Best Things to Do in Cuenca, Ecuador: A Complete Travel Guide

Last Updated: October 2026

Cuenca is undoubtedly one of Ecuador’s most beautiful cities. With its cobbled streets, elegant colonial buildings, magnificent blue-domed cathedral and colourful markets, it’s a city that’s easy to fall in love with.

Located high in the Ecuadorian Andes, Cuenca is a UNESCO World Heritage-listed city known for its beautifully preserved historic centre, vibrant culture and relaxed atmosphere. Unlike the bustling capital of Quito, Cuenca has a slower pace of life that makes it a wonderful place to explore on foot.

We spent an entire week in Cuenca during our travels around Ecuador, and we loved wandering through its historic streets, discovering colourful street art, visiting local markets and enjoying its excellent cafés and restaurants.

But Cuenca isn’t just about beautiful architecture. One of our favourite experiences was escaping into the spectacular landscapes of nearby Cajas National Park, where we hiked among stunning mountain lakes and encountered llamas wandering freely along the road!

Whether you’re planning a short visit or a longer stay, here are the best things to do in Cuenca, Ecuador, along with our recommendations on where to stay, what to eat and how to make the most of your time in this charming Andean city.

How Many Days Do You Need in Cuenca?

We recommend spending at least 3 to 4 days in Cuenca to explore its beautiful historic centre, colourful markets, impressive churches and charming cobbled streets without feeling rushed.

Two days is enough to see the city’s main attractions, but you’ll need an extra day if you want to visit the spectacular Cajas National Park, which we highly recommend.

We spent an entire week in Cuenca and never got bored! It’s a wonderful city to slow down, wander through its streets, enjoy the local cafés and soak up the relaxed atmosphere. If you have the time, staying longer is definitely worthwhile.

Best Time to Visit Cuenca, Ecuador

Cuenca is a year-round destination thanks to its mild Andean climate, although the weather can be unpredictable due to its altitude of approximately 2,560 metres.

June to September is generally the driest period, making it a great time for sightseeing, walking around the historic centre and hiking in nearby Cajas National Park. However, mornings and evenings can be chilly, especially in the mountains.

October to May tends to bring more rainfall, particularly between March and May. Showers are often mixed with periods of sunshine, so you can still enjoy exploring the city.

Whatever time of year you visit, pack layers, a waterproof jacket and comfortable walking shoes. Cuenca can experience sunshine, rain and chilly temperatures all in one day!

What to do in Cuenca?

1- Explore Cuenca’s Historic Centre on a Walking Tour

Always start with a free guided walking tour in any city that offers one. It’s the best way to get acquainted with a city. From Monday to Saturday, at 11 am and 3pm, you can join a free walking tour of Cuenca’s historic centre.

A local guide will meet you in the main courtyard of the Seminario San Luis (next to the New Cathedral). They will take you around town for about two hours, showing you its best sights and its most colourful streets. The tour finishes at the local market, where your guide will show you the best places to eat. After that, you can head back to explore or photograph any place on the tour that took your fancy.

Be sure to tip your guide at the end of the tour. Like the rest of us, they don’t work for free!

2- Visit Cuenca’s New Cathedral (Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception)

A visit to Cuenca’s most beautiful and most iconic Catholic church is a must-do. The New Cathedral, La Catedral de la Inmaculada Concepcion is one of the largest churches in South America.

As pretty as its exterior is, with its blue-tiled domes dominating the city’s skyline, the cathedral’s interior is worth exploring too. It was built to hold 9,000 people and it is still in use today. Lots of locals head there to worship throughout the day. You are not allowed to photograph inside the church during mass. However, if a mass is not in progress, feel free to capture its stunning interior. The marble work, stained glass and the awe-inspiring gold leaf-covered altar are worth the detour.

For $2, you can also climb the 150 steps to the top and get a nice view of the city’s skyline.

Note: The new cathedral was never fully completed due to structural design issues but looking at it today, you’d never know.

3- Walk Along the Tomebamba River

In the south of Cuenca’s historic centre is the Tomebamba River. This river flows down from the Cajas National Park and cuts the city of Cuenca in half while making its way to the Amazon. 

The area around the river is a nice place to take a stroll. Alternatively, you can hire bikes and ride alongside the river. If you have some time, go as far as the Parque El Paraiso and grab some local food on the way in “Calle De Las Herrerias” to take as a picnic lunch. It’s a great way to spend an afternoon, especially if it’s on Sunday when most of the city will be very quiet. 

4- Enjoy Panoramic Views from Turi Viewpoint

The Turi viewpoint is where you’ll get the best views across the city. You can walk there but it will take you about 50 minutes and there are a few steps to tackle towards the end. We chose this option because we had a lot of time on our hands. You can also catch a taxi ride if you don’t have time to walk or if you don’t fancy the exercise. The view is also worth checking out at night, to see the city all lit up.

