out of their way to help us well beyond anything I have experienced in the US and without an expectation they would be compensated for their effort. It is obvious that they appreciate my effort to learn their language, communicate with them in my still limited Spanish and not expect them to speak English although many do speak English. It is definitely a more friendly welcoming culture than one finds elsewhere. If you come from a warm climate, as we did, the weather can be a bit challenging. Magazines like International Living portray the climate here as balmy however, regardless of the season highs can range between the low 60’s to low 70’s most days and evenings between the high 40’s to mid 50’s with a number of cloudy rainy days not being uncommon. I’m sure we will adapt over time but right now it can still be uncomfortably chilly most of the day. In conclusion, for us, the benefits far outweigh the problems and our only regret is that we did not make the move sooner.

I have truly enjoyed reading your enlightening blogs. My husband and I will be moving to Cuenca at the end of September. We will be traveling with 2 spoiled cats. We would like any travel suggestions on getting to Cuenca with the pets: via Quito and Cuenca (we understand there would be a long layover in Quito) or via Guayaquil with land transportation to Cuenca. Thank you for any recommendations.

Please can someone help me with finding any agencies that specialize in renting apartments. I will be moving to Cuenca in August and do not yet speak Spanish so I need all of the help I can get. Thank you very much, Diane

I would love to get your input about Cuenca once we get closer to getting there. I have been emailing Kathy (from Cuenca real estate) and she also offered to help. They focus on high-end apartments, and I don’t know if I can convince my mom to live in an apt, and I don’t think we need anything that high end, either. We think it would be fun to live in a place with an inner courtyard.

Bryan: Had an understanding that after May 1, 2018, anyone traveling to/entering Ecuador (up to 90 days/ U.S. passport) must show proof of having health insurance. Do you know if this remains a current requirement? Thanks. Graham.

What an amazing guide for Cuenca, Bryan! This is a top destination!

Thanks so much.

I’m looking at various places overseas to consider retiring. You have me extremely interested in Ecuador . Where does one start? Cuenca intrigued me but do fied the beach . I’m single socializing is part of what I’m looking for and meeting women. I don’t speak Spanish a word here and there. Limited budget of say $1,500 per month all in (rent included) want to visit the markets.and enjoy the locals. 1-3 months to see if I like it. No car. Your suggestions is encouraged and appreciated . Thank you

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Hello Bryan, I’ve only recently begun to think of possibly living in Cuenca three months out of the year to see how I’d enjoy living in South America. I would not want to do this for five more years, since right now I have very young great-grandchildren I am blessed to care for once or twice a week pretty regularly. I would want to wait until the two youngest are in school, the reason for the five more years. I am not wealthy but have a decent SS and pension, so I could afford around $500 a month for a furnished apartment, preferably in the historic district or near enough to ride a bike to it. My question – I have many, but am getting answers from different sites and yours seems to be more informative – is that by the time I’d want to do this, I’ll be 85 years old, and of course, it’s all contingent upon my health staying good, both physically and mentally (no signs of dementia) and my mobility remaining good. It would be foolish if I were not well and attempted to live alone in a strange country. I’ve read Cuenca is a safe city for expats, but is it for single expats? I’m a retired RN, have been writing novels since retirement at 66, and lived in Key West for several years after retiring, so most of my friends are other authors and artists. I read last night that Cuenca is a haven for people like us, so that is another draw for me. As well as being safe for a single older woman, would a two-bedroom furnished apartment in the historic district be reasonable for me to rent? Since I would be keeping my apartment here in South Florida to live in when I return each year if I like living there, I wouldn’t want to pay more than $500, if possible. And I would want a decent apartment in good repair, preferably with private outdoor space, such as an enclosed patio, large front porch or terrace, where I could have plenty of plants – can’t live without plants and flowers near. Also, are PCs fairly inexpensive down there? I wouldn’t want to take my PC with me, and I don’t enjoy using laptops for my writing, so I would need to buy one there. And is cell phone service reliable, as that would be my way of keeping in touch with my family. And is it reasonable? What about Skype? I’ve been thinking of switching from ATT to Consumer Cellular. Does it get service down there? I’m not LGBT, but I enjoy attending services at MCC (Metropolitan Community Church) everywhere I am, and I know they’re in Ecuador, but are they in Cuenca, also? I know that is a lot of questions, but I want to find out as much reliable information as possible. I don’t speak Spanish but have plenty of time to learn the language. Do they speak the Castilian Spanish or another kind of Spanish? I’ve worked cruise ships to the tip of South America but have never actually visited the continent, so I certainly plan to visit a few times before I make the final decision to move there. Thank you very much for answering as much as you possibly can! I really appreciate it!

Really appreciate all the useful information here. I often found myself referring to your site while planning a six-week stay in Cuenca with my husband – it was a fantastic choice for us (active, early 30’s, do freelance work online as we travel). We recently compiled a list of food and restaurant recommendations for Cuenca which might be helpful to your other readers: http://intentionaltravelers.com/eat-cuenca-ecuador/

I am considering taking up residence in Cuenca, Ecuador about the beginning of 2017. Can you direct me to resources for apartments/houses for rent, resources for retired persons, and any other information which would help me plan for the move. I currently live in Chattanooga, TN.

I am also thinking of moving to Cuenca in early 2017. I am eager to know if the earthquake changed the economy at this time or might it change living conditions very much in the future? I am planning a trip to ‘check it out’ in July or August this year before making my final decision.

visit this page find great deals on rental: http://www.olx.com.ec

My husband and I are seriously considering a move to Ecuador, Quenca, in particular, but have never been to South America before. We are considering a tour specifically for people inn our position called Ecuador Crash Course Tour. Since you already live in Ecuador, would you please give us some advice or opinions on this? The link to the tour is http://www.retire-in-ecuador.com/Ecuado urse.html. I want to know if this is a good tour; if it’s legit and on the up and up; is it worth the money; and will we learn a lot from it. If we don’t go this route, I’m not sure what other option to take since we don’t speak Spanish (but are willing to learn) and don’t know anyone there. Thanks in advance fro any help you can offer.

We are about to open a new Music School in Cuenca and we are interested to promote our school in your website. Please contact us. Regards Escuela de Musica Constantino Mendoza Moreira

Retiring soon. Want to learn more about Ecuador. Especially Cuenca. Home financing if available etc. I currently live in Atlanta, GA

Thank you Brian, We visited Ecuador in October 2013, landed in Quito, leased a small Chevy, visited Otavalo, Cotacachi, Mitad del mundo, Mindo, Atacames, Manta, visited Hola Ecuador, Salinas, Guayaquil We liked our experience, we also been in Merida Yucatan and Ajijic Jalisco? We have not taken our final decision yet. Ecuador has it’s + and -. Mexico has also it’s + and – . We enjoyed Ecuador and Mexico very much, if you have anything to help my decision, do not hesitate Thank you Louis-Marie

Hola, A couple definite restaurant recommendations – Popocuchu, best soups and sandwiches in town, bar none; Anubis for the best steak in town; San Sebas the best breakfast in town. From a couple other Canucks living in Cuenca (2 1/2 years)

Nice – thanks for sharing Karen!

“#1 city of the future (Foreign Direct Investment, 2013-2014)”. Where did you get this information from? I could not find any reference to this on the Internet. I am interested in reading more as to why.

This is from a brochure published by the city of Cuenca: Cuenca Ecuador premios otorgados a la ciudad . Here is the source material: fDi Intelligence (a division of the Financial Times Ltd).

Bryan i really enjoy your blog and videos, however I would enjoy some up to date videos. As I know that Drew is a big girl now . I would enjoy some of her now . As for Cuenca , That big city scares me out of my wits. I am not interested in cities at all. Not even Halifax . However if I were a young man I may feel different. However I can`t remember any time of even liking cities. I mover off to Toronto in1958 . Worked for one summer, that was enough for me. Fall came and I made my way back to Nova Scotia to stay, That I did. not sorry. I am just a plain old country boy through and through. Have fun you young people. As for the cost of living in NS That has not affected us too much. we learn to roll with the punches. Our desire was not to become rich. Love from all Eric.

Great to hear from you Eric! We intentionally keep a low profile for Drew on the site. Really is an issue of privacy. You can check with my parents for some current photos of her. 🙂 Cuenca is actually a similar size to Halifax. Fairly small to cities like Toronto or Guayaquil – each with populations into the millions.

Need info on aquiring a pensioners visa want to get started on as soon as I can,want to move to cuenca

I have read several of your interesting articles during your earlier days in Cuenca, but somehow lost track of you. My wife and I have a friend who lives part time in Cuenca, and we are also considering this. We look forward to receiving your articles and hope to review some of the past ones we may have missed. We will be in Cuenca August 1- 11 this year and are hoping to meet some ex-pats to learn more.

Thanks Jerry – all the best on your plans!

I spent a month in Cuenca about six years ago and loved it. Now the first week of July, I plan to spend three months or more there and want to rent a small unit, just for myself, within a few blocks f the Historic Center. I Was told the best way to find a nice small furnished rental for a good price was to stay at reasonable priced hotel for a few days near the Center and, walking and talking around, find it I’m my own. Your thoughts please.

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30+ Things to Do in Cuenca, Ecuador Guide (Plus Walking Tour Map)

We were first attracted to Cuenca because of its UNESCO World Heritage designation and its reputation for being one of the most livable cities in Latin America.

Active, safe, affordable, with mild weather and local culture, we fell in love with this small city pretty much immediately. We’ve had the pleasure of making Cuenca our digital nomad home base for six weeks in 2016 and for several months in 2021 and 2022.

After lots of research, speaking with native Cuencanos as well as resident expats, and exploring Cuenca ourselves, we put together a list of what to see and do in Cuenca. This post includes:

– Best things to do in Cuenca, sight-seeing spots, and cheap activities – A self-guided walking route that covers most of the top attractions (with interactive map accessible by e-mail) – Other resources like: Where to stay in Cuenca, Day trips from Cuenca, and more

Updated: December 2022. Originally published: March 2016.

What travel restrictions and rules are in place in Ecuador? Find post-pandemic travel updates for Ecuador here: What you need to know about Ecuador travel right now

Table of Contents

What to do in Cuenca Ecuador: Self-Guided Walking Route

* Get access to our Cuenca map here * If you have just one day in Cuenca, our interactive Cuenca map shows what we would suggest you do.

The Google MyMaps includes all of our favorite restaurants, bakeries, shops, and things to do in Cuenca. In addition to the self-guided Cuenca walking route, there are over 50 recommended places on this map you can add to your itinerary!

Below is our list of things to do in Cuenca Ecuador. Numbers corresponding to the map above are indicated in (*parentheses).

Best Cheap Things to Do in Cuenca Ecuador

If you’re a budget traveler looking for free things to do in Cuenca, there is a lot!

Here is our personal list of Top 10 Free Things to Do in Cuenca: 1. Explore Parque Abdón Calderon and the cathedral  2. Walk around the centro historico on foot 3. Visit Cuenca’s produce markets 4. See Pumapungo cultural museum and archeological park 5. Visit Cuenca’s craft markets 6. Stroll along the Tomebamba river 7. Visit the Panama hat museum, shop and cafe overlook 8. Look for murals throughout town 9. Hike up to see the views at Turi overlook or Parque la Libertad 10. Explore city parks like Parque El Paraiso and Parque de la Madre

Read on for more details on these, plus many more ideas of things to do in Cuenca!

Visit the UNESCO World Heritage Historic Centro

The centro historico is Cuenca’s main draw. Most of the following attractions in our list are found in this zone.

Parque Abdon Calderon (*1)

This main square is considered the heart of Cuenca’s historical town center . Named after one of Ecuador’s youngest heroes in their battle for independence, it includes a memorial, gardens, gazebo, and plenty of park benches to sit and people watch.

Antigua Cathedral

On one side of the square, you’ll find an older white cathedral from Spanish colonial times. It is said that many of the stones within the church’s foundation were taken from the Cañari/Incan ruins nearby – before people realized they were destroying ancient history.

The Antigua Cathedral is now a small museum, which costs a couple dollars to enter. They also host concerts, including free symphony concerts by the University.

Cuenca Cathedral

On the opposite side of the square is Cuenca’s new cathedral .

This was completed in 1975 – or almost completed. You’ll notice under the statue of Mary at the top, there is a crack going down the face of the church. When placing the statue, they realized that the church would not hold the weight of the two towers they had planned, so they left the stumps of the tower and called it a day.

Entry into this cathedral is free and services are held there on a daily basis.

To climb a tower to El mirador de la Catedral (viewpoint at the Cathedral) or descend into the crypt below, you would pay a small fee at the office. The entrance is now around the side, from the Santa Ana pedestrian street. A $2 tour takes you to the rooftop terraza with its views of Parque Calderón. $3 will let you see the crypt, the chorus loft and the terrace. 

Visit Cuenca’s Markets

Cuenca has several large indoor markets that are open daily, two of which are within the historic town center.

Mercado 9 de Octubre (*2)

Mercado 9 de Octubre is three stories with fish and meat on the bottom, fresh produce and a few snack vendors on the ground floor, and then cookshops and smoothie vendors on top.

Bargaining isn’t really necessary as prices are pretty standard – you’ll get three avocados for $1 from every stall you ask. The difference is with the size and quality you get for that dollar.

We did a majority of our shopping at these produce markets. Jedd also found his favorite meal here – a $1 bowl of chicken or pork, starches, and broth. We also enjoyed the 50 cent batidos (smoothies).

Learn more about what and where to eat in Cuenca in this post .

A note about safety in Cuenca: I should mention here that the only time a local Cuencano actually named an area that we should avoid for safety, it was here. The concern is primarily at night. As pickpocketing is a crime of opportunity, it’s always wise to carry as few valuables as possible and keep them close and concealed on your body until you need them (see our favorite alternatives to travel wallets and other travel safety tips ).

Mercado 10 de Agosto (*7)

This is the other big market in the heart of town, which happens to be closer to where we stay in Cuenca. On the first floor is mostly fruit and vegetables, plus some grain and hardware in the inner stalls. Upstairs is more vegetables, grains, cheese, and lots of cookshops.

One of the specialties in Cuenca is hornado – roast pig – which can also be found upstairs from several vendors.

Mercado de Artesania de Rotary (*3)

If you exit Mercado 9 de Octubre and cross the large plaza, you can pass through a short alley to arrive at the small plaza, Rotary. Alternatively, you can go around the corner, just a block East on Gaspar Sangurima.

This is a craft and wares market with primarily practical items for locals – woven baskets, carved wooden utensils, iron work, etc. You’ll find a few textiles and gift items there as well.

Centro Municipal Artesanal – Craft Market in Cuenca (*8)

This indoor artisan market can be found on General Torres Street at the edge of Plaza San Francisco, which also has a number of vendors outside.

There are two stories of shops with a wide variety of art and gift items, from ceramics to wood carvings, paintings to textiles, hats and trinkets. Many of the artists are running their own shops and working on their craft throughout the day.

Since the set up is a little more upscale than the traditional markets, prices may be a little higher than you’d find elsewhere.

Cuenca Flower Market (*9)

Parque de las Flores sits in a small square on the way back to Parque Abdon Calderon, flanked by both the cathedral and another smaller church. Recognized on a global scale, the flower market is a beautiful place and you can pick up a dozen roses for just a couple dollars.

Aboriginal Culture Museum (*4)

Thanks to the Language & Culture program we did our first week in Cuenca, we were introduced to this small but prolific collection of ancient artifacts , located at 5-24 Calle Larga.

Apparently the collection started as a hobby and grew to over 5,000 items. The cost to enter is a few dollars.

Just across the street and a block East down Calle Larga is the church De Todos Santos . We were told that this had primarily an indigenous congregation, at least when it started.

Next to the church is a nice viewpoint that overlooks the river at Puente Roto (broken bridge). The bridge was partially washed away when the river flooded many years ago.

Pumapungo Culture Museum and Archeological Site (*5)

Although a bit out of the way, Pumapungo should be high on your list of things to do in Cuenca. Inside the National Bank building you’ll find the most extensive historical/cultural museum in Cuenca .

Entry is free – just sign in and leave your bags at the desk. Make sure you explore the different floors, which include exhibits on art, money, culture and clothing of the indigenous tribes, and even shrunken heads. Although you may not want to spend a ton of time there (most of the signage is only in Spanish, by the way), the museum is definitely worth a walk through.

But that’s not all. Between the museum and the orchestra building, you can pass to the back side of Pumapungo to visit the hillside Cañari ruins .

This was apparently a sacred site for this powerful tribe. Although no full structures have been preserved, you can see the outline of their buildings and terraced agriculture, an underground cave, and water system. As you continue down the hill, you’ll find a large display garden of the many local crops and native plants.

Continue to the southwest corner of Pumapungo park and there is a nice bird sanctuary . You might even spot some llamas! It’s a really nice place to explore by foot.

The lower entrance of Pumapungo used to connect to the riverfront walking trail . It seems this gate is no longer open to the public, so be prepared to hike back up the hill and exit next to the museum.

Museo de Sombreros – Cuenca Hat Museum (*6)

This hat museum, factory, and shop is all about the famous Panama hats . These iconic hats have always been made in Ecuador but were discovered on a global scale during the construction of the Panama canal.

As you walk in, there are displays depicting the various stages of hat production, including many of the tools which were used in the past.

This is also a working shop where you can see people pressing hats into shape with large machines and expertly sewing bands on the inside and outside. Select a finished hat from the displays or customize your own.

There are certainly numerous places to purchase Panama hats around Cuenca and the rest of Ecuador – we even made the trip out to the women’s hat cooperative in the little town of Sig Sig . But we’ve concluded that this is the best place to see the hat-making process in person and to find the widest variety of hats.

Most of the hats start at $25 – the finer the weave, the longer it takes to make (several weeks by hand), producing a higher quality and more expensive product.

Another fun thing about this museum is you can go up the stairs in the back to a nice overlook along the river . There’s also a little coffee shop back there.

Other Attractions in Cuenca, Ecuador

We made an interactive map of our top recommendations for Cuenca so you can click around to find what you’d like to do.

Get access to our free Cuenca map here

Although Cuenca may not have as many exciting tourist attractions as other places, we loved it because the streets themselves exude charm – from colonial architecture to beautiful murals on every corner.

Mirador de Turi Viewpoint

Across the south of Cuenca, at the end of Avenida Solano, you can see a white church up on the hill. This is Turi and it’s a great place to get a view of the city and surrounding mountains . You can get there on the tourist bus, city bus, taxi , or – if you need the exercise – hiking up a lot of steps. 

Turi’s mirador (overlook) was recently remodeled and finally reopened at the end of 2022.

There is also an amusement park up on the hill called Parque Extremo Turi . Entry is $1 and activities, including high tree walk and a giant swing, are priced from $0.50 to $5. 

Cuenca Modern Art Museum: Museo Municipal de Arte Moderno

Located off Parque San Sebastián in Cuenca’s historic center, the modern art museum features immersive art work by South American artists .

Historically, the beautiful white building has been home to a recovery center for alcoholics, a male prison, an assisted living facility, and a foundation for impoverished mothers. The museum was inaugurated in 1981.

Although I had seen a $2 entrance mentioned online somewhere, I was only asked to sign the registry (without charge) at the entrance. Apart from a museum brochure, all information about the art was in Spanish.

Small exhibitions, including textile sculpture, video, photography, and painting can be found in rooms surrounding open-air courtyards. Many of the works had a focus on environmental justice and awareness.

The Modern Art Museum is open Monday through Saturday from 9am-1:30pm with additional hours from 3-6:30pm on week days.

Amaru Zoo Biopark

One of Cuenca’s biggest surprises is the “zoo.” Focused on native, rescued animals (but they also have lions), this is like no zoo we’ve ever seen before . A single dirt path climbs the giant hill just outside of town as you wind around roomy, natural exhibits full of active animals.

On weekends, we recommend arriving around 10:30 to see the feeding of the Andean bears at 11am (at the start of your hike) and the lions at 1pm (toward the end of the route). The park staff give an educational talk (in Spanish) and it is truly fascinating to learn about how they keep the animals healthy and active.

Since the zoo is just on the outskirts of town (a hike up a road near Hospital del Rio), we recommend catching a taxi, which is about $5 from the center of town.

Read our full review of Amaru Bioparque here

Explore Cuenca’s Bike Baths with a Bicycle Rental 

Cuenca has several rivers running through town which are lined by parks, walking paths, and bike lanes , so you can go for miles only crossing traffic a few times.

BiciCuenca operates a bike share program throughout the city. You must first register with a copy of your passport and insurance at the office (the online option only accepts Ecuadorian credit cards). The office is located along the Riobamba river, Calle 3 de Noviembre near Juana de Oro bridge. After becoming a member, you’ll pay $0.25 per 30 minute trip, $10 per day, or $15 for 3 months.

Alternatively, daily mountain bike or downhill bike rentals, with free delivery and pick up, are $15 from Runa Way Adventours .

If you stick to one trail, the most scenic is probably the North side of Rio Tomebamba . (Every once in a while the trail will end under a bridge, so we just got off the bikes and walked them until the trail picked up again.)

This is the bike route we took. Click the image for the full interactive map.

It’s worth a bike ride or long walk to Parque Paraiso , one of the best parks in Cuenca. The large grounds include nice walking paths, sports fields, outdoor exercise equipment, playgrounds, ponds with paddle boats, a forested area, and even a “traffic school” playground for kids.

Learn more about getting around Cuenca here .

University District, South Cuenca

South of the river, Rio Tomebamba, is the newer side of Cuenca. The buildings are less charming but there is still plenty of shops, restaurants, and parks. We enjoyed walking through the Universidad de Cuenca (where the above artwork can be found on campus) and seeing the historic Benigno Malo high school .

Parque de la Madre and the Planetarium

Parque de la Madre, on 12 de Abril, was completely rebuilt in 2014. It is now a very popular family park with exercise equipment , a running track , about a dozen trees that died and were carved into unique statues , including some that also serve as park benches. 

Within the park is the Planetario Municipal . Inside the domed theater, you can view projections of the solar system and other astronomical videos for free.

Museo Remigio Crespo Toral

This historic mansion was built in the center of Cuenca in the 1910’s. It was originally owned by a renowned Cuenca writer, jurist, and academic from which the museum gets its name.

Entry is free. Just register at the front entrance. You can walk through several rooms to view the houses’s original furniture and decor, records, paintings, archeological artifacts, and museum garden. There is also a nice cafe in back overlooking the river.

More Cheap Things To Do in Cuenca Ecuador

Cuenca is a great place to stay for a month or more, in which case you may be interested in taking advantage of cheap prices for non-touristy activities.

Cheap Dental Care in Cuenca  – Many foreign visitors, including ourselves, have been very happy getting dental cleanings, fillings, whitening, and other dental procedures in Cuenca at a fraction of the cost for dental care in the States. Several top quality dentists speak English and can book appointments by email. 

We can recommend Dr. Grace Ordonez . Cleanings are about $40 and fillings are about $70.

Healthcare and Surgery in Cuenca – Several retired expats we know have chosen to do hip replacement surgeries as well as any routine healthcare in Cuenca. There are public and private healthcare options for residents of Ecaudor, but many health and medical procedures are affordable enough to pay out of pocket.

We have personally done lab tests and visited dermatologists in Cuenca. No appointment was necessary, although there may be a line to see the doctor. A consultation and exam with an English-speaking dermatologist was $40 and prescribed medication was under $8.

Getting Massages in Cuenca – There are many masseuses in Cuenca, both local and foreign, who can provide massages at local spas or even come to your home. Skill and atmosphere can vary. Average costs are around $30 for 60 minutes, though you can find cheaper and more expensive. Check GringoPost for recommendations and promotions in English.

Getting Manicures in Cuenca – Salons, nail shops, and spas throughout Cuenca provide manicure and pedicure services. A simple manicure is about $5. 

Spa Treatments in Cuenca – The most famous destination spa near Cuenca is a thermal hot spring in Baños: Piedra de Agua Fuente . In addition to thermal, Turkish, and contrast baths, they also offer massages. 

Other spas in town may include facials, skin care, massages, nails, hair, and other aesthetic services. A 45-minute facial at an English-speaking spa is around $25.

How to Get Around in Cuenca

Walking is arguably the best way to see Cuenca , especially the historic centro.

You can also hop on a bus for just 30 cents per ride with a Movilizate card (available at the Terminal Terrestre station). Each bus destination is listed on a plaque in their front window.

Tranvia , the new tramway line from Parque Industrial to Rio Tarqui, is 35 cents with a tram card, $1 for a single ride purchased on site.

Bici Publica Cuenca offers a bike-share program throughout the city. However, it does require registering in person first.

For further reading: Ultimate Guide to Transportation in Cuenca

Where to stay in Cuenca, Ecuador

Since Cuenca’s real charm is in the historic center, that’s where we recommend most visitors should stay. Aim to be within walking distance of Parque Abdon Calderon.

Personally, I would also check reviews to avoid rooms facing a street with a bus route. Even the recently upgraded buses can still be pretty loud. And the number of car alarms (triggered by nothing) also seems unusually high.

See: Where to Stay in Cuenca for a more thorough review of recommended places to stay.

We have been very happy with our Airbnb apartments in the town center, which allowed us to cook two thirds of our meals and do our client work on wifi. The owners have been local residents.

More details can be found here: Where to Stay in Cuenca .

Disclosure: This free article contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase after clicking one of these links, we may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you.Your support helps us continue to provide helpful, free content for you.

Day Trips from Cuenca

Cuenca day trips make it a great base for exploring the southern Andes area.

