Things to do in Cuenca

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Cuenca
Cuenca
Photo by Jerry Joseph
Photo by Lisa A Schmidt
Photo by Jerry Joseph

Cuenca Attractions

Cuenca—or, in its full name, Santa Ana de los Cuatro Ríos de Cuenca—is the capital of Ecuador’s Azuay Province, sitting in a valley surrounded by the scenic Andes Mountains. The charming destination is widely considered to be the country’s most European city, thanks in large part to its breathtaking architecture that resembles much of that throughout Spain. The city also boasts a rich intellectual and artistic history, having produced more notable writers, artists, and philosophers than anywhere else in Ecuador. This culture can be seen throughout Cuenca’s many museums, as well as in craft traditions such as textiles, ceramics, and the world-famous panama hat. Along with its pleasant climate, Cuenca’s proximity to Cajas National Park makes it a haven for lovers of the outdoors. Within the city itself, a mixed population of college students, retirees, and expats from around the world has contributed to a laidback atmosphere, diverse attractions, and an eclectic culinary scene.

Areas & Neighborhoods in Cuenca

El Centro — Having earned the title of a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the historic district of El Centro is made of quaint cobblestone streets lined with centuries-old churches, picturesque parks, open-air markets, and colonial homes that have been turned into hotels. Here, around the city’s main square of Calderon Park, is where you’ll find the the ornately domed New Cathedral and the 16th-century Old Cathedral, the longest-standing building in the city. The neighborhood is also home to the majority of Cuenca’s museums, including the Museum of Aboriginal Cultures, the Museum of Modern Art, the Folklore Museum, and even a Panama Hat Museum. The southeast end of the district has the largest cluster of restaurants and bars, particularly around Calle Larga, while to the west side of the park there are plenty of shopping malls, boutiques, and outdoor markets.

Gil Ramirez Davalos — To the west of El Centro, Gil Ramirez Davalos is a more modern neighborhood, home to high-rise apartment buildings and the Jefferson Pérez Colosseum. Small yet concentrated, the area around Calle Gran Colombia is also known as Zona Rosa, a name given to neighborhoods that buzz with the activity of restaurants, nightclubs, and bars.

El Vergel — To the southeast of El Centro, El Vergel is a fascinating mix of old and new, with centuries-old architecture and archaeological ruins sharing the streets with shopping malls, a planetarium, a 16,000-seat stadium, and a selection of both local restaurants and international fast food chains. Beautiful Madre Park frequently hosts concerts featuring hometown bands, and also has plenty of picnic tables, playgrounds, and green spaces for relaxing. On a hill overlooking the river, the Pumapungo Ruins are an ancient Inca archaeological site surrounded by a variety of native plants. Here, visit the Pumapungo Museum which houses Ecuador’s largest collection of ethnographic objects including art, clothing, tools, and maps.

What to See in Cuenca

For a lovely view overlooking Cuenca, head to the observation deck at the Church of Turi just 2.5 miles (4 km) south of the center of town. You can reach the hill by taking a taxi, visiting the site on a tour, or—for a truly unique experience—walking all the way there. From Calderon Park, a roughly 45-minute stroll on Avenida Solano will bring you to the Pan-American Highway. Make a quick left and then at the roundabout, continue up the hill for less than a quarter of a mile (300 m). On your right, you’ll soon see a wide stone staircase leading up the hill. While the walkway is a whopping 439 steps, the top of each flight has a landing where you can stop to catch your breath and enjoy the amazing scenery as it unfolds before your eyes. Upon reaching the top, you’re met with panoramic views of Cuenca’s romantic skyline, from the red-tiled roofs of the houses to the spires and domes of the cathedrals. No matter how you get to the hill, there’s no better time to come than at sunset when the sky becomes ablaze with purple and orange over the Andes Mountains.

Sightseeing in Cuenca

Explore the must-see sites of Cuenca in just a few hours. With a local leading the way, make a quick trip to see contemporary work at the Museum of Modern Art, stop to smell the roses at the flower market near Calderon Park, and admire the impressively elaborate architecture of the New and Old Cathedrals. Next, head to a factory to observe the intricate work that goes into making the city’s renowned panama hats. See landmarks such as the Broken Bridge and the Serrano Stadium before ending your tour on the top of Church of Turi hill. If you want to make a short visit to the city even easier, you can pair the tour with 2-night accommodation and transportation between the airport and your hotel on the days before and after your tour.

