Marjolein Dilven
After visiting the Ecuadorian capital city of Quito, are you wondering where to go next? If you’re looking for a picturesque city with a rich colonial heritage, head out to the Andean highlands of Cuenca Ecuador.
Cuenca, founded in 1557, is one of Ecuador’s 3 UNESCO World Heritage sites and a perfect place to spend your vacation. According to Forbes, the city is the second best place to retire in the world after Algarve, Portugal. The colonial architecture fairly represents when it was established, attracting many tourists.
It is also one of the most heart-warming places on Earth, perched at an altitude of 8,517 feet (2596 meters) above sea level and blessed with the weather most people crave. Most of the year, the temperatures remain between 40 to 63 degrees Fahrenheit (4.44 to 17.22 degrees Celsius).
Get to know more about Cuenca, Ecuador, and choose a favorite or two from this list of wonderful things to do in this awesome Latin American city.
How to Get to Cuenca, Ecuador?
You can go by plane or bus to travel to Cuenca, Ecuador.
By Plane
Cuenca has an international airport called Mariscal Lamar International Airport. It is one of the highest-elevated airports in the world.
The best airline services for your flights to Cuenca are TAME Airlines, LAN, and Aerogal.
If you are traveling by plane locally, the airfare would be around $45 to $55 from Guayaquil and around 68 USD per person from the country’s capital Quito.
By Bus
If you are in Quito, buses leave for Cuenca every hour. The trip costs around $9 to $12 and lasts roughly 9 hours.
Bus departure from Guayaquil is spaced every half hour, with a single trip costing only $7 to $9.
Best Things to Do in Cuenca Ecuador – Activities
You’ll never run out of places to go, tastes to savor, and things to experience in this awesome South American tourist haven rich in natural beauty and cultural heritage. Take your pick.
1. Biking and Other Activities at Rio Tomebamba Riverfront
Tomebamba River is located in the Southern area of the Historic Center. The view of the riverfront with numerous activity offerings makes this place a must-visit.
The river starts flowing from the Cajas National Park at the top of the mountains and ends in the Amazon River. It also passes through the middle of Cuenca town.
On Sundays, you can get a bike ride along this beautiful river for free as the city provides hundreds of bikes to visitors and residents in the name of Ruta Recreativa. Make sure that you carry your ID and passport.
2. Shopping at the Local Market
There is a local market in Cuenca, Mercado 10 de Agosto, the place to try local foods or buy artisan crafts and other products at low prices. We highly recommend trying fruits and vegetables sold by local vendors.
Another local market next to the New Cathedral is the flower market. The place is ideal for getting some colorful flowers for your partner or visiting them to admire the beauty of the place. Ecuador is the third largest flower exporter in the world, so the quality and variety here are something you won’t find anywhere else.
You can try this cooking class with a day tour to the market during your visit to Cuenca.
3. Activities in Turi
Mirador de Turi is where you can experience churches, avenues, and other popular landscapes. It is the city’s highest point, making it an ideal place to click some amazing photos with your mates.
Parque Extremo Turi, an amusement park a few minutes walk away, is where you can enjoy activities, such as zip lining, high-flying swings, and crazy balls, for only a $1 entry fee.
Best Things to Do in Cuenca Ecuador – Sights
4. New Cathedral
New Cathedral, also called Catedral de la Inmaculada Concepción, is famous for its construction, which lasted almost a century. Its construction was first started in 1885 and ended in 1975. The cathedral’s blue domes with massive interiors make it one of the most beautiful churches in Ecuador.
The overall capacity of the church is over 9,000, which is more than the number of average churchgoers at a time. That allows the tourists to explore the interior without any restrictions.
We highly recommend you climb up the towers and enjoy the view of the historic center from the top. You will also get amazing views of the massive blue domes from close.
It is free to enter the church, but you will have to pay $2 if you want to climb the towers.
5. Beautiful Museums
There are plenty of museums in Cuenca; the best ones are Museo de La Culturas Aborigines, Museo de las Conceptas, and Casa de la Cultura. At these museums, you can find famous old artworks and artifacts.
The entrance fee is around $3 to $4.
6. Incan Ruins
Inca Ruins are located at the back of the Pumapungo museum in the Parque Arqueologico de Pumapungo. The site is best if you want to learn about the ancient civilizations of Ecuador.
It is free to enter the area, which makes it an awesome place to spend a few hours admiring nature.
7. El Cajas National Park
El Cajas National Park is a must-visit and a perfect day trip from Cuenca, Ecuador. This unique environment, with a network of around 786 lakes, lagoons, ponds, and waterfalls, as well as diverse flora and fauna, is nestled in the heart of the 3,000-meter-high Andes mountain range.
The mountains’ peaks are mostly covered with clouds, but if the weather is clear, you can enjoy viewing them as they complement the park’s greenery.
Best Things to Do in Cuenca Ecuador – Foods and Drinks
8. Mote Pillo
Mote Pillo is made with dried corn, which is later mixed with eggs. Usually used by Ecuadorians as a side dish, Mote Pillo is quite simple but delicious.
