Cuenca is perhaps the most beautiful city in Ecuador. This third city is located in the south of the country, at an altitude of 2560 meters in the province of Azuay. In Cuenca you will still find the beauty of the Spanish colonization, but with a typical South American atmosphere. People in traditional costumes alternate the street scene with a modern and stylishly dressed population. In Cuenca you can stroll around the city center; past squares, churches and museums while visiting local crafts and viewpoints. Cuenca is also a perfect startingpoint for beautiful trips in the surroundings. In this article you will find my tips for the best things to do in Cuenca Ecuador and the surrounding area so that you can get the most out of your visit.
Best things to do in Cuenca Ecuador – Discover my tips
The colonial center of Cuenca
Like Cuzco in Peru, Cuenca was built by the Spanish on the remains of a former Incan settlement. The city the Spaniards found here is said to have been Tomebamba, the Valley of the Sun, and must have looked beautiful. Unfortunately, little of the city remained, because the Spanish used the stones of the former Inca buildings for their own churches and monasteries. No expense was spared, and this can still be seen in the colonial architecture. Cuenca is a beautiful city with cobbled streets, green squares and churches that you can stroll through at your own pace. The center and its things to do in Cuenca in Ecuador are also on the UNESCO World Heritage List.
Cathedral of Cuenca
The domes of the Catedral de la Inmaculada Concepcíon, with their light blue tiles, are among the characteristic landmarks and therefore things to do of Cuenca in Ecuador. They are clearly visible from various places in the city. The cathedral took 100 years to build and can accommodate 8,000 visitors. The Parque Calderón, where the cathedral is located, is the central square and a good base for an introduction to Cuenca.
Cuenca tips: Be sure to take a seat in one of the rooftop bars around the main square, offering beautiful views over the square and the cathedral. In the evening you can enjoy countless romantic lights here.
Mirador Turi
Mirador Turi, located on a mountain just outside the center, is one of Cuenca’s popular attractions for locals and visitors alike. This is where you will find the best city views. There are also several restaurants and bars with photo spots.
Mirador Turi is best reached by taxi. Another option is to board the city bus at Parque Calderón. This is a cheap option, which immediately shows you a lot of the city and surroundings. Of course you can also opt for a city tour, which often includes a visit to Mirador Turi.
Visit the churches
Cuenca in Ecuador is without a doubt the city of churches. You will find one on almost every square. It is nice to occasionally walk in and look around you. The Catholic faith still plays an important role in the lives of Ecuadorians. Attending a mass is also an interesting experience. A colorful flower market takes place every day on the square of the Iglesia del Carmen Asunción.
The Tomebamba river
The Tomebamba River is the place that separates the old center of Cuenca from the modern neighborhoods to the south. You can walk along the river and observe the colonial buildings. Along the way you will encounter remains of Inca buildings and photogenic bridges. La Escalanita, the stairs, is a nice gathering point with market stalls and live music, especially at the end of the day and during the weekends.
Museums
Cuenca is known as the art and cultural city of Ecuador, something that is reflected in its many cultural things to do, museums, exhibitions and festivals. The city has always attracted many artists and writers, resulting in a creative and artistic atmosphere. These are my favorite museums in Cuenca Ecuador.
Museo de las Culturas Aborigenes
An interesting museum to visit is the Museo de las Culturas Aborigenes. More than 5,000 archaeological pieces tell the stories of 20 pre-Columbian cultures in Ecuador, a topic I am very fascinated about. During your visit you will learn about these ancient peoples and cultures.
Modern art
For modern art, you will need to go to the Museo de Arte Moderno, one of the cultural attractions and things to do that Cuenca in Ecuador has to offer. In this small museum on the Plaza de San Sebastián you will find interesting collections of Ecuadorian and other Latin American artists. Entrance is free.