5- Explore Cuenca’s Colourful Local Markets

There are many local markets in Cuenca where you can buy all sorts of delicious local food, fresh vegetables, fruit, nuts, corn, spices and much more. Markets always provide great insight into a city’s culture. You will also see many ladies there that are dressed in their colourful traditional outfits. Bear in mind that many of them will not want to be photographed, so always ask first and respect their privacy if they say no.

The flower market is located right next to the New Cathedral and is another fabulous place to visit if you want to be blinded by colours! The many flower arrangements for sale are simply stunning and so cheap!

6- Take a Day Trip to Cajas National Park

A visit to Cajas National Park is an absolute must when exploring Cuenca. Located just 30–40 minutes from the city, this spectacular national park is home to hundreds of glacial lakes, crystal-clear lagoons, waterfalls and dramatic Andean landscapes. With its rugged mountains, unique páramo vegetation and beautiful hiking trails, it’s the perfect place to escape the city and experience Ecuador’s breathtaking natural beauty.

The scenery is just breathtaking and it is bound to be your favourite thing you do while in Cuenca. It certainly was a highlight for us! You can reach the Cajas National Park by local bus or go there with an organised tour.

Once there, you can do some short hikes and enjoy the stunning scenery, as well as its abundant flora and fauna. The Cajas National Park really reminded us of Tasmania, our favourite state back home. It too has some truly remarkable wilderness areas that are similar to Cajas.

In Cajas National Park, we first visited the Llaviucu (Zorrocucho) Lake, before hiking the Camino de Garcia Moreno. The scenery was simply jaw-dropping! We also enjoyed seeing the wild Llamas, especially when they began crossing the road just as we were driving back towards town and then decided that they wouldn’t move and we would just have to wait! It reminded us of the holy cows in India. Llamas rule!

There are also several other day trips options available from Cuenca, such as visiting the Inca Ruins of Ingapirca, the artisan towns of Chordeleg, Sigsig and Gualaceo, or the Yunguilla Valley. 

7- Discover Cuenca’s Famous Panama Hat Museums

Panama hats are actually not from Panama. They come from Ecuador! Confusing right? So why are they called Panama hats? It’s because they were produced en-masse and exported to Panama during the construction of the Panama Canal in the 1900s. They helped protect the canal workers from the sun. When U.S. President Roosevelt visited Panama and the construction site, he was photographed wearing one. This led to the hats becoming known as “Panama hats” all around the world. 

But Ecuador is actually where the hats are made and Cuenca is the largest producer of Panama hats. There are a couple of museums, such as the Museo Sombrero De Paja Toquilla by the river, where you can learn more about the hats themselves and see how they are produced. This museum is also a shop, so if you fancy buying one you can do so there. Prices start from around $25 but if you want one of the finest quality, you could end up paying thousands of dollars. The most expensive Panama hats take weeks to make by hand.

8- Admire the Street Art in Cuenca

Like many places in Ecuador, Cuenca is big on street-art and you’ll come across some really lovely pieces as you wander the streets.

Where to eat in Cuenca?

El Santo: For cheap and tasty Mexican fare

Full Criollo Sabor Venezolano: For the best Venezuelan food in town 

El Confesionario: For dinner with a view over the new cathedral.

Is Cuenca Safe for Tourists?

Cuenca is generally considered one of Ecuador’s safer cities for tourists, particularly around its historic centre and main tourist attractions. We felt comfortable exploring the city on foot during the day and in the early evening.

However, as with any destination, it’s important to take sensible precautions. Petty theft and pickpocketing can occur, especially in crowded markets, bus stations and busy public areas. Keep your valuables secure, avoid displaying expensive jewellery or electronics, and be mindful of your surroundings.

After dark, it’s best to avoid quiet or poorly lit streets and use a trusted taxi or ride-hailing service rather than walking long distances.

Although we personally felt safe during our visit, Ecuador’s security situation has changed in recent years, so we recommend checking the latest government travel advice before your trip.

How to Get to Cuenca, Ecuador

Cuenca is easily accessible by bus or plane, depending on your budget and where you’re travelling from.

Flying to Cuenca

Cuenca has a small airport, Mariscal La Mar Airport, located just a few minutes from the city centre. Domestic flights from Quito are generally the quickest way to reach Cuenca, with a flight time of approximately one hour.

Travelling to Cuenca by Bus

Travelling by bus is the most affordable option and a great way to explore Ecuador. Cuenca has bus connections with major destinations, including Quito, Guayaquil, Riobamba, Ambato and Baños, although some journeys may require a transfer. The journey from Guayaquil takes approximately 3–4 hours, while Quito is around 8–10 hours away.

