Best Things to Do in Cuenca, Ecuador
Cuenca is the third-largest city in Ecuador, and it is one of the prettiest colonial cities you can visit in this country. If you decide on traveling to the southern part of Ecuador, read our travel guide on the best things to see and do in Cuenca and its close surroundings. Let's discover why Cuenca is in UNESCO and visit with us all the top attractions and best places.
Cuenca, the beautiful city in southern Ecuador, has over 300 000 inhabitants, but the historical center has a very peaceful, almost small-town atmosphere that we would have never guessed so many people live here.
The relaxed vibe, pleasant weather, pedestrian-friendly streets, and post-card like architecture caused that Cuenca is a popular destination among foreign travelers and locals, who in a short time want to see and do the best what the city and its surroundings have to offer.
Still, it is also a place popular among expats and retirees who decided to spend the rest of their lives here.
That means one thing. Cuenca is not only pretty to look at and dotted with top attractions; it is a very livable city - that's something we surely cannot say about all destinations in Ecuador.
After almost three months on the road, we had a feeling that Cuenca came into our way at the right time as we needed to refill the energy and boost our enthusiasm to explore new places.
We wandered its tidy streets, walked around the historical center numerous times, and always found a reason why to do it again.
Every afternoon we bought handmade coconut ice cream, sat on a bench, watched local people walking around in their colorful clothes, and enjoyed the international cuisine - for the first time and last time on our year-long trip, we ate pizza and went to an Indian restaurant.
Cuenca is not a bustling city, time here flies slowly, and it gives you the opportunity to get to know the place without a rush.
It is a place where you can see the Spanish influence everywhere around, yet it remained remarkably authentic. We spent three days in Cuenca, and during this period had plenty of time to see and do the best things Cuenca and the picturesque hills around have to offer.
If you plan your Ecuador itinerary, make sure to visit Cuenca for at least a day. However, we would recommend dedicating to exploring the city a bit longer, as the landscape around hides several intriguing day-trips that are worth your time.
In this Cuenca Ecuador travel guide, we've put together tips on what to do in Cuenca, the best things to see that no first-time visitor should miss, together with practical tips on how to get or where to stay.
WHAT TO DO IN CUENCA, ECUADOR
Cuenca, except for the architectural highlights, also offers a valuable insight into local life. Ecuador was one of the South American countries where we could still see indigenous people in the city center, who did not abandon their customs and traditions.
We really value this encounter with culture during our travels, which is still harder to get because of globalization.
Some of the must-visit places in Cuenca are in the center and easy to find; some are reachable only on a day trip by bus or with a tour. Feel free to get inspired, and try to fit in your itinerary as many activities and attractions as you can.
WALK AROUND THE HISTORICAL CITY CENTER
UNESCO-listed city of Cuenca is a place where you don't need to follow your tight itinerary and tick off one place after another.
It is a city where you can freely wander its streets, stop every now and then when you spot something you find interesting and photogenic, admire the colonial architecture, enjoy the relaxed atmosphere and watch how such a populated city was still able to keep its indigenous traditions and way of life.
Cuenca is not the classic World Heritage Site as it does not have many must-see landmarks except for one or two churches, a couple of museums, or the main plaza.
But the Cuenca's centro historico is incredibly picturesque and pleasant to walk around. Take your camera in hand, and let's aimlessly walk the streets of Cuenca. We are sure you will find a hidden gem no other traveler had discovered before you.
Here are some of the best things you can see and do in Cuenca.
CATHEDRAL OF THE IMMACULATE CONCEPTION
Cathedral de la Inmaculada Concepcion is one of the largest cathedrals in South America, and because it was completed quite recently, in 1975, local people call it New Cathedral to distinguish it from other cathedrals in the city.
The work on the cathedral started 90 years before, but it took quite a long time to finish it, and we are happy we could nowadays see it in its all beauty.
It is a massive and fascinating structure that cannot be overlooked, especially because of its blue domes, which stand out in particular. These blue domes actually changed Cuenca's skyline for the better, and travelers and locals alike cannot imagine these views of the city without them anymore.
You can walk inside the cathedral and admire the interior, or for $2, it is possible to climb the stairways to get spectacular views of the city.
The effort is well worth it, and this activity is actually considered one of the best when exploring the historical center.
PARQUE ABDON CALDERON
The large park in the middle of the historic center serves as the main square, thus meeting point, and is lined with pretty houses with arcades; there is a fountain in the center, benches where you can sit and enjoy ice cream, greenery.
You can see some government and administrative buildings as well.
Many things happen on Cuenca's main square, so make sure you do not miss it. The atmosphere changes throughout the day, and it is worth it to visit it a few times during your trip to Cuenca.