Nearby towns like Gualaceo, Sig Sig, and Chordeleg are home to expert artisans and craft shops. There are a number of great places to hike, like Cajas National Park and Giron . You can even visit Ecuador’s greatest archeological site, Ingapirca Ruins , on a day trip from Cuenca.

Enjoy a guided day trip hiking in Cajas National Park > Take a full-day guided tour from Cuenca to Ingapirca Archeological site > Visit Gualaceo, Chordeleg, and San Bartolomé artisans with a guide >

See our detailed list of Places to Visit from Cuenca here.  

Our Top Tips for Intentional Travel in Cuenca

• Try to make a local connection , whether it’s meeting a friend-of-a-friend you find through social media, staying with locals, or hiring a local guide
• Learn essential Spanish phrases , like “Do you speak English?” and use Spanish as much as possible.
• Shop at locally owned, independent businesses and purchase locally made souvenirs
• For more guidance, see: how to have authentic, meaningful travel experiences in touristy areas and our simple rules for intentional travel series .
• Find local events listed in English through Cuenca facebook groups, Gringo Post, or GringoTree listings.
• Take this article with you as your guide! Upload the article for free to your phone with the  GPSmyCity app . You can also upgrade to get an offline GPS map that guides you to each location we mention. Or subscribe to access all articles and maps for a full year.

Other Frequently Asked Questions About Cuenca

Is Cuenca Ecuador safe?

Generally, Cuenca is safe. Crimes like theft and pickpocketing do happen occasionally. Walking alone at night or in secluded areas is best avoided, as most crimes are “crimes of opportunity” when no one else is around.

In an annual survey, Cuencanos considered the Feria Libre, 9 de Octubre and Barrial Blanco as the most dangerous places.

It’s always wise to carry as few valuables as possible and keep them close and concealed on your body until you need them. (Please refer to our favorite alternatives to travel wallets and other travel safety tips ).

Is Cuenca Ecuador worth visiting?

Of course we would say yes! But we also know it may not be for everyone. If you’re looking for a big city with lots of attractions and night life, Cuenca may not be for you. It is more tranquilo,  with a nice natural surrounding.

Many people come here to stay long-term for the quality of life, but it’s also be popular among Ecuadorian and foreign tourists. In addition to local museums, restaurants, and attractions, Cuenca can make a great base for day trips.

How many days do you need in Cuenca Ecuador?

Local visitors will come to Cuenca for the weekend. As a foreign tourist, we would recommend at least three days to enjoy the city without rushing.

Personally, we enjoy staying in Cuenca for months at a time! It’s really up to you and your trip goals.

Of course, there are always more things to do in Cuenca than we are able to list here. If you have other recommendations for things to do in Cuenca, we’d love to hear it in the comments below.

Thanks to Burt  Johnson of  mindstormphoto.com  and Edd and Cynthia for help updating this post in July 2020.

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Buenos Dias Michelle y Jedd! Me encantan tus recomendacioines! It almost makes me want to visit Cuenca. It hasn’t been on our list in the past but it sounds like a great place to visit and just stay awhile. Thanks for the great information. ~Kathy

If you want to enjoy the food Cuenca I recommend you Los Molinos del Batán, is a place located by the river Tomebamba next to the center of the city with 25 years of experience plus the local is in one of the first Mills of Cuenca: https://www.facebook.com/losmolinosdelbatan/

Bill sent us the following suggestions for Cuenca, and we wanted to make sure our readers saw them as well (some of these can be found on our interactive map or in other posts that feature day trips from Cuenca):

“-Modern Museum and the plaza next door -Planatarium and Parque de la Madre -Colesio (sports including tennis, pools) -Tranvia light rail(when done) -Rio Yanucay (I like it better than Tomebamba) -Turi: its more than a walk, it’s a climb, done right, there is a lower steps 125, middle 452, upper 123, 700 steps total give or take one or two, it’s a good hike I often go up the steps and back down the road. -And of course hikes or fishing in the Cajas next door -Coliseo is a great resource, 8 outdoor tennis courts, outdoor soccer and basketball, 3 pools including diving and olypmpic size, plus kids, climbing wall, racquetball, and others, and cheap. https://www.facebook.com/pages/Coliseo-Jefferson-Perez-Quezada/240079799368742 “

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The Roads Beyond

Complete travel guide of the best of cuenca, ecuador.

There’s lots to do in Cuenca, Ecuador, from exploring the beautiful historic center to great day trips around gourgeous natural areas and Inca ruins. Take a look below!

Planning your trip to Cuenca? Check out some of the top tours to make the most out of your time in the city. Best tours in Cuenca: 1. Half-day Cuenca city tour 2. Electric scooter city tour 3. Walking food tour of local specialties 4. Prepare Cuencan traditional dishes in this cooking class 5. Birdwatching at Las Cajas National Park 6. Las Cajas National Park tour 7. Ingapirca ruins, the Ecuadorian biggest Inca site 8. Handicrafts towns tour Best hotels in Cuenca : 1. Hotel Boutique Los Balcones (Mid-range/high end. Great location) 2. Santa Lucia Hotel (Mid-range) 3. Wild Incas Hostel (Budget)

Table of Contents

The Best things to do in Cuenca, Ecuador

Here are the best things to do in Cuenca, Ecuador, from exploring its historic center to visiting the Turi Viewpoint, the Panama Hat factory and an undeground spa.

We will also cover the best excursions from Cuenca, including Las Cajas National Park, and the Ingapirca Ruins. Get ready for an adventure-filled journey through Cuenca’s natural and cultural wonders!

1. Walk around the historic center

Cuenca’s historic center is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and it’s not hard to see why. The streets are lined with beautifully preserved colonial buildings, churches, and plazas. Be sure to visit the Parque Calderón, the main square of the city, and the San Francisco Market, where you can find all sorts of handicrafts and souvenirs.

If you would like to have a guided overview of the city, you can book a half-day city tour . Usually the tours include many of the sites mentioned below, like the Cathedral, the Tomebamba river, el Mirador Turi, etc.

And if you are looking for something different and fun, going on an electric scooter tour around Cuenca can be a great idea.

2. Visit the Cathedral

The Catedral de la Inmaculada Concepción is one of Cuenca’s most iconic landmarks. This impressive cathedral dates back to the 19th century and features stunning stained-glass windows and intricate carvings. The cathedral is located on the Parque Calderón, making it an easy stop on your walking tour of the historic center.

3. Tomebamba River

The Tomebamba River is not just a body of water, but a bustling recreation zone. As you stroll along its banks, you’ll notice the photogenic houses that line a narrow path, a popular spot for biking, jogging, and picnicking . The area can get quite lively on weekends.

If you feel peckish, there are plenty of restaurants nearby where you can grab a snack or a coffee. The river is also an excellent spot to people-watch and soak in the local culture. This is one of the best things to do in Cuenca.

On the opposite side of the river, you’ll find the more modern and bustling part of the city, a stark contrast to the historic center.

4. Mirador El Turi (Turi Viewpoint)

The Turi Viewpoint is a must-see attraction in Cuenca. From the top of the hill, you’ll have a panoramic view of the city and its surroundings, including the Andes Mountains. There is also a small chapel on top of the hill, making it a popular spot for both religious and secular visitors. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can also visit Aventuri, a nearby park where you can swing over a gorge .

5. Visit the Panama Hat factory

Did you know that the famous Panama hats are actually made in Ecuador, not Panama? Cuenca is known for its high-quality Panama hats. You can visit one of the many factories in town to see the production process and buy a hat for yourself. You can also learn about the history and cultural significance of these hats, which were once worn by everyone from farmers to politicians.

6. Walk around the Santa Ana Street

Santa Ana Street is a charming cobblestone street that is lined with colorful houses and small shops. It’s a great spot to take a leisurely stroll, especially in the evening when the street comes to life with music and dancing. You’ll also find plenty of restaurants and cafes along the way where you can stop for a bite to eat or a cup of coffee.

7. Try Mote Pillo and other Cuencan dishes

Tasting the local specialties is one of the best things to do in Cuenca.

Mote pillo is a traditional dish from Cuenca made with mote, eggs, and spices. The mote is cooked with achiote, cumin, garlic, and salt until it is tender, then mixed with scrambled eggs. The result is a flavorful and filling dish that people often eat for breakfast or lunch. It is a popular and affordable meal option in Cuenca, and many restaurants and food vendors offer their own unique versions of mote pillo. If you are a fan of hearty, savory breakfast dishes, be sure to give mote pillo a try when you visit Cuenca.

If you are curious about other traditional dishes for Cuenca, you could go on a walking food tour , to visit the city while tasting different local food. Or take a cooking class to learn how to make some Cuencan specialties.

8. Chocolatería Dos Chorreras

If you have a sweet tooth, you won’t want to miss Chocolatería Dos Chorreras.

This cozy little café is known for its delicious hot chocolate – many say it’s the best in town. But that’s not all they offer – you can also indulge in a variety of desserts, churros, and sandwiches.

The atmosphere in the café is just as delightful as the menu. The décor is colorful and whimsical. And as soon as you step in, you’ll smell the sweet aroma of chocolate. Whether you’re looking for a mid-day pick-me-up or a decadent treat, Chocolateria Dos Chorreras is the perfect spot.

9. Piedra de Agua

Piedra de Agua is a unique attraction in Cuenca – it’s the only underground thermal spa in South America (though not all of it is underground). The spa features a variety of thermal pools, saunas, and treatments that are perfect for relaxation and rejuvenation. The treatments you can experience include red and blue thermal muds, mineral salt therapies, thermal shock experiences, and Turkish baths .

Whether you want to unwind after a long day of sightseeing or indulge in a full spa day, Piedra de Agua is a great option. Make sure to book in advance to be able to enjoy all of their services.

The Best Excursions and Day Trips from Cuenca

Las cajas national park.

If you’re looking to escape the hustle and bustle of the city and enjoy the Ecuadorian nature, Las Cajas National Park in Ecuador is the perfect destination. The park is just a short drive from Cuenca, and it’s famous for its rugged terrain and vast network of hiking trails. Whether you’re an experienced hiker or just looking for a leisurely stroll, there are trails of varying difficulty levels that offer stunning views of the park’s glacial lakes and surrounding mountains .

In addition to hiking, Las Cajas is also a popular spot for bird-watching, with over 150 species of birds calling the park home. If you are into birdwatching I’d recommend taking taking a birdwatching tour . If you’re lucky, you may spot the Ecuadorian Hillstar and the Blue-Mantled Thornbill.

Be sure to bring appropriate gear and dress in layers. The weather can change quickly and temperatures can drop significantly in the high altitude environment of the park.

The easiest way to visit the park is to book a tour which will take you to the best spots . Otherwise, you can take a bus at the Terminal Sur. On the way back, get on a bus that goes in the direction of Cuenca.

2. The Ingapirca Ruins

A visit to Ingapirca is undoubtely one of the best day trips from Cuenca. Located about two hours from Cuenca, these ruins are the largest and most important Inca site in Ecuador . The site dates back to the 15th century and was once an important political, military, and religious center for the Incas.

The ruins are incredibly well-preserved, and visitors can see a range of structures, including temples, homes, and an astronomical observatory. The highlight of the site is the Temple of the Sun, which is believed to have been an important astronomical observatory. Visitors can also see the “Intihuatana,” a carved stone that was used to determine the solstices and equinoxes. The ruins are set against a stunning backdrop of the Andes mountains, making for a breathtaking and memorable experience.

The best way to visit the ruins is to book a tour to Ingapirca , which will pick you up from your hotel and take you to the ruins.

3. Gualaceo, Chordeleg and San Bartolome

Another great excursion from Cuenca is to the charming towns of Gualaceo, Chordeleg, and San Bartolomé. Gualaceo is known for its colonial-style architecture, beautiful plazas, and colorful markets . You can stroll through the market and browse the wide variety of textiles, jewelry, ceramics, and other handicrafts made by the local artisans.

Chordeleg is a small town famous for its gold and silver jewelry. You can visit the workshops and see how the jewelry is made, and even purchase some unique pieces to take home. San Bartolomé is another picturesque town on the route. It is famous for its pottery, especially the distinctive black pottery made by the indigenous Cañari people.

The best way to visit this three towns is by taking a full day tour, like this one .

The best hotels in Cuenca

Looking for the best hotels in Cuenca? Check out these highly-rated hostels and hotels:

• Mid-range/High-end: Hotel Boutique Los Balcones : Just three blocks away from the main square, this hotel offers a good breakfast buffet and spacious rooms with a balcony. From the upper floors, you can even see the cathedral.
• Mid-range: Santa Lucia Hotel : Situated in the heart of the historic center, this beautiful restored colonial house features a charming indoor patio and a great breakfast.
• Budget: Wild Incas Hostel : Located in the old center, this hostel offers free coffee, water, and laundry. Choose from private rooms or shared dorms.

How to get to Cuenca

The Mariscal Lamar International Airport is located just outside the city. Several airlines have daily flights from Quito and Guayaquil.

From the airport, you can take a taxi or bus to the city center. Or you could book an airport transfer that will leave you right at your hotel.

There are several bus companies that operate routes to Cuenca from major cities like Quito and Guayaquil, as well as smaller towns in the surrounding area. The trip can take anywhere from 4 to 8 hours, depending on the starting point and the route taken.

If you have doubts about how comfortable buses are in Ecuador and if tickets are easy to book, don’t worry, they are. Read here all about how to travel by bus in Ecuador .

By private shuttle from Guayaquil:

If you prefer to travel to Cuenca by private shuttle, there are several shuttle companies that offer this service. The shuttle will pick you up at your hotel in Guayaquil and take you directly to your destination in Cuenca. You can book your shuttle in advance online or through a travel agency.

How many days to spend in Cuenca

It’s possible to see some of the city’s main attractions in just a day or two. Still, I recommend spending at least three to four days in Cuenca to fully appreciate the city’s charm, explore its attractions, and take a few day trips to nearby destinations.

Additionally, with a few extra days in Cuenca, you can take some day trips to nearby destinations, such as the Ingapirca ruins or the El Cajas National Park.

The Best time to visit Cuenca

The dry season, from June to September, is overall the best time to visit. Temperatures are usually a few degrees warmer, skies are clearer, and there is less rainfall.

The rainy season runs from October to May, with December to February being the wettest months. During this time, temperatures drop a bit, but it’s still pleasant to explore the city.

Is Cuenca safe?

Travelers coming from other continents are often worried about safety in South America . Fortunately, more often than not, these doubts are unfounded.

You don’t need to worry in Cuenca. Cuenca is safe and it’s actually listed as the second safest city in Ecuador, according to the government. And apparently, it’s even on its way to becoming the safest one.

Of course, take normal precautions as in any city, especially if you are a tourist and look like one.

Moreover, you might want to read this post if you are a woman traveling solo in Ecuador and are wondering if it’s safe.

Final Thoughts

From exploring the charming streets and architecture of the historic center to hiking through scenic national parks, there is something for everyone in Cuenca. With a variety of delicious food options and comfortable accommodations, Cuenca is the perfect destination for travelers looking to experience the best of Ecuador.

And if you are looking for a beach destination in Ecuador after your visit to the Cuencan mountains, take a look at my post about Montañita .

For more information about the top Ecuador destinations and travel tips, make sure to read this Ecuador Travel Guide .

I share travel tips and experiences based on my trips. I love countries with delicious food, night bazaars, nature, interesting birds, archaeological sites and beautiful temples

Popular Posts

Cuenca Ecuador: Ultimate Local Guide for Travelers [2023]

Easily one of the most charming cities in Ecuador , Cuenca has long been a favorite with travelers for its undeniable appeal.

With a gorgeous, UNESCO-protected colonial center, nearby national parks to explore, historic ruins, and great food, it has a lot to offer visitors – whether you plan to stick around for a few days or a few years. Cuenca is, after all, a haven for expats and long-term travelers.

Our ultimate guide to Cuenca, Ecuador will show you how to enjoy the city best, including local tips and tricks for visiting Cuenca. Plus, we’re sharing all the best things to do in Cuenca and day trips from the city you’ll love!

This post contains affiliate links that may reward me monetarily or otherwise when you use them to make qualifying purchases – at no cost to you. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. For more information, please read our  disclosure policy .

Cuenca Ecuador

As soon as you step foot in Cuenca, you’ll see why everyone raves about this easygoing, quaint city. Mountain views peak through between historic streets paved with cobblestones, brightly-colored buildings surround green plazas, and church domes mark the “skyline” everywhere you look.

Formally known as Santa Ana de los Riós de Cuenca, though you’ll never hear it referred to as such, Cuenca is a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its abundance of historic buildings and monuments, most of which are open and accessible to visitors.

Beyond the historic center of Cuenca, there is much more to see and do in Cuenca that makes a visit to Cuenca worth it. Nearby Parque Nacional El Cajas (El Cajas National Park) is among Ecuador’s most visited national parks for its stunning beauty, and just over an hour north of Cuenca is Ecuador’s largest Incan ruin.

Located in the less-visited south of Ecuador (the northern area of the Ecuadorian Andes near Quito tends to be more frequently visited), this popular city is a true gem with so much to offer. Whether you’re heading onwards towards Guayaquil to catch a Galapagos cruise or east into the lush Amazon, Cuenca is a good jumping-off spot for further travel in Ecuador.

If you’re looking for a place to stick around for a few months in Ecuador rather than just for a few days, Cuenca is also worth considering.

Long a favorite with foreigners looking for a slower pace for life and a more affordable place to call home, Cuenca has its fair share of expats, retirees, and long-term travelers to keep you company. Keep reading for our recommendations about living in Cuenca to see if it’s right for you.

Is Cuenca Ecuador Worth Visiting?

Cuenca, Ecuador is definitely worth a visit. This charming, laid-back city is a gem offering much of the very best of Ecuador: history, great food, nearby attractions, natural beauty, and more. It’s a favorite among travelers to Ecuador and has earned a reputation as one of Ecuador’s best travel destinations .

However, if you’re working with just a short itinerary to Ecuador, I actually recommend prioritizing a visit to Quito instead of Cuenca. Why? Quito and Cuenca are very similar with their beautiful historic center and mountain surroundings, but Quito has much more to offer in terms of travel potential, with day trips or overnights to some of the country’s most unique destinations.

If you’re spending any less than 10 days in Ecuador , just choose Cuenca or Quito, not both.

What is Cuenca Ecuador Known For?

Cuenca, Ecuador is best known for its gorgeous historical city center, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its impressive cathedrals, mansions, plazas, and buildings. It’s certainly evident to travelers that this part of Cuenca is something special.

In recent years, Cuenca has also become known as one of the most popular destinations for U.S. retirees and expats looking to relocate for a lower cost of living and better quality of life. While Cuenca can be more expensive than some other cities in Ecuador , it’s a destination that is easy to fall in love with.

Plan a Trip to Ecuador

• Ultimate Ecuador Travel Guide
• 10 Days in Ecuador: Ultimate Ecuador Itinerary
• 10 Best Beaches in Ecuador
• Things To Do in the Galapagos Islands

How Many Days Do You Need in Cuenca Ecuador?

We generally recommend that travelers spend at least two to three days exploring Cuenca, Ecuador. Beyond just the stunning historic center and an array of attractions in town, you’ll also find nearby national parks like Parque Las Cajas and the Incan ruins at Ingapirca , meaning you’ll have plenty to fill your itinerary while visiting Cuenca.

While plenty of visitors stick around for longer – some even working from Cuenca as a new, flourishing digital nomad hotspot, I think after about three full days you’ll want to move on, whether to the beaches on the coast of Ecuador or south to Loja and Peru.

Read More: 10 Best Cities in Ecuador

Travel Essential

Don’t head out on your adventure without comprehensive travel insurance! Good travel insurance may cover lost or stolen gear, medical emergencies, delayed or canceled flights, and more.  Check out the policies available from  SafetyWing or compare plans using  Visitors Coverage .

Cuenca Ecuador Map

We created a complete Cuenca Ecuador map to accompany this article – here you’ll find all the hotels, restaurants, and things to do in Cuenca that we recommend throughout the article (plus, some extras)! Feel free to click around the make use of this map, or even download it for your trip to Cuenca so you always have it handy.

Things To Do in Cuenca, Ecuador

There are plenty of things to do in Cuenca, and while you’ll have tons of freedom to craft the itinerary that is perfect for you, my recommendation is to see a range of things and have a range of experiences in Cuenca. Don’t just visit the natural gems around the city or just visit the historic center highlights – make sure to do a bit of all of the best things to do in Cuenca!

1. Visit El Cajas National Park

One of my favorite things to do in Cuenca, Ecuador is actually just outside of Cuenca. El Cajas National Park is one of the most beloved national parks in Ecuador for its stunning and totally unique landscape – some areas of this park almost look like they could be on the moon they’re so distinctive.

You can plan as active a visit to the park as you like or simply drive through the park from destination to destination appreciating its beauty – you’ll find tours that do both and can arrange tons of different experiences in the park if you’re looking for something in particular.

Because El Cajas is such an expansive park, you’ll really need to visit with a guide (or at least a taxi) to get the most out of your trip and explore the different areas of the park. Thankfully small-group excursions and day trips from Cuenca to El Cajas are quite common and affordable. You’ll get to take some gorgeous hikes, visit the stunning Luspa Lake, and more.

2. Take a Comprehensive Tour of Historic Cuenca

Historic Cuenca is by far the most impressive and beautiful part of the city. With plenty of gorgeous churches, cobblestone streets, plazas, and historic buildings, it’s no wonder why Cuenca has long been a UNESCO World Heritage Site .

While the central historic neighborhood of Cuenca is quite walkable, taking a comprehensive Cuenca tour can be a great way to see all of the city, especially if you’re on a shorter itinerary and don’t have tons of time to get lost. Transportation included to the popular Mirador de Turi (Turi Viewpoint) makes it a very convenient way to see the city.

You’ll also find great tours of Cuenca that include half-day visits to El Cajas National Park, the ruins at Ingapirca, and more.

What To Pack for Ecuador

Check out our  Ultimate Ecuador Packing List   to help you pack for your trip – we’re sharing exactly what to bring to Ecuador and what we never travel without.

3. Visiting Cuenca’s Stunning Cathedral

By far the most famous symbol of Cuenca is its massive (and beautiful) cathedral. Known as the Catedral de la Inmaculada Concepción, this impressive church’s stunning blue-tiled domes are totally unique and are by far the most recognizable part of the Cuenca skyline.

This church is massive and grand, so take time to explore its impressive altars and temples when you visit. Near the entrance you’ll find a giant statue of Pope John Paul II, commemorating his visit to the cathedral in 1985.

This cathedral is actually Cuenca’s newer cathedral. The city’s old cathedral, known as the Iglesia del Sagrario or the Antigua Catedral de Cuenca is also gorgeous, though not as large, and is also worth a visit. Located directly across the Parque Calderón plaza from the newer cathedral, it’s easy to visit both as part of a self-guided walking tour of the city.

4. Visit Cuenca’s Flower Market

Located in a plaza just around the corner from Cuenca’s Cathedral, the city’s small but impressive flower market is one you won’t want to skip – after all, Cuenca is a huge exporter of flowers to destinations all over the world.

The market offers everything from basic arrangements and bouquets to altarpieces that churchgoers take to bring to any of the historic center’s many Catholic churches. You’ll also find some of the stalls selling souvenirs or smaller tokens to take home with you.

If you’re visiting the market and you see the church (Iglesia del Carmen de la Asunción) open, make sure to drop by for a visit. It’s not as impressive as some of Cuenca’s other beautiful churches, but it’s worth a quick peek.

5. Take a Day Trip to Ingapirca

Ecuador’s most impressive indigenous ruins are the ruins of Ingapirca, a site inhabited by both the Incas and the local Cañari indigenous populations. The Incans didn’t arrive until the end of the 15th century, so much construction here is Cañari, and it’s quite impressive.

The most impressive part of the site is the circular Temple of the Sun, which stands impressively on a hillside overlooking the area. You’ll be able to explore the ruins quite freely, checking out interesting spots like tombs, courtyards, and terraces – there’s quite a lot to see here.

About an hour and a half north of Cuenca, most visitors choose an affordable day trip to Ingapirca from Cuenca as both the easiest and generally the most cost-effective way to access this site. While you can access Ingapirca from Cuenca by bus, the trip takes almost double the time and requires a fair amount of walking, plus you won’t have a guide to lead you through the site.

Small-group guided day trips of Ingapirca also generally include some cool stops along the way – the one we recommend (our friends used this company and loved them!) includes two stops along the way, including to see artisans making Panama hats by hand, and to a charming small town along the way.

6. Take an Ecuadorian Cooking Class

If you’re looking to take some of Ecuador’s varied cuisine home with you, what better way is there to do it than taking a cooking class ? Cuenca is a great city for it, as it has an abundance of great markets, so you’ll get to explore with a local chef in tow before learning how to make some of Ecuador’s best dishes.

Taking a local cooking class or market tour is one of my top recommendations if you’re looking to have an engaging cultural experience while traveling. Plus, you’ll get to taste some absolutely delicious food and will be better able to decipher menus and order local food with confidence throughout the rest of your trip.

Don’t think about traveling without a good  VPN (Virtual Private Network) . Using a VPN while connecting to the internet is an easy way to keep your personal information safe from hackers and trackers.  We’ve used  NordVPN  for years and couldn’t recommend it more – it’s a must for safety online, at home or abroad. 

7. Try Local Food at the Mercado 9 de Octubre

Even if you don’t explore the markets of Cuenca with a chef, make sure you visit the markets! While there are several markets in Cuenca to choose from, both outdoor markets and covered indoor markets, Mercado 9 de Octubre is one of the best options. Giant, with tons of offerings, and just a few blocks from the center of Cuenca, it’s easy to access and a great place for shopping (or just people-watching.

