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)

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

By plane:

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.

By bus:

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.