Once you’ve explored Cuenca to your heart’s content, head east of the city to the colorful towns of Gualaceo and Chordeleg In the former, visit 2 markets that are famous for their handicrafts and learn how the traditional technique of ikat is used to make textiles, ponchos, and shawls. In Chordeleg, a town known around the country for its silver and gold, you can enjoy free time to pursue the tiny shops, chat with the local artisans, and gain valuable insight into the jewelry-making process.

For even more adventure, head further out to the Ingapirca Ruins, the largest archaeological site in Ecuador. In Cuenca, board a coach for a drive through the dramatic countryside to the city of Alausi, where you grab a seat for a ride on the Devil’s Nose train. Traveling along a zigzag track for roughly 1.5 miles (2.4 km), the train descends backward down the nearly perpendicular face of a mountain. Upon reaching the bottom, hop back on the coach for a drive south on the Pan-American Highway to visit the Ingapirca Ruins. Explore the site’s significant structures, learn how they Incas changed the course of civilization, and uncover how those changes still impact us today.


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Most popular activities in Cuenca

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What to do in Cuenca

Free Things to Do in Cuenca

A break in Cuenca doesn't have to hurt your hip pocket. You can leave your wallet behind if you go to:

Puente Roto - If you'd like to explore the history of the region through its landmarks, add this one to your sightseeing schedule.

Church of Santo Domingo - Enjoy some quiet contemplation and discover a thing or two about this site's spiritual importance.

Calderon Park - If you love hanging out in the garden, this place will excite your green thumb.

Areas & Neighborhoods in Cuenca

El Centro — Having earned the title of a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the historic district of El Centro is made of quaint cobblestone streets lined with centuries-old churches, picturesque parks, open-air markets, and colonial homes that have been turned into hotels. Here, around the city’s main square of Calderon Park, is where you’ll find the the ornately domed New Cathedral and the 16th-century Old Cathedral, the longest-standing building in the city. The neighborhood is also home to the majority of Cuenca’s museums, including the Museum of Aboriginal Cultures, the Museum of Modern Art, the Folklore Museum, and even a Panama Hat Museum. The southeast end of the district has the largest cluster of restaurants and bars, particularly around Calle Larga, while to the west side of the park there are plenty of shopping malls, boutiques, and outdoor markets.

Gil Ramirez Davalos — To the west of El Centro, Gil Ramirez Davalos is a more modern neighborhood, home to high-rise apartment buildings and the Jefferson Pérez Colosseum. Small yet concentrated, the area around Calle Gran Colombia is also known as Zona Rosa, a name given to neighborhoods that buzz with the activity of restaurants, nightclubs, and bars.

El Vergel — To the southeast of El Centro, El Vergel is a fascinating mix of old and new, with centuries-old architecture and archaeological ruins sharing the streets with shopping malls, a planetarium, a 16,000-seat stadium, and a selection of both local restaurants and international fast food chains. Beautiful Madre Park frequently hosts concerts featuring hometown bands, and also has plenty of picnic tables, playgrounds, and green spaces for relaxing. On a hill overlooking the river, the Pumapungo Ruins are an ancient Inca archaeological site surrounded by a variety of native plants. Here, visit the Pumapungo Museum which houses Ecuador’s largest collection of ethnographic objects including art, clothing, tools, and maps.

What to See in Cuenca

For a lovely view overlooking Cuenca, head to the observation deck at the Church of Turi just 2.5 miles (4 km) south of the center of town. You can reach the hill by taking a taxi, visiting the site on a tour, or—for a truly unique experience—walking all the way there. From Calderon Park, a roughly 45-minute stroll on Avenida Solano will bring you to the Pan-American Highway. Make a quick left and then at the roundabout, continue up the hill for less than a quarter of a mile (300 m). On your right, you’ll soon see a wide stone staircase leading up the hill. While the walkway is a whopping 439 steps, the top of each flight has a landing where you can stop to catch your breath and enjoy the amazing scenery as it unfolds before your eyes. Upon reaching the top, you’re met with panoramic views of Cuenca’s romantic skyline, from the red-tiled roofs of the houses to the spires and domes of the cathedrals. No matter how you get to the hill, there’s no better time to come than at sunset when the sky becomes ablaze with purple and orange over the Andes Mountains.

Sightseeing in Cuenca

Explore the must-see sites of Cuenca in just a few hours. With a local leading the way, make a quick trip to see contemporary work at the Museum of Modern Art, stop to smell the roses at the flower market near Calderon Park, and admire the impressively elaborate architecture of the New and Old Cathedrals. Next, head to a factory to observe the intricate work that goes into making the city’s renowned panama hats. See landmarks such as the Broken Bridge and the Serrano Stadium before ending your tour on the top of Church of Turi hill. If you want to make a short visit to the city even easier, you can pair the tour with 2-night accommodation and transportation between the airport and your hotel on the days before and after your tour.

