Cuenca
Save32 hand-picked places in 10 lists. Tick the categories you want to see on the map.
Only have a day? See 2 ready-made day plans ↓10 places on the map
Top 10
- 1
Main square framed by the two cathedrals
- Tip: At night
- Tip: Watch your bag
2 tips
- Evenings are lively
- Great start for the walk
📷 Photos
- 2
Landmark blue-domed cathedral with white marble interior
- Tip: Dress code
2 tips
- Climb the towers if open
- Best seen at dusk
📷 Photos
- 3
Hilltop viewpoint with a panorama of the city and its domes
- Tip: Sunset
3 tips
- Go at sunset
- Take a taxi
- Church and cafes on top
📷 Photos
- 4
Archaeological park, aviary and national museum on Inca ruins
- Must know: Closed Mondays
2 tips
- Free entry
- Allow two to three hours
📷 Photos
- 5
Riverside promenade along the old colonial houses
- Tip: Sunset
3 tips
- Walk at sunset
- Stone steps can be slippery
- Cafes along the river
📷 Photos
- 6
Flower market by the Carmen church
- Tip: Go early
2 tips
- Photogenic stalls
- Buy fresh flowers cheaply
📷 Photos
- 7
Church and square at the east edge of the center
- Tip: Go early
- Tip: At night
3 tips
- Open mornings and evenings
- Nearby bars
- Short stop
📷 Photos
- 8
Busy market with fresh food, herbs and cheap lunches
- Tip: Watch your bag
2 tips
- Try the hornado
- Visit before noon
📷 Photos
- 9
High-altitude park of lakes and páramo west of Cuenca
- Tip: Allow a few hours
2 tips
- Dress warmly
- Altitude above 3,800 m
📷 Photos
- 10
Ecuador most important Inca ruins, north of Cuenca
3 tips
- About two hours by road
- Book a tour for convenience
- Dress warmly
📷 Photos
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Before you go: Cuenca tips
Transportation
- Ride the tram: Cuenca's tram crosses the city and passes near the historic center, an easy way to cover longer distances.
- Ask for the meter: Taxis are cheap; ask the driver to use the taximetro or agree on a fare before starting.
- Walk the historic center: The UNESCO-listed old town is compact and best explored on foot.
Security
- Watch belongings in markets: Cuenca is relatively safe, but pickpockets operate in busy markets and buses.
- Take it easy at altitude: The city sits around 2,500 meters; drink water and rest on your first day.
- Use trusted tour operators: For trips to Cajas or Ingapirca, book with reputable agencies that have good reviews.
Saving
- Eat almuerzos: Set lunches with soup, main and juice are very affordable at local eateries and the 10 de Agosto market.
- Use US dollars: Ecuador uses the US dollar; bring small bills, as change for large notes can be scarce.
- Take local buses to sights: Public buses to Cajas National Park and nearby towns cost much less than tours.
Weather/Clothing
- Expect spring-like weather: Days are mild and nights cool all year; pack layers you can add or remove.
- Bring rain gear: Afternoon showers are common, so carry a light rain jacket or umbrella.
- Use sun protection: The high-altitude sun is strong even when cool; wear sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat.
Cultural
- Buy a Panama hat: The famous toquilla straw hats are made in the Cuenca region; visit a workshop to see how they are woven.
- Try local food: Taste hornado, roast pork, and if adventurous, cuy, roasted guinea pig, plus a warm canelazo.
- Greet politely: Say buenos dias or buenas tardes when entering shops; politeness is valued.
Local Hacks
- See the view from Turi: The Mirador de Turi offers panoramic views of the city, especially at sunset.
- Walk along the Tomebamba: The riverside paths below El Barranco are perfect for a relaxing stroll.
- Visit the New Cathedral: Its blue domes are a city icon; check if you can climb to the rooftop for views.
1-day itineraries in Cuenca
Only have a day? Each one keeps you in one area, from morning to late afternoon, with lunch nearby.
Day 1 of 2
Plaza de las Flores and around
🕘 9:30–16:15📍 6 stops
- 1Plaza de las Flores
- 2Plaza de San Francisco
- 3Catedral Vieja (El Sagrario)
- 4Parque Calderón
- 5Museo de las Conceptas
- and 1 more
Day 2 of 2
Iglesia de San Blas and around
🕘 9:30–16:15📍 4 stops
- 1Iglesia de San Blas
- 2Museo Remigio Crespo Toral
- 3Calle Larga y Río Tomebamba
- 4Pumapungo – Museo y Parque Arqueológico