Things To Do
in Cuenca
Cuenca, Ecuador is a UNESCO-listed colonial city high in the Andes, renowned for its well-preserved historic center and riverside charm. Its red-tile rooftops, whitewashed churches, and cobblestone streets create a photogenic backdrop at every turn. The city blends traditional crafts, flavorful Andean cuisine, and a growing expat scene that keeps the culture vibrant.
Mild year-round weather makes Cuenca approachable for exploring on foot, day and night.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a leisurely stroll through the cobblestone streets of Cuenca's historic center, marveling at the colonial architecture. Visit the iconic Catedral Nueva, where you can admire its stunning blue domes and intricate interiors. Enjoy a breakfast of fresh Ecuadorian pastries and coffee at a local café while soaking in the lively atmosphere.
After lunch, head to the Museo del Sombrero to learn about the famous Panama hat's origins and production. Explore the nearby Plaza Abdon Calderon, a vibrant square lined with shops and street vendors, perfect for some souvenir shopping. As you wander, take time to appreciate the local artisans showcasing their crafts.
As the sun sets, enjoy a traditional Ecuadorian dinner at a local restaurant, where you can try dishes like cuy or locro de papas. After your meal, take a relaxing walk along the Tomebamba River, where you can enjoy the picturesque views of the riverbanks lit up at night. Conclude your day with a visit to a local bar for a drink and some live music.
Kick off your morning by visiting the bustling Mercado 10 de Agosto, where you can find a variety of fresh produce and traditional foods. Engage with local vendors as you sample fresh fruit and try local specialties like empanadas and llapingachos. The vibrant colors and aromas will immerse you in the heart of Cuenca's culinary culture.
After exploring the market, head to the nearby Museo de las Culturas Aborígenes, where you can delve into the rich history and artifacts of Ecuador's indigenous cultures. Following that, enjoy a leisurely lunch at a nearby café, savoring the local flavors while people-watching. Spend your afternoon visiting artisan workshops, where you can observe traditional crafts such as pottery and weaving.
As the evening approaches, treat yourself to dinner at a rooftop restaurant overlooking the historic center. Enjoy the cool breeze while tasting a fusion of traditional and modern Ecuadorian cuisine. Wrap up your day with a visit to the local theater, where you can catch a live performance or cultural event.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $5-10 |
| ☕Coffee at cafe | $1-3 |
| 💧Water bottle (0.5L) | $0.50-1.50 |
| 🚌Local bus ride | $0.25-0.50 |
| 🏨Mid-range hotel per night | $40-90 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Beautiful colonial architecture and a walkable historic center
- Mild climate and scenic river settings
- Strong craft culture and access to Andean cuisine
- Compact size makes day trips easy
- Some areas can be crowded with tourists and expats
- Higher altitude may affect some visitors initially
- Smaller nightlife scene compared to larger cities
- Prices can be higher in tourist-heavy spots
- "¿Cuánto cuesta?" - How much does it cost?
- "Gracias" - Thank you
- "Por favor" - Please
- "¿Dónde está el baño?" - Where is the bathroom?
- "¿Habla inglés?" - Do you speak English?
- "Estoy perdido/a" - I am lost
- "Ayuda" - Help
Places to Visit in Cuenca
Visit one of these nice places.
Iconic square framing the cathedral with horses near the plaza and frequent street life; best at sunrise or late afternoon.
Jaw-dropping city and valley panorama, especially during golden hour or at night when Cuenca lights glow.
Colorful façades along the riverbanks and historic bridges offer reflections and wide-angle opportunities.
Ancient ruins and gardens with city views, ideal for wide shots and cultural context photography.
Historic streets with vibrant walls, doorways, and craft shops perfect for street photography.
Food in Cuenca
Cuenca Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Fried potato patties stuffed with cheese, usually served with peanut sauce, chorizo, eggs, and a fresh salad.
Must-Try!
Slow-roasted pork with crackling, commonly plated with mote (hominy), llapingachos, and mote con chicha.
Roasted guinea pig, a traditional highland dish offered in some eateries, typically shared among diners.
A creamy corn-based beverage or porridge, often enjoyed for breakfast or as a comforting dessert.
Savory pastries and corn-humidity tamales filled with cheese or other regional ingredients.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
A bustling central market with fresh produce, regional snacks, and quick bites like hornado sandwiches.
Vibrant stalls for fruit, herbs, and street bites; great for sampling seasonal produce and small plates.
Markets that are ideal for Panama hats, copperware, textiles, and handmade crafts to accompany a meal.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
A brief handshake or nod; addressing people with 'Buenos días/tardes' is courteous. In social settings, a friendly, respectful tone goes a long way.
Dress modestly when visiting churches; remove hats and speak softly inside religious sites.
Show respect to elders and hosts; Ecuadorians are generally warm and value politeness and small courtesies.
Safety
Tipping in Cuenca
Ensure a smooth experience
In restaurants, service may be included or not. If not, a tip of 5-10% is appreciated; you can round up the bill in casual places.
Cash and cards are widely accepted in shops and restaurants; ATMs are common in the city. Small vendors may prefer cash.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Clear skies, cooler evenings, and excellent visibility for city views; occasional dust in open areas; ideal for outdoor strolls and hilltop photography.
Afternoon showers are common; lush greenery and vibrant landscapes shine after rain; pack a compact rain shell and quick-dry footwear.
Fewer crowds and comfortable temperatures; great for wandering the historic center and markets without peak-hour rush.
Mild, spring-like weather most days with cool nights; layering is key for comfortable exploration any month.
Cuenca at Night
Hiking in Cuenca
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A network of high-altitude trails around striking glacial lakes with varying difficulty.
Accessible waterfall hike near Girón; a popular day trip for nature lovers.
Airports
How to reach Cuenca by plane.
Small but functional airport with domestic flights and some international connections; taxi or bus to city center takes ~15-25 minutes depending on traffic.
Major international hub about a 1.5-2 hour flight north of Cuenca; convenient for onward air connections and land transfers to Cuenca.
Coastal gateway with more international connections; commonly used for long-haul flights and then ground or air transfer to Cuenca.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Predominantly Mestizo with a strong sense of regional identity, customs, and crafts.
A growing mix of retirees and remote workers drawn to Cuenca’s climate and lifestyle.
Universities and international programs attract a youthful, diverse student population.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
The most popular sport, with local clubs and community leagues; games and viewing parties are common in plazas and bars.
Widely played in schools and community centers; occasional pickup games in parks and gymnasiums.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Cuenca.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Cuenca has plenty of vegetarian options built around llapingachos, mote, soups, and salads; ask for meat-free preparations and consider shared dishes with protein sources like beans or cheese.