Things to Do in Cuenca, Ecuador

Cuenca, Ecuador's third-largest city, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its stunning colonial architecture, cobblestone streets, and vibrant cultural scene. Nestled in the Andes at 8,200 feet above sea level, this charming city boasts perfectly preserved 16th-century Spanish colonial buildings, numerous churches, and a picturesque setting along the Tomebamba River. The historic center features beautiful plazas, museums, and artisan workshops where visitors can witness traditional crafts like Panama hat weaving and ceramics. Beyond its architectural treasures, Cuenca offers a sophisticated cultural atmosphere with excellent restaurants, lively markets, and a thriving arts scene. The city has become increasingly popular with expats and retirees, contributing to its cosmopolitan feel while maintaining its authentic Ecuadorian character. With its mild climate, affordable prices, and proximity to natural attractions like Cajas National Park, Cuenca serves as an ideal base for exploring southern Ecuador's highlands.

Top Things to Do in Cuenca

Historic Center Walking Tour

Explore Cuenca's UNESCO World Heritage historic center with its colonial architecture, beautiful churches, and charming plazas. Visit the iconic blue-domed Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, stroll through Parque Calderón, and admire the intricate facades of centuries-old buildings. The compact historic center is perfect for walking and discovering hidden courtyards, artisan workshops, and local cafes.

Booking Tip: Free self-guided walking is possible, but guided tours cost $15-25 per person and provide valuable historical context. Book morning tours to avoid afternoon crowds and better lighting for photos. Look for local guides certified by the tourism ministry.

Panama Hat Factory Visit

Discover the art of traditional Panama hat weaving at one of Cuenca's famous hat factories or workshops. Learn about the intricate process of creating these world-renowned hats from toquilla straw and observe skilled artisans at work. Many workshops offer demonstrations and the opportunity to purchase authentic hats directly from the makers.

Booking Tip: Factory visits typically cost $5-10 per person for tours. Visit Homero Ortega or Brent & Co for established operations with English-speaking guides. Authentic superfino hats range from $50-500+ depending on quality and weave tightness.

Cajas National Park Day Trip

Venture into the stunning páramo ecosystem of Cajas National Park, located just 30 kilometers from Cuenca. This high-altitude park features over 200 glacial lakes, unique Andean flora, and excellent hiking trails through dramatic landscapes. The park offers various difficulty levels from easy lakeside walks to challenging multi-day treks.

Booking Tip: Park entrance costs $10 for foreigners. Day tours from Cuenca range $40-60 per person including transport and guide. Book tours that include warm clothing and rain gear, as weather can change rapidly. Best visibility is typically in the morning.

Artisan Market and Crafts Tour

Immerse yourself in Cuenca's rich artisan traditions by visiting local markets and craft workshops. Explore the vibrant Mercado 10 de Agosto for local produce and crafts, visit ceramic workshops in the nearby villages, and discover silver jewelry making in the city's artisan quarter. Many workshops welcome visitors to observe and sometimes participate in the creative process.

Booking Tip: Market visits are free, but craft workshop tours cost $20-35 per person. Thursday and Saturday markets are largest and most vibrant. Book tours that include multiple craft types and transportation to outlying workshops for the best experience.

Tomebamba River Walk and Museums

Stroll along the scenic Tomebamba River on the Barranco pathway, enjoying views of colonial buildings reflected in the water and the backdrop of surrounding mountains. Visit nearby museums including the Pumapungo Archaeological Park with Inca ruins and ethnobotanical gardens, or the Museum of Aboriginal Cultures showcasing Ecuador's indigenous heritage.

Booking Tip: River walk is free and accessible 24/7, but best enjoyed during daylight hours. Museum entry fees range $2-4 per site. Pumapungo is free on Sundays for residents and often has cultural events. Allow 2-3 hours to properly explore the archaeological site and gardens.

Getting There

Cuenca is accessible by air through Mariscal Lamar Airport, which receives domestic flights from Quito (1 hour) and Guayaquil (45 minutes) with LATAM and Avianca. International travelers typically connect through Quito or Guayaquil. By land, comfortable bus services connect Cuenca to major cities: 8-10 hours from Quito ($12-15) and 3-4 hours from Guayaquil ($8-10) with companies like Transportes Azuay and Super Semeria. The scenic mountain roads offer beautiful views but can be winding, so consider motion sickness medication for bus travel.

Getting Around

Cuenca's compact historic center is easily walkable, with most attractions within a 10-15 minute walk of the main plaza. Local buses cost $0.30 and cover the entire city, while taxis charge $2-5 for most trips within the city. Uber operates in Cuenca with similar pricing to taxis. For day trips to surrounding areas, rent a car ($25-40/day) or book organized tours. The city's elevation may cause some visitors to tire more quickly when walking, so pace yourself accordingly during your first few days.

Where to Stay

Historic Center

El Centro

San Sebastián

Yanuncay

El Batán

Totoracocha

Food & Dining

Cuenca's dining scene blends traditional Ecuadorian cuisine with international influences, reflecting its expat community. Try local specialties like hornado (roast pork), cuy (guinea pig), and cascaritas (fried pork rinds) at traditional restaurants or the central market. The city offers excellent international cuisine including Italian, French, and Asian restaurants, many run by expat chefs. Upscale dining is affordable by international standards, with excellent meals available for $15-25 per person. Don't miss trying local desserts like tres leches cake and sampling craft beer from local breweries like Latitud Cero.

When to Visit

Cuenca enjoys a mild, spring-like climate year-round due to its equatorial location and altitude, with temperatures ranging from 50-70°F (10-21°C). The dry season from June to September offers the most sunshine and is ideal for outdoor activities and day trips to Cajas National Park. December through May brings more frequent afternoon showers but also lusher landscapes and fewer tourists. The city's elevation means cool evenings year-round, so pack layers regardless of when you visit. Avoid major Ecuadorian holidays like Carnival (February/March) and Easter if you prefer fewer crowds and lower prices.

Insider Tips

Visit the Mercado 10 de Agosto early morning on Thursday or Saturday for the freshest produce and most vibrant atmosphere, plus try authentic breakfast dishes like bolón de verde from market vendors.

Take advantage of Cuenca's excellent value for money by staying in boutique hotels housed in restored colonial buildings - you'll get luxury accommodations at budget prices compared to other international destinations.

Pack warm clothing and rain gear regardless of season, as mountain weather can change quickly and evenings are always cool; many visitors underestimate how chilly it gets after sunset at this altitude.

Things to Do in Cuenca