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Cuenca

Nestled in the Andes, Cuenca is a captivating blend of old-world charm and vibrant energy. This UNESCO World Heritage site boasts colorful colonial buildings, cobblestone streets, and breathtaking landscapes. Don't leave without exploring the charming plazas, indulging in local cuisine like cuy (guinea pig), and roaming the markets for unique handicrafts. It's like stepping into a whimsical South American fairytale!

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Featured Trip Itineraries

The Ultimate Ecuador Adventure

Recommendations

Outdoor4.8/5

Calderon Park

Welcome to Calderon Park, the heart of Mariscal Sucre district in Cuenca, Ecuador! This vibrant green oasis is perfect for a relaxing stroll or a picnic with friends. Marvel at the stunning flora, snap Insta-worthy selfies, and soak up the lively atmosphere created by locals playing games and enjoying outdoor concerts. Don't miss the jaw-dropping views of the city from this urban gem!

Culture4.7/5

Pumapungo Museum

Step into the captivating world of Pumapungo Museum in Cuenca, Ecuador. Get ready to explore fascinating artifacts that showcase the rich history and culture of the area. From ancient pottery to intricate textiles, this museum will transport you back in time. Don't forget to snap some pics of the stunning views from Calle Larga while you're there!

Landmark4.3/5

Mercado 10 de Agosto

Step into the vibrant chaos of Mercado 10 de Agosto, located at Calle Larga 1147 in Cuenca, Ecuador! This lively marketplace is a feast for the senses, with colorful stalls selling everything from fresh produce and fragrant spices to handmade crafts and quirky souvenirs. Don't miss the chance to taste traditional Ecuadorian delicacies or engage in some lively haggling. Get ready for a lively shopping spree!

Culture4.6/5

Baños de Cuenca

Baños de Cuenca, 3WGM+PJG, Cam. a Baños, Cuenca, Ecuador: a hidden gem for the adventurous souls! Nestled amidst lush mountains, this charming town offers enticing hot springs that'll have you relaxing to the max. Take a refreshing dip in the natural thermal pools, or embark on thrilling hikes to nearby waterfalls. You'll be amazed by the breathtaking beauty and invigorating atmosphere of Baños de Cuenca!

Landmark4.4/5

Mercado de Artesanias Rotary

Step into a kaleidoscope of vibrant colors and intricate crafts at the Mercado de Artesanias Rotary in Cuenca. Located at Vargas Machuca 1127, this bustling market showcases the incredible talent of local artisans. From hand-woven textiles to exquisite pottery, you'll find treasures to bring home. Don't forget to haggle, chat with friendly vendors, and soak in the lively atmosphere!

Eat$$$$4.7/5

Tiesto's Cafe Restaurant

Located in the heart of Cuenca, Ecuador, Tiesto's Cafe Restaurant is a delightful oasis for hungry travelers. With its vibrant decor and lively atmosphere, this hotspot serves up mouthwatering local dishes and refreshing drinks. Indulge in their famous grilled meats or try the flavorful vegetarian options. Don't miss out on this culinary adventure while exploring the city!

Eat$$$4.7/5

NOE sushi bar - Cuenca

Welcome to NOE sushi bar, located in the heart of Cuenca, Ecuador. Grab your chopsticks and get ready for a culinary adventure! This vibrant spot is known for its delicious and fresh sushi, made with love by skilled chefs. Offering a fusion of traditional and innovative flavors, NOE is a must-visit for sushi enthusiasts and adventurous eaters. So, why wait? Roll on over to NOE and let your taste buds do the talking!

Eat$$4.6/5

Restaurant Pizzería Mediterráneo

Get ready for a pizza party like no other at Restaurant Pizzería Mediterráneo! Located on Honorato Vásquez 7-64 in Cuenca, Ecuador, this place is a must-visit for any foodie traveler. With a menu bursting with authentic Mediterranean flavors, their delicious pizzas will transport you to the sun-soaked shores of the Mediterranean. Buen provecho! (60 words)

Eat$$4.5/5

Guajibamba

Welcome to Guajibamba, a vibrant neighborhood in Cuenca, Ecuador! With its colorful buildings and bustling streets, this place is a traveler's dream. Make sure to visit C. Luis Cordero, the heart of Guajibamba, where you can find delicious local cuisine, quirky shops, and friendly locals. Whether you're looking for adventure or relaxation, this lively neighborhood has it all!