Mercado 9 de Octubre is one of the best places in Cuenca to sample local foods or eat on a budget ( Ecuador backpackers take note). Stalls on one of the upper levels offer prepared foods ranging from soups and juices to full meals for just a few dollars a plate.

While you’ll find favorite dishes from all over Ecuador, local Andean favorites like roast pork and cheesy potatoes called llapingachos are among the most popular options.

8. Take in the View from Mirador de Turi

Set in an expansive valley surrounded by verdant mountains, there are plenty of spots around Cuenca to take in a great view of the city. One of the best (and most popular) destinations for a beautiful view of the city is the Mirador de Turi (Turi Viewpoint), which offers a view you won’t forget.

This panoramic viewpoint is right near a gorgeous church, making the view even more impressive. If just dropping by for a view of the city isn’t enough to draw you to this place, the variety of cafes and restaurants all around the lookout platform are a great reason to stick around and enjoy the view a little longer.

You can take a public bus here (ask at your accommodations for the easiest route to take from where you’re staying), catch a taxi, or even walk , though the ascent up the stairs, if you walk, is a brutal one, especially considering the altitude of Cuenca.

Read More: 12 Top Tourist Attractions in Ecuador (Not to Miss!)

Where to Stay in Cuenca Ecuador

You’ll have no lack of choices when it comes to where to stay in Cuenca. Guesthouses and boutique hotels abound, many of them charming and historic. While you won’t find tons of modern hotel chains here, you’ll love the beautiful options you have to choose from in Cuenca.

El Cafecito Hostel ($)

The comfy, cozy El Cafecito Hostel is by far Cuenca’s best hostel, offering affordable private rooms and dorm rooms in the heart of the historic center of the city. This hostel’s showstopper is its expansive rooftop patio and cafe, complete with hammocks and loungers – the view is absolutely breathtaking .

Selina Cuenca ($ – $$)

If you’re looking for something nicer than a standard hostel, Selina Cuenca is definitely the place for you. Gorgeous dorm rooms and private rooms, as well as impressive public spaces like a bar, cafe, coworking space, and expansive terrace, make this a destination you’ll want to stick around for.

Selina also does a great job of welcoming travelers to the city with activities like yoga classes and welcome drinks, as well as group trips and excursions to help you get to know other travelers.

Santa Lucia House – Forum ($$)

Located in the very heart of the historic center of Cuenca, Santa Lucia House – Forum is a gorgeous yet affordable boutique hotel with loads of character and charm. The interior patio is a great place to relax and plan your day exploring Cuenca, and rooms are comfortable and unique. You’ll be surprised how affordable this gem is.

Mansion Alcazar Boutique Hotel ($$ – $$$)

A historic mansion turned boutique hotel, Mansion Alcazar is an impressive destination that always seems to outdo itself. Gorgeous dining rooms and salons give way to manicured gardens and even an intimate spa. Rooms are large and comfortable, with beautiful details and the perfect mix of modern and historic charm.

Hotel Cruz del Vado ($$ – $$$)

Hotel Cruz del Vado feels like a landmark more than just a place to stay the night, with its impeccably refurbished historic spaces giving way to what is Cuenca’s most beloved and remarkable hotel.

The rooms are exquisite, offering a touch of history and gorgeous views. Even more impressive views await from the hotel’s expansive terrace – you’ll even be able to spot the blue-tiled domes of Cuenca’s cathedral. The restaurant is absolutely delicious and worth a visit, even if you aren’t a hotel guest.

• Otavalo, Ecuador: Market Guide + Best Things To Do in Otavalo
• Baños, Ecuador: Ultimate Traveler’s Guide
• Guayaquil, Ecuador: Ultimate Traveler’s Guide

Where to Eat in Cuenca Ecuador

Mercado 9 de octubre.

Whether you’re backpacking through Ecuador on a tight budget or have money to spend, make a point to stop by Mercado 9 de Octubre and grab a meal. There’s an upper level where you’ll find tons of food stalls serving fresh and delicious meals, including some Ecuadorian favorites you might not find in more upscale destinations.

If you’re a real market fan (like me!) or are sticking around in Cuenca for a while, here are some of the other markets in the city to consider visiting:

• Mercado 12 de Abril
• Mercado el Arenal
• Mercado 10 de Agosto

La Guarida is a more fine-dining option in Cuenca, though certainly not uptight! Here you’ll find delicious Ecuadorian and international dishes in a beautiful and cozy dining room, slightly off the beaten path but absolutely worth discovering.

Make sure to order the bolón if they have it on the menu – this traditional Ecuadorian dish is a fried ball of smashed plantains mixed with bacon and cheese, which sounds messy but is absolutely delicious!

Moliendo Cafe

Slightly outside of the main tourist destinations within Cuenca’s historic center, Moliendo Cafe is one of my favorite spots to eat in Cuenca. It serves delicious Colombian food in giant portions with affordable prices, making it one of the best deals in the city. Expect no frills here, but look forward to memorable meals!

Cafe De Nucallacta

Cuenca has its fair share of great coffee shops (many of which happen to be favorite hangouts for the city’s expat and retiree populations), but a favorite cafe option is Cafe De Nucallacta . This homey, cozy cafe serves a full menu of entrees including both local and international favorites, as well as traditional “cafe” foods like pastries and coffee served in a variety of ways.

Cafe de Nucallacta is so popular that I heard that it recently expanded to a second location, though it’s never been overly crowded when I’ve visited – it’s a great spot to crack open a book or recharge over coffee and conversation.

Living in Cuenca Ecuador

If you’re looking to stay around in Cuenca a little longer, you’re in luck. Since the 2010s, Cuenca has been considered a top destination for retirees looking for a place to settle down and enjoy the lovely weather, lower cost of living, and better quality of life the city can offer.

Expats and retirees in Cuenca number around 15,000 or more, making for a decent-sized population of foreigners in a city of around 600,000 people.

We also consider Cuenca to be one of the best cities in Latin America for digital nomads and remote workers. Why? It’s laid back and affordable compared to the United States or Europe, and its large expat population makes it easy to make friends. While you won’t find as many true digital nomads here as you’ll find in Quito, it is still a great destination for a few months of remote work.

When we lived abroad for years in Ecuador, we chose Quito, but here are some of the pros and cons of living in Cuenca , whether it be for a few months or as a permanent move.

• Pro: Cuenca has generally lovely weather, with springlike temperatures throughout the year. Keep in mind, it can get quite chilly in the evenings!
• Con: Cuenca doesn’t have an international airport. While it’s well connected to the rest of Ecuador by bus, this can make travel more challenging if you plan to travel a lot.
• Pro: Cuenca is laid back and beautiful, and it’s a much more relaxed city than others like Quito or Guayaquil . It’s gotten busier in recent years, but it’s generally a smaller and more relaxed destination you’ll absolutely love.
• Con: Ecuadorian bureaucracy can be quite a pain to deal with. Whether it’s obtaining residency, purchasing a home or vehicle, or anything in between, expect to do a lot of waiting when doing anything even remotely “official.”
• Pro: The large number of retirees and expats in Cuenca makes it easy to make friends who speak the same language and share the same experiences.
• Con: The large number of retirees and expats in Cuenca has a number of downsides as well. Cuenca is one of Ecuador’s more expensive cities, in part because of the number of foreigners driving up prices. It can also make it more challenging to meet local friends when you’re surrounded by other foreigners.

Carley Rojas Avila

Carley Rojas Avila is a bilingual New York-based travel writer, editor, content marketer, and the founder of the digital travel publications Explorers Away and Home to Havana. Carley is an expert on all things Latin America, the Caribbean, and Cuba, having lived and worked in four different countries in the region. Her writing has appeared on the Associated Press wires and in Travel + Leisure, Yahoo, MSN, Euronews, The Weather Channel, and more. When she's not writing about her travels, find her front row at a Bad Bunny concert, befriending street cats, and taste-testing every pizza in Havana.

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Cuenca, Ecuador Travel Guide

Cuenca is the prettiest city in Ecuador. Expect curved, narrow streets dotted with cute cafes, more patisseries than you’ve seen in the rest of Ecuador put together, and historic churches and squares.

In the Cuenca travel guide, we share all our list of the top things to do in Cuenca and the hidden gems we discovered from our three weeks in the city. Don’t miss our tips for the best baked empanadas in Ecuador and the thermals bathes you shouldn’t miss.

Best Things to Do in Cuenca, Ecuador

Cuenca is only a small city but it’s full of culture, museums and patisseries that are well worth a visit during your Ecuador trip.

Museo Pumapungo

This free museum’s main draw is the Incan-Cañari ruins that you can access by going through the main building. Indoors, the exhibits are split across three levels. There’s a section dedicated to Ecuador’s different ethnic groups on the upper level, a temporary exhibition and some exhibits supporting the ruins on the ground floor and an exhibition dedicated to Ecuadorian pre-dollar currency on the lower level.

Teatro Pumapungo

Next door to the Museo Pumapungo, you can find the Teatro Pumungo. We saw a free show by the impressive Orqestra Sinfonica de Cuenca, who play regularly each week or so.

CIDAP is a tiny free museum dedicated to artisans and popular art. We saw an exhibition dedicated to Carnaval. We’d recommend a 10-minute visit to this museum as part of a nice walk along the Rio Tomebamba river. If you continue along the river from CIDAP, you will pass Cuenca’s famous broken bridge, Puente Roto, and eventually reach Parque El Paraiso.

Casa Museo Remigio Crespo Toral

This museum was once home to Remigio Crespo Toral, a poet and collector who lived in Cuenca. The upper floors are mostly preserved in a colonial style and there is a section on the lower floors dedicated to his collection of pre-Hispanic artefacts. The museum has balconies and a cafe overlooking the Rio Tomebamba. Entrance is free, but visiting hours are limited on the weekends. The museum is just over the road from the popular Goza Espresso Bar.

Learn Spanish at Yunapuma Spanish School

Spanish lessons in Cuenca don’t come much cheaper than the $6.50 charged for a group class by Yunapuma Spanish School . The groups aren’t large — there were just the two of us in our group! I highly recommend you ask for Patricia, who was our Spanish teacher for a week. She was an excellent teacher who was able to explain tricky concepts very clearly. The only downside of this Spanish school is that your teacher can change weekly depending on the school’s schedule.

El Cajas National Park

Top pick! This beautiful national park is only an hour from Cuenca by bus. It’s an interesting highland landscape punctuated by lakes and forests made up of small trees. Entrance is free, but you’ll be asked to sign in at a visitors centre. We brought our passports to be on the safe side, but nobody asked to look at them.

We hiked “route 1” which was clearly marked and took us three hours, and were lucky enough to see some wild llamas (or maybe alpacas) grazing not far from the path. Be prepared for all weathers as it can rain at a moment’s notice. If you’re fair-skinned, you should put on plenty of sunscreen even if it’s cloudy.

To get to Cajas National Park:

• Catch a bus from the Terminal Terrestre de Cuenca.
• A bus ticket costs $2 each way. You also have to pay $0.10 to enter the bus platform.
• Buses leave throughout the day. We caught the 9AM Azuay bus.
• The bus stops right outside the national park.
• To return, simply flag a bus on the other side of the road.

Relax at the Piedra de Agua Fuente Thermal & Spa

Piedra de Agua is a popular spa in Banos, on the outskirts of Cuenca. We took advantage of a two-for-one deal and paid $35 to try the spa circuit. Friendly staff took us through the works: a steam bath, mud therapy, thermal pools, cold pools and a steam box. Afterwards, we were given time to relax in the outdoor pools. The main outdoor pools were popular with families, but there were also adult-only pools for some relaxation. A taxi costs $5 each way from the centre of Cuenca. We enjoyed the experience, but we’d recommend trying to take advantage of one of their deals.

Mirador de Turi

The Mirador de Turi is a viewpoint that overlooks Cuenca. Best explored on a clear day, there’s a picturesque church and a couple of stands selling food and drink. There are also bars and restaurants, though these were closed when we visited on a Sunday. It’s about an hour’s walk from the city centre to the Mirador de Turi, but some of the steps can be tiring.

Best Cafes in Cuenca, Ecuador

Cuenca is home to some of Ecuador’s best cafes and bakeries. If we’d known there would be so many nice bakeries in town and at such cheap prices, we would’ve fasted a few days before arriving so we could gorge!

El Francés — By far our favourite place for baked goods in Cuenca. This little cafe is run by a Frenchman, and true to its name sells real French baguettes and real French cheese. On the menu, you’ll also find divine deserts including little berry muffins, scones and passion fruit cheesecake. The bread and cakes were so good we visited nearly every day.

Café de Ñucallacta — The best coffee in Cuenca is roasted and brewed at Café de Ñucallacta — and they sell it by the cup and the bag. This unassuming cafe expands out the back with nicely tiled floors and tables filled with digital nomads tapping on their keyboards. Food here is good value and portions are plentiful. Expect burritos, tacos, eggs and fruit bowls.

Goza Espresso Bar — If you need a strong espresso hit, Goza is the place. This cafe-come-bar is a little more pricey than the others but is reliably always open and is a hub for both locals and expats. If it’s too late in the day, switch to a vino tinto or a cold local beer. If you come to eat, expect to pay $6+ for a small plate of food or a sandwich.

Taita — Taita is a grungy bakery on the edge of Cuenca, but a super place for freshly baked bread, rolls and croissants. The dark-painted space has stools and a few overly-generous breakfast options that will leave you busting at the seams. Coffee was extremely weak.

Best Restaurants in Cuenca, Ecuador

Whilst the cafes in Cuenca are some of the best in Ecuador, we found they overshadowed the restaurant choice. That said, we explored quite thoroughly and have a shortlist of restaurants in Cuenca we’d recommend, though if you’re a foodie our advice is to get yourself to Quito !

Kamaq Gastro Arte & Cultura — Kamaq isn’t much to look at from the outside or the inside truth be told, but don’t let appearances deceive you. The chef here serves up Ecuadorian and Latin American fare with exquisite attention to detail. I recommend the llapingachos. At Kamaq, these humble potato cakes are taken to another level. Also, watch out for their live music. We listened to a brilliant singer play Latin American classics one Saturday evening. There was no cover charge, but an envelope was passed around for tips at the end of the show.

Moliendo Cafe — This always-busy Colombian restaurant looks nicer on the inside than it does on the outside. Moliendo Cafe serves up gut-busting portions of Colombian food for very reasonable prices. We tried the vegan guacamole arepa ($2.50) and the arepa vegetariana ($3). Authentic Colombian fare is also available.

Fabiano’s Pizzeria — This bustling pizza restaurant is supposedly the best in Cuenca. We visited on a Sunday evening and they were doing a roaring trade with both locals and expats. We split a medium-sized vegetarian pizza, a salad, and had a glass of wine each. The bill came to just over $20 and honestly, it was one of the best pizzas we had in South America.

Cofradia del Monje — We only visited the Cofradia del Monje for a beer and a glass of wine, but it was a scenic spot with good views of the Plaza de San Francisco and the impressive Catedral de Cuenca. Drinks were probably expensive by local standards, but worth the extra dollar or two for the view, in our opinion.

Loreto Empanadas — The best baked empanadas in Ecuador. We’re always hankering after vegetarian empanadas and found this excellent empanada joint to satiate our cravings. The empanadas here are oven-baked and are served on a wooden board with roasted tomato sauce and pico de gallo. Three empanadas of any type are priced at $4.50 and are well worth it.

Accommodation in Cuenca, Ecuador

Hotel Cuenca — We stayed 1 night at Hotel Cuenca. We mistimed our journey and arrived in Cuenca on an overnight bus earlier than expected. Hotel Cuenca is one of the few reasonably priced hotels that is centrally located and has 24-hour front desk service. Our stay was comfortable, though we wouldn’t recommend a long stay here.

Cuenca Loft Apartment — We booked 3 weeks in this gorgeous apartment in Cuenca. The apartment shares a courtyard with three other apartments and a French patisserie (which is the real highlight!) The apartment has a big double bed, small shower room with very hot water and a well-equipped kitchen. Not to mention how cute it is!

Getting In and Out of Cuenca, Ecuador

Cuenca is well connected to other large cities in Ecuador. Many travellers take a bus from Guayaquil to Cuenca or from Quito to Cuenca, though Quito to Cuenca is much longer (around 8 hours).

From Quito to Cuenca: Overnight buses run from Quito to Cuenca. Buses leave from Quito’s Terminal Terrestre Quitumbe and take approximately 11-12 hours. You can also fly between Quito and Cuenca, which is more expensive but flights take only 30 minutes.

From Guayaquil to Cuenca: Buses leave regularly from Guayaquil to Cuenca, and the journey takes around 4 hours. We travelled by bus from Guayaquil to Cuenca after a flight from the Galapagos to Guayaquil. We paid $12 per person for a minibus from Guayaquil to Cuenca and didn’t book in advance.

How to Get from Cuenca to Peru

Honestly, we were dreading travelling overland via the night bus from Cuenca to Peru. Ever since a couple of nightmarish night buses in Mexico and Vietnam , we’ve done our best to avoid them. But in the end, the experience was okay. Certainly not relaxing, but bearable.

Here’s what you need to know about the overnight bus from Cuenca to Peru:

• Take the bus from the Terminal Terrestre de Cuenca to Chiclayo in Peru.
• Opt for the Azuay bus. It seems to be the least bad option based on online reviews.
• Book your bus ticket a few days in advance. If you get motion sick, opt for a seat on the top floor of the bus.
• A ticket from Cuenca to Chicolay in Peru costs $20 per person with Azuay.
• The seats reclined and there was a place to rest your feet. Air conditioning is a tolerable level and they didn’t play any music or films.
• We boarded the bus at 8:30PM and we arrived at the Ecuador border at around 1:30AM.
• The border crossing took about two hours. The crossing was complicated by the coronavirus outbreak. They took everyone’s temperature before letting them into Peru, which took quite a long time.
• Make sure you don’t overstay your VISA in Ecuador as the fines can be brutal (around $800 per person).
• The bus also stopped in Mancora (around 5:30AM) and Piura (around 9AM) before eventually arriving in Chicoclay (11.30AM).
• In Chicoclay, we were able to catch another bus ( yay ) to Trujillo.
• The bus from Chicoclay to Trujillo cost 15 Neuvo Sol and took another four hours.

Are you travelling to Cuenca? Let us know your favourite things to do in the city!

Luke Nicholson

Quito Travel Guide

Small businesses in brighton to support during coronavirus.

Jain and Jay

We have many things in common with the two of you, having visited 120 countries or forty years. Cuenca is one of our favourite places and we have ex-pat friends living there. We had booked a condo for the month of March and, of course, the COVID virus squelched that trip. Like you, we do not seek the usual tourist experiences, although the UNESCO sites are definitely worth experiencing. We usually seek a house or apartment with laundry facilities and a good kitchen.

Alex Nieves

I would like to visit Ecuador, and Peru.

Fabiano’s is not the best pizza in cuenca. Not even in the top 3! Il Mediterrano, Bertuchi’s, and La Vina are all far better pizzas

Charlie Marchant

Thanks for the tip, Tim!

Leave a reply Cancel reply

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Cuenca (Ecuador)

• 1 Understand
• 2.1 By plane
• 2.2 By bus or car
• 3 Get around
• 5.1 Outside of Cuenca
• 10.1 Budget
• 10.2 Mid-range
• 10.3 Splurge

Cuenca is a vibrant colonial city in southern Ecuador , the third largest in the country, and the capital of Azuay Province. The city is located in a highland valley at about 2,500 m (8,200 ft) above sea level, and is home to 518,000 people according to the 2010 census . Its moderate climate makes it enjoyable year round. The center of the city is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site site because of its many historical buildings. Everywhere you look in Cuenca, there are flowers, blooming trees, grass and rushing waters.

Cuenca is surrounded by mountains on all sides, with passes to the west, south and east. From downtown, looking southwest, you can see the beautiful Cajas mountains; the majority of this area is protected by the large Cajas National Park (Parque Nacional Cajas), well worth the trip.

The city is cleaner and safer than most large cities in developing countries and there are claims it has purer water than most U.S. and European cities. Unlike other cities in Ecuador, the drinking water is OK to consume. From 2010 to 2013 the government utility agency, ETAPA, built new water and sewage mains covering 8,000 hectares (20,000 acres).

The Cuenca city government has hired a Spanish urban planning company to design 80 km of bicycle trails that will be constructed throughout the city of Cuenca. These trails are in addition to the trails that already follow several of the rivers that run through Cuenca.

Understand [ edit ]

Cuenca's full name is Santa Ana de los cuatro ríos de Cuenca . The dominant features of the city's geography are also the source of its name; In Spanish cuatro rios means "four rivers" and cuenca means "basin", and the city is in a basin made by a confluence of rivers. These rivers are the Tomebamba (named after the Cañari culture), Yanuncay, Tarqui and Machangara, in order of importance. The first three of these rivers originate in the Páramo of Parque Nacional Cajas to the west of the city. These four rivers are part of the Amazon river watershed. In fact, the locals are very proud of their rivers.

Cuenca is a city whose culture encompasses over 100 years or more at the same time. While walking in Cuenca, you will see modern buildings, use high-speed internet and wireless communications while seeing natives washing their clothes in the river while talking on cell phones. You will see many modern vehicles while seeing people move their cows, horses and donkeys to graze along the rivers and parks. In around the markets, you will see people milking their goats and others hauling milk into town on a donkey. This is the charm of Cuenca, a culture that encapsulates traditions and practices of many decades.

A tram line, Tranvía, has been in operation since March 2020, along one line with 27 stops.

Cuenca is a very walkable city. Over the past year, the city has been upgrading miles of sidewalks which is making the city even more pedestrian friendly. Just watch for the drivers, because they will not watch for you. The Ecuadorian government is working on slowing down traffic, but this will take some time and education.

Get in [ edit ]

By plane [ edit ]

Be mindful that, unless you are already in Quito or Guayaquil, flying to Cuenca will likely require multiple layovers. If connecting through Quito or Guayaquil, you may have to go through customs then re-enter through security. Make sure you have enough time between flights to make your connections.

A taxi from the Cuenca airport to the center of the city is approximately US$2–3. The Tranvía , Cuenca's tramway line, also connects the airport with the city center. As of December 2023, a ticket on the Tranvia costs US$1.

By bus or car [ edit ]

Cuenca lies on the Pan-American highway. Buses offer connections to many cities in Ecuador. The bus system in Ecuador is well developed. Buses can be obtained every one or two hours during the day.

Loja for connections to Vilcabamba (4½-7 hr, $7.5). The Viajeros buses to Loja do not have a working bathroom and they can take up to 7 hours (you maybe told that it will take 4 hours and that it only make one stop, but it may stop more than 50 times).

San Luis buses run from Cuenca to Loja using the national park route and take 4½ hours, $8. Departures at 07:45, 11:00, 16:00, 19:30 and 24:00. There is a working toilet.

• To Alausi : 4 hours (Transportes Alausi)
• To Riobamba : 6 hours (Patria)
• To Piura, Peru: There is a service to Piura leaving at 19:30, 21:00 and 23:00. This is a partnership between two companies, Pullman Sucre and CIFA International. It is necessary to change bus at either Machala or Huaquillas. The 19:30 and 23:00 services connect to a special sleeper seat service. The price is $12–15 depending on the class of service. It is a good idea to purchase your ticket a day in advance as it is not unusual for them to book out.
• To Tumbes, Peru: Azuay has one bus a day from Tumbes to Cuenca at 21:00 that arrives in Tumbes at 03:00 or so. Pullman Sucre no longer runs this route, despite what the schedule on their website says (Feb 2018). You may prefer to take one of several buses a day offered by Pullman Sucre or by Azuay ($8, Feb 2018) bus to Huaquillas (Ecuador), and take a bus or taxi for the remaining 30-min drive to Tumbes.

A yellow taxi to the joint Ecuador-Peru "Migraciones" building is $5, and a white Peruvian taxi from there to Tumbes is a fixed rate of US$10 or S/ 33 (Feb 2018) -- the drivers take either currency, regardless of what you might be told by a taxi driver from Huaquillas who will offer you soles at a rip-off exchange rate.

There is a $0.10 departure fee for leaving from the bus terminal, which you pay at a machine before you can access the platform.

Get around [ edit ]

Cuenca's tourism office, iTur , is on the main plaza (Parque Calderón) and has lots of helpful maps and brochures to guide you during your visit in and around the city. (M-F 08:00–22:00, Sa Su 08:30–13:30 Mariscal Sucre, between Luis Cordero and Benigno Malo. +593 7-282-1035, [email protected]). There is also a satellite iTur office in the airport (M-W 07:30–11:00, 14:00–15:30 and 17:00–19:00, Th F 07:30–11:00, 14:00–15:30, 16:30–19:00, Sa 08:00–12:00. +593 7-286-2203, ext 162).

Central Cuenca is easily walkable, and it is often faster than taking a cab through the narrow traffic-jammed lanes.

Cabs are readily available and charge $1.50–3 per trip. The fee should be negotiated before entering the car. Some taxis make use of taxi-meters.

City buses are also fairly easy to figure out. Most bus stops are marked. The cost is $0.25 per ride (exact change is required as you put coins into a machine, there is no fare collector on the bus) (July 2017). You can buy an SIT card for $1.75 at any shop that offers SIT recargas . You can find a guide to using the City buses, as well as maps of the routes and an online trip planner at CuencaTransit.com [dead link] .