Our tip: Be extra vigilant with your belongings when travelling on local buses in Ecuador. Keep your valuables close to you at all times, and never leave laptops, cameras or other expensive items in the overhead compartments or underneath your seat. We learnt this the hard way when a group of thieves almost stole our laptops during a bus journey! Thankfully, we caught them in time, but they were incredibly quick and sneaky. Keep your valuables in a bag on your lap or securely against your body, and don’t let your guard down, even for a moment.

Travelling to Cuenca with Wanderbus

Another fantastic option is to travel with Wanderbus, a hop-on-hop-off sightseeing service that connects some of Ecuador’s most beautiful destinations. Wanderbus offers a comfortable and convenient alternative to local buses, combining transport with guided sightseeing stops along the way. It’s more expensive than public transport, but with knowledgeable local guides, organised activities and the flexibility to explore different destinations, we think it’s excellent value. There are several passes to choose from, so you can explore as much or as little of Ecuador as you like.

We travelled with Wanderbus from Quito to Cuenca, stopping in Baños and Alausí along the way, and absolutely loved the experience! It was a fantastic way to discover more of Ecuador without worrying about organising transport between destinations.

If you’re planning to explore several places in Ecuador, we highly recommend checking out the Wanderbus routes and passes.

How to Get Around Cuenca

Cuenca is a very walkable city, with most of its main attractions located within the historic centre. We explored almost everywhere on foot, which is the best way to admire its beautiful architecture and discover hidden corners.

For longer distances, taxis are affordable and convenient, particularly for visiting Turi Viewpoint. Cuenca also has a modern tram system (Tranvía) and local buses connecting different parts of the city.

Our tip: Stay near the historic centre so you can walk to most attractions, restaurants and cafés without needing a car.

Where to stay in Cuenca, Ecuador?

Pepe’s House B&B – Best for Budget Travellers

We stayed at Pepe’s House B&B during our time in Cuenca and really enjoyed it. It’s a fantastic budget-friendly option, particularly for backpackers and long-term travellers looking for affordable accommodation.

The staff were incredibly friendly and helpful, and the location was excellent, within walking distance of most attractions in the historic centre. We explored practically everywhere on foot!

Pepe’s House offers both dormitory accommodation and private rooms with bathrooms, making it a great choice for travellers who want comfort and convenience without spending a fortune.

Itza Hotel Boutique Internacional – Best for a Stylish Boutique Stay

Located in the heart of Cuenca’s historic centre, Itza Hotel Boutique Internacional is a beautiful boutique hotel housed in a restored historic building. It combines elegant interiors with modern comforts and boasts a rooftop terrace offering lovely views over the city. Its central location makes it perfect for exploring Cuenca’s main attractions on foot.

Parc Royal Suites Hotel – Best for Spacious Luxury Suites

For travellers looking for extra space and comfort, Parc Royal Suites Hotel is an excellent choice. This stylish boutique hotel offers spacious, beautifully designed suites with modern amenities, right in Cuenca’s historic centre. It’s ideal for couples seeking a comfortable, upscale stay within walking distance of the city’s restaurants and attractions.

Mansión Alcázar – Best for a Romantic Luxury Stay

For a truly special stay in Cuenca, Mansión Alcázar is hard to beat. This elegant boutique hotel is set in a beautifully restored historic mansion, complete with charming gardens, antique furnishings and a peaceful courtyard. Its romantic atmosphere, attentive service and excellent location make it a wonderful choice for couples wanting a little luxury while exploring Cuenca.

FAQs About Visiting Cuenca, Ecuador

Is Cuenca Worth Visiting?

Absolutely! Cuenca was one of our favourite cities in Ecuador. With its beautiful colonial architecture, colourful markets, relaxed atmosphere and fantastic restaurants, it’s a wonderful place to explore. It’s also the perfect base for visiting the spectacular Cajas National Park. We spent a week here and would happily return!

Is Cuenca Expensive for Tourists?

Cuenca is relatively affordable compared to many international destinations. Accommodation, local restaurants and public transport offer good value, making it an excellent destination for budget-conscious travellers.

Can You Visit Cuenca Without a Car?

Yes! Cuenca is very walkable, particularly around its historic centre. Taxis, buses and the modern tram system make it easy to explore further afield without renting a car.

What Is the Altitude of Cuenca?

Cuenca sits approximately 2,560 metres above sea level. Some visitors may experience mild altitude sickness, so take it easy when you first arrive, stay hydrated and allow yourself time to adjust.

Can You Drink Tap Water in Cuenca?

Although Cuenca has a modern water treatment system, visitors should check current local advice before drinking tap water. If you’re unsure, stick to filtered or bottled water.

Is Cuenca Safe to Walk Around at Night?

The historic centre is generally comfortable to explore in the early evening, particularly around busy restaurants and main streets. However, avoid deserted areas after dark and use registered taxis when travelling longer distances.

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