Eat$$4.4/5

Common Grounds Sports Bar & Grill

Looking for a lively hangout in Cuenca, Ecuador? Look no further than Common Grounds Sports Bar & Grill, owned by the friendly C. Eduardo Crespo Malo. With its vibrant atmosphere, mouthwatering sports-bar fare, and a wide selection of drinks, this spot is a haven for sports enthusiasts and foodies alike. Catch a game and enjoy the good times at Common Grounds!

Cafe4.5/5

Amar Café

Welcome to Amar Café, a hidden gem nestled in Parque de la Madre in Cuenca, Ecuador. This quirky café boasts a vibrant and cozy atmosphere, perfect for any wandering soul. Indulge in their aromatic Ecuadorian coffee, scrumptious pastries, and deliciously healthy brunch options. Don't miss out on their live music nights and the breathtaking view of the park. Get ready for an unforgettable caffeine adventure!

Cafe$$4.4/5

Tutto Freddo

Tutto Freddo in Cuenca, Ecuador is the ultimate paradise for ice cream lovers. With its vibrant and colorful interior, this gelateria welcomes you with a contagious joy. Their creamy and delicious gelato flavors, made from locally sourced ingredients, are the perfect way to cool off on a sunny day. Grab a scoop or two from their cheerful staff and indulge in frozen happiness!

Stays

Stay4.65/5

Hotel Casa San Rafael - Cuenca, Ecuador

Welcome to Hotel Casa San Rafael, located in the heart of Cuenca, Ecuador! This charming boutique hotel offers comfortable rooms with a touch of Ecuadorian flair. Immerse yourself in the vibrant culture of Simón Bolívar Street and indulge in delicious local cuisine nearby. Don't forget to take advantage of our friendly staff who are always ready to make your stay a memorable one. Book your adventure at Casa San Rafael today!

Stay4.65/5

Hosteria Duran

Get ready for an adventure-packed stay at Hosteria Duran in Baños, Ecuador! Located on Av. Ricardo Durán, this vibrant hotel offers comfortable rooms, stunning views of the surrounding mountains, and easy access to exciting outdoor activities. From ziplining through lush forests to relaxing in natural hot springs, Hosteria Duran has got you covered. Don't forget your sense of adventure!

Stay4.6/5

Hotel Victoria

Located on Calle Larga in the charming city of Cuenca, Hotel Victoria is a hidden gem for adventurous souls. As soon as you step inside, you'll feel like you've been transported to a bygone era, with its vintage decor and cozy rooms. With friendly staff ready to recommend the best local spots, your stay here promises to be filled with excitement and enchantment.

Stay4.5/5

Hotel Posada del Angel

Welcome to Posada del Angel, the perfect spot for adventurers in Cuenca, Ecuador! This charming hostel on Simón Bolívar street is overflowing with character, from its colorful rooms to its friendly staff. Get ready to explore the vibrant city center, indulge in delicious local cuisine, and soak in the breathtaking views of the nearby mountains. Book now for an unforgettable stay!

Stay4.55/5

Hotel El Dorado

Hotel El Dorado, located at C. Gran Colombia 7-87 y, in the charming city of Cuenca, Ecuador, is a true gem for adventurous travelers! With its vibrant and eye-catching decor, cozy rooms, and friendly staff, this hotel offers the perfect blend of comfort and excitement. Oh, and did we mention the breathtaking views of the city from its rooftop terrace? Don't miss the chance to stay at Hotel El Dorado!

Stay4.5/5

Mansión Alcázar Hotel Cuenca

Nestled in the heart of Cuenca, Mansión Alcázar is a charming retreat where history dances with modern comfort! From its stunning colonial architecture to plush rooms adorned with elegance, this boutique hotel is a cozy home base for your Andean adventures. Indulge in delightful dining and sip coffee on the terrace—all while soaking in the vibrant local culture!

Stay4.5/5

Hotel Santa Lucia - Cuenca Ecuador

Welcome to Hotel Santa Lucia! Located on the ground floor of a charming building on Calle Presidente Borrero, our hotel is the perfect base for exploring the vibrant city of Cuenca. With its exterior adorned with colorful flowers, our hotel provides a cozy and inviting ambiance. Experience Ecuadorian hospitality at its finest in our convenient and lively location, offering easy access to local attractions and hotspots. Book your stay now and embark on an unforgettable adventure!