See [ edit ]

• Seminario San Luis . Two small but cute courtyards adjacent to the cathedral, they can be accessed from Santa Ana street or from Parque Calderón / Benigno Malo. Both offer beautiful views of the domes of the New Cathedral. There is a few restaurants and coffee shops there, a very nice scenery to enjoy your meal.
• El Sagrario (the "old cathedral"). Construction began in 1557. It's no longer in use as a church, and is now a museum. A restoration project has been completed and the original paint and old murals can now be seen in certain sections. $2.
• Museo y Parque Arqueológico Pumapungo ( Pumapungo Archaeological Museum and Park, formerly the Central Bank Museum ), Calle Larga and Huayna Cápac , ☏ +593 7 2831-521 . Tu-F 08:30-16:30; Sa Su and holidays 10:00-16:00 . The museum has very good exhibits for those interested in the ethnological history of the region and city, including exhibits like the shrunken heads. The museum has expansive grounds with well-preserved Inca ruins, an aviary with a variety of spectacular birds, a botanical garden with a focus on food and medicinal plants used by the Incas, and some llamas. Free .  
• Museo de las Culturas Aborigenes ( Museum of Aboriginal Cultures ), Calle Larga 5-24 at Mariano Cueva . M-F 09:00-17:00 . A large collection of pre-Columbian artifacts and pottery displayed. There seemed to be free guides in English (or French) describing room by room the artifacts but it couldn’t be confirmed as of February 2023. Guidebooks in Spanish, French and English can be borrowed. Cafe and handicrafts shop. $4 . ( updated Feb 2023 )
• CIDAP (Centro Interamericano de Artesanías y Artes Populares) ( Interamerican Center of Crafts and Folk Art ), Hermano Miguel 3-23 and Paseo Tres de Noviembre , ☏ +593 7 2840-919 . M-F 09:00-17:00, Sa 09:00-16:00 . The CIDAP has the largest collection of crafts and pieces of folk art of America, from 26 countries with more than 8000 pieces of ceramics, textiles, wood, metals, plant fibers, stone, glass, utensils, and tools of work. It offers a variety of temporary exhibitions throughout the year. Free . ( updated Feb 2018 )
• Christmas Parade (Pase del Niño Viajero) — On 24 December, Cuenca offers a magnificent parade, considered to be the largest and best Christmas celebration in Ecuador and even South America. The procession begins at 10:00 at San Sebastian, goes along Simón Bolivar street, Plaza Calderón and ends up in San Blas. Thousands of musicians accompany the procession and every neighborhood decorates trucks, horses and whatever they can find with plenty of symbols. Children dress up in colorful costumes or as biblical figures. The parade last for at least 7 hours. During the parade, you will see thousands of people dressed up as Joseph, Mary, the three Wise Men, angels, etc. This is truly a sight to see.
• Festival de Independencia — The independence of Cuenca is celebrated with a huge festival that lasts twice as long as the battle did. Each year it begins the first few days of November and lasts for three to four days. There are hundreds of art displays, craft booths, roving entertainment, street food, and general festivities. Artisans from all over Ecuador, Colombia, Peru and Bolivia display and sell their works. During this time, there are also many stages with bands and performers. On the north side of the river, at the bottom of the Escalinatas, the grounds of the art museum CIDAP host much more elaborate display booths than those that crowd the sidewalks. A little farther up the river, at La Esquina des Artes across from the University of Cuenca, there are several artists, and a few vendors sell gourmet food products. La Esquina des Artes is an area of permanent shops of artists and artisans.

Do [ edit ]

• Free Walking Tour .  
• Sightseeing Bus . $5 for 2-hour tour of Cuenca and a visit to the Mirador de Turi (Turi viewpoint). Leaves from Parque Calderón. For one price, you can get off the bus anywhere you like and get on the next bus that comes.  
• Cuenca River Walk . The river walk is a great place to walk, relax and enjoy the views of the city. The city of Cuenca has a vision for the river walk to someday become another San Antonio, Texas . The river walk is along the Tomebamba river that flows close to downtown.  

Outside of Cuenca [ edit ]

• Devil’s Nose train leaves from Alausi , about 2½ hours from Cuenca. It is considered one of the world’s best railway engineering feats. This scenic railway travels over a series of switchbacks as it zigzags down the steep mountainside passing small villages and Andean lakes along the way. As of March 2022, the train remains shut down due to continuing COVID restrictions. There is a hiking trail nearby that offers a view of the train's route. Contact local tour companies for further information and assistance.

• Hot springs and spa in Cuenca — On the outskirts of Cuenca, about a 15-minute bus ride from Coral Centro on Las Americas, 40 minutes from downtown, is a quaint little town called Baños de Cuenca (not to be confused with Baños , nearer Quito.) Baños de Cuenca is right below a mountain where natural warm mineral water flows into the valley. The people of this quiet little town took advantage of this natural resource and created three different mineral spring parks where one can go and bathe in the mineral pools. Two of these mineral springs are geared for families with small children, $8 per day per person. Piedra de Agua Mineral Springs & Spa, a beautiful resort with restaurant, is in the same area. Admission is $10 to spend the whole day in these mineral pools, $20 extra for the spa. Sunscreen can be handy as the pools are outdoor.

Learn [ edit ]

• Learn Spanish . There are many language schools for foreign visitors in Cuenca.

Buy [ edit ]

• Flowers at the flower market on Calle Sucre across from the new cathedral. Continue on about a block from there to get to the clothing and artesan market where one can also find knit crafts from Otavalo . Lovely handmade ruanas, sweaters, hats, mittens, and finger puppets are also available here.
• Inside the yellow CemuArt building across from the police station at the market other artisans have booths with beautiful embroidery, metal, wood and leather work, Panama hats, musical instruments, knit goods, jewelry and other handicrafts.
• -2.90011 -79.01112 1 ABC Libreria , Padre Aguirre 8-11 y Sucre , ☏ +593 7 2845 749 . Diagonal to the flower market, there is a tiny selection of English books. ( updated Feb 2024 )
• -2.87621 -78.98415 2 Centro de Bordados Cuenca , Frank Tosi Iñiguez Lote 605 y Paseo Río Machángara , ☏ +593 9 8774 9957 , [email protected] . Exclusive arts from rural communities located in the southern region of Ecuador. ( updated Feb 2024 )
• -2.90111 -79.00805 3 La Esquina des Artes , Av. 12 de Abril and Agustín Cueva , ☏ +593 99 777 8435 . Daily 12:00-15:30, also M-Sa 19:00-22:30 . A permanent and quaint display of artists and artisans located next to the University of Cuenca. ( updated Feb 2024 )
• -2.91894 -79.01453 4 Mall del Rio , Av. Felipe II y Circunvalacion Sur . Cuenca's biggest shopping mall, with cinemas (typically Spanish language only) and food court. ( updated Feb 2024 )
• Rafael Paredes & Hijos , ☏ +593 7 2831-569 . To buy from their fine range of Panama hats. You get a short tour round, an explanation of how they are made and a chance to see your hat go from a simple woven straw cone to a finished wearable hat. Various styles, men's and women's and sizes.  
• Used Books , Hermano Miguel ( near Calle Larga ). There are two wonderful used English bookstores --although a bit pricy ($5-20).  

Eat [ edit ]

• -2.89586 -79.005 1 Cafe Eucalyptus , Gran Colombia 9-41 , ☏ +593 7 2849157 . W 17:00-20:30, on Th-Sa 17:00-2:00 . Very popular with travellers, all-tapas bar, all very tasty. Live music on weekends. It's warm and friendly, and also good for groups. Quite expensive for Ecuador, $5 for a Coca-cola plus tip makes one think that the travellers are taken advantage of. ( updated Feb 2024 )
• -2.90192 -79.00409 2 Goza , La Merced, Calle, Presidente Borrero ( 1 block east and 4 blocks south from Parque Calderón ), ☏ +593 9 89662728 , [email protected] . One of the better cafés in the lovely historical centre of Cuenca, with a beautiful (heated!) street terrace and friendly staff. Great variety of coffees available. The food is also praised though pricier than most restaurants, coffees are the real deal here. Coffee from $1.50 to $4.70 . ( updated Feb 2024 )
• -2.88973 -79.02911 3 Jazz Society Café ( The Jazz Society of Ecuador ), Los Cedros y Los Claveles 203 ( one block North of Ordonez Lasso ), ☏ +593 096 322 33 77 , [email protected] . W-Sa 18:30-22:00. The music begins at 19:30 . The Jazz Society Café is the Cuenca performance venue of the Jazz Society of Ecuador. Reservations on website or by email. Food served by Mother and Son Family Kitchen. Jazz dinners are 16:00-19:00. ( updated Feb 2024 )
• La Fornace , Ave Remigio Crespo Toral 5-13 , ☏ +593 7-288-3920 . A well-known local pizza chain in Cuenca that has three or four branches. The fruit pizza is excellent and quite inexpensive. The ice cream there is also delicious and costs about 70¢ for the first scoop. ( updated Feb 2024 )
• -2.902128 -79.002765 4 Moritas , Hermano Miguel 4-36 y Calle Larga ( From Calle Large (the road along the river with the all the bars and restaurants) a few meters up on Hermano Miguel ), ☏ +593 99 290 6777 . Daily 08:00-13:00 . Nice little cafe which serves yum affordable breakfasts. Much of the food features raspberries in one way or another. breakfasts from $2 . ( updated Feb 2024 )
• -2.90127 -79.02315 5 El Mercado , Calle Larga 8-27 , ☏ +593 7-282-3089 , [email protected] . M-Sa 12:00-22:00, closed Su . Rustic and yet pretty formal. Think lamb chops and wine. Reservations online.  
• -2.89605 -79.01402 6 San Sebas Cafe , 1-94 San Sebastian y Mariscal Sucre ( On the corner of Parque San Sebastian ), ☏ +593 7-284-3496 . Daily 8:30-15:00 . Great little cafe with a good atmosphere. Serves breakfast and lunch. ( updated Feb 2024 )
• -2.89465 -79.01188 7 Mujeres con éxito , Baltazara de Calderon 2-26 . Closes around 14:00 . Cheap and better than average local lunch with a soup, a main dish, a dessert and a drink. Made by women victims of domestic violence (>50% of population in Cuenca). The Mujeres con Éxito association has other activities to support and empower these women. $2.75 . ( updated Feb 2024 )

Drink [ edit ]

• La Mesa . Great salsateque on Wednesday nights. Full of locals and extended-stay travellers. Extremely fun.  
• El Cafecito . Hostel-bar-restaurant. Appears very noisy and uncomfortable as a hotel, but it is a good place to eat lasagna or sandwiches although more expensive than most places. The perfect place to start your night with a few drinks and to then proceed elsewhere.  

Sleep [ edit ]

• Hostal Villa Del Rosario , 5-25 Honorato Vasquez, Cuence ( Opposite El Capitolio hostel ), ☏ +593 7-282-8585 . Lovely, quiet place, with a mix of rooms to suit all travellers: singles, doubles, double en-suites. Gorgeous little courtyard with garden in the middle of it all; a hummingbird likes to hang out there sometimes! Very cheap, but really clean, and just nice. $2 breakfast: eggs, toast, juice, coffee, bread and jam. Towels provided. Lady owner very friendly, but it really helps to speak Spanish! Cuenca is really safe, but even more so in this area - Calle Larga is a block away. Reception is next door, but there is a bell to ring to the left of the main door to get someone to come over - it's hard to spot it, but the bell is there! $13 .  

Budget [ edit ]

• La Casa Cuencana , Hermano Miguel 4-45 , ☏ +593 7-282-6009 , [email protected] . Owned by an Ecuadorian family, this hostel is located in the heart of Cuenca's historic district. Dorms and private rooms available with or without private bathroom. Hostel is quiet enough to get a good night sleep but in the same neighborhood of all the great restaurants and bars. from $20 for a dorm room .  
• Hostal Villa Flora , Borrero 5-15 ( entre Juan Jaramillo y Honorato Vásquez ), ☏ +593 7-284-6842 , [email protected] . Check-out: 14:00 . A cheap option in the historic centre. Includes a cafeteria service, a laundry, and cable tv. from $10 p.p. with private bathroom, $8 single shared bath .  
• Casa Naranja , Mariscal Lamar 10 38 & Padre Aguirre , ☏ +593 8 8867661 , +593 99 276 8934 (WhatsApp) . Nice, clean rooms at less than $13. Features 2 indoor patios, fully equipped kitchen and is 3 blocks from the main square in a safe area. Colonial house with indoor balconies and has single, double, triple and quadruple rooms.  
• Hostal Yakumama , Luis Cordero 5-66, Cuenca Canton , ☏ +593 7-283-4353 . Hostel run by Swiss siblings a couple of blocks away from Cuenca's main square. The place features an amazing design and also has a very nice restaurant and bar. 6-bed dorm $8, 4-bed dorm $9, 2-bed dorm (bunk) $9/$10, double (shared bathroom) $20, double (private bathroom) $27. All prices include breakfast .  
• Hostal Perla Cuencana , Mariscal Lamar 8-44 between Benigno Malo and Luis Cordero ( 2 blocks north from Parque Calderón; or from the bus terminal, walk one block north and catch the westbound bus n°28 ($0.25/pers) and get off at Luis Cordero ), ☏ +593 7 2850-792 , [email protected] . Check-out: noon . Owned by a local family, the hostel is perfectly located, very central. Clean and comfortable though some might find it bare and old with its creaky wooden floors and uncharming facade. Large rooms with windows and some with balconies (the best are at the back, away from the noise of the street). Free and good Wi-Fi (in the rooms), laundry facilities, communal kitchen (very basic), towels provided, and roof terrace. Great and cheap place. The owner is very helpful and friendly. $7/person/night with shared bathroom, regardless of the type of room .  
• -2.90568 -78.99632 1 Hostal Alternative , Av. Huayna Capac y Casique Duma Esq . Well-run hostel located next to the Pumapungo museum and archaeological site. Relaxed atmosphere, clean rooms and a free to use kitchen. Great escape from the chaos and noise of the downtown bars while still being within walking distance. $22 . ( updated Jun 2017 )

Mid-range [ edit ]

• Hotel Casa del Aguila , Mariscal Sucre , ☏ +593 97 995 2974 . In a picturesque colonial-style building in the Historical center. 17 comfortable rooms with bathroom, distributed in 3 floors. $59 for two people, excluding 22% tax and free breakfast .  
• Hostel Calle Angosta , Tarqui I2-38 entre Sangurima y Vega Munoz , ☏ +593 7 282 2489 , [email protected] . This place is set back off the road, so it's pretty quiet. You are immediately treated like family, and they will do anything reasonable to help you out. There is parking, and you are about 8 blocks from central park. The water hot and they provide cable TV. While it does lack a little homeyness, it's because the facility is brand new. From $25 for a single room with private bath, $40 for a couple with private bath - all include breakfast: bread, juice, coffee, and eggs .  
• Posada del Rio Lodging , Hermano Miguel 4- 18 y , ☏ +593 7 2823111 . Nice hostel in the center of the city with a full kitchen, hot showers 24/7, and the friendliest service in town. Warm, homey, and very centrally located. From $20 dorm, $28 private weknights, more on weekends .  
• Hotel Inca Real : Charming heritage site at General Torres 8-40 between Sucre and Bolivar, behind the new cathedral. Most rooms are large, and all are quiet. All room windows open onto interior courtyards. Three colonial houses joined into one charming hotel. There are three interior courtyards. The first is the hotel lobby and breakfast room, the second has a lovely fountain, and the third is a quiet hideaway. +593 7-2823-636. $45.14 for two people, including tax and breakfast.
• Hostal Macondo , Calle Tarqui 11 64 & Mariscal Lamar , ☏ +593 7-282-1700 . An old colonial building with a pretty courtyard. The price includes breakfast. Very pretty but simple rooms, quiet, with a self-serve kitchen, free wireless, book exchange, and large DVD library. Very nice hot showers with good pressure. $21 .  
• Hotel Milan , Presidente Cordova 8-89 ( corner of Padre Aguirre ), ☏ +593 7 2831104 . The most affordable nice hotel in town. Located in the center, across from the church and square of San Francisco. Most rooms have a balcony. All have cable TV and hot water. Price includes breakfast on the roof. Friendly staff, excellent value. $17 for one person, $25 for double.  

Splurge [ edit ]

• Mansion Alcazar , Bolivar 12-55 , ☏ +593 7-282-3918 . Ahh, the pampered life, with antiques and heavy carpets in an old restored mansion. Get your free breakfast here in a formal setting and maybe try a spa afterwards. From $120 .  
• -2.902985 -79.012356 2 Hotel Terra Sur Cuenca , Av. Remigio Romero, Remigio Tamariz Crespo 2-61 , ☏ +593 7281 4511 , toll-free: +593 9879 59230 , [email protected] . Check-in: 15:00 , check-out: 11:00 . 4 junior suites, 3 one-bedroom suites and 4 two-bedroom suites, a restaurant and a terrace with a city view. For international arrangements calls +1 754 213-1423 From $56 . ( updated Aug 2019 )
• Itza Hotel Boutique , ☏ +593 7282 7100 , [email protected] . Boutique hotel with 16 rooms located just one block from the main square. Restaurant and a rooftop terrace with a city view. ( updated Dec 2022 )

Go next [ edit ]

Cajas National Park: Approximately a 1-hour drive outside Cuenca you will find this national park with beautiful lagoons. It is free to enter and you will be asked to check in at the front office, requiring your passport. There are restrooms and a cafeteria at the park entrance as well. Hiking, camping, and fishing are popular activities. You can reach Cajas by bus (leaving from Terminal Terrestre) or you can arrange a cab. It can take some time to return as you'll have to wait for a bus or cab.

There are several hiking routes through Cajas. "Route 1" is the shortest (approximately 3 miles) and is a good day hike, taking you past several lagoons and inside a stunning forest of "paper trees." Route 1 does not require any technical climbing, but it has lengthy uphill sections and can be physically challenging. Depending on your fitness and pace, route 1 can take 2-4 hours.

Due to the high altitude, Cajas can be much colder than lower-elevation areas, so bring warm layers. If you are unused to the altitude, go slowly and rest as needed. Inexperienced hikers should consider going with a guide or requesting a guide at the park entrance as it is possible to get lost.

Sigsig and Chordeleg: Lovely towns about an hour outside of Cuenca. The landscape during the bus ride is quite scenic. Chordeleg is known for its silver and gold and is a pleasant town to walk around in. Sig Sig is known for a co-op of women who weave 'sombrero de paja toquilla' aka 'Panama Hats' or 'Montecristi'. There is a beautiful river to sit by and a market to visit.

Onward towards Peru : Many travellers find themselves in Cuenca as their last stop in Ecuador before heading to Peru. The fastest way to get to Peru is via Huaquillas and into Tumbes . At Cuenca's Terminal Terrestre there is a company called Pullman Sucre that will sell you a ticket to Tumbes, Mancora or Piura . The journey is fairly simple and involves the following: First 5 or so hours on a Pullman bus until Huaquillas where the bus will stop by the highway at the Ecuadorian immigration point to get your exit stamp. Since this is the end of the journey on the first bus you will have to wait for the CIFA bus to arrive and pick you up. The CIFA bus will head through Aguas Verdes and onto the Peruvian immigration point to get the entry stamp and then head onward towards for another 30–40 min to Tumbes.

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Things To Do and See in Cuenca Ecuador: Local’s Ultimate Guide

Cuenca Ecuador is the third-largest city in the country and a hidden gem to visit. It offers so many unique things to see!

With its colonial streets and architecture, Cuenca is also known as the Athens of Ecuador.

The city is rich in culture, arts, and artisanry which made Cuenca Historic Center as one of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites . Cuenca Ecuador locals or Cuencanos are known for their hospitality. They are very welcoming and friendly thus, it is a popular destination in Ecuador . It is popular not only for tourists but even for expats and retirees.

Cuenca Ecuador is a fascinating destination that has been attracting tourists for centuries. It’s a modern-day treasure trove of history, culture and natural beauty. Cuenca Ecuador is one of the oldest cities in South America with an elevation of 2,550 meters above sea level. We loved Cuenca’s vibe and it’s a must-visit city in Ecuador.

It was one of the cities we visited during our 15-day self-drive trip to Ecuador Mainland (check Day 13th).

Why Cuenca is a Must-Visit City in Ecuador

Cuenca Ecuador is a city that offers something for everyone. Whether you’re looking for breathtaking natural scenery, historical landmarks or a lively nightlife scene, Cuenca has it all. The city is located in the Andes Mountains and has an elevation of approximately 2550 meters above sea level.

The combination of its unique location and year-round mild climate make Cuenca a popular destination for tourists from all over the world.

Cuenca is also one of the most affordable places to live in Ecuador, making it a great choice for expats who are looking for a quality of life that’s hard to find elsewhere in South America.

For these reasons and many more, Cuenca Ecuador is one of the best places to visit in all of South America.

Things to do in Cuenca, Ecuador

Cuenca historic center.

Visiting one of Ecuador’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites is a must.

Cuenca’s Historic Center area is sprawling with great architectures including Cuenca’s Old and New Cathedrals and the charming cobbled streets. There are also a lot of plazas such as Plaza Calderon, and Plaza San Sebastian.

Parque Calderon

Parque Calderon can be found just in front of the New Cathedral in the city center. It is surrounded by old buildings with magnificent architecture.

The ambiance of the park is very relaxing with so many tall trees and benches underneath. If you want to take a rest from all the walking, just calm yourself and enjoy a little bit of peace, Parque Calderon is the place to go. If you are a social media junkie, you can definitely browse and post on your social media accounts from here as there is wi-fi access for everyone.

Behind the Pumapungo Museum, there is an ancient ruin site called Parque Arqueologico del Pumapungo. It is believed that the ruins found here are used to be part of the ancient city Tomebamba.

Tomebamba was first inhabited by the Cañari people before the Incas overtook it and used it as a fort. Theories suggest that the structures in this place before were ruined during a civil war between the Incas. 

Turi Lookout

If you are looking for an amazing bird’s eye view of the city, Turi Lookout or locally known as Mirador de Turi is the best place to go. Parque Calderon can be also seen from here. To reach the top of the lookout, you have to climb around 500 steps.

If you want to try some physical activity and are up to some adrenaline rush, you can go to Parque Extreme Turi just next to Turi Lookout. Here, you can enjoy activities like zip lines, swing bridges, and high-flying swings.

Amaru Biopark

Amaru Biopark is home to species mostly native to Ecuador. The layout of the park is situated around the mountains so you can see the animals in their natural habitats.

You can get a chance to see real-life wild animals here such as jaguars and Andean bears. Keep in mind, it’s an open-air long hike! It took is about 2 hours to finish it (and we were in a hurry). 

Since Amaru Biopark is a non-profit wildlife conservation organization, most of the animals that you can find in the park are rescued from threatening situations such as illegal trafficking, among many others. The distinct layout of the place gives the animals the freedom to roam around the mountains while the visitors can see them and also learn more about wildlife conservation.

Cuenca’s Impressive Flower Market

Ecuador is also known for its colorful flowers. The country is third-largest flower exporter in the world.

You can find Cuenca’s Flower Market, locally known as Mercado de las Flores , in an open space beside the New Cathedral. The plaza is filled with stalls and flower vendors, displaying beautiful flower arrangements.

Walk around Tomebamba Riverfront

Photo Wikipedia

The water in the Tomebamba River comes from the mountains of Cajas National Park and runs through the southern edge of Cuenca’s Historic Center. The stretch of the water continues to flow onward to the Amazon River.

It is nice to stroll around the grassy riverfront of Tomebamba. Ideal for lazy weekend afternoon walks, or if you can drop by on a Sunday morning, you can bike around the riverfront as the city government provides free bicycles every Sunday for both locals and tourists.

Cuenca CIDAP

In Cuenca, the CIDAP (Inter-American Center for Crafts and Popular Arts) is a well-liked tourist destination. The museum features handmade items, woodwork, pottery, textiles, earthenware, and other works of art created by regional South American craftsmen. The gift shop is a great place to buy souvenirs because it sells various local crafts.

The Organization of American States (OAS) and Ecuador signed an agreement in 1975 that resulted in the creation of CIDAP, an organization whose goal is to promote popular culture and artisanal craftsmanship. Before finally purchasing it in 1984, CIDAP first rented the building for its cultural activities in 1977.

This museum frequently hosts breathtaking displays of artwork and handicrafts. Additionally, the CIDAP Museum serves as the focal point of the yearly Fiestas Mercado in November, which brings together artists and craftspeople from all over South America, Mexico, and Central America.

Pumapungo Museum

The museum features collections of clothing, religious artifacts, and traditional practices in addition to historical artifacts. The history of money in Ecuador is shown in the basement, and indigenous cultures are covered on the upper floor.

There is also a large bird rescue facility on the archaeological site.

The centuries-old French influence in Ecuador piqued my interest in particular. The three floors may be toured in roughly an hour.

Ingapirca Ruins

The most significant collection of pre-Columbian remains in Ecuador is called Ingapirca, which is Kichwa for “Inca wall” and is situated 80 kilometers (50 miles) north of Cuenca.

The Inca sun temple has a rich history and is a sight to behold as it towers above a hill with sweeping views of the valley below.

There are steps leading up to a trapezoidal entryway, which offers access to the ruins of a rectangular building within the platform.

This doorway is a typical element of Inca design. The superb craftsmanship of the platform’s stonework, which is often only found in high-status structures, shows that this was a ceremonial temple.