Museo del Banco Central Pumapungo + ruins
One of the top cultural attractions and things to do in Cuenca Ecuador is the Museo del Banco Central Pumapungo. Here you will be taken on a journey through indigenous peoples from Ecuador and their way of life: the Afro-Ecuadorians, the Shuar people from the Amazon, the various Andean inhabitants and the so-called cowboys from the west. Next to the museum there are Inca ruins, which were part of the former Inca city of Tomebamba, now one of the archaeological sites in Cuenca Ecuador. Even though there isn’t much left, it’s worth taking a walk and reflecting on the history of the region
Buy a Panama hat
Did you know that the famous Panama hat does not come from Panama but from Ecuador? There are several theories about the name and you will hear many of them during your visit to Ecuador. The Panama hat gained international fame when American President Theodore Roosevelt appeared at the Panama Canal wearing a Panama hat.
Even though the best paja toquila, (Carludovica Palmata), the palm from which the reed comes, comes from the small town of Montecristi on the coast of Ecuador, Cuenca has become the city of panama hat production. For example, you can visit Homero Ortega, a museum and factory where the hats are made. The tour offers an insight view in the production process and the history of the Panama hat. One of the things to do that you should not miss in Cuenca Ecuador, in my opinion. In Montecristi you will find the very best hats that will last a lifetime. These have the highest weaving density and are associated with a production period of months.
Best things to do in Cuenca Ecuador surroundings
El Cajas National Park
One of the most beautiful natural reserves and things to do around Cuenca in Ecuador is the Parque Nacional El Cajas. Here there are more than 270 glittering lakes and dark pools, located at altitudes between 3100 and 4450 meters, surrounded by paramo, a special vegetation. The fog, which hangs over the area for large parts of the year, creates a mysterious atmosphere. As if you are in a Lord of the Rings landscape.
Cajas National Park is best explored on foot. Walks that vary from easy to difficult and last two to six hours, take you past lakes such as Llaviucu, Toreadora, Laguna Totoras, Laguna Patoquinuas and through special forests with the Polylepis tree, also called the paper tree. These are reddish trees that look like they are peeling. Don’t feel like going for a walk? Then make sure you at least make a photo stop at Tres Cruces, which offers a view of the area.
Do you want to visit El Cajas National Park? Here you will find a selection of tours.
Ingapirca – Inca ruins
The Inca ruins of Ingapirca are among the most important archaeological sites and things to do in Ecuador. Compared to Inca sites such as Machu Picchu in Peru, these ruins are not much, but you should never compare them. It is the history that makes this place special. Ingapirca was once inhabited by the Cañari, a pre-Columbian culture. It was later conquered by the Incas, who then expanded and refined the site. Today you can visit Ingapirca and learn more about its history. The best preserved building in Ingapirca is the Temple of the Sun, which is also the most elliptical Inca temple in all of South America. Ingapirca is easy to visit if you travel towards Cuenca in southern Ecuador by car.
Do you want to visit Ingapirca? Here you will find a selection of tours. Or make a stop by car on the way to Cuenca.
Villages: Chordeleg, Gualaleo and Sigsig
Do you want to explore more of Cuenca and surroundings? Then you can visit the villages of Sigsig, Gualaceo and Chordeleg. Here you will get an impression of local life in the province and become acquainted with local crafts. Gualaceo, an hour’s drive from Cuenca, is known for its IKAT weaving technique. In La Casa de la Makana, traditional blouses and scarves with floral patterns are made and you can see the different steps of the weaving process.
Chordeleg has traditionally been a place where people go to buy gold and silver. This is because of the former nearby gold mine. You will also find several small jewelers with filigree jewelry. The quality is not very good though, so I wouldn’t make any major purchases here. A weekly market takes place in Sigsig on Sundays.
Opinions about visiting the villages are divided. If you have limited time, I recommend spending your time in Cuenca. Are you traveling by car through Ecuador? Then it is nice to make a stop in one of these villages along the way. Also there are tours from Cuenca offered, which will guide you through the villages in half a day.
