Things To Do
in Ricaurte
Ricaurte is a small Andean town near Cuenca in southern Ecuador, set among agricultural valleys and rolling highland hills. The town serves as a quiet gateway to traditional markets, coffee and maize farms, and nearby natural attractions such as waterfalls and páramo vistas. Life in Ricaurte is local and low-key: expect friendly neighbors, churches and weekly markets rather than tourist infrastructure.
The town is a good base for day trips to Cajas National Park and the cultural attractions of nearby Cuenca.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Arrive in Ricaurte and settle into your cozy accommodations. Take a moment to explore the local area and get acquainted with the stunning surroundings of the lush mountains and tranquil rivers. Enjoy a refreshing breakfast at a nearby café to fuel your day ahead.
Spend the afternoon visiting the nearby hot springs, where you can relax in the warm, mineral-rich waters surrounded by nature. Take a short hike along marked trails to enjoy the scenic views and connect with the beauty of the landscape. Capture the vibrant flora and fauna with your camera as you wander through this serene environment.
As the sun sets, head back to your accommodations for a leisurely dinner featuring authentic Ecuadorian cuisine. Reflect on your day's adventures while listening to soothing sounds of nature. End the evening stargazing, taking in the clear skies away from the city lights.
Start your day with a visit to the local market in Ricaurte, where you can find fresh produce, handmade crafts, and artisanal goods. Engage with friendly vendors and sample traditional Ecuadorian snacks and fresh juices to kickstart your day. Immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere filled with local colors and sounds.
After exploring the market, take part in a cooking class to learn how to prepare traditional Ecuadorian dishes. Work alongside skilled chefs who will guide you through the process, from ingredient selection to presentation. Enjoy the fruits of your labor as you savor the delicious meal at the end of the class.
In the evening, visit a local cultural event or performance to experience the rich traditions and music of Ecuador. Enjoy the lively ambiance as dancers and musicians share their heritage. Wrap up the night with a stroll through the town, soaking in the charm of the local nightlife.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍽️Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $3-6 |
| 🍛Three-course meal for two at mid-range restaurant | $25-40 |
| ☕Coffee (local café) | $1.50-3 |
| 🚌Local bus ride | $0.25-1 |
| 🚕Short taxi ride | $3-8 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Authentic rural Andean culture and friendly local people
- Proximity to excellent natural areas like Cajas National Park
- Lower cost of travel compared with major tourist hubs
- Great opportunities for photography, hiking and agrotourism
- Limited tourist infrastructure and few organized tours in town
- Fewer dining and nightlife options compared with Cuenca
- Variable weather in the rainy season can disrupt outdoor plans
- Limited public transport schedules to more remote spots
- "Hola, ¿cómo está?" - Hello, how are you?
- "Gracias" - Thank you
- "¿Dónde está la plaza / la iglesia?" - Where is the plaza / the church?
- "La cuenta, por favor" - The check, please
- "¿Cuánto cuesta?" - How much does it cost?
- "Disculpe, no hablo mucho español" - Sorry, I don't speak much Spanish
Places to Visit in Ricaurte
Visit one of these nice places.
Classic shots of local life, colonial-style facades and daily activity—best in early morning or late afternoon light.
Nearby hilltops provide sweeping panoramas of farmed terraces, rivers and cloud formations—great for golden hour landscapes.
Small local cascades and rivers near Ricaurte offer dynamic long-exposure opportunities and secluded nature scenes.
Photograph workers tending coffee plants, drying beans and rustic farm architecture for intimate cultural images.
High-altitude lakes, páramo vegetation and dramatic skies make Cajas a top location for moody landscape photography.
Food in Ricaurte
Ricaurte Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A creamy potato and cheese soup typical of the highlands—comforting and widely available at local eateries and markets.
Must-Try!
Slow-roasted pork often served with mote (hominy) and plantains; commonly found in market stalls and family restaurants, especially on weekends.