The site’s remaining structures, which may be the ruins of storehouses, homes, and a large plaza, are mostly low foundation walls.

Although there isn’t much remaining, the tour guides posted near the site’s entrance can offer several hypotheses regarding what originally stood there.

Plaza Del Herrero

Metal workers are known to frequent Cuenca’s Plaza and streets. Fantastic artwork may be found in the Plaza Del Herrera and the Square itself, including the monument. The plaza deserves attention because it is significant to the city.

This plaza is located in a tidy neighborhood that winds down a small street with attractively maintained structures. A modest gallery with intriguing pieces by glass and metal artisans is just close to the plaza.

These artisans can create practically anything you might imagine and for a lot less money than you would pay in the USA.

Casa Museo de la Macana

The Casa Museo de la Makana was established by Don José Jiménez and his wife, Doa Ana Mara Ulloa, to conserve the ancient art of making gualaceño fine cloth.

The vibrant shawls from the Casa Museo de la Makana are renowned throughout the nation for their high quality and for helping to preserve the Makana culture. They are made entirely by hand using ancient wooden tools.

You may learn about the fabric’s cultural significance, observe the laborious process of creating and coloring each piece, and, of course, purchase your own piece of Ecuadorian tradition when you take a tour here.

Try Cuy and Cuenca’s Street Foods

Street food is one of the attractions that both visitors and ex-pats appreciate in Cuenca.

The cuy, or guinea pigs, are cooked over hot coals in Cuenca, either one at a time on a hand-turned spit or in large groups on a pole that resembles a broomstick.

A well-prepared cuy asado features crispy skin like pork cracklings and tender, juicy flesh similar to rabbit.

Other street foods to try in Cuenca are Salchipapas, which are like french fries with sausage or wiener on top, Huevitos chilenos, which are like donut holes, and the pastel-colored meringue with sprinkles on top which is locally called Espumilla.

Hike Cajas National Park 

If you are up to some hiking and exploring nature, visiting the Cajas National Park is one of the best things to do. The trip to Cajas though is about an hour drive away from downtown Cuenca. If you only have a day or two to spend in Cuenca, this activity should be your priority on your list.

Cajas is home to a diverse portion of tundras. Surrounded by high mountains and almost 300 lakes, Cajas National Park is usually foggy and rainy. You are lucky if you get a chance to visit the place on a clear sunny day. 

There are a lot of hike routes to choose from which the rangers in charge will discuss with you before you start your hike. The rangers will suggest the best route for you depending on the length of time you want to hike.

Breathtaking views can be seen from the boardwalks and viewpoints. They offer home-cooked meals at the visitor center which is very satisfying after a two to four-hour hike.

Festival in Cuenca Ecuador

Every year, Cuenca hosts several different festivals that attract tourists from all over the world. These include:

• The Festival of the Crosses, which celebrates Cuenca ecuador’s Christian heritage and is held in May
• The International Folklore Festival, which features traditional music and dance from all over the world and is held in August
• The Christmas Market, which is a popular event that takes place in December and offers visitors a chance

Getting to Cuenca Ecuador

There are several ways to get from Quito (the capital city) or Guayaquil (Ecuador’s largest port city) to Cuenca Ecuador.

Flights from Quito to Cuenca Ecuador take around 30 minutes and flight time from Guayaquil is an hour. Cuenca has a small airport and can be reached through flights coming from Ecuador’s major airports in Quito and Guayaquil. These two major airports have a lot of international flight connections from other countries. Get a flight to either Quito or Guayaquil and take a domestic flight to get to Cuenca.

If you are already in Quito or Guayaquil , you can also come to Cuenca by bus. The trip from Guayaquil takes around four hours and it takes eight hours if coming from Quito. It is longer compared to taking a domestic flight but if you have a lot of time and on a budget, you can consider this mode of transportation.

If you’re driving, the roads are in excellent condition and Cuenca is easy to find if you follow signs for “la cuidad de cuenca”. We drove from Banos to Cuenca within one day and it took us 7 hours to get to Cuenca.

What is the climate like in Cuenca Ecuador

Cuenca is a city that enjoys a mild year-round climate. Temperatures during the day are always warm but generally cool at night, which means you’ll have to pack layers when visiting Cuenca Ecuador between November and February.

Cuenca is also situated at a high altitude (2500m) just like Quito . High altitude places usually cause altitude sickness to some people so if you are prone to this, always be prepared with your go-to medication for a worry-free trip. I would recommend taking ChlorOxygen 1-2 weeks ahead of the trip so it’s easier to deal with high altitudes.

The best months to go to Cuenca are between June to August when the weather is a bit cooler. Rain in Cuenca is frequent between the months of February to April though the sun still shines and the weather is hot as usual so do not forget to pack your sunscreen.

How to get around Cuenca

You can definitely walk around Cuenca. Aside from it being a healthier option, you can appreciate the views better while walking.

Taxis are common in Cuenca as Uber is currently not operating here . The fare is relatively cheap just make sure to ask the driver to use the meter. The drivers in Cuenca are also nice and friendly.  

You can also try the new Cuenca Tramway, locally known as Tranvia de Cuenca. The tramway just started its operation in 2020 so it is relatively new and exciting to try.

Is Cuenca safe to visit?

Cuenca’s vibe is warm and pleasant. We can say that Cuenca is a safe city as the locals are very welcoming. Compared to other larger cities in Ecuador, the threat of pickpockets and theft is very low in Cuenca. But as a responsible traveler, it is better to always take precautions and be vigilant wherever you are in the world.

Where to stay in Cuenca?

I highly recommend staying in Cuenca’s historic hotels to feel the city’s vibe. There are many hotel options in Cuenca for cheap prices. Prices usually start at USD30.

We ended up in a 5-star Oro Verde hotel for only 85 dollars per night. What a treat, but it did not have a historic vibe but extremely comfortable.

We have enumerated some of the top choices of hotels among travelers:

• Mansion Alcazar
• Hotel Carvallo
• Hotel Raymipampa

Hostels are ideal for you if you are traveling alone or on budget. Nightly rates in Cuenca hostels usually start at USD9. Here are a few top hostel choices:

• Selina Cuenca
• El Cafecito Cuenca
• Pepe’s House

You can rent rental homes or AirBnBs in Cuenca starting at USD30. Longer stays in a destination cost a lot of your budget so if you are traveling for a longer period, this is the best option. Keep in mind, that there are no clear regulations on AirBnbs in Ecuador and there are many scary stories like setting up hidden cameras or break-ins so I’d recommend using either hotels or hostels.

What To Eat In Cuenca

Hornado is a whole roasted pig and can be easily found in Cuenca markets especially around lunchtime. The meat is well-seasoned usually served with mote, vegetables, or llapingachos on the side.

Try this out when you are in Mercado 10 de Agosto or Mercado 9 de Octubre. The vendors usually let visitors try it first before buying. You can also try dropping by Av Don Basco, also well known as the “Pig Road”, as there are so many restaurants here serving hornados.

You can find this popular street food dessert all over Cuenca. It’s a meringue cream dessert and cost $1 only.

Cuy (Guinea Pig)

For adventurous people who are also up for eating exotic foods, you may want to try Cuenca’s guinea pig, locally known as Cuy. Cuy is a local specialty in Cuenca. You can also find it in Av Don Bosco.

Mote is dried corn and rehydrated in an alkaline solution. Mote Pillo is sauteed corn with eggs and milk. It is a popular side in Cuenca dishes and can be eaten as a snack, too.

Cuenca is a pleasant, vibrant city which any traveler would surely love to visit. Even ex-pats and retirees are moving into Cuenca. The neighborhood is safe and the Cuencanos are nice and friendly. If you are planning a trip to Ecuador , be sure to include Cuenca in your itineraries and we hope you find its charm the way we did.

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About the author.

Oleg Galeev

I'm Oleg, and together with my wife, we've explored Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands, journeying through more than 20 cities ( Quito , Cuenca , Banos , Tena , Puyo , Guayaquil , Riobamba , Otavalo , Mindo and more) and nearly every island in the Galapagos (including iconic ones such as Bartolome Island , San Cristobal Island , Isabela Island , Santa Cruz Island and more). In this blog, I give you my real thoughts about each place we visited. This info can help anyone planning a trip to the Galapagos Islands or mainland Ecuador . I'm just a traveler, not a tour company, so I'm not trying to sell anything. That means I'll tell you the truth—both the good and the bad — about traveling in Ecuador based on what we experienced.

really nice n informative

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Top Things to Do and See in Cuenca, Ecuador

With its sparkling rivers, majestic blue-domed cathedral backed by the rugged Andes and its year-round, spring-like weather, Cuenca often outshines Quito as the favorite city for travelers in Ecuador. Like the capital, southern Cuenca has been anointed by UNESCO for its magnetically beautiful, colonial and indigenous architecture – especially in the historic center. But it has points of great interest as well as good looks. Here are the top things to see and do in Cuenca, Ecuador .

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Iglesia del Sagrario

The Iglesia del Sagrario means Church of the Shrine in English – but it’s commonly known as the Old Cathedral. Built in 1557 – the year Cuenca was founded – it is one of the most historic buildings in the country. The spire served as a reference point for French scientists in the 18th century, during a mission to determine the greatest of Earth’s circumferences: around the Equator or the Poles. Deconsecrated in 1981, it’s now a museum of religious curiosities, including priests’ garments and lightweight Jesus sculptures, made to be paraded on high in processions. See also the pulpit handrail, styled after human ribs to represent the Passion of Christ.

Cuenca’s Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception dominates the cityscape with its three glorious sky-blue domes. A fine mish-mash of architectural styles, the landmark took nearly a century to build and was only finished in 1975. It’s open to visitors every day of the week and climbing the tower is essential for the city views – but bear in mind that there are still live masses here every day.

See amazing exhibits at the Museum of CIDAP

This internationally famous museum is tiny, but home to a collection of more than 8,000 pieces of popular artisanal art from 28 different countries. Free to enter and known as the Inter-American Center of Popular Arts and Crafts (CIDAP) , it is one of the standout pieces of architecture in the old center, housed in a palatial historic home. Explore the intricate handiwork of Latin American cultures, from Chile to Colombia, Mexico and Argentina. You’ll be amazed at the vibrancy of the weavings and costumes on display – as will your Instagram followers.

Picnic along the Tomebamba River

The beautiful bridges of Cuenca’s historic center cross the Rio Tomebamba, a rushing waterway that comes tumbling in from the high Andes and eventually winds its way all the way down to the mighty Amazon. There are several parks that lend themselves to long, leisurely picnics right on its banks within the city limits – especially Parque Paraiso. But our top tip is to hire a bicycle and follow the river out of town for a bit. Here, you’ll find serene nature as a backdrop to the gurgling of the river – spread the blanket on the ground and crack open a refreshing beer.

Homero Ortega P & Hijos

You might assume that Panama hats were made in Panama. In Cuenca, however, you’ll learn the truth: Ecuador is the place of their birth, and continued production, by craftsmen in Cuenca – as well as the city of Montecristi. Locate the firm Homero Ortega P & Hijos – Homero Otrega and Sons, also known as the Panama Hat Factory – and you’ll discover a museum, called Magia del Sombrero, or Magic of the Hat. You can take a tour to find out more about this celebrated headgear, made mainly by indigenous Cuenca people, and its cultural importance. And yes – you can buy yourself one before leaving.

Mirador de Turi

You’ve appreciated Cuenca’s beauty up close. Now, for the bigger picture, there’s a great spot for a bird’s-eye view: on the southern edge of the city is the Overlook of Turi, which you can head up to by taxi or bus. If your lungs have the stamina, though, there’s a staircase from the bottom of the hill – 400 steps later, you’ll be able to catch your breath at the top as the city spreads out, map-like, far below. Don’t forget to grab some souvenirs, to prove you’ve made the journey up here.

Sample the food and atmosphere at El Che Restaurant

Feeling hungry? Have you tried cuy (guinea pig) yet? Or perhaps you’d rather stay on the straight and narrow with chicken or roast pork. Either way, El Che restaurant is the place to fill your face. This local Cuenca dining institution takes its name from the famous Guevara, hence the memorabilia plastered about the interiors, along with other memorabilia saluting the Cuban Revolution. The result is a uniquely bohemian atmosphere to match the generous plates and the friendly service. Guinea pig is a delicious delicacy in Cuenca – we bet you’ll be back for more.

Tour Cajas National Park

Andean condors cruise high above lush cloud forests and the hundreds of alpine lakes in Cajas National Park , a pristine slice of raw, mountainous beauty that lies just beyond Cuenca. It’s a nature lover’s paradise, and the best way to get the most out of it is on a full-day tour that picks you up from your hotel in the morning and deposits you back again at the end of the day. If you’re the more intrepid type you should enquire around town about opportunities for overnight treks and stays. However long you visit, prepare to be impressed.

Take a traditional cleansing therapy (limpia) at the Mercado 10 de Agosto

The Mercado 10 de Agosto is one of the most famous markets in Ecuador, and for good reason – it has piles of mouth-wateringly fresh tropical fruits and other produce brought in from the countryside daily. But don’t pass up the opportunity to indulge in a traditional limpia (spiritual healing session) while you’re here – it claims to remove negative energies and send you off fully charged with luck, ready for further adventures. Best of all, you get a relaxing massage with aromatic lotions, petals and incantations by spiritual helpers.

Buy amazing blooms at the Flower Market

A historic plaza overflowing with lucid colors and enchanting aromas, Cuenca’s Flower Market is regularly rated among the prettiest in the world. Check out the different roses, peruse the local tropical flower selection and splurge on a bouquet to make your travel buddy’s day. If you’re relocating to Cuenca permanently, come to the flower market for potted plants and trees among masses of diverse and heavenly greenery. Kristen Tideman contributed additional reporting to this article.

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What To Do In Cuenca, Ecuador: 10 Best Things

Adventures wait to be found in the beautifully quaint city of Cuenca, Ecuador. The town has an incredibly rich and complex history–it was even rumored to have been the lost city of El Dorado. Allow yourself to discover this beautiful town snuggled in the endlessly spectacular southern Ecuadorian Andes Mountains. Spanish colonial architecture is everywhere and there are plenty of activities, both in the town and day trips easily accessible just outside. When it comes to the best things to do in Cuenca , Ecuador, there is more than enough variety to keep every kind of traveler busy.

With the impressively long full name of Santa Ana de Los Ríos de Cuenca, the town is known for its delightful temperature with a year-long spring climate. (This is thanks to its proximity to the equator and its relatively high altitude at 2,560 meters above sea level). Its old town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, thanks to its well-preserved Spanish Colonial architecture.

Situated just 250 kilometers from Guayaquil , 440 kilometers from Quito and 400 kilometers from the Peruvian border, you’re just a short while away from discovering the little slice of heaven that is Cuenca, Ecuador.

1. Pumapungo Museum and Agriculture Park

Pass through the paintings of Ecuadorian legends and discover their story. Lose yourself in the ethnographic exhibits. There are carvings, pottery, and textiles to more than satisfy your cravings. Even if museums aren’t your thing, once you make it to the Shuar exhibit, that will all change. Here, you will find the shrunken heads. The rest of this huge museum is full of brilliant and detailed information on other indigenous cultures of Ecuador and Cuenca. (As Cuenca itself has one of the longest histories in South America) It’s recommended to visit this site twice so that you can properly enjoy everything there is to see. (We all know museums can leave you with an overwhelming amount of knowledge to process!)

2. Abdón Calderón Plaza

Otherwise known as the Plaza de Armas. This is the main square in Cuenca, and a great spot to relax with a book, or just to kick back and people watch. There are artists and vendors peddling their wares, and around lunchtime, this place becomes a hive of activity for the locals and tourists alike. Almost the whole town comes to enjoy the foliage in the spring sunshine that is so typical of Cuenca.

3. The Markets

In typical Ecuadorian style, there are markets aplenty here in Cuenca. Most are geared specifically to the Ecuadorian population rather than tourists. Consequently, if you want a feel of the ‘true’ markets, this is where to get it from. The Plaza de San Francisco Market offers a combination of the ‘traditional Ecuadorian market’ while still having a little strip of souvenirs for the tourists to browse. Some of these trinkets are even from the Otavalo Market , northwest of Quito and famous worldwide.

Whether you’re a market person or not, make sure not to miss out on the flower markets. You may already know that Ecuador is the orchid capital of the world, but did you know that Cuenca is the orchid capital of Ecuador? Just behind the new Cathedral (the Cathedral of Immaculate Conception), you will find a market selling hundreds of different types of flowers. From the fabled orchid to roses and lilies galore, this is a really spectacular sight to see.

4. Inca Ruins of Ingapirca

A little further out, but a wholly worthwhile journey, sit the Inca Ruins of Ingapirca . The largest known ruins of the Inca Empire in Ecuador. The site was originally settled by the Cañari peoples, who joined peacefully with the Incas after the leader, Tupac Yupanqui, married the daughter of the Cañari leader. If you love Inca history, this site is a must on your list of things to do in Cuenca, Ecuador.

5. Zoological Park

Something a little different! The zoological park in Cuenca is not your average zoo! With natural enclosures instead of cages, a much more natural and pleasant experience for both you and the animals ensues. Be aware that most of the zoo is up a hill, so if you have a problem with your walking mobility, calling ahead is advised. But an afternoon spent checking out the indigenous species of Ecuador that fill up this zoo is definitely a worthwhile afternoon, especially for animal lovers. With everything from bears to monkeys, enjoy the wildlife at your fingertips.

6. Exploring the Architecture

You won’t escape Cuenca without checking out the magnificent buildings. Afterall, it’s old town was declared a world heritage site in 1996. So, give in and put them on your itinerary. A sample of what to expect includes:

The Old Cathedral

Founded in the same year as the city (1557) and converted into a museum when no longer functional, as its size could not accommodate the extra people attending as the town grew into a city. The cathedral was funded through donations made to the city, which is largely the reason that it still stands. Directly opposite sits

The New Cathedral

(Or the Cathedral of Immaculate Conception.) This magnificent site was 80 years in construction and is still not technically finished. Probably the first thing that you will notice about this building is that the spires that would normally sit atop its neo-gothic architecture are… not there. This is because the architect who designed the church forgot to account for the weight of the building. Because of this, the foundations were not properly enforced, so the structure simply would not support the weight of the spines. Despite this catastrophic mistake, the cathedral stands tall and beautiful upon the Plaza de Armas, its blue domes and red marble showing off what it could have been.

Banco de Azuay

It may seem strange to you that a bank would make this list. Home to the municipality of Cuenca since 1999, this gorgeous neoclassical building deserves its reputation. Showcasing a style of architecture typical to Ecuador in the time that it was built (1913).

7. Mirador de Turi

Hike up the hills to find a beautiful, Disney style church sitting at its peak. Here, an incomparable view of the city, spanning for miles and miles. Don’t miss out on the panoramic views of the whole of Cuenca. Visit during the day or the night, (or both) depending on the views you prefer. There is a tour bus that can take you up if you don’t want the walk and a couple of shops and restaurants alongside the church.

8. Devil’s Nose Train (or Nariz del Diablo)

Built in 1899, and so named after the mountain that it crawls down (and back-up on your return), allow this beautiful train to take you through the countryside. Sit back and enjoy the flawless Ecuadorian scenery, while your guide talks you through your journey, the history, and the culture of your surroundings. This journey is easily combined with a tour of the Ingapirca ruins but a brilliant, full day out.

9. El Cajas National Park

Just 35 minutes outside of Cuenca, El Cajas National Park should be on everyone’s list of things to do in Cuenca. Ecuador is famous for its biodiversity and jungle, you would be doing yourself a disservice to miss out on this gem. Follow one of the marked trails through the cloud forest, appreciate the wildlife, or lose yourself (not literally) in the many lakes and pools that give the park it’s truly beautiful scenes.

10. Tomebamba River

The river starts in the El Cajas National Park, which is just next to the city. It runs through the city, and, after combining with several other rivers, joins the Amazon River. Take a walk along the banks or ride a bike to take in the tranquility that flows with the water. The route is relatively flat and is a nice stretch of land to stretch your legs before heading to the center to grab a bite to eat.

There is an endless number of unique and wonderful things to do in Cuenca, Ecuador, and even more day trips available just outside of the town. Head to Vilcabamba to enjoy mindfulness activities like yoga, or take to the mountains for some biking. Cuenca is the kind of town to spend weeks in, it truly is worth getting to know this amazing slice of southern Ecuador.

You will want to return to this sophisticated, quirky city before the bus even pulls out of the station. Use it as a pit stop on your way to Peru , or just fall in love with the streets, and the way that the people sing while they speak. Cuenca is a paradise to fall deeply in love with.

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The 25 best things to do in Cuenca, Ecuador: A two day itinerary

Cuenca, The Athens of Ecuador, is considered one of the most beautiful cities in Ecuador. It is a small city but rich in history, architecture, culture and gastronomy. In fact, the Historic Center of Cuenca was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1999 for its Spanish colonial architecture. Cuenca has one of the best preserved colonial centers in Latin America.

Fun fact: The official name of Cuenca is Santa Ana de Los Ríos de Cuenca.

In this travel guide I leave you a great list of essential things to do in Cuenca in one or two days. I recommend that you take the red bus tour of Cuenca so that you can learn more about its history and then you can return to all the places knowing a little more information about each place. If you wish you can also take a private tour of the city .

Cuenca is located at the intersection of four rivers that make it an even more beautiful city. Along with its beautiful colonial streets, European architecture, beautiful churches and cathedrals, Inca ruins and craft centers make Cuenca an unforgettable city on your tour of Ecuador.

Where is Cuenca, Ecuador?

Is cuenca safe to visit, what is the weather like in cuenca, what clothes do i need to pack for cuenca, how do i get to cuenca, how many days do i need to visit cuenca, where is the best places to eat in cuenca, what is there to do in cuenca at night, what are the best hotels in cuenca, map with the best things to do in cuenca:, 1. historic center of cuenca, 2. abdón calderón plaza, 3. callejón de santa ana, 4. saint louis seminary, 5. la antigua catedral, 6. la nueva catedral, 7. banco de azuay, 8. plaza de las flores, 9. museo del sombrero, 10. church and plaza san sebastián.

• 11. Mercado 10 de Agosto

12. Mercado de la Plaza San Francisco

13. pumapungo ancestral park and museum, 14. el barranco, 15. museum of aboriginal cultures, 16. remigio crespo toral museum, 17. puente roto, 18. church of santo domingo, 19. san alfonso church, 20. municipal museum of modern art, 21. turi viewpoint, 22.  rescue center: amaru, 23. clínica bolívar, 24. matilde mansion – park house, 25. the terrace of the negroni, the best day trips from cuenca:.

Cuenca is the capital of the Azuay province, in the Andes mountains in southern Ecuador. Cuenca is only 250 km east from Guayaquil and 440 km south Quito.

I would say that Cuenca is the safest large city in Ecuador. This is why many foreigners have decided to make Cuenca their new home, as one of the top destinations in the world for retirement. Like anyplace else, it is always important to be aware of your surroundings, use common sense and avoid walking alone at night. As we say in Ecuador, do not give papaya, do not put yourself in unfavorable circumstances. But in general, you can explore Cuenca without problems.

Cuenca has a privileged climate with pleasant temperatures all year round. The city is located at 2,560 meters above sea level. Cuenca has two seasons: rainy and dry. The best time to visit Cuenca is from mid-March to mid-May, when it is warmer. The temperature in Cuenca is between 14°C and 20°C.

• During the day: a light sweater, long pants, comfortable shoes, socks, hat or cap, sunglasses, sunscreen.
• During the night: a coat, comfortable shoes, thick socks, scarf, long pants.
• If you plan to visit the outskirts of Cuenca, I recommend you wear gloves, a hat for the cold, and a waterproof coat.

Cuenca is well connected to other cities in Ecuador, at least in comparison with other equally important cities in the country. You can get to Cuenca in 4 ways: plane, private car, buses or buses.

• Plane : Mariscal La Mar Airport has flights from Guayaquil and Quito. The good thing about the airport is that it is located near the historic center. From the airport you can walk to the Calderón park, take a taxi, private transfer or the tram. The taxi costs around $3 USD, the tram $1 USD (buy the tickets at the machines at the stops).
• Private Car : If you have a private car, I recommend using Google Maps to give you exact directions from where you are located.
• Bus : The Terrestrial Terminal is located next to the airport. The good thing is that there are direct buses from many cities in the country. Bus fares vary depending on where you are coming from in the country.
• Busetas : Busetas, also known as vans, operate from several cities in the country. What I like the most about the vans is that they are faster than the buses and they are direct. Like the buses, they have a pre-established departure time, although sometimes you have to wait for it to fill up. These buses are taken from different points of the city. There is no central point like the terrestrial terminal, I recommend you always ask the locals where you can take them and look for the contact information on Google so that you can call them directly and find out all the information. For example, outside the Simón Bolívar airport in Guayaquil there are stands for these vans.

Cuenca is a city that can be visited in a day (see its main attractions) to a week or more! It has so many things to offer tourists that it depends a lot on the pace you want to visit. I hope this travel guide with the 25 things to see and do in Cuenca will help you plan the days you need to enjoy this city and its charm.

My recommendation is that you stay in Cuenca for a minimum of two full days, with a week being ideal. Remember that Cuenca is the perfect base to visit other wonders in the area such as the Cajas National Park , Ingapirca , Cojitambo and other nearby towns. If you are adventurous and do not want to waste a second of your time in Cuenca, you can take an electric scooter tour of Cuenca.

