Cuenca

Travel Guide

A cityscape with a prominent highway, dense residential areas, and surrounding mountains.
An aerial view of a city with a large white building surrounded by green fields and terraced gardens.
One of the main tourist attractions in the historic center of cuenca, the broken bridge or "El puente roto" in Azuay, Ecuador. Arquitectural heritage in the city downtown with no people. Latin America
A historic building with multiple domes and a clock tower.
A historic cathedral with blue domes, a green gazebo, and palm trees.

Where to stay in Cuenca

Find the best Cuenca areas and neighborhoods for the activities you enjoy most. Learn more about Cuenca
Learn more about Cuenca
A white church with a bell tower and dome, surrounded by cobblestone streets and palm trees.

San Sebastián

While San Sebastián isn't home to many top sights, San Sebastian Plaza and University of Cuenca's Orchid Garden are some notable places to visit nearby.

A historic building with a tower, a fountain, and a street with pedestrians and vehicles.

El Barranco

While visiting El Barranco, you might make a stop by sights like Río Tomebamba & Calle Larga and Puente Roto.

A cityscape at night with illuminated streets and prominent buildings.

Puertas del Sol

When in Puertas del Sol, you can plan a visit to San Sebastian Plaza and University of Cuenca's Orchid Garden, some noteworthy sights in the nearby area.

A historic cathedral with multiple domes and a bell tower.
Photo by Botak Jon
Open Photo by Botak Jon

Downtown Cuenca

Travelers come to Downtown Cuenca for its abundant dining options, and you can see top attractions like Río Tomebamba & Calle Larga and San Sebastian Plaza while you're in town.

A cityscape with historic architecture, including domed buildings and a prominent church tower.

Cuenca Historic Center

While you're in Cuenca Historic Center, take in top sights like Río Tomebamba & Calle Larga and jump on the metro at Gaspar Sangurima Tram Station to see more of the city.

Four Points By Sheraton Cuenca

Four Points By Sheraton Cuenca

3.5 out of 5
Ave. Circunvalación Sur y Ave. Felipe II Cuenca
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
$109 nightly
The price is $120 total per night from Oct 3 to Oct 4
$120 total
Oct 3 - Oct 4
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Cuenca. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
Four Points By Sheraton Cuenca
Vaway Hotel

Vaway Hotel

3 out of 5
Padre Aguirre 8-17 y Mariscal Sucre Cuenca Azuay
$60 nightly
The price is $60 total per night from Oct 4 to Oct 5
$60 total
Oct 4 - Oct 5
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Cuenca. Enjoy free WiFi, a rooftop terrace, and breakfast (surcharge). Popular attractions Convent of the Assumption ...
9/10 Wonderful! (171 reviews)
"Good and friendly"

Reviewed on Sep 29, 2026

Vaway Hotel
Oro Verde Cuenca

Oro Verde Cuenca

4.5 out of 5
Av Ordóñez Lasso S/N Cuenca Azuay
$110 nightly
The price is $121 total per night from Oct 4 to Oct 5
$121 total
Oct 4 - Oct 5
Book a stay at this luxury hotel in Cuenca. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular attractions ...
Oro Verde Cuenca
See all 464 properties in Cuenca
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Santa Lucia Suites - Barranco

Santa Lucia Suites - Barranco

3.5 out of 5
Pa. 3 de Noviembre Cuenca Azuay
Stay at this aparthotel in Cuenca. Enjoy free WiFi, in-room massages, and an airport shuttle (surcharge). Popular attractions Inter-American Center of Popular ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (41 reviews)
"Muy atentivos y hospitables! Muchísimas gracias a todos de este hotel. Me pusieron en suite de lujo para muy buen precio en ciudad bella! Yo lo recomiendo este hotel."

Reviewed on Sep 5, 2026

Santa Lucia Suites - Barranco
Parc Royale Suites Hotel

Parc Royale Suites Hotel

3.5 out of 5
Luis Cordero 10-13 y Gran Colombia Cuenca Azuay
Book a stay at this business-friendly aparthotel in Cuenca. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Popular attractions Calderon Park and Cúpulas ...
10/10 Exceptional! (28 reviews)
"Excellent service, beautiful suite, great location,"

Reviewed on Aug 26, 2026

Parc Royale Suites Hotel
Apartamentos Otorongo

Apartamentos Otorongo

3 out of 5
5-40 Remigio Tamariz Crespo Cuenca Azuay
Stay at this apartment in Cuenca. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a 24-hour front desk. Popular attractions Museum of Modern Art and San Sebastian Plaza are ...
Apartamentos Otorongo
See all properties in Cuenca
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Stay near popular Cuenca attractions

Two illuminated church domes with cross-topped spires, set against a mountainous backdrop.

Calderon Park

9.6/10 (590 reviews)
Calderon Park is just one of the places to see in Cuenca, so why not enjoy the other things to explore during your travels? Amble around the area's riverfront or visit its cathedral.
See properties

Things to do

Toreadora lake Cajas NP

Cajas Unveiled: A Half-Day Escape from Cuenca

$40
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
Cajas Unveiled: A Half-Day Escape from Cuenca
Cajas National Park Half Day Tour from Cuenca

Cajas National Park Half Day Tour from Cuenca

$39
per adult
Cajas National Park Half Day Tour from Cuenca
Cuenca down town

Cuenca Half-Day City Tour Including Panama Hat Factory

$35
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
Cuenca Half-Day City Tour Including Panama Hat Factory
Giron Chorro Waterfall

Giron Waterfall and Busa Lake

$54
per adult
Giron Waterfall and Busa Lake
Panama Hat Factory

Cuenca-Ec- Highlights City Tour

$16
per adult
Cuenca-Ec- Highlights City Tour
Ingapirca Ruins and Inca Face Small Group Tour from Cuenca.