ROOFTOP BALCONIES
When booking your room in Cuenca, always check if the hotel has a rooftop terrace - most of the city buildings have an open terrace on the highest floor, from where you can get a great view of the city, drink tea or beer and wait for the sunset.
The panorama of Cuenca from rooftops is really something special.
Ecuador is actually blessed with a wonderful landscape, and we knew this little trick of booking a hostel with a terrace from other places we had visited, such as Latacunga, a town close to Cotopaxi National Park.
TOMEBAMBA RIVER
Walk only ten minutes or so from the city center, and you will get to Tomebamba River, a perfect place for strolling around and leaving the popular city behind.
For a while, we had a feeling we are not in South America but back in Europe.
The river is lined with very photogenic houses that line a narrow path that is well-known among locals, who come here to bike, jog, or picnic every day, but mostly on weekends.
This recreation zone is very lively, yet it does not feel crowded. Feel free to stretch your legs here, or buy a snack or coffee in a restaurant nearby (there are plenty of them), sit on the grass, and watch life go by.
On the other side of the river starts the busier and more modern part of the city, but we did not feel like exploring this part of Cuenca, and we did not cross the bridge to the other side.
PUMAPUNGO MUSEUM AND PARK
We visited only one museum in Cuenca, Pumapungo Museum, so we cannot compare with others, but we found it extremely interesting as the exhibits show ancient artifacts found in the area, but especially it focuses on the indigenous culture, history, and struggles.
It takes a while to walk through the whole exhibition, but it is really worth spending some time here. Budget travelers will surely appreciate the information that there's no entrance fee, and this museum is completely free to visit.
It is impossible to take pictures inside the museum, and we even had to leave our backpacks in a locker.
Outside the museum is a garden, where you can find Inca terraces where Inca people grew their crops, nowadays the part of it was turned into a botanical garden.
PANAMA HAT MUSEUM
One would think that the term Panama Hat must come from the country of Panama, but don't be fooled here.
Panama Hat is the original product of Ecuador. Don't make a mistake, and never tell a local the opposite as people in Cuenca and overall Ecuador are rightfully proud of this commodity.
These straw hats woven from palm trees' fibers date back to the 16th century, but became most popular when the US president Roosevelt wore this hat when he visited, guess what, Panama Chanel. This is where the name and confusion come from.
If you want to hear the story behind the name's origin, visit one of the museums, shops, or factories around Cuenca. Panama Hat is also a great tip for a souvenir.
Our tip: If you want to get to know Cuenca from a different perspective and learn more about Panama Hats, check out this City Tour With Hat Factory that combines both.
MARKET
Cuenca is a large city, so you can find many markets here, but our favorite one was Mercado 10 de Agosto.
It was close to the city center. We could buy here lots of fruits and vegetables without being ripped off, and fresh juices and local food were good and reasonably priced.
It was one of the most authentic indigenous markets in the middle of the city we've ever visited.
If you want to take photos on markets like this, always be polite, and if a person you would like to photograph looks at you, always ask for permission.
We found out that it is much better to walk around local markets with a small mirrorless camera than with a bulky DLSR we used to use in the past.
FLOWER MARKET
When speaking about markets, there's one more thing a traveler looking for must-visit places in Cuenca cannot miss, and it is the Flower Market.
You might not know it, but Ecuador is one of the world's top exporters of flowers, and Plaza de las Flores, where you'll find plenty of stalls and sellers with wonderfully colorful flowers, just proves that.
The market sits in the very heart of Cuenca, which shows the importance, and you simply cannot miss it.
We know that as a traveler, you most likely won't buy a flower with you, but this place is visually appealing, very atmospheric, and authentic, so mark it on your Cuenca travel map.
IGLESIA SAGRARIO
You cannot walk around Cuenca and not notice the white church Iglesia Sagrario, also known as the Old Cathedral, because it was built in the 16th century.
This whitewashed building is appealing from the outside, but if time allows, explore the interior as well.
We found it quite interesting that French scientists used the church during their mission in the 18th century when they were on a quest to find the equator that is located near Quito, at a place called Mitad del Mundo.
PLAZA DE SAN FRANCISCO
San Francisco Square is a newly renovated plaza in Cuenca, where you can nowadays find a big red sign Cuenca where tourists usually take an apparently obligatory photo.
It is the window-case of Cuenca the locals are proud of, and we would not be surprised if the first steps during looking for the best things to do, led you here. Except for architecture, you can visit this place to shop for clothes on the market.
MIRADOR DE TURI
It is fun walking around Cuenca, but one of the top activities is a bit away from the city center. The city is splendid from above, and to get a different perspective, plan the hike to Mirador de Turi.