Cuenca is known for being a great gastronomic center of Ecuador. It has the best restaurants in the country. You can also find daily menus from $2.50 USD or you can eat at the stalls of the Mercado 10 de Agosto. I loved the beer at the Cuenca Beer Company of the San Luis Seminary, the hot chocolates at Chocolatería Dos Chorreras (they also serve crêpes, waffles, ice cream and churros) and the food at the Mansion Matilde restaurant. In that same building on the ground floor you will find several restaurant options. Another good option is the El Consuelo restaurant or the Raymipampa restaurant to try the probar el mote.

The typical food of Cuenca is the mote, a type of grain cooked in water. For example, you have the mote pillo, mote sucio, mote casado, mote pata, among others. You simply cannot leave Cuenca without eating mote, it is one of the best things to do in Cuenca.

The mote sucio is made with black lard (the leftover from the pork when preparing the fry) and the mote pillo is mixed with egg.

Cuenca has a wide variety of restaurants, cafes, bars and nightclubs. I recommend you go to Calle Larga, the area of El Vado and Avenida Remigio Crespo Toral. In any of these sectors you are going to have an incredible time at night.

The best area to stay in Cuenca is in the historic center, as it is safe and close to everything. Here are the best hotels in Cuenca:

• Luxury:   Mansión Alcázar
• Luxury : El Dorado
• Good: Gran Hotel
• Good : Hotel Cordero
• Budget :  Hostal Mochiliers

Here is a map with the locations of the best places to visit in Cuenca:

20 best places to visit in Cuenca:

Your visit to Cuenca can be largely focused on the historic center. The good thing is that it is a very compact historic center, small but full of things to visit. The main avenue is called Calle Larga and it is an excellent point to start your tour. Within the Historic Center, visit the Abdón Calderón Park (central square of the city), the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception (New Cathedral), the Sagrario Church (Old Cathedral), the Municipality and the San Luis Seminary , an ideal place to relax, eat something or have a coffee or juice with the best views of the domes of the new cathedral.

The historic center of Cuenca is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful city centers in Ecuador. At every corner you will want to take out your camera and photograph the facades of the buildings.

You will find artists and merchants selling all kinds of products. It is ideal to relax and simply contemplate the beauty of the New Cathedral and its blue domes. Stop by Tutto Freddo , which is the best ice cream parlor in Cuenca.

Right next to the New Cathedral is the Callejón de Santa Ana, one of the most beautiful streets in the city. What makes this alley beautiful is its cobbled street and balconies decorated with flower pots.

Saint Louis Seminary is considered the most beautiful colonial architecture in Cuenca. What makes this building special is its patio surrounded by restaurants, businesses and cafeterias. The most impressive thing is the view of the domes of the Cathedral.

The Iglesia del Sagrario (Old Cathedral) was founded in 1557 as was the city of Cuenca. The church is located in front of the Calderón park, facing the new cathedral. Its architecture is that of a colonial basilica. Admire its gold leaf altarpieces and bellows organ. Today the church serves as a museum, since it was replaced by the new cathedral as the city outgrew its size.

Visiting hours are Monday through Friday from 9:00 AM to 5:30 PM and Saturdays, Sundays and holidays from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM. The Sagrario church is one of the most important places to see in Cuenca.

The official name is Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception. The first thing that catches your attention is the church’s Renaissance domes covered with tiles of Czech origin. The New Cathedral is one of the most monumental works in Latin America. It is a Catholic church in Gothic, Romanesque and Renaissance styles. It is called the new cathedral, since it began to be built in 1885 and finished in 1980, long after the Church of the Tabernacle. The New Cathedral is in my opinion the most important religious site to see in Cuenca next to the Old Cathedral.

You can enter the cathedral for free, as it still serves as a church. If you want to go up to the terrace (its domes) by a spiral staircase, where you can enjoy one of the best panoramic views of the city, you will have to pay $2 USD per person. In total there are 150 steps that you will have to climb. One of the most typical things to do in Cuenca is to take a picture with its blue domes.

You can also go down to the catacombs of the cathedral. Hours and price vary. The last time I went it was temporarily closed. The most interesting thing about the cathedral is that it is technically still under construction and not yet finished.

It is located in a neoclassical building and it is beautiful. It is one of the few buildings that still preserve the typical architecture style of Ecuador in 1913.

The Plaza de las Flores is one of the most beautiful and instagrammable places in Cuenca and even in the world according to National Geographic. Here you can find different types of flowers and plants for sale. You will be able to see roses, orchids, jasmine, geraniums, carnations among other beautiful plants and flowers.

There is also the Church and Convent of El Carmen de la Asunción , a truly hidden jewel of Cuenca. A group of cloistered nuns lives in the convent from whom, through the lathe, you can buy their specialties: pitima water and pichó jelly.

Fun fact: Ecuador is the orchid capital of the world, and Cuenca is the orchid capital of Ecuador

Going to the Toquilla Straw Hat Museum in Cuenca is essential, since it is part of the Culture of the Cuencanos. The toquilla straw comes from the province of Manabí but its large toquilla straw hat factories are located in Azuay. You will have the opportunity to learn more about the making of the toquilla straw hat, also known as Panama Hat, which is originally from Ecuador. Here you can see a demonstration of how they are made by hand. The Hat Museum has become one of the main attractions of the city.

Interesting fact : During the construction of the Panama Canal, the demand for the toquilla straw hat increased, since it protects from the sun and is of excellent quality. Although the hat is of Ecuadorian origin, it was internationalized in Panama and since then it has unfortunately been known as the “Panama Hat”.

You can also visit the Homero Ortega Museum , although it is further away from the city.

The San Sebastián Church sits on what was the western limit of the city and is located in the square of the same name, considered one of the most beautiful squares in Cuenca. It is also the site of the murder of a member of the French Geodesic Expedition, who had come to measure the equinoctial line in 1739. They say that the man was murdered because of his love affair with a woman from Cuenca. In the area you will be able to visit several workshops where you can admire the city’s craft tradition.

11. Mercado 10   de Agosto

The Mercado 10 de Agosto is the most popular market in Cuenca. It is an excellent place to learn more about the culture of the city and its gastronomy. The Mercado 10 de Agosto is just a few minutes from the Hat Museum and I would say both are mandatory visits. In fact, you can’t leave the market without a spiritual cleansing.

What is a spiritual cleansing? In a few words, it is an ancient Andean spiritual healing practice that removes the evil eye and dark energies. The cleansing is done with medicinal herbs, oil, incense and a chicken egg. The latter has the property of healing and removing all those bad energies. The Mercado 10 de Agosto with its cleansings is one of the most curious places to see in Cuenca.

What I like the most about the market are the murals that decorate it. You will find several stalls with fruits, vegetables, meat, cheeses and even huecas (small restaurants).

Another market that you can visit is the Mercado de la Plaza de San Francisco, Mercado Artesanal, which is located behind the new cathedral and next to the Plaza de las Flores. Here you will also find the giant letters of Cuenca. The Craft Market has more than 100 stalls with Ecuadorian crafts, perfect for buying souvenirs and typical clothing from the Ecuadorian Andes. Without a doubt, visiting the market is one of the essential activities to do in Cuenca.

One of the most important museums in the city of Cuenca is the Archaeological Park and the Pumapungo Museum which teaches about the anthropology and ethnography of Ecuador. Here you can learn more about the origin, customs, traditions, clothing of the different ethnic groups and indigenous Ecuadorian communities. One of the things that makes Ecuador unique is its great cultural diversity.

The Archaeological Park shows the ruins of the ancient city of Tomebamba, the northern administrative center of the Inca Empire. While the museum shows the great heritage wealth of Pre-Hispanic cultures such as the Cañari and Inca that inhabited the place many centuries ago. Be sure to visit the Shuar exhibition, since here you will find an exhibition with shrunken heads.

Admission is free, making it one of the best things to do in Cuenca.

El Barranco is an idyllic neighborhood of semi-detached houses located on the banks of the Tomebamba River, with an extensive 2 kilometers route that goes from the El Vado Bridge to Av. Huayna Capac. From there you can admire an impressive view of the river and enjoy a pleasant evening in the cafes and restaurants. This place refers to Cuenca of Spain, since some hanging houses are seen, although they are not the same as those in Spain. El Barranco is one of the most picturesque places to see in Cuenca.

The museum has more than 5,000 pieces that tell the story of the aboriginal cultures of Ecuador, from the paleoindian archaeological periods to the Inca period. Here you will be able to see funerary containers from the thousand-year-old coastal culture of La Tolita, horns from the Cañari culture and bone ornaments.

This is a great museum to learn more about the history of Cuenca. The house where the museum is located is beautiful and has a viewpoint with unique views of the ravine.

My favorite place and one that I try to visit constantly when I visit Cuenca is the Broken Bridge, a 19th century bridge that was built on the banks of the Tomebamba River. In 1950, this stone bridge was partially washed away during a heavy flood, only 10 years after it was built.

Instead of rebuilding, or even demolishing, the remains of the bridge were left as is and today it is a tourist attraction to spend time with friends, family or as a couple. In our case, part of our wedding photo session was here. One thing that you must do in Cuenca is to enjoy the Tomebamba River and walk along its banks.

The Church of Santo Domingo is the second largest in Cuenca. It has two twin towers, 37 meters high and neoclassical in style. The cool thing is that inside you can find the largest bell in Ecuador, which weighs approximately 6 tons, is 2.40 meters high and has a diameter of 2.60 meters.

In front of the Cuenca City Hall is one of the most beautiful churches to see in Cuenca. The name caught my attention, as that is the name of my dad and the beautiful blue spires sticking up into the sky. The Church of San Alfonso has a neo-Gothic façade that will captivate you. Formerly at this location the convent of San Agustín, but on its ruins in 1875 the construction of the Church of San Alfonso began.

In the main portal you will find an image of Our Lady of Perpetual Help and it is that on December 10, 1966 it was consecrated as a Minor Basilica by Pope Paul VI for the dedication of its pilgrims to Our Lady of Perpetual Help.

On the south side of Plaza San Sebastián is the Museum of Modern Art with an excellent collection of painting and sculpture exhibitions by contemporary Ecuadorian and foreign artists. The sculptures even occupy the interior patios adorned with trees and flowers. The structure was built in 1876 as a House of Temperance, for people with alcohol addiction.

Admission is free, with the following hours:

• Monday to Friday from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM.
• Saturdays and Sundays from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM.

From the Mirador de Turi you will be able to appreciate the best panoramic view of Cuenca, since it is located in the upper part of Cuenca. From there you can enjoy a magnificent view of its churches and avenues. At the top there is a small theme park, where you can get to a swing that is on the hill and has a great view of all of Cuenca. To get there you can go by bus on the line that goes to “El Turi” and stops at the corner of Fray Vicente Solano and 12 de Abril or if you prefer you can take a taxi, which will cost between $5 to $7 USD. Without a doubt, an essential activity to do in Cuenca.

Next to the viewpoint is the Church of Turi, where the sculpture of the Virgen de la Merced, patron saint of the parish, on the altar, and on a side altar is Calvary with the image of the Lord of Bethlehem. The latter is also commemorated in a small grotto.

Tip : It is the perfect place to see the beautiful sunsets of Cuenca.

Amaru aims to educate the community on the importance of protecting the biodiversity, natural and cultural resources of the country. Amaru is a private, non-profit conservation organization that was created by the Ecuadorian Ministry of the Environment through a ministerial agreement in 2002.

One of the most beautiful buildings in Cuenca is the Clínica Bolívar due to its unique façade. If you can and have time, take a walk so you can photograph it.

Casa del Parque is one of the most incredible places that Cuenca has to offer. On the ground floor of the building there is a wide variety of restaurants and cafeterias and on the second floor there is a very elegant restaurant. It is a luxury restaurant with several rooms such as Turquesa. You cannot miss the chance to visit Matilde Mansion in Cuenca.

The Negroni restaurant is an excellent way to end this post about the best things to see and do in Cuenca. Known as one of the best restaurants and bars in the city but also as the best place to watch the sunset in the historic center of Cuenca.

It is preferable to reserve a table in advance , since the last few times I have gone I have not been able to go near sunset. Keep in mind that you cannot make a reservation for the terrace, so if you want to go to see the sunset, I recommend going early and on a weekday. Prices vary and it is considered one of the most expensive places to eat in the city, but I assure you that it is one of the best restaurants to eat in Cuenca.

• Cajas National Park : The perfect place to see wildlife and hike between lakes and waterfalls . Although the trails are very well marked, I recommend taking a tour from Cuenca . If you decide to go by private car, I recommend stopping at the park entrance to ask for recommendations. If you don’t have a car, take a bus in the direction of Guayaquil, since they pass in front of the National Park and stop for travelers who request it. The park has public access until 4pm. You can also go hiking t o the Luspa lagoon .
• I ngapirca Archaeological Complex : Here you can find the largest known ruins of the Inca Empire in Ecuador. The site was originally established by the Cañari peoples, who peacefully united with the Incas. You can take a tour from Cuenca and learn more about this historic set of Inca buildings that would have functioned as a place to worship the Sun God. Without a doubt, Ingapirca is one of the most famous excursions to do from Cuenca.
• Chordeleg and Gualaceo : Around Cuenca there are several towns that are worth visiting, among them is Chordeleg, which is known for its artisan workshops of fine jewelry made of silver, gold and other precious metals, and ceramics. In fact, Chordeleg was declared a “Creative City” by Unesco on October 31, 2017 and a Magical Town of Ecuador in 2020. You can take an excursion to Chordeleg and Gualaceo from Cuenca . Gualaceo, on the other hand, is one of the production centers for the finest fabrics and embroidery, using the ancestral technique of Ikat. It stands out for its emblematic toquilla straw hats and footwear.
• Parroquia de Baños : it is known for its natural thermal springs that have mineral properties. You will find several spas and inns with thermal pools, Turkish baths and saunas. The most famous is Piedra de Agua where there are even underground hot springs, the Kidney Spa or the Novaqua.

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Amazing Things to Do in Cuenca Ecuador | 3 Days

Cuenca (officially named Santa Ana de los Rios de Cuenca) is the picturesque capital of Ecuador’s Azuay Province and is nestled in the majestic Andes mountains. There are so many unmissable things to do in Cuenca Ecuador. This colonial UNESCO World Heritage City offers a variety of cultural, adventurous, informative, and natural activities for all diverse types of travelers.

Cuenca is rooted in old Indigenous traditions that merge with an almost contemporary “European flair.” It’s a unique place in South America where you can see a modern street car zip silently pass you, yet most local women are still donning their beautiful traditional clothing.

There are so many interesting things to do in Cuenca Ecuador, and the city can be casually explored over three days. However, there are many authentic villages nearby , Inca and Cañari sites to explore , and natural wonders, so it’s best to slow down to truly enjoy all this picturesque city and region has to offer.

➯ Detailed Travel Guide | 10+ Stellar Ideas for Day Trips from Cuenca Ecuador

If you don’t have the time to explore all the things to do in Cuenca Ecuador, this travel guide is broken down day by day in better detail. Discover the treasures of this UNESCO World Heritage City that interests you most.

Here are all the fabulous things to do in Cuenca Ecuador over three days.

Table of Contents

“must see” things to do in cuenca ecuador | day 1, fun things to do in cuenca ecuador | day 2, more things to do in cuenca & cuenca day trips inspiration | day 3.

• Awesome Things to Do in Cuenca Ecuador

Day 1 starts with a free walking tour. It’s a great base to see all that Cuenca has to offer and get some direction from the locals. The tour highlights many of Cuenca’s attractions around the main square, Parque Calderón, all while learning a little bit of the European influenced history.

☛ Travel Tip | Cuenca Ecuador elevation is a staggering 8,517 feet (2,596 m), so if you’re flying in from a lower elevation or coming from the coast don’t push it too hard the first day. Drink lots of water.

After the walking tour, visit one of the many Cuenca Market, like Mercado 10 de Agosto . Swing by the Artisanal shops in Plaza San Francisco and pass the bustling Cuenca Flower Market. Relax in the afternoon by enjoying one of Cuenca’s parks and green spaces.

In the evening, the best thing to do in Cuenca Ecuador is to gaze out over the city at the Mirador Turi and soak-in Cuenca’s best sunset spot.

➜ Find the Perfect Place to Sleep in Cuenca Ecuador

Take a Free Walking Tour

The best way to discover any new city is to take a free walking tour, and the colonial city of Cuenca is no exception. Free Walking Tours Cuenca offers a tip based walking tour that is informative, interesting, and interactive!

Free Walking Tour Cuenca | Cost: FREE, but the guides rely on tips… Share the love!! | Tours: Monday-Saturday at 11:00 and 15:00 , afternoons are less crowded | Duration: +/- 2 hours | Meeting Point: Seminario San Luis, here | Reserve your spot on the official website here!

The tours starts in the UNESCO recognized historic center of Santa Ana de los Rios de Cuenca. Along the way learn a little more about the Pre-Spanish history, times of the Spanish conquest, major highlights of the city, and stop at local places to purchase and sample typical food and dishes. I love that this tour stops at local vendors on the streets to purchase items.

Many of the city’s greatest highlights are inside the colonial buildings. Make sure to step inside to observe the oftentimes hidden, but spectacular courtyards. The architecture of the Old Town buildings are beautiful. Does anyone else feel that Cuenca has a Cusco vibe , but just in Ecuador?

The guides are knowledgeable and are so excited to show off their city. You can feel their enthusiasm, and it shows throughout the tour. Hit the major tourist destinations surrounding Parque Calderón, the heart of Cuenca, all while getting a local perspective, with a dash of history. The free walking tour also gives great recommendations of other things to do in Cuenca Ecuador and nearby day trips from Cuenca.

Spend Time Exploring a Traditional Market

The walking tour might have made you hungry, so wander back to Mercado 10 de Agosto . Climb up the stairs and eat Ecuador’s famous traditional dish or hornados . Vegetarians beware, you can tell this section of the market by all of the roasted pigs out on display. If pig isn’t your thing, order an almuerzo , or lunch menu special and share a table with the locals. Cuenca’s markets serve up any kind of traditional food you can imagine.

There’s more fun to be had in the market.

One of richest things to do in Cuenca Ecuador is to explore the traditional markets. In my humble opinion, Mercado 10 de Agosto is the most bustling and authentic market in Cuenca. Get lost in the aisles of produce, in between sacks of potatoes, and see how locals live their everyday life.

Don’t miss the “Mamas” aisle. These women work with the plants to heal any type of health issue. Their stalls are piled high with medicines of healing greens and flowers. From magic potions to powerful candles, these women can help alleviate any health, love, or personal issue. Need some luck in finance or to win the lottery? There’s a remedy for that!

If visiting Mercado 10 de Agosto on a Tuesday or Friday, watch the Limpia women working their magic by clearing bad energy from locals and tourists alike. Their diagnosis comes in the form a cracked egg, and their healing comes from whacking out energy with scent-infused plants and being sprayed down by alcohol in an interesting way.

➯ Detailed Cuenca Guide | What to See at the Traditional Cuenca Markets

Cuenca Flower Market

If you took the free tour, you probably quickly stopped by the Cuenca Flower Market. This bright market is located in the Plaza de las Flores in front of the Church of Carmen de la Asunción. Appreciate the flowers and the lovely colonial buildings surrounding the plaza. Head into the church, oftentimes you can oftentimes buy goodies from the nuns.

Outside the church is a place to purchase candles if you wish to light one inside the church. They also sell Agua de Pitimas , which is a medicinal drink made of flowers and plants. The nuns have been producing this healing drink for over 300 years, and it is said to help calm nerves and other minor ailments.

The drink comes from the Quechua word “Piti,” (little) and the Spanish word “mas” (more), which mean “a little more.” The red drink is really fragrant and has a unique taste. For 75¢ a cup, the prescription price is right.

Shop Local | Visit Handicraft Shops & Markets

Another “must” thing to do in Cuenca Ecuador is to shop in one of many artisanal markets and plazas!

Notice everyone rocking those ponchos and fun earrings, or how about those awesome and totally cliche llama sweaters? In the Plaza de San Francisco, satisfy all your ponchos, bags, sweaters, and textile souvenir needs here.

Plaza de San Francisco

Shop for anything and everything textiles at the Plaza de San Francisco. This popular Plaza also boasts that picturesque photo-opp of the red Cuenca signboard and the signature blue domes of Catedral de la Inmaculada Concepción in the backdrop. So, visit the lively square even if not in the mood to “shop til you drop.”

Find this Plaza @ The Streets of San Francisco and Padre Aguirre, only a few blocks from Parque Calderon

There are lots of little stands and shops around the whole square, but the shops on the actual street of Calle San Francisco have the feeling of stumbling upon a “hidden” shop. What appears like another tiny store opens into a large double storied handicraft shop. Look for “back-doors,” and be surprised by how many pants, sweaters, ponchos, purses, and so much more are present. A lot of these shops don’t accept credit cards, and most will be willing to bargain.

Fellow hippies, this is the perfect square to snag bags upon bags of Palo Santo, an aromatic wood that when burnt has medicinal and therapeutic healing energy. Look for those signature bottles of Agua de Florida and any other scented goodie your free spirit heart desires.

Speaking of Hippies…looking more for jewelry? Head to the Hippie Market just a few blocks from Parque Calderón.

Hippie Market

Another great market for everything jewelry is the “Hippie Market.” Search for all bracelets, earrings, and necklaces in a peaceful square. This market offers ear-piecing on demand.

Find this Cuenca Market @ Benigno Malo and Mariscal Lamar, only 3 blocks north of Parque Calderon

Enjoy Cuenca’s Plazas & Parks

Yes, Parque Calderon and Plaza de San Francisco are musts when it comes to things to do in Cuenca Ecuador, but there are other beautiful plazas and squares to relax, chill-out and people watch for the remainder of the afternoon.

Plaza La Merced is a small little square with a church and restaurants on the plaza. Grab a coffee, cocktail, or a snack from the popular cafe Goza Espresso Bar . This small plaza is a hub for the Cuenca bike rental program.

Plaza Cívica is a spectacular plaza that sits between the Mercado 9 de Octubre and the local Centro Comercial Rotari. The street car passes by and the area is always filled with children playing, vendors selling, and families enjoying a rest on a bench.

Parque San Blas has a more neighborhood vibe with benches, trees, and a nice green space with the focal point of the San Blas Church. There’s lots of local restaurants lining the plaza, including my favorite vegetarian spot, El Nuevo Paraíso . This place serves up heaping plates of tigrillo , an Ecuadorian traditional breakfast dish that is a mixture of mashed up green plantains, cheese, and eggs.

One of the most beautiful picturesque plazas in Cuenca is the Plaza de San Sebastian . Find lots of beautiful flowers, trees, and a fountain (currently not running), and the San Sebastian Church. This plaza boasts bustling restaurants with inviting outdoor seating, there’s even Jodoco Belgian Bistro , a popular Belgian brew-pub. This square also houses Cuenca’s Modern Museum of Art that is free to visit.

Finally, next to the River Tomebamba is Parque de la Madre , a popular spot for families to enjoy one of Cuenca’s best green spaces! Kids will love the playground, while adults can appreciate the wood sculptures, running track, and the exercise equipment. That modern looking building is the city’s own Planetarium.

Watch the Sunset at Turi | Mirador de Turi

One of the top things to do in Cuenca Ecuaor is actually in the small hamlet of Turi, right above Cuenca, the Turi Mirador. Here, find a church and an observatory deck that shows off one of the best panoramic viewpoint in all of Cuenca.

Turi is the perfect way to end day one of this Cuenca itinerary. How spectacular is that view, to see Cuenca sprawled out across the Andes Mountains. As the sun dips down behind the mountains, the city literally changes colors. The city begins to light up, and see the Cathedral radiate its bright blue domes, a reminder of the importance of religion in Cuenca.

Soak in the views, watch the sunset, and if feeling inclined, stop at one of the many mirador (viewpoint) bars and restaurants to enjoy a beverage. Turi village at sunset is one of the best things to do in Cuenca Ecuador.

Don’t know which viewpoint bar to choose? Hell’s pours off local tap beers and offers a happy hour drink menu. However, the high prices match the elevation of the view.

3 Way to Reach Turi Mirador

There are three ways to reach the Turi Mirador. Either take the climb up hill from the center of Cuenca, taxi, or use the efficient public bus system.

From Parque Calderón, it’s pretty much a straight walk to the mirador. The walk goes through the city, over the river, down the busy road of Fray Vicente Solano, but then becomes more enjoyable as it continues past a few more parks and rivers.

Be prepared to climb the hill, so get ready for a bunch of stairs! At one point, the stairs felt as if they would never end. The higher you climb, the more you can appreciate that Cuenca city view!

To walk to Mirador Turi from Cuenca, leave before 16:00 to have amble time to catch the sunset.

Don’t feel like tackling all those stairs? Hail a taxi. Verify they have a meter and make sure they use it . The taxi price should be less than a couple of dollars.

If you are using the hop-on hop-off bus method, the bus stops here directly. City buses L11, L4, and L7 stop at Turi. To ride the Cuenca city buses you will need a Movilizate Card (initial fee $1.75, 30 cents per ride) , or hop on the bus and pay someone with a card 30 cents!

Wake up and smell the coffee! Day 2 offers more fun things to in Cuenca Ecuador. Grab a coffee from one of Cuenca’s top coffee shops, or go right to the source and find a roaster. Delve deep in to Cuenca’s history and visit at least one of the FREE museums.

For lunch, do as the locals do and grab lunch on the busy almuerzo street. Take a stroll along the River Tomebamba and admire the colonial buildings and look for some funky street art.

Here’s all the fun things to do in Cuenca Ecuador on your second day exploring this colonial city.