Ingapirca Ruins and Inca Face Small Group Tour from Cuenca.

$58
per adult
Ingapirca Ruins and Inca Face Small Group Tour from Cuenca.
See all activities in Cuenca

Frequently asked questions

Is Cuenca worth visiting?
Cuenca is worth visiting for its rich history, showcased by the Cuenca Historic Center and the beautiful Calderon Park. Travelers can also enjoy diverse Latin American and European dining. The city offers convenient local transport with bus and metro services, making it easy to explore.
Where are the best neighborhoods to explore in Cuenca?
The best neighborhoods to explore in Cuenca depend on what you want to see and do:

  • Downtown Cuenca features the University of Cuenca's Orchid Garden, San Sebastian Plaza, and the scenic Río Tomebamba & Calle Larga.
  • Huayna-Cápac offers cultural sites like the Museum of Metals, Chahuarchimbana House Museum, and the Cuenca Botanical Garden.
  • Cuenca Historic Center is home to Puente Roto, the Manuel Agustin Landivar Museum, and the Pumapungo Archaeological Park.

What is Cuenca known for?
Cuenca is known for its Cuenca Historic Center, a prominent landmark, along with places like Calderon Park and Mall del Rio. Travelers can also enjoy a rich Latin American food culture in this riverside city, which is situated on the Tomebamba River.
What is a good itinerary length for Cuenca?
A good itinerary length for Cuenca is two to three days to explore the Cuenca Historic Center, Calderon Park, and enjoy a tasting session. For an extended stay of four to five days, you can delve deeper into areas like Downtown Cuenca and Huayna-Cápac, visit Mall del Rio, and take a regional trip to Hacienda La Danesa. See Cuenca Activities.
How do you get around Cuenca?
Cuenca offers several ways to get around, including bus, metro, and train services. Travelers can use the tram system, with stops like Gaspar Sangurima Tram Station and Gran Colombia Tram Station, or access buses from Terminal Terrestre Station. Rental cars are available in the Totoracocha neighborhood, and rideshare services provide another convenient option for exploring the city.
What are the top things to do in and around Cuenca?
In Cuenca, explore historic landmarks, enjoy nature, and savor local flavors:

  • Wander through the Cuenca Historic Center.
  • Relax in Calderon Park.
  • Admire the New Cathedral of Cuenca.
  • Embark on a 2 Day Cuenca & Hacienda La Danesa experience.
  • Enjoy a tasting session with 32 Ecuadorian foods.

How do I plan a trip to Cuenca?
To plan your trip to Cuenca, search Expedia for hotels in areas like Downtown Cuenca or the Cuenca Historic Center. Book flights and activities, such as a 3-hour tasting session with Ecuadorian foods, in advance. Explore attractions like Calderon Park and the Cuenca Historic Center. Public transport is available via bus, metro, and train, and rental cars offer flexibility for exploring further.
What cuisines can you find in Cuenca?
In Cuenca you can find Spanish cuisine, featuring dishes like paella, tapas, churros, and gazpacho. Travelers also have options for Latin American flavors, including Mexican dishes like tacos, as well as Italian and various Asian cuisines. Seafood options are also available.
Can I book a refundable hotel in Cuenca?
Yes, Expedia offers many flexible booking options, and you can look for refundable hotels in Cuenca by entering your dates and using the refundable or fully refundable filter. Always check the hotel's cancellation policy before you book, since terms can vary by hotel, and visit Expedia help center for further details.
Why book a trip to Cuenca with Expedia?
Expedia makes it easier to plan your Cuenca trip with travel tools, flexible search options, and bookable trip components all in one place. You can organize your plans in one account and use Expedia to help build a trip that fits your budget and travel style. Find out more about how by visiting Expedia's Trip Planner page.
Should I stay in a hotel or vacation rental in Cuenca?
The best choice depends on your travel style. Hotels in Cuenca can be a good fit for convenience, on-site amenities, and shorter stays, while vacation rentals may offer more space, privacy, and home-style amenities for longer trips, families, or groups. With Expedia, you can compare both options side by side, read traveler reviews, and filter by amenities to find the right fit for your trip.
How can I manage my Cuenca trip on Expedia?
Once you've booked your Cuenca trip, you can manage it through your Expedia account or the Expedia app. You can view your itinerary, access booking details, make eligible changes, and check for updates in My Trips. The Expedia app can also help you stay organized while you travel.
What if I need help during my Cuenca trip?
Expedia offers customer support before, during, and after your Cuenca trip. If your plans change or something unexpected happens, you can review your booking in My Trips and use Expedia help center channels for help with eligible changes, cancellations, or travel issues.
How can Expedia help me plan my first trip to Cuenca?
If it's your first trip to Cuenca, Expedia can help you plan by bringing together stays, flights, activities, traveler reviews, and trip-planning tools in one place. With Expedia's Trip Planner you can compare options, read reviews from other travelers, and build an itinerary that matches your interests and budget.
How can I save on my Cuenca hotel booking with Expedia?
Join One Key™ for free to unlock instant discounts with Member Prices on select hotels. You can also earn and use OneKeyCash™* on eligible bookings on Expedia. Booking in advance is usually another great way to save on your Cuenca hotel.

*Excludes taxes and fees. OneKeyCash is not redeemable for cash and can only be used on Expedia and other participating brands.

Cities near Cuenca

A valley with a town nestled between mountains.

Banos

A cityscape with mountains in the background and a large map on a table in the foreground.

Turi

Other places like Cuenca

Explore a world of travel with Expedia