Ok, getting there on your own is a bit time-consuming as it can take up to one hour one-way, depending on your pace, but the effort (you'll climb several hundred steps) is well worth it.
If you are pressed for time or do not want to dedicate that much time for just one activity, you can take a cab, which should not cost you more than $5.
It is a good idea to pack a telephoto lens for the best photos. Also, even though we found Cuenca safe, we recommend you to walk to the view during the daylight.
LA CALLE LARGA
Another best thing to do in Cuenca is walking the street La Calle Larga. The street is lined with interesting houses, but it is not that popular because of the architecture but because of what is inside the houses.
Most of the buildings were turned into cafes, restaurants, museums, or artisan shops, so make sure you pay a visit at least once. The street is lively during the day, but it is even more fun to walk around after dark.
Our Tip: To learn more about the architecture and history of Cuenca, you can book a Cuenca City Tour.
INGAPIRCA RUINS
Ecuador also has its Inca ruin. It is by no means as famous as any ruin in Peru, but as we traveled from north to south, and Ingapirca ruin was the first Inca archeological site we've seen on the continent, we found it interesting and worth undertaking the quite lengthy trip from Cuenca.
Had we visited Machu Picchu in Peru first, we would have probably rated Ingapirca ruins with the word 'lovely'.
However, when you are in Cuenca, visiting Ingapirca Ruins is for sure thing you should consider doing.
If you are traveling from Riobamba or any other destination north from Cuenca, you can spend a night either in small towns such as Cañar or El Tambo so you won't have to return the next day and continue to Cuenca after visiting the ruin.
Ingapirca Ruins is an archeological site showing the blend of two cultures - Cañari and Inca.
The base was built by indigenous Cañari people (whose descendants, by the way, still live in the area), and later when Incas came and conquered the place, they built new structures or remodeled the old ones.
It is not possible to walk around the site on your own; you must buy a ticket for $2 which includes a guided tour either in Spanish or English.
But as there were no information boards around to explain the history of the site, we found it very helpful, and we learned a lot of new stuff here.
The site is quite small, and its purpose is still uncertain.
Most likely, Ingapirca served as a fortress, but people lived within its walls with their domestic animals (there are still stones they used for constructing houses).
Ingapirca also has the most significant building, the Temple of the Sun, which had a religious and ceremonial purpose.
To get to Ingapirca ruin, you need to take a regular bus from Cuenca's bus terminal every day at 9 AM.
The bus returns in the afternoon (check out the current schedule), but the time is usually convenient, so you'll have enough time to explore the site and even have a quick lunch.
The drive took us 2.5 to 3 hours as the bus often stopped to pick up locals along the way.
In case you prefer a more comfortable way of traveling, you can take this Ingapirca Ruins Tour from Cuenca which will save you some time.
CAJAS NATIONAL PARK
If you've already made it to Cuenca, you should seriously consider making a one-day trip to Cajas National Park as for us, except for admiring the historic center, it was the highlight of our time spent in the city, and definitely one of the best things we've done in Ecuador.
Only 30 kilometers from Cuenca lies the absolute hiker's paradise, notoriously known for its moody weather but also stunning views of green hills, deep valleys, and hundreds of lakes.
Unless you just finished hiking Quilotoa Loop or biking in Chimborazo National Park, we recommend you to leave the visit of Cajas National Park for your last day in Cuenca as the park sits at a suffocating altitude of 4450 meters above sea level, so it is important to acclimatize well.
The cheapest way how to get to Cajas National Park is by a regular bus leaving every day in the morning from Cuenca's bus terminal.
When you arrive in the park, you need to register and choose the trail you want to hike as there are many options, from two-hour trails to multi-day hikes.
It is also possible to take a Cajas National Park Guided Hike that includes transport from Cuenca if traveling on your own is not your thing.
The weather in Cajas National Park was like from a guidebook - we had blue skies, dark clouds, strong wind, and at the end even rain, but nothing could spoil the beauty of the area, rather the opposite.
We think this national park is exactly one of those few destinations in the world that you can enjoy in every weather. Sometimes, the clouds add to the dramatic atmosphere and make the experience even better.
Cajas is a wild and pristine park where you can also spot wildlife, so it is only up to you if you decide to spend here a couple of hours, a day or stay overnight - personally, we think longer is better.
Travel Insurance
We never leave home without travel insurance that was designed to cover our expenses if something goes wrong during the trip.
Travel insurance protects against theft, flight delays, injury, illness, cancellations, and much more.
World Nomads provides travel insurance for travelers to cover their trip essentials, including sports and adventure activities.
SafetyWing is affordable travel insurance for backpackers, long-term travelers, and digital nomads.
Travel smarter and safer!