Once you’ve explored Cuenca to your heart’s content, head east of the city to the colorful towns of Gualaceo and Chordeleg In the former, visit 2 markets that are famous for their handicrafts and learn how the traditional technique of ikat is used to make textiles, ponchos, and shawls. In Chordeleg, a town known around the country for its silver and gold, you can enjoy free time to pursue the tiny shops, chat with the local artisans, and gain valuable insight into the jewelry-making process.

For even more adventure, head further out to the Ingapirca Ruins, the largest archaeological site in Ecuador. In Cuenca, board a coach for a drive through the dramatic countryside to the city of Alausi, where you grab a seat for a ride on the Devil’s Nose train. Traveling along a zigzag track for roughly 1.5 miles (2.4 km), the train descends backward down the nearly perpendicular face of a mountain. Upon reaching the bottom, hop back on the coach for a drive south on the Pan-American Highway to visit the Ingapirca Ruins. Explore the site’s significant structures, learn how they Incas changed the course of civilization, and uncover how those changes still impact us today.

Things to Do in Cuenca with Kids

Cuenca is a superb destination for a family vacation. Bring the youngsters along and enjoy these popular family friendly experiences together:


 

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Discover the most popular places to visit in Cuenca

Discover the most popular landmarks and neighborhoods in Cuenca

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Downtown Cuenca

Travelers come to Downtown Cuenca for its abundant dining options, and you can see top attractions like New Cathedral of Cuenca and University of Cuenca's Orchid Garden while you're in town.

Downtown Cuenca
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Cuenca Historic Center

While you're in Cuenca Historic Center, take in top sights like Plaza Rotary Market and jump on the metro at Gaspar Sangurima Tram Station to see more of the city.

Cuenca Historic Center
Santa Ana de los Cuatro Ríos de Cuenca is a beautiful city surrounded by rivers.
It is widely regarded as the most European city in the country of Ecuador due to its 16th and 17th century era Spanish colonial architecture resembling cities and architecture throughout Spain.

Huayna-Cápac

While visiting Huayna-Cápac, you might make a stop by sights like Alejandro Serrano Aguilar Stadium and Cuenca Botanical Garden.

Huayna-Cápac
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Totoracocha

Even though there aren't top sights in Totoracocha, you can explore the larger area and take in top sights like Plaza Rotary Market. Jump on the metro at Terminal Terrestre Station to see more of the city.

Totoracocha
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San Blas

If you're spending some time in San Blas, Río Tomebamba & Calle Larga and New Cathedral of Cuenca are top sights worth seeing.

San Blas
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El Vecino

Even though there aren't top sights in El Vecino, you can explore the larger area and take in top sights like Plaza Rotary Market. Jump on the metro at Terminal Terrestre Station to see more of the city.

El Vecino

 

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Popular day trips from Cuenca

Frequently asked questions

Is Cuenca worth visiting?
Cuenca has an interesting mix of culture, local charm and attractions. Whether you're into history, outdoor activities or traditional cuisine, there are many things here to enjoy.
How do I spend a day in Cuenca?
Begin your day with a visit to Amaru Zoo and Pumapungo Archaeological Park. Then, explore other areas of Cuenca for a bite to eat and some souvenir shopping.
What is the top tourist attraction in Cuenca?
Amaru Zoo is one of the top tourist attractions in Cuenca and should be high on every to-do list of the area.
Is three days enough to stay in Cuenca?
You can easily enjoy popular attractions like Amaru Zoo, Galeria FVega and Casa de los Arcos Art Museum with a three-day escape to Cuenca. On average, most travelers plan three days here. There's plenty to experience nearby too, so stay a little longer and head to Paute.
Is Cuenca a walkable city?
That comes down to what you want to do and see in Cuenca. Several sights, such as Galeria FVega and Casa de los Arcos Art Museum, are reachable on foot. If you're up for a wander around some of Cuenca's best neighborhoods, Downtown Cuenca is 0.1 miles away from downtown, while Cuenca Historic Center is 0.2 miles away from the city center and also within walking distance.
What are some activities to do in Cuenca with kids?
What to do in Cuenca for adults?
Sombrero Museum and Museum of the Aboriginal Cultures are just a few of the things to do in Cuenca. With plenty of activities available, there's something here for everyone.
Are there free things to do in Cuenca?
One of the top ways to learn about free things to do in Cuenca is to speak with a local tour guide. You'll get insider views on interesting neighborhoods, parks and other attractions you can experience without reaching into your pocket. Mirador de Turi is one spot that doesn't charge an entrance fee.