Visit a Coffee Roaster or Cute Coffee Shop

One of the best things do in Cuenca Ecuador is to stop in at a coffee roaster and spend time in a coffee shop.

Ecuador is famous for its chocolate and cacao, but the coffee in Ecuador is also a treat. It’s easy to lose track of time while sipping on some fresh roasted cup of coffee all while sitting in an ambiance rich coffee shop.

Cafe de Ñucallacta is serving up their very own roasted coffee. This is a trendy little place with lots of delicious pastries. They offer lovely seating spaces and quick Wi-Fi. There’s lots of windows that provide inviting natural lighting.

Palier Café Libro is an eclectic bookshop that also serves up coffee, cocktails, and snacks. There are comfy couches to relax on or browse through the unique selections of book. Sit on the cute little terrace and feel like you’re somewhere else, even though its located on a busy street in the heart of Cuenca. The bustling streets makes the people watching fun. There are lots of funky wall paintings around the building, giving it a real hipster feel.

The trendy restaurant of El Mercado has a small coffee shop in the front of their main dinning restaurant. They offer a wide range of delicious coffees and yummy pastries to accompany them. The coffee shop only has a few tables, but is oh, so cute!

One of the best things to do in Cuenca Ecuador is to sample and sip on coffee in one of the many charming cafes!

🍽 Cuenca Food Guide | 35+ Best Cuenca Restaurants, Coffeeshops, & More Culinary Treats

Walk Along the River Tomebamba (Rio Tomebamba)

Cuenca, Ecuador has recently invested a lot of money into beautifying the area along the Tomebamba River. This has made strolling, relaxing, and enjoying the area one of the best things to do in Cuenca Ecuador.

The most scenic area is from the stretch off of Av. 3 de Noviembre , from Puente el Vergel to Plaza El Otorongo. From there, move to the foot path for bikers, runner, and walkers. Along the way, look for funky street art on colorful buildings. There are some stunning viewpoint of the homes and businesses that face the river. This walk includes views of ancient ruins and adorable bridges to walk along and take some brilliant photos. One of the most photographed points along the river walk is Puente Roto, a stone arched bridge.

There are a few little bars and coffee shops along the way, but my favorite thing to do is look up at the long stairwells. The stairwells are usually splashed with artwork on colorful buildings. Walking along the River Tomebamba almost has the feeling of an interactive art walk.

This section of the River Tomebamba walk takes around 35 minutes.

Grab Lunch with Locals

After that river walk, you might be hungry! Lunch is the biggest meal of the day in Ecuador, and many restaurants offer cheap “ almuerzos .” Almuerzos are a lunch time special that usually include a drink, a starter, a main, a dessert, and sometimes a little surprise!

Almuerzos rotate daily, but the prices are usually under $3. This is a great way to eat delicious, traditional, fast, and filling food. Portions are large and the price is always right.

One of the most delicious things to do in Cuenca Ecuador is enjoy an almuerzo with the locals!

Street of Almuerzo

Why not eat an almuerzo on the street nicknamed “the Street of Almerzos” Follow the street of Honorato Vásquez between Presidente Borrero and Hermano Miguel and have your pick from a variety of restaurants offering their best lunchtime menu of the day.

😋 Where to Eat in Cuenca Ecuador

Two of the best almuerzos spots in Cuenca can be found at El Tunel and Moliendo Cafe.

El Tunel is a popular place to try typical Ecuadorian food. With a drink, starter, main, and a dessert, this menu is filling and usually runs around $2.50. An added bonus is the popcorn with fresh aji sauce to dip-in. The portions are large, and the food is on point. This is one of the most popular places in Cuenca, so grab a table right at noon!

Find them here: Calle Honorato Vásquez | Hours : Mon – Friday, 12:00 – 16:00, Saturday until 17:00 | Cash Only

A local favorite, Moliendo Café , dishes out Colombian dishes and serves up a basic almuerzo for $3.00. Choose a meat or veg, with rice, and a small salad, and soup, with a juice.

Find them here: Calle Honorato Vásquez 6-24 | Hours: Mon – Sat, 9:00 – 21:00

Take Advantage of Cuenca’s Excellent FREE Museums

One of the best things to do in Cuenca Ecuador is visit one of the many FREE museums. Here are some of the top free museums to visit in Cuenca.

Museo Pumapungo

Museo Pumapungo is Cuenca’s most popular museum and boasts both interior and exterior exhibits. The interior focuses on the history and construction of Cuenca, and the conquest of the Incas. There are lots of interesting artifacts that were found in the outdoor Archaeological Site. A majority of the exhibitions are only in Spanish, but a few sections have English plaques

The museum also does an excellent job of showcasing the many Indigenous communities that still inhibit Ecuador and how they differ by region. Follow along with great visuals of regional clothing, lifestyles, and cultures of the many Indigenous people of Ecuador. The section of the museum with shrunken heads from the Amazon tribes has lots of information in English.

Outside of the museum is a beautiful and well maintained Inca Archaeological Park. The ruins are right in the middle of the city, so it makes for a fun self-guided few hours to discover the museum and wander through the sprawling Inca site.

I’ve heard there are often llamas here, but they must have been enjoying their day off when I visited. Museo Pumapungo is one of the best cultural things to do in Cuenca Ecuador.

Find it here: Calle Larga | Hours: Tuesday- Saturday: 10:00-16:00 | Admission: Free

Museo Municipal de Arte Moderno

Located in one of my favorite plazas in Cuenca, Plaza de San Sebastián, the Museo Municipal de Arte Moderno is a quite small, but interesting quiet museum. There are several small exhibitions, and the building itself is nice to walk around. Make sure to head out the back and check out some of the street art on the back wall.

Find it here: Coronel Guillermo Tálbot | Hours: Mon-Fri: 9:00-16:45, Sat & Sun: 9:00 – 14:00 | Admission: Free | Facebook Page

Instituto Nacional De Patrimonio Cultural

An incredibly small building, and only a few blocks from Parque Calderón, is the colorful Instituto Nacional De Patrimonio Cultural. This little museum is beautiful with picturesque pastel coloring and frescoes on the wall. The home is well maintained and although it only takes a few minutes to walk through it, the detailed murals on the walls and the colorful building warrants a quick detour.

Find it here: Benigno Malo 6-40 | Hours: Mon-Fri: 8:00-16:30 | Admission: Free

Homero Ortega Hats

Get the lowdown on the “Panama hats” that are in fact originally from Ecuador. Here in Ecuador, the straw hats are known more commonly referred to as “toquilla hats.” While this is technically an actual shop to purchase the toquilla hat, it’s possible to walk through a small museum and get a peek inside the onsite premise where they are made.

These hats have been in Ecuador’s history for a long time. Like since when the Spanish first made their appearance along the Ecuadorian coast line. The toquilla, or straw hats were worn during the Inca times, but without that signature hat brim.

These straw hats were given the nickname of “Panama hats” in 1906 when Teddy Roosevelt was sporting one when he scoped out the construction of the Panama Canal. Believe it or not, this hat was an export item from Ecuador!

Get a better understanding about one of Ecuador’s biggest exports!

Find it here: Av. Gil Ramírez Dávalos, Cuenca , near the Terminal Terrestre Bus Terminal | Museum Hours: Mon-Fri: 8:00-12:30, 14:30-17:30 Sat: 8:30 – 12:30 | Admission: Free | Official Website

Delve into Cuenca’s Foodie Scene

With all this touring around Cuenca, you’ve probably stirred up an appetite. End the day at one of excellent Cuenca restaurants, cafes, bars, or brew pubs.

The city has excellent traditional options and some new modern establishments. The old and new merge into these eateries that value fresh market food, seasonal ingredients, all based on traditional methods. Not only is Cuenca’s foodie scene on-point, but the city has some excellent craft beer options and some trendy bars that are popping up around the city.

One of the best things to do in Cuenca Ecuador is to simply, EAT!

Cuenca Foodie Guide | The Best Restaurants in Cuenca Ecuador

On Day 3 in Cuenca, either slow down and enjoy the city, or head up to Baños de Cuenca and soak in the city’s own hot springs.

Ambitious travelers may want to discover nearby charming artisan villages that offer more handmade products, Cañari ruins, and authentic markets with typical food.

Adventurous travelers can spend the day exploring the breathtaking Cajas National Park , which has a plethora of diverse hiking trails that twist through the Andes Mountains. Nature enthusiast can explore treasure like the Giron Waterfall . There are Inca ruins at Ingapirca and multi-day trekkers can explore a section of the Ecuador Inca Trail .

For a super long day trip, visit Alausi to see the Devil’s Nose , or stop by the magical village of Saraguro .

Day 3 is a perfect to slow it down a bit and enjoy more of Cuenca. Visit another museum, discover more markets, or just get lost on the beautiful streets of Cuenca Ecuador.

Relax at the Hot Springs in Baños

The best way to unwind and let’s be real, one of the best things to do in Cuenca Ecuador is spend the day lounging around at one of the many hot springs in Baños. The little hamlet know officially as Baños de Cuenca is conveniently located just 7.5 miles from Cuenca’s city center.

Baños sit right on an old volcano crater, so the termales are a product of an actual fault line. This is the man source of all the mineral rich curative waters of the thermal pools. There are multiple hot springs to choose from, ranging from budget friendly to luxury. Spend the day detoxifying your body in a beautiful setting, nestled along the old volcanic crater. Baños also has a picturesque blue church, which can be seen from the termales, or can be visited via a 20 minute walk uphill to the Plaza.

The mountains and hillside hamlet provide a stunning backdrop for all of the bath facilities, so it really doesn’t matter which facility you choose. With the close proximity to Cuenca, these baths are incredibly easy to visit independently by city bus or taxi.

➯ Detailed Cuenca Travel Guide | Spend the Day Relaxing at the Baños de Cuenca Hot Springs

Worthwhile Villages near Cuenca

Cuenca also makes an excellent home-base to explore some of the surrounding villages and valleys. Each village is known for an artisanal handicraft or typical specialty dish. If seeking a more immersive cultural experience, don’t miss a stop in the village of Gualaceo, Choordeleg, SigSig, or Paute.

These four villages can be combined in a tranquil, but full day trip from Cuena. This is one of the best cultural things to do in Cuenca Ecuador.

Gualaceo is known more famously for the production of leather shoes. The village is also known for its beautiful orchids, especially those that grow at higher than normal elevations. The Azuay region of Ecuador has over 2,500 species of orchids! Finally, Gualaceo is known for its typical dishes, especially their corn tortillas and cuy, or guinea pig.

Chordeleg is most famous for their intricate silver jewelry using the filigree method, a time consuming jewelry making process of twisting fragile metals. Don’t miss the street lamps, they are even wearing decorative earrings!

SigSig is another famous village that is known for making toquilla straw hats. There’s a great authentic museum to see how they naturally dye the straw. This village also has a few points of interest to visit like Cueva Negra and the crumbling ruins of  Cañar . On weekends, visit the Museum that is associated with the above Archaeological Sites.

Paute is overlooked by most tourists, but has two great markets, including a food court with lots of traditional almuerzo dishes for $2. The main market is booming with people coming down from the mountains on Wednesdays and Sundays. The Corvel Restaurant is a culinary destination with an inviting garden that is actively trying to promote the “la Ruta de la Caña de Azucar,” or the sugar route. Sample some of their own distilled sugar cane liquor.

➯ Detailed Cuenca Travel Guide | Charming Villages Near Cuenca That You Must Visit

More Day Trips from Cuenca

There’s also great day trips from Cuenca like the jaw-dropping Cajas National Park , which has a plethora of hiking trails less than an hour away from the city. This is one of Ecuador’s best natural parks with hundreds of alpine lakes speckled across the Andes Mountains. If looking for a tranquil way to explore the Cajas, try taking the scenic Laguna Llaviucu trail .

Nature lovers may also want to visit the Giron Ecuador with the stunning El Chorro Waterfall . This Giron Waterfall is nestled in a lovely cloud forest. Visit the primary falls, but adventurous hikers may wish to climb uphill to the second tier of the falls , located at a breathtaking 10,200 ft!

History buffs will want to visit Ingapirca Archaeological Complex , the largest Inca ruins in all of Ecuador. However, this site focuses more about the Cañari culture, who inhibited this area long before the arrival of the Incas. There’s even more Archaeological Sites with stunning views in the small village of Cojitambo Ecuador.

✈ Ecuador Travel Planning | 10+ Unmissable Day Trips from Cuenca Ecuador

There are so many incredible things to do in Cuenca Ecuador and the surrounding region that 3 days may not be enough!

Visit the Otherworldly Cajas National Park | Spectacular Hiking in Ecuador

Relax in the Hot Springs of Baños de Cuenca | Complete Guide

10+ Stellar Ideas for Epic Day Trips From Cuenca Ecuador

Giron Ecuador | How to Hike the Beautiful El Chorro Waterfall

The Best Cuenca Day Trips To Discover Artisan Villages

Underrated Cajas National Park Trails | Beautiful Laguna Llaviucu Loop

Conclusion | awesome things to do in cuenca ecuador over 3 days.

This three day itinerary gives a sampling of all the top things to do in Cuenca Ecuador. This beautiful colonial city has so much to offer. Explore the city with a free walking tour, visit one of many local Cuenca markets, browse the artisanal shops, and wander the picturesque streets. Visit the many Cuenca attractions, appreciate a free museum, savor the local cuisine and specialties. Don’t miss a sunset at Turi, or a casual walk along the Rio Tomebamba.

On top of all the awesome things to do in Cuenca Ecuador, take at least one trip away from the city. Explore the natural wonders, historical treasures, or one of the nearby authentic villages.

Have you visited the wonderful colonial city of Cuenca Ecuador? Have you done any of these top “things to do in Cuenca Ecuador?” Is there something missing from this best things to do in Cuenca Ecuador list? Let me know in the comments below!

Disclaimer: There’s a chance this post contains affiliate links, and I receive a small (but grateful) portion of the sale. There’s no extra cost to you, and I only promote things that I use and love.

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Hey, my name is Megs! I'm an adventure-seeking, wanna-be storyteller, with a wandering soul who is smitten with the diversity of this beautiful world. You can find me hiking in the mountains, eating delicious food, and seeking out the most authentic travel experiences possible. Experiences and memories are my most prized possessions. I love to slow travel and have been nomadic for over 12 years.

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This looks like such a great itinerary for Cuenca! I love the look of day 2 – coffee and nature walks are right up my alley, but I would definitely want to watch the sunset atop the hill. What a lovely area!

This looks like such a pretty and unique city to visit. I’d love to take a stroll along its historical streets and learn more about the culture here.

Megs, thank you for all of this great, detailed information on Cuenca and the surrounding areas!

It took my wife and me almost 6 years to make our second trip to Ecuador, and your guides helped us plan and execute a number of day trips. We were familiar with most of the sights in El Centro and around the town, but last time we had only used regional buses when we were in Cotacachi and Otavalo. This time we are in Cuenca for a couple of months so we got our bus passes and learned to navigate the Terminal Terrestre. The public transport is so good here and you can get to so many places for very inexpensive prices. And the info you posted made it so easy to go to places like Ingapirca, the Cajas (multiple visits), and Girón. The scenery and the walking and hiking here is so much fun – even though we were exhausted at the end of every 13,000 ft trek in the Cajas.

One activity in Cuenca that I recommend for avid as well as casual sports fans is attending a football match. Six years ago we went to an afternoon Deportivo Cuenca game. It was fun for me, but it wasn’t promoted or attended very well although the diehard fans in the supporters section were awesome. But now the marketing and atmosphere and facilities have been upgraded, and attendance is better. Lots of families have season tickets and concessions do a brisk business inside and outside the stadium. Even Gualaceo’s famous Mama Suca has a tent outside where you can try her award-winning hornados. Inside you can get a beer for $2.50 or a big cone of salchipapas sitting on top of a cup of cola for $3.00. Good tickets are only $8 to $15, with the cheapest being $5 and the most expensive being the box seats at $20. Those are great values for a professional sporting event with a talented team playing in a top tier national soccer league. We have been to two games so far this trip, and in two weeks we plan to attend the last match of the first stage of the season. Tips: Be sure to get tickets on the east side of the stadium under the grandstand’s partial roof to avoid roasting in the blazing sun (afternoon matches) or getting wet in the rain. Night matches are infrequent but more fun in my opinion.

I also want to especially say thanks to Megs for the hiking maps with the kml file links. Using those with an offline map app can be very helpful!

Thank you so much. I spent a lot of time near Cuenca house sitting and never went to a game. To be honest, I didn’t even know they existed Thank you for all the details and information… it sounds like a blast!

I always used the buses in Cuenca and found them to work so smoothly. I’m glad the information provided was useful and hopefully for the most part still correct.

The Cajas are pure magic and I’m glad the maps came in handy as well.

Thank you Peter for the comment and for taking the time to share this information.

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10 Best Things to Do in the Historic Centre of Cuenca, Ecuador

In this blog post you can read about everything there is to do in the Historic Centre of Cuenca. From wandering around its cobblestone streets to exploring its markets, admiring its beautiful buildings to enjoying some of its best viewpoints, and visiting a huge Inca ruin before trying some ‘ice cream’ that never melts, Cuenca is filled with things to do.

It is one of the most beautiful cities in Ecuador , so you shouldn’t skip a visit when planning your trip. You could easily spend a full day just visiting its Centro Historico, which is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. However, there are some fun day trips you can take as well, so definitely plan to spend at least three days in Cuenca.

If you’d like to see what we got up to in the city, then check out our dedicated  Cuenca video  on our  YouTube Channel.  For more Ecuador videos check out our  Ecuador Playlist.

Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links, which means we may receive a small commission if you click a link and purchase something. Clicking these links won’t cost you anything, but it will help us to keep this site up and running! Learn more about our affiliate policy.

Table of Contents

Introducing Cuenca, Ecuador

Located in the southern part of Ecuador, the beautiful city of Cuenca sits around 2,560 m (8,500 ft) above sea level and is Ecuador’s third-largest city.

Fun Fact – The city’s full name is  Santa Ana de los Cuatro Ríos de Cuenca . Yes, that’s quite a mouthful, so it’s no wonder that pretty much everyone just calls it ‘Cuenca’.

If you know a few Spanish words, you’ll notice that its name translates to Santa Ana of the Four Rivers of Cuenca. There are actually four rivers running through the city, one of which crosses the centre.

Cuenca was founded in 1557 as a Spanish settlement. However, evidence shows that people have lived around the Cuenca area since around 8000 BC. If you’ve been to Peru and learned a bit about the Inca’s there, then you’ll probably know that Ecuador was also part of the Inca empire before the Spanish arrived. Huayna Cápac, the last ruler of a unified Inca empire was actually born in Cuenca. Then the Spanish conquistadors arrived in the 1550’s, which is when many of the buildings you can still see today were built. Cuenca regained its independence on the 3rd November 1820.

Thanks to the city’s rich history and colonial architecture, Cuenca was recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1999, following in the footsteps of Quito’s historic centre . Today, Cuenca is a beautiful blend of colonial and modern-day facilities and it’s also the economic and cultural centre of the country. It has a very European feel to it, even though you’ll see plenty of locals still wearing their traditional Ecuadorian clothes. For these reasons, many people refer to Cuenca as ‘the Athens of Ecuador’.

Our Top Travel Resources to Visit Cuenca

• 🛏️ Find your accommodations with Booking.com
• 🎫 Book an organised tour in Cuenca with GetYourGuide or Viator
• 📱Get an eSIM with  Airalo  to be able to use data
• 🛡️ Don’t forget to buy travel insurance via SafetyWing

10 Things to Do in the Historic Centre of Cuenca

1. relax in parque calderón.

What better place to start exploring the Historic Centre of Cuenca than its main plaza. Calderon park (Parque Calderón) is a lovely green space filled with plants, trees and benches to sit on, where you can people watch and enjoy the beautiful buildings surrounding the square.

In the middle of the plaza is a monument to Abdon Calderon, who was a hero in Ecuador’s fight for independence. There is also a gazebo and fountains. As far as main squares go, Calderon Park feels a little more like you’re in a small oasis than the third biggest city in Ecuador.

2. Visit Inside Cuenca’s New Cathedral

Once you’ve got your bearings, it’s time to see what’s around the main plaza. One unmissable building you should visit is Cuenca’s New Cathedral. It is considered one of the largest cathedrals in South America.

Construction on Catedral de la Inmaculada Concepción started back in 1885, however it was only completed almost a century later in 1975. This is actually why many still refer to it as the New Cathedral. However, according to the original plans, the cathedral is still considered unfinished.

The most recognisable feature of the cathedral has to be the three giant domes covered in blue and white glazed tiles. These domes have become a symbol of Cuenca’s skyline.

You can visit inside the cathedral, which apparently can fit around 9,000 people. It’s free to enter, just make sure that you wear an appropriate outfit.

3. Climb Up the Towers of Cuenca’s New Cathedral

One of the top things to do in the Historic Centre of Cuenca is to climb up the towers of the New Cathedral and get a closer look at the massive blue domes.

The steep and windy staircase will take you past a few balconies where you can get a birds-eye view of the main plaza. As you make your way further up, you’ll eventually end up on the viewing platform where you can get some lovely views of the Centro Historico and beyond.

Entry fee: $2 USD per person. The entry to the towers is from Calle Santa Ana (Mirador de las Cúpulas), not from inside the cathedral.

4. Try Espumilla, the Never Melting ‘Ice Cream’

As you walk around Calderon park, you’ll notice some street food vendors selling ‘ice cream’ that isn’t melting despite the heat.

This popular dessert in Ecuador is called ‘espumilla’. The reason it doesn’t melt is because it’s a type of soft meringue instead of traditional ice cream.

With this Ecuadorian sweet treat in your hand, you can take your time eating it without worrying about making a mess as you walk around the Historic Centre of Cuenca. Some of the most popular flavours you can get are guava (guayaba) and blackberry (mora) .

5. Stop at Cuenca’s Flower Market ( Mercado de las Flores )

As you wind your way through the Historic Centre of Cuenca, make sure to walk past the flower market. It’s located just in front of Iglesia del Carmen de la Asunción , to the south of the New Cathedral.

Apparently Ecuador is one of the world’s largest exporters of cut flowers. Even though it’s a small market in Cuenca, it’s definitely a colourful one with a lovely atmosphere.

6. Browse the Artisan Market at Plaza de San Francisco

Just around the corner from the flower market you can find San Francisco square, filled with vendors selling clothes and souvenirs. We love browsing artisan markets and always seem to find something to purchase. Between the stalls, you can also visit some independent shops selling handmade items like jewellery and other arts and crafts.

This is also where you can find the giant Cuenca sign (Letras Cuenca) with the iconic blue domes of the New Cathedral in the background. Make sure to snap that ‘mandatory’ photo.

7. Visit Mercado 10 de Agosto

After the artisan shops you can also visit a more food focused market in the Historic Centre of Cuenca. The best one is Mercado 10 de Agosto , located a bit further south of Plaza de San Francisco.

If you’ve been to a few markets in Ecuador or South America already, then you know what to expect from a visit to Mercado 10 de Agosto. You’ll find plenty of fruit and vegetable stalls, with vendors also selling fresh juices. As always, there’s also a ‘restaurant’ section where you can taste some delicious traditional dishes.

The most unique feature of this market is that there’s a section where you can get a ‘limpia’ or a traditional cleansing. It costs a few dollars and the healer will get rid of all of your negative energy using herbs and plants.

8. Stroll Along Tomebamba River

If you’ve had enough of the hustle and bustle, then make your way towards the southern edge of the Historic Centre. Acting as a natural divider between the more modern Cuenca and the Centro Historico, walking along Rio Tomebamba is one of the most relaxing activities in the city.

The river starts in Cajas National Park, which is one of the best day trips from Cuenca. It runs through the middle of Cuenca before merging into the Amazon river and the Atlantic Ocean.

There’s a wide footpath you can use that you’ll be sharing with plenty of locals who cycle or run along the river, especially on weekends. The treelined river bank is also broad enough for people to use it as picnic spots. So, if you’ve bought something at the markets you can sit down and enjoy it here. There are also quite a few cafes along the river you can sit in as you make your way down.

If you follow the river towards the south-eastern corner of the Historic Centre then you’ll eventually end up at Pumapungo Museum.

9. See an Inca Ruin at Pumapungo Archaeological Park

Pumapungo Museum displays ancient artifacts and also tells the history of the indigenous people of the area. They even have a collection of shrunken heads! It’s definitely a great museum to visit during your time in Cuenca. Plus, it’s free to enter, so you really can’t go wrong. Just note that you won’t be allowed to take photos indoors and it’s closed on Mondays.

Behind Pumapungo Museum is an Inca Ruin that you should check out whilst you’re there. The ruins are believed to be part of the ancient city of Tomebamba, which was founded in the 15th century. However, many people believe that before the Inca built that city, there was another inhabited by the Cañari people. The Spanish conquerors used a lot of the stones from Tomebamba to build Cuenca, but luckily the foundations still remain.

Its actually a way bigger site than we initially thought and they even have a botanical garden where the Inca used to grow their crops. Luckily, you can use your camera outside!

10. Visit the Panama Hat Museum

Despite the name, ‘Panama Hats’ are originally from Ecuador, not Panama. Don’t worry, we didn’t know this before our visit either.

The confusing name comes from the 1900’s when the Panama Canal was being constructed. Construction workers used the hats to protect themselves from the sun but the name was only introduced after some photos of US President Roosevelt wearing the hat on his visit to the canal were published. Since then, these hats, worn by many famous people over the years, have been known as Panama hats.