Mini travel guide and tips Cuenca Ecuador
Tips for tours and things to do in Cuenca Ecuador
Are you looking for more tips and things to do for Cuenca Ecuador? This is selection of tours.
Hotel tips Cuenca Ecuador
In Cuenca you will find numerous small and beautiful boutique hotels. These are a few of my favorites.
- Mansion Alcazar
- Hotel Boutique Los Balcones
- Hotel Cruz del Vado
- Itza Hotel Boutique Internacional
- La Posada del Angel
Looking for more hotels? This is an overview of different hotels in Cuenca.
Restaurant tips Cuenca Ecuador
- For a culinary experience, go to Dos Sucres, a restaurant that is part of the list of 50 best restaurants in Latin America.
- Tiesto’s has long been a favorite for locals and tourists alike. In a nice setting you enjoy local dishes with a modern twist. Highly recommended.
- Mangiare Bene, the restaurant of Hostal Posada del Angel, serves good Italian dishes.
- In Cafe Austria you can enjoy a delicious lunch or simple dinner. They also serve typical Austrian dishes here.
- At Jodoco Belgian Brew, you can sit comfortably on the terrace at Parque San Sebastian. In addition to wine, they also have Belgian specialty beers.
- Raymipampa on the Parque Calderon is a suitable restaurant if you want to eat with a larger group. It is also one of the few places open on Sundays.
- For good coffee, tea and tasty cakes make your way to Cafe Nucallacta.
How to reach Cuenca in Ecuador
Cuenca is the capital of southern Ecuador and easily accessible by land or plane. The largest bus station in Cuenca is Terminal Terrestre. Transport by bus or a (private) shuttle, you can easily book online. If you don’t want to travel overland, you can find a flight through Skyscanner, offering flights to all major cities within Ecuador. You can also choose to rent a car, something I like to do myself. In the center of Cuenca Ecuador, most landmarks and things to do are within walking distance. In addition, there are various tours offered to explore the area.
Travel by bus or shuttle
Looking for a way to get around in Ecuador by bus or minivan? Use Bookaway, to find and book the best connection for you.
Car rental
Looking for a rental car for your trip to Ecuador? Use Rental Cars to search and compare your car rental options. A quick and easy tool and no need to have up multiple tabs trying to figure out which company is the most affordable. They also have great discounts and cancellation policies.
Flight
Looking for flights to travel to the South of Ecuador, Amazon or Galapagos Islands? Use Skyscanner, when it comes to searching for cheap flights across Ecuador. An easy way to compare and book your flight ticket, as it searches websites and airlines around the world with one click.
Travel insurance
Looking for a travel insurance? World Nomads offers simple and flexible travel insurance, with coverage for more than 150 activities as well as emergency medical, lost luggage, trip cancellation and more. Buy at home or while traveling and claim online from anywhere in the world.”
More hotels in Ecuador
In every country I look out for the most beautiful and unique places to stay. A boutique atmosphere, a stylish design, a lovely setting, and a good service are important topics for me, when choosing a hotel. In addition, I like to support the locals and love a sustainable approach around a hotel. Are you curious about my favorite hotels in Ecuador? In the next article you will find an overview of the best boutique hotels in Ecuador, where I personally stayed.
More about Ecuador
Did you enjoy reading this article with tips for the best things to do in Cuenca Ecuador? In the next articles you can read more about beautiful Ecuador:
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- Things to do in Quito Ecuador | The ultimate travel guide with 30 tips for your stay
- Best boutique hotels and lodges in Ecuador – 13 tips
- Galapagos Islands Ecuador – everything you want to know about a trip and cruise
- Things to do in Baños Ecuador – full city guide with tips
- Things to do in Riobamba Ecuador – a comprehensive guide with tips
- Mashpi Lodge Ecuador – Everything you want to know
- Chimborazo volcano Ecuador – tips for a visit and climb
- Things to do in Otavalo Ecuador – A comprehensive travel guide
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