Potato patties stuffed with cheese, usually served with chorizo or a simple fried egg; a staple of Andean breakfasts and lunches.
A traditional festive dish in the highlands served roasted in some local restaurants—try it if you want an authentic regional experience.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Small daily market selling fresh vegetables, fruits, cheeses and prepared foods—great for trying empanadas, fresh mote and local sweets.
A short trip to Cuenca opens larger markets (Mercado 10 de Agosto, Mercado El Arenal) where you can sample a wider variety of street foods, juices and regional specialties.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
A handshake and eye contact are the usual greeting; among friends or family, a single cheek kiss may occur. Always greet shopkeepers and neighbors when entering stores.
Dress is modest in rural areas and churches; avoid overly casual beachwear. Show respect at religious sites and during community events.
If invited into a home, it’s polite to bring a small gift (fruit, sweets) and remove shoes if requested. Accept offers of food or coffee—declining repeatedly can be considered rude.
Speak politely and use formal address (usted) with elders or people you’ve just met; learning basic Spanish phrases is appreciated.
Safety
Tipping in Ricaurte
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is modest: leaving spare change or 5–10% in restaurants is appreciated but not always expected. For guides, drivers or helpful service staff, a small tip is common and welcomed.
Ecuador uses the US dollar (USD). Cash is dominant in small towns; carry bills and small change. Credit cards are accepted at some restaurants and hotels, but signal and card acceptance can be limited—have cash for markets, taxis and rural services.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Cooler, sunnier days and clearer skies make this the most reliable time for hiking, photography and outdoor activities—temperatures are crisp in the morning and evening.
Frequent rain showers and cloudy conditions are common; mornings may be clear but afternoons can turn wet—pack waterproof gear and allow flexibility in plans.
Variable weather with a mix of sunny spells and showers—good for fewer crowds but bring layers for changing conditions.
Because Ricaurte is in the Andean zone close to the equator, temperatures stay relatively mild year-round but weather can change rapidly within a day.
Ricaurte at Night
Hiking in Ricaurte
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A network of trails leading to numerous high-altitude lakes, páramo landscapes and panoramic viewpoints—options range from short walks to multi-hour treks.
Short, steep hikes lead to nearby cascades and swimming holes—best visited in the morning for good light and quieter conditions.
Ridges above Ricaurte offer accessible trails for sunrise or sunset hikes with sweeping views of cultivated valleys and distant mountains.
Airports
How to reach Ricaurte by plane.
The nearest regional airport serving Cuenca, about 30–60 minutes by car depending on your exact location—offers domestic flights and limited international connections via Quito or Guayaquil.
Major international airport on the coast, roughly 3–4 hours by car to Ricaurte; many international flights arrive here and onward connections to Cuenca are by bus or domestic flight.
Ecuador’s largest international airport in the capital, approximately 4–5 hours by road or a short domestic flight to Cuenca; useful for international connections and onward travel.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The majority of residents identify as mestizo (mixed Indigenous and European ancestry) and form the core of local cultural life.
There are Indigenous peoples in the broader region who maintain traditional practices, languages and artisanal crafts; local markets may reflect this heritage.
A modest number of people commute to Cuenca for work, and a small expat community in the region is drawn to nearby cultural and natural amenities.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
The most popular sport—local matches and watching national teams are common community activities.
Cycling is popular both as transport and sport; the varied terrain attracts recreational cyclists and mountain bikers.
Horseback riding and local equestrian traditions are part of rural life, with occasional fiestas featuring riding displays.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Ricaurte.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options exist (potato-based dishes, soups, vegetable sides) but are more limited than in larger cities; specify no meat and ask if broths are meat-based. Markets are your best bet for fresh produce to assemble simple meals.
Vegan choices are limited; carry snacks and communicate clearly about dairy (cheese in many dishes) and butter/lard used in cooking.
Many traditional dishes are naturally gluten-free (maize, potatoes, rice), but cross-contamination and wheat in baked goods occur—ask about ingredients at restaurants.