Cuenca eventually became the largest producer of Panama hats in the country. Even though Montecristi, located just outside of Manta, claims to be the actual birthplace of the hats.

You should definitely visit one of the museums to learn about the history and process of producing these iconic straw hats. You can visit Museo Del Sombrero De Paja Toquilla which is located in the Historic Centre. For a more insightful visit, we recommend visiting Homero Ortega Hats Museum , located slightly outside of the city centre.

How to Get to Cuenca, Ecuador

Bus: The most affordable way to get to Cuenca is by public bus. You can reach Cuenca from many popular destinations such as Quito, Guayaquil, Baños and Riobamba. You can get to Cuenca from most places in a few hours. The main bus terminal is called Terminal Terrestre, and is located pretty close to the airport. You can take a taxi or local bus from there to the historic centre. You can find buses from Quito, Guayaquil and Baños on this website.

Flight: You can also fly to Cuenca from Quito or from Guayaquil. The city is served by Mariscal Lamar International Airport (CUE), located quite close to the centre. Normally the flight time is very short, only between 30 minutes to an hour. From the airport you can get a taxi or a local bus to Cuenca’s city centre.

Find Flights to Cuenca ✈️

How Long Do You Need in Cuenca

Since there is plenty to do in and around Cuenca, we recommend staying a minimum of 3 days. You can easily spend one full day just wandering around its historic centre. There are also plenty of other activities that would take at least half a day. For example, you would need a good chunk of a day to visit Cajas National Park. If you want to visit places such as Amaru Biopark, or complete a spa circuit, then you would need to allocate around 3 to 4 hours for each of these activities.

As you can see, you would really need at least 3 days to fit everything in. If you don’t want to rush your visit then you can stay even longer. Of course, if you want to skip an activity then you can see the highlights of Cuenca in about 2 full days.

• How to Spend 3 Days in Cuenca
• How to Spend 3 Weeks in Ecuador

Where to Stay in Cuenca

Since Cuenca is on many travellers itineraries, not to mention also being a popular city for expats and digital nomads, it has a variety of accommodation options.

If you only have a few days in the city, we definitely recommend staying somewhere in the city centre. It’s a lovely area and you’ll be close to many of the main attractions, restaurant, cafes and even the bus terminal and airport.

Below are some good hotel and hostel options depending on your needs and budget:

• Selina Cuenca
• Hotel Casa Merced
• Floré Hotel Boutique
• Mansion Alcazar

Is Cuenca Safe to Visit

We personally found Cuenca safe. It’s actually known to be safer than Quito. That being said, we were still careful walking around with our cameras and phones and always put them away when we didn’t need them.

Pickpocketing and other petty crime can happen just like in any other big city. The only thing you can do is to stay vigilant, especially in more crowded areas and on public transport. Perhaps use a money-belt that’s more concealed. During our Amazon Rainforest visit, a lovely couple told us that someone stole their small handbag with their phones and money in it whilst they were in Quito.

Protests due to political unrest can also happen across the country. Always check the government’s website and local news for up to date information on the current situation.

We never go anywhere without travel insurance, which can protect you against a lot of unfortunate events that can happen during your travels. We use SafetyWing , but there are plenty of other travel insurances to choose from depending on your needs.

Final Thoughts on Things to Do in the Historic Centre of Cuenca

As you can see, there’s plenty to do just in the Historic Centre of Cuenca. We definitely enjoyed walking around the city, and sometimes didn’t even feel like we were in South America. The highlights for us were definitely the views from the New Cathedral and Calderon Park, which was so much greener than we’d expected. It actually became our second favourite main plaza after the one in Arequipa, Peru.

We also enjoyed taking a stroll down Tomebamba river and were super impressed by the scale of the Inca site right in the middle of Cuenca. Even though we couldn’t fit a Panama hat into our backpacks (let alone afford one!), we had a ton of fun trying on some pretty pricey ones.

Have you ever visited Cuenca in Ecuador? If so, what did you do in the historic centre of the city? If not, would you visit Cuenca? Let us know in the comments below.

Now, let your adventure begin,

Our Top Travel Resources

Accommodation:  For hotels we always use  Booking.com  and  Hostelworld  for hostels. We also book longer stays on Airbnb or  Vrbo.

Flights:  To find the best flight prices we always check  Skyscanner ,  Google Flights  or  WayAway.  Then we also check the airlines’ websites too for comparison.

Car Rentals:  We use  Discover Cars  when we want to rent a car as it compares local, national and international companies.

Activities:  If we book organised tours we always check either  GetYourGuide  or  Viator.

Foreign Currency:  Whenever we can we prefer to pay in local currency and for that we always use our  Wise card.   We can easily withdraw money from the ATM or pay by card at most shops and restaurants.

Travel Insurance: We never go anywhere without travel insurance. You never know what will happen on your trip, so good travel insurance like SafetyWing can protect you in case of injury, illness, theft and cancellations.

eSIM and VPN: To get data abroad we use  Airalo which is an app that allows you to download a prepaid eSIM to your phone in over 190 countries. Make sure to have a VPN to avoid hackers accessing your personal data when using public WIFI. We use  Surfshark  which is the only VPN that offers one account on unlimited devices. 

Remember…It all starts with a Pin…

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Visit Cuenca, Ecuador

• Accommodation
• Things to do

Built by the conquistadors on the site of a pre-Columbian settlement, Cuenca sits in Ecuador’s highlands. Mountain passes and four swift-flowing, boulder-strewn rivers ring the city.

Cuenca’s appeal lies in its central historic zone. This district of grid-like streets opening out onto plazas is compact enough to walk around. Cobblestones, fine townhouses, and graceful ironwork balconies decked with geraniums have led UNESCO to declare the area a World Heritage Site.

Despite its misleading name, the Panama hat was born in the nearby town of Montecristi and is made with locally grown toquilla straw. Workshops and factories that have perfected this age-old craft still carry on their trade around the city.

Laid-back, colonial Cuenca is Ecuador’s quaintest and prettiest city. A visit to one of the Panama hat factories is highly recommended, but it’s also just a great place to stroll around, taking in the flower and handicraft markets.

Things to see and do in Cuenca

Take a walking tour of the historic area.

Guided walks are an excellent way to explore the main landmarks of central Cuenca. Tours usually begin at the western tip of the historic district in the Plaza de San Sebastián. This quiet square was used for bullfighting in the 18th century.

At the Plaza San Francisco, you step into a lively artisanal market. Here, stallholders sell the wide, multi-hued and heavily embroidered skirts typically worn by Cuenca’s ‘cholas’ (indigenous women from Ecuador’s Azuay Province, of which Cuenca is the capital).

All of Cuenca’s important administrative buildings circle the Plaza Mayor, but none are as striking as the New Cathedral. Its blue and white candy-striped domes can be seen all over the city.

Visit the Panama hat factories and workshops

Rafael Paredes y Hijos, a small factory at the junction of Calle Larga and Calle Tarqui, is a particularly good small-scale hat factory and museum. The oldest hat-making establishment, Homero Ortega y Hijos, is good for ‘superfinos’. These pliable lightweight hats roll up into a thin sausage, making them ideal for packing.

Wander among blooms in the Plaza de las Flores

The flower stalls filling this small tiled square are all covered by the same elegant taupe sunshade. Vendors in traditional dress sell baskets heaped with all types of roses, orchids and many other specimens. The church of El Carmen de la Asunción, with its white façade and elaborate carved stone entrance, watches over it all.

Visit the city’s museums

The building occupied by Cuenca’s Museum of Modern Art has its own story to tell. A low-lying structure with two stately courtyards, it was originally a 19 th -century temperance house, reserved for recovering alcoholics. Today, it shows paintings and sculptures by Ecuadorian and international artists.

The grander Central Bank (Pumapungo) Museum is a treasure chest of archaeological and ethnographic finds from the region. The tsantsas (shrunken heads) made by southern Ecuador’s Shuar people are a popular exhibit. Also contained within the museum complex are the minimal ruins of Pumapungo, a mysterious Inca city that is said to have once been as important as Cuzco.

Make a day trip to El Cajas National Park

This highland reserve of grasslands, trout-filled lakes, cloudforest and quinoa forest lies around 30 km (18 miles) west of Cuenca.

It’s ideal for hikers looking to go on a day walk, or those interested in wildlife. The park’s residents include Andean gulls, black frogs and wild llamas. Guides accompany you through the park, navigating routes and helping you identify the vegetation and flora, which includes rare bromeliads.

Best time to visit Cuenca

Cuenca seems to enjoy a spring-like microclimate for most of the year. The weather is at its best, however, during Ecuador’s dry season (June to September).

Please note that the city can be very quiet on Sundays and museums are generally closed on Mondays.

Festivals, events and seasonal reasons to visit

• Inti Raymi, the June Summer Solstice (Festival of the Sun), is the biggest festival in the Ecuadorian calendar. Cuenca celebrates with music, dancing and local food.
• 3rd November is Ecuador’s Independence Day. This is usually a quiet period, when businesses shut down and families take time off.
• Cuenca’s annual foundation celebration takes place every year on April 12 (the date on which the Spanish founded the city in 1557). The whole city enjoys parades and fireworks. Cuencanos (inhabitants of Cuenca) also choose a ceremonial ‘queen’.

Start planning your tailor-made trip to Cuenca by contacting one of our Ecuador specialists

• 617-223-4521 617-223-4940
• Make an inquiry

Suggested itinerary featuring Cuenca

This sample itinerary will give you an idea of what is possible when you travel in Cuenca, and showcases routes we know work particularly well. Treat this as inspiration, because your trip will be created uniquely by one of our specialists.

Andes & Galapagos tour

13 days from $9,665pp

Map of Cuenca

Places & hotels on the map, places near cuenca.

• Loja 78 miles away
• Guayaquil 79 miles away
• Avenue of Volcanoes 145 miles away
• Papallacta 185 miles away
• The Amazon 187 miles away
• Quito 189 miles away
• The Cloudforest 200 miles away
• Otavalo 223 miles away
• Hosteria Pantavi 240 miles away

Photos of Cuenca

Our expert guides to exploring Cuenca

Written by our specialists from their own experiences of visiting Cuenca, these guides will help you make the most of your time there. We share both our practical recommendations and the best ways to appreciate Cuenca at its best.

Ecuador's wildlife beyond the Galapagos: the Amazon and cloudforest

While Scott from our Latin America team believes that the Galapagos are fundamental to any amateur naturalist’s trip to Ecuador, he’d also encourage you to consider exploring the mainland’s Amazon and cloudforest regions as part of your Ecuador wildlife tour.

Accommodation choices for Cuenca

We’ve selected a range of accommodation options for when you visit Cuenca. Our choices usually come recommended for their character, facilities and service or location. Our specialists always aim to suggest properties that match your preferences.

Santa Lucia

Mansion Alcazar

Ideas for experiencing cuenca.

Our specialists seek out authentic ways to get to know the places that could feature in your trip. These activities reflect some of the experiences they've most enjoyed while visiting Cuenca, and which use the best local guides.

Gualaceo Countryside Tour

The valley of Gualaceo is 22 miles (36 kilometers) from Cuenca, at an elevation of 7,446 feet (2,370 meters) above sea level. The ride starts along the Santa Ana valley and then high in the mountains, through very scenic landscapes, which change at every curb.

Cuenca Scenic Tour

Have a comprehensive but leisurely tour of the colonial city of Cuenca. The tour includes the Plaza of San Sebastián, a colorful artisans' market, and the Museum of Modern Art, which features an excellent collection of contemporary fine art.

El Cajas National Park

The El Cajas National Park is a 28,000 hectare area of some 230 lakes and quinoa forest starting at 3,000 meters (10,000 feet) that is home to a variety of wildlife including the Andean Gull, black frogs, hummingbirds and condors as well as a variety of indigenous plants including many rare bromeliads and orchids.

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Air arrivals.

If you need addresses and schedules of airlines serving Cuenca, click on this option. You will find important information that will enable you to travel without difficulty.

Land Arrivals

Knowing about bus transportation in any city is fundamental; click here for this option and acquaint yourself with Cuenca’s public transportation companies.

Nature and Adventure

Recommended routes, traditional festivals, activities calendar.

Cuenca is located at an altitude of 2,538 meters above sea level and has a population of approximately 580,00. It occupies an area of 15,730 hectares and has a climate that oscillates between 14 degrees C and 18 degrees C during the entire year. It is located in a valley formed by mountainous systems of exceptional characteristics and has a river system composed of four principal rivers: Tomebamba, Yanuncay, Machangara and Tarqui, whis cross the city from west to east. The architectural and cultural riches of the city, in general, have merited Cuenca its designation as a World Heritage City on December 1, 1999. The Historic Center of nearly 200 hectares is made up of the oldest residential area. Here we find a large number of buildings of great beauty in the colonial or Republican style; the archaeological area, the craft neighborhoods (of colonial origin); the central markets; the Tomebamba River Bluff with the Paseo 3 de Noviembre street and several other sites of cultural and scenic importance that show why the city was declared a World Heritage.

10 razones por las que hacer eventos en Cuenca

• El Aeropuerto Mariscal La Mar completamente renovado y tiene buena conectividad con líneas aéreas.
• Fácil accesibilidad por tener carreteras de primer orden
• Posición geográfica estratégica, a tres horas del Aeropuerto Internacional (Guayaquil) y 4 horas de la frontera con Perú.
• Variedad de atractivos turísticos, diversidad cultural y natural.
• Áreas rurales cercanas que complementan la oferta turística de la ciudad como haciendas, orquideario, áreas protegidas, bosques, etc.
• Cuenta con un centro histórico conservado.
• Alojamientos boutique únicos.
• Espacios patrimoniales de fácil acceso
• Posee un inmenso abanico de opciones culinarias, diferenciado por su exquisita gastronomía.
• Su gente es amable y hospitalaria.

Cuenca fue sede del I Simposium Itinerante de Turismo

Posted by fturismo.

La Alcaldía de Cuenca a través de su Fundación Municipal Turismo para Cuenca participó este miércoles 4 de septiembre como anfitrión del I Simposium Itinerante que se llevó a cabo en el auditorio de la Antigua Escuela Central, previo al Discover CIT, Convención Internacional de Turismo 2019..........

Mira la transmisión en vivo Facebook live

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San Sebastián, un barrio lleno de arte y gastronomía

San Sebastián fue uno de los primeros barrios de Cuenca en donde inicialmente se caracterizó por el oficio de la ollería, la elaboración de tejas, la sastrería, y también carpintería. Es parte de la historia de la ciudad, pues su origen data de 1557, año de la fundación de Cuenca.....

SAN JOAQUÍN, UNA PARROQUIA POR DESCUBRIR

La esencia de la cultura y tradición de un pueblo se trasmite también en la gastronomía y si le juntamos paisaje natural acompañado de las manos que domestican la tierra para cultivar y cuidar, sin duda alguna estamos hablado de la parroquia San Joaquín.......

To develop and promote Cuenca as a tourist product-destination of quality at the national and international level.

In 2019 to be recognized as a model institution at the national level in the management of responsible, sustainable tourism, demonstrating that tourism is a key piece of Cuenca’s economic development.

10 Places to Retire Abroad on Social Security Alone

Text Callout : key takeaways - retire abroad social security

If you're hoping to stretch your retirement dollars as far as possible, a move abroad could significantly lower your cost of living.

In many countries, the average monthly Social Security benefit of $1,907 is often enough to cover living expenses and basic housing.

Based on cost of living data from Expatisan and insights from financial experts, this list, presented alphabetically below, highlights some of the cheapest destinations for retirees living on Social Security alone.

Before moving overseas, familiarize yourself with your host country’s visa requirements and tax laws regarding Social Security income. You can also use the Payments Abroad Screening Tool on the Social Security Administration website to check your eligibility for benefits while abroad.

• Alicante, Spain.
• Boquete, Panama.
• Chiang Mai, Thailand.
• Cuenca, Ecuador.
• Kalamata, Greece.
• Las Terrenas, Dominican Republic.
• Lisbon, Portugal.
• Medellín, Colombia.
• Penang, Malaysia.
• San Miguel de Allende, Mexico.

Alicante, Spain

Alicante is located on the Costa Blanca, a 120-mile stretch along Spain’s eastern Mediterranean coast. It has long attracted expats with its plentiful sunshine and sandy beaches. "Spain, while being a bit pricier, offers a high quality of life with its rich culture and health care system," said Marty Burbank, an expert in estate planning and elder law in Fullerton, California, in an email. Retirees can take daily strolls through the streets of its old town, known as casco histórico, shop for local specialties at the markets and enjoy familiar dishes in Alicante's many seafood restaurants. Couples can live on less than $2,000 per month in Alicante.

Boquete, Panama

Tucked away in the western highlands of Panama , beautiful Boquete draws in many retirees from the U.S. This small city with 23,000 residents could be an ideal fit for seniors seeking peace and quiet. Boquete is known as the flower capital of Panama and its colorful blooms and gorgeous coastline provide senior residents with some spectacular views. Expats can also take advantage of Panama's pensionado program, which offers discounts on a range of expenses, including health care, dining and entertainment. Couples should budget around $2,600 per month for a comfortable retirement in Boquete.

Chiang Mai, Thailand

Chiang Mai is a top contender for retirees seeking an affordable and high-quality lifestyle in Southeast Asia . Located in Thailand's temperate north, the city boasts a comfortable climate that attracts many retirees. Beyond its terrific weather, Chiang Mai offers a vibrant atmosphere with bustling markets, a diverse range of restaurants catering to Western tastes and breathtaking natural beauty. A couple can enjoy an easy life in Chiang Mai for under $2,000 per month.

Cuenca, Ecuador

Nestled in the Andes Mountains, Cuenca is known for its colonial charm and low cost of living, which attracts many U.S. retirees every year. It has a moderate climate, access to top-notch health care facilities and an active expat community to help retirees stay socially active. Your monthly Social Security benefit can go a long way here, covering housing, groceries and leisure activities. A couple living frugally in Ecuador could get by on $2,000 a month.

Kalamata, Greece

With its pleasant Mediterranean climate, Kalamata, Greece, offers a wealth of cultural and outdoor activities for retired expats. Residents live alongside Kalamata's famous olive groves and enjoy access to its beaches, mountains and vineyards. Despite being a small city, Kalamata has many cultural attractions, art galleries, theaters and museums, including the Historical and Folklore Museum, Military Museum, Archaeological Museum, Victoria G. Karelia Collection of Greek Costumes and the Municipal Art Gallery. Couples can expect to live well in Kalamata with a monthly budget of around $2,000.

Las Terrenas, Dominican Republic

Retirees who prefer a tropical setting but still wish to remain close to the U.S. may consider the town of Las Terrenas on the north coast of the Dominican Republic . With its golden-sand beaches, palm trees and laid-back Caribbean vibe, this affordable paradise draws U.S. retirees. The Dominican Republic's low cost of living, coupled with its warm climate and welcoming locals, make it a great place to embrace island life. A retired couple with a monthly budget of $2,500 should be quite comfortable.

Lisbon, Portugal

Seniors who choose to make this historic Iberian capital their home will have plenty of sunshine and access to some of Europe's best beaches. " Portugal offers a retirement and relocation residency program that is quite popular among U.S. retirees," said David Brillant, a tax, trust and estate planning lawyer in Walnut Creek, California, who regularly works with clients who have retired to Portugal, in an email. Though Portugal has recently ended some of its most popular tax breaks for foreigners, retirees can still take advantage of its lower living costs. A couple can live in Lisbon for about $2,100 to $2,200 a month.

Medellín, Colombia

While it was once known for its political instability, Medellín, Colombia , has undergone a remarkable transformation in recent years to become one of South America's most inviting cities for American expats. You’ll find a year-round springlike climate and plenty of green space in this rapidly growing city. Retirees can sharpen their Spanish skills with friendly locals and enjoy lively festivals such as the annual Tamarind Festival and International Tango Festival. For outdoorsy seniors, the nearby mountains offer opportunities for hiking and camping. Couples can live in Medellín for less than $1,700 a month.

Penang, Malaysia

As one of the top expat destinations in Malaysia , Penang is a small tropical island and former British colony. English is widely spoken and its famously flavorful cuisine earns high marks from foodies. "Malaysia stands out for its My Second Home (MM2H) program, which has been appealing to many U.S. retirees due to its long-term visa option," Burbank said. A couple living in Penang could get by on less than $1,500 a month.

San Miguel de Allende, Mexico

In this cultural gem located in the heart of Mexico , you can stroll cobblestone streets, visit local artisan markets and socialize with a thriving community of retired expats living in San Miguel de Allende. Retirees will also appreciate the range of affordable housing in San Miguel de Allende, from snug condos to sprawling hacienda-style properties. Access to low-cost high-quality health care also means your Social Security dollars will go much further. A couple can live on less than $2,000 a month in San Miguel de Allende.

Copyright 2024 U.S. News & World Report

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Haiti + 7 more

Latinoamérica & El Caribe Resumen de Situación Semanal al 26 de abril 2024

Attachments.

CIFRAS CLAVE

3M de niños y niñas necesitan ayuda humanitaria o protección en Haití

169K personas afectadas por las inundaciones en Ecuador desde el 29 de enero

722 personas desplazadas por enfrentamientos en zonas rurales de Cauca, Colombia

HAITÍ: INFANCIA

A medida que la situación humanitaria y de seguridad en Haití continúa deteriorándose, aumenta la preocupación por la seguridad y el bienestar de los niños y las niñas. Sólo en la zona de Puerto Príncipe, unos 1,2 millones de niños y niñas están amenazados, mientras que al menos 182.000 niños y niñas están desplazados internamente en todo el país. La violencia sigue afectando al funcionamiento de las escuelas y los centros de salud, privando a la población del acceso a los servicios básicos. A pesar de la financiación limitada y las restricciones de acceso, el clúster de educación ha llegado a 4.095 niños y niñas afectados por la crisis (1.171 niñas y 2.924 niños) con servicios educativos y apoyo al aprendizaje desde enero. A lo largo del mes de marzo, UNICEF y sus socios establecieron 10 espacios amigables para la infancia en asentamientos para personas desplazadas internamente, proporcionando apoyo psicosocial y de salud mental a 1.817 niños y niñas (929 niñas y 888 niños). Se estima que 3 millones de niños y niñas necesitarán asistencia humanitaria y de protección en 2024, por lo que UNICEF necesita una financiación urgente de 221,7 millones de dólares.

COLOMBIA: VIOLENCIA Y DESPLAZAMIENTO

Al menos 387 familias (722 personas) de zonas rurales de Argelia, en el departamento del Cauca, fueron desplazadas el 17 de abril debido a los enfrentamientos en curso entre el Ejército Nacional y un grupo armado no estatal (GANE). Algunas familias regresaron a sus hogares sin garantías de seguridad, exponiéndose a mayores riesgos. En los municipios de López de Micay, Guapi y Timbiquí, 82.087 personas se han visto afectadas por restricciones de movilidad, riesgos para la seguridad alimentaria y problemas de protección, debido a la instalación de artefactos explosivos y a la imposición de códigos de conducta por parte de los grupos armados no estatales. Existe un temor generalizado entre las poblaciones indígenas y afrocolombianas a denunciar los hechos victimizantes, lo que contribuye a la falta de denuncias y a la invisibilidad de los problemas humanitarios críticos en la costa del Pacífico del Cauca.

REGIONAL: MIGRACIÓN

El 22 de abril, 19 migrantes irregulares, entre ellos haitianos, rumanos y dos menores de Ecuador y Honduras, fueron detenidos en las Islas Vírgenes Británicas. Esta es la última de una serie de interceptaciones en los últimos meses, sobre todo de migrantes haitianos, lo que indica una nueva tendencia creciente de migración en toda la región. Mientras tanto, aumenta la preocupación por los peligros que enfrentan los migrantes a lo largo de las rutas centroamericanas y mexicanas. Un estudio reciente de la OIM identifica partes de Panamá y México, incluyendo la provincia de Darién y los estados mexicanos de Baja California, Chiapas, Nuevo León y Tamaulipas, como las zonas más peligrosas para los migrantes en tránsito. Según MSF, en lo que va de 2024 se han registrado más casos de violencia sexual contra migrantes que en todo 2023. Además, en una encuesta realizada por la Oficina del Alto Comisionado de las Naciones Unidas para los Derechos Humanos y la Defensoría del Pueblo de Panamá, publicada el 23 de abril, una de cada 5 mujeres experimentó violencia sexual y a 17 de las 117 mujeres encuestadas les solicitaron favores sexuales a cambio de su seguridad u otro beneficio. Estos hallazgos subrayan la necesidad urgente de mejorar las medidas de protección y los servicios de apoyo integrales para las personas migrantes vulnerables que navegan por estas peligrosas rutas.

ECUADOR: INUNDACIONES

Desde el 20 de abril, las fuertes lluvias en el cantón Alausí, en la provincia de Chimborazo, han provocado inundaciones, que han afectado al menos a 200 personas y han destruido o dañado 18 viviendas. Además, cuatro puentes fueron destruidos, una escuela resultó dañada y 10 hectáreas de cultivos fueron afectadas. Se pronostican más lluvias para los días 26 y 27 de abril. Desde el 29 de enero, 169.043 personas se han visto afectadas por las fuertes lluvias en todo el país, con 275 viviendas destruidas y 130 personas alojadas en refugios. El intenso temporal se produce mientras otras partes del país enfrentan una sequía prolongada y la consiguiente escasez de energía. Las fuertes lluvias del 24 de abril agravaron los problemas al dañar las redes eléctricas en ciudades como Quito y Cuenca.

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