If you are non-vegetarian, you can also add meat to enhance the flavor.
9. Humitas
Humitas are the muffins of Ecuador, but they are made with corn instead of flour. There are 2 different methods of preparing the dish, which can produce a sweet or salty taste.
Once prepared, they can be wrapped in a banana leaf or a corn husk.
10. Rosero
Rosero is a drink prepared with pineapple, orange juice, strawberries, and white corn. Some exotic fruits such as naranjilla and babaco are also added with a seasoning of cinnamon and sugar.
Rosero is available at almost every restaurant in Cuenca.
Where to Stay in Cuenca, Ecuador?
El Centro
El Centro is the first on the list of best places in Cuenca. The historic district has colonial architecture, parks, and streets filled with amazing restaurants and bars. The place is quite busy during the daytime, so make sure you choose a hotel that doesn’t get the traffic noise all day long.
These are some of our top picks for hotels in this area are:
Ordonez Lasso
Ordonez Lasso is located on the western side of the downtown area. Also known as Gringolandia, where the expats living in Ecuador have congregated, it is the best place to stay if you visit Cuenca for the first time.
To plan a stay, choose one of the following hotels:
Puertas Del Sol
Puertas Del Sol is a quiet and peaceful environment away from the traffic of Ordonez Lasso and the historic center. Most wealthy families of Cuenca live in this area, as it has beautiful views of the mountains.
There aren’t many accommodations here, and the best of all is:
Primero de Mayo
Primero de Mayo is located on the south bank of the Yununcay river. The area is the best to stay for people who want a quiet and private setting.
There are 2 malls nearby that can be easily accessed by taxis.
The best accommodation options here include:
El Vergel
El Vergel is located opposite El Centro to the south of Cuenca. The area is only a 30-meter walk away from the historic district. This area’s amenities make it an ideal choice for living.
Some accommodation options in this area are:
For more accommodation options, you may click on the map.
How To Stay Safe In Cuenca, Ecuador?
To stay safe in Cuenca, Ecuador, it’s essential to remain aware of your surroundings, especially in crowded areas and at night. Avoid displaying valuable items openly and be cautious of pickpocketing. Additionally, it’s wise to stick to well-lit and populated areas, and consider using reputable transportation services to navigate the city safely.
Additionally, consider protecting yourself with travel insurance such as SafetyWing, which can cover medical emergencies, trip cancellations, and other unforeseen incidents during your stay. Use the widget below to snag the perfect policy for your needs and travel with peace of mind knowing you’ve got your back covered, no matter what adventures come your way!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) – Cuenca, Ecuador
What Is Cuenca Ecuador Known For?
Cuenca is popular worldwide for its colorful festivals, breathtaking views, and delicious local cuisines. The artistic and intellectual tradition of the city matches perfectly with its colonial architecture.
Is It Safe To Live In Cuenca, Ecuador?
If you’re wondering if Cuenca, Ecuador is safe, know that the level of crime in this city is low. Security won’t be a problem if you travel for a few days or decide to settle down in Cuenca.
What Should You Not Do in Ecuador?
Here are some things that you should never do in Ecuador:
- Taking public transport during peak hours. While it’s perfectly possible to do, you may be cramped between the locals, making the experience a little less enjoyable.
- Show off your luxury items in public.
- Walking alone after dark.
- Not bargaining with the local street vendors, as there’s always some room for negotiating.
Is It Expensive To Live In Cuenca, Ecuador?
No, compared to other cities such as New York, the cost-of-living in Cuenca is more than 61% less expensive. You can easily live on less than $2,000 per month if you are a couple.
You can easily afford all the basic expenses for less than $1,200 per month when you’re single.
Conclusion – Cuenca Ecuador
Travel to Ecuador is fun if you get a heads up on activities you can do and places to visit. With the countless tourist attractions in Cuenca Ecuador, a world heritage site, you would need at least a week to enjoy what this amazing city offers.
Or you could always come back for more.
We hope this travel guide can help you build your next itinerary. Explore and enjoy the charms of Cuenca Ecuador!
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If you like this article, check out our related posts about traveling in South America:
- Where to Stay in Quito, Ecuador: 10 Best Places
- 21 Exciting Things To Do In Colombia For Your Next Vacation
Founder of Spark Nomad, Radical FIRE, Copywriter
Expertise: Personal finance and travel content. I’m a full-time traveler, and I’ve been to 49 countries and 5 continents.
Education: Bachelor of Economics at Radboud University, Master in Finance at Radboud University, Minor in Economics at Chapman University.
Over 200 articles, essays, and short stories published across the web.
Marjolein Dilven is a journalist and founder of Spark Nomad, a travel platform, and Radical FIRE, a personal finance platform. Marjolein has a finance and economics background with a master’s in Finance. She has quit her job to travel the world, documenting her travels on Spark Nomad to help people plan their travels. Marjolein Dilven has written for publications like MSN, Associated Press, CNBC, Town News syndicate, and more.