DAY TRIPS FROM CUENCA
Cuenca does not need to be an ordinary one or two-nights destination on your itinerary. If you can afford to spend more time in the area and still do not have enough of the city's colonial charm, you can do some more activities.
One of them is Chordeleg and Gualaceo Artisan Villages Tour or Banos de Cuenca (do not confuse it for the other and more famous town in Ecuador) where you can take a dip in hot springs around the city.
The second, even a more popular day-tour, is taking the famous train ride through the Ecuadorian countryside, which also includes sightseeing of well-known tourist attraction Devil's Nose.
This tour also includes a visit to Ingapirca ruins. You can book the Devil's Nose Train and Ingapirca Ruins Tour here.
WHERE TO STAY IN CUENCA
Cuenca is the prettiest colonial city in Ecuador, so you can expect to meet here many foreign and local visitors any time of the year.
The center of Cuenca is very picturesque, and it is worth it to find a room in the heart of the city to have everything nearby.
Although the bus terminal is outside the city center, it was still within walking distance, so we found the best to book a room in the colonial town and walk forth and back when making one-day trips outside the city limits.
We've handpicked the three best hotels in Cuenca for every type of traveler.
Budget | Selina Cuenca - Perfect location, beautiful and clean facilities for a low price, co-working place, kitchen, and terrace - you probably won't find a better deal in Cuenca.
Mid-range | Hostal Mariscal Inn & Suites - Reasonably priced hotel offers the best value for your money in Cuenca. Comfortable beds, excellent breakfast, and a great atmosphere are the main reasons why to stay here.
Luxury | Mansion Alcazar - Colonial boutique hotel in the center of Cuenca offers comfortable, spacious rooms, perfect service, and a tasty breakfast. Top pick for everyone looking for a higher standard.
BEST TIME TO VISIT CUENCA
Cuenca is sometimes called the city of eternal spring, the same as Medellin in Colombia. What can you expect? As the city lies 2560 meters above sea level, it means the climate is a bit cooler, although sunny and warm days are nothing exceptional.
Just be prepared that you will need to wear a jumper when the clouds come or at night.
The most popular time to visit is December to February and then June to August, while the highest precipitation is during the months of March, April and May.
That's being said, arrive any time of the year, just well-prepared.
Cuenca is a favorite town to visit among locals during holidays, so plan ahead and make your reservation in advance, especially during Christmas or Easter.
WHAT TO PACK
Weather in Cuenca can be tricky, and you can easily experience all four seasons within one day.
The altitude and also the location close to the equator create a unique environment.
First, think of the activities you plan on doing. If you spend the majority of your time within the UNESCO center, you need your classic travel outfit - jeans, comfortable shoes, daypack, and travel camera.
For example, if you want to make a few day trips, such as the one to Cajas National Park, make sure you have a rain poncho, hiking boots, sunscreen, and reusable water bottle.
On top of that, we've created an in-depth post on what to pack for South America where you can find essential things you should bring along when backpacking in Ecuador.
HOW TO GET TO CUENCA
Cuenca is one of the must-visit destinations in Ecuador. Thanks to it, getting to the city is pretty easy as you can reach Cuenca by direct bus for example from Riobamba (the base for visiting Chimborazo National Park), Guayaquil, the port city from where you can take a flight to the Galapagos Islands, Loja or Chiclayo in Peru.
Simply put, Cuenca's bus terminal is a place from where you'll be able to get almost anywhere within the country. The bus station is busy and a bit sketchy, so be alert and keep an eye on your valuables.
We found traveling around Ecuador by bus fine and never had any issue. Buses usually ran on a schedule, and we did not experience major delays.
The country is small, and thanks to it we did not have to spend that much time commuting as usual, which was a pleasant change.
When on a bus, always keep an eye on your belongings - never leave your bags unattended or do not keep them on an overhead shelf as Ecuador is unfortunately known for bus robberies.
The bus terminal is a bit far away from the city center, 2.5 kilometers. We decided to walk, but you can take a cab for $5.
When short on time, you can fly to Cuenca, but there are only a couple of flights a day, only from Ecuador's capital city, Quito.
Travel Resources
Here you can find links to all the travel resources we use and which you might find helpful when planning your next holiday.
Accommodation: When looking for accommodation, we usually search hotels via Booking.com or Hostelworld.
Tours: Although we love to travel independently, some places are better to visit with a guided tour.
We prefer GetYourGuide for its easy-to-use interface and solid reputation. Another great alternative is Viator.
Rental Cars: When going on a road trip, we always use Rentalcars.com, a reliable site for booking a rental car in advance.
Flight Tickets: When looking for flight tickets, you can search Skyscanner to find the best price.
Travel Insurance: World Nomads and SafetyWing cover against risks of travel.