Stay4/5

Hotel Carvallo

Welcome to Hotel Carvallo, located in the heart of Cuenca, Ecuador! This charming hotel offers a traveler's paradise with its perfect blend of history and modern comforts. From the moment you walk through the doors, you'll be captivated by the stunning colonial architecture and vibrant atmosphere. With its prime location and friendly staff, Hotel Carvallo is the ultimate base for exploring all that Cuenca has to offer.+

Things To Do
Provided by

4.9/5

8 h

Gualaceo, Chordelg and San Bartolome craft making villagues

Skilled artisans produce beautiful products here. Check out the exquisite textiles (hand-woven shawls and hand-embroidered clothing), jewelry made with unique techniques such as filigree, pottery, straw hats and much more... Highlights: • Browse the famous artisan-crafted guitars of San Bartolome • Check out Chordeleg's famous jewelry and ceramics • Learn about the Hispanic shawl-making technique called "Ikat" in Gualaceo • Walk through the colorful market in Gualaceo where you will see locals weaving hats on the streets

$54.99

4.7/5

5 h

Hike El Cajas - Beyond the Common Trail

Join us on a private tour of the beautiful Llaviucu Lake and Valley! Our guided hike will be along an ancient Inca trail where we will see Lake LLaviucu, the ruins of an abandoned German brewery, and meadows where wild horses and alpacas graze. Many of the sights are beyond the park trail most visited. Normally, we are the only ones in this area, which adds to the charm and enrichment of the experience.

$55.00

4.8/5

Descent of The Andes by bike, Cuenca

Explore Ecuador by bike from the Andean highlands, after pick You up at your accommodation in Cuenca we Will travel one tour to Tarqui Área where we will take the bikes to start a spectacular downhill bike of 25 miles by "El Camino Viejo" a dirt road excellent for bicycles, through native forests, farms, communities, and stunning panoramic views. You can experience in a few hours the diversity of natural scenery, and climatic floors. This tour is about 80% downhill and 20% uphill and flat. You have the option to use mountain bikes or electric bikes to make the experience easier.

$75.00

4.7/5

8 h

Full Day, Ingapirca Archeological Site and Cuenca City Tour

Join this small-group full day tour to Ingapirca Archaeological complex, the most important archaeological sites in Ecuador. Then you will visit the city of Cuenca, considered the most beautiful city of Ecuador, and one the most beautiful in South America! Enjoyed the cultural heritage site of Cuenca.

$54.99

2.7/5

5 h

Half day- 5 Hour Pottery Experience In Cuenca

In this excursion we will offer you to know all about Cuenca its Culture, Architecture and art, additional to this we will take a pottery Class in one of the most famous places to make this art The Pottery House of Mr Ivan Encalada.

$106.00

4.7/5

Legendary Luspa Private Trek

Prepare yourself to be amazed! This is a hiking tour of a remote section of the backcountry of Cajas National Park, and we are the only operator that offers it. You will be in awe as you are surrounded by mountains, cliffs, lakes, rivers, grasslands, and unique flora. We will observe different ecological zones as we move through different elevations and landscapes. This tour has been carefully designed to start from the highest elevation in the park, and hike downhill for an easier, more enjoyable experience.

$75.00

8 h

Private Cajas National Park

This tour is perfect if you want to enjoy the country side and also the city. You will have the opportunity to learn a lot about culture and appreciate magnificent views.

$128.00

4.9/5

4 h

Cuenca-Ec- Highlights City Tour

Discover the beauty of Cuenca, considered one of the most picturesque cities in South America, on a guided 4-hour tour of the city including neighborhoods, markets, churches and museums. Hotel pickup and drop-off.

$15.90

5/5

9 h

Birdwatching Tour, Via Gualaceo to the Eastern slope from Cuenca

With more than 1660 species, Ecuador´s avifauna is considered one of best places in the world to practice birdwatching. The high percentage of endemic birds found in both Choco and Tumbesian regions invite birdwatchers to enjoy a really amazing experience in this small country!! Our trips offer the possibility to see around 50 species in only one day, while you visit different ecosystems like: the Cloud Forest, Tropical Forest, Andean Mountain Forest, Andean Dry Forest, etc. In our daily tours in the south of Ecuador, you will have the chance to spot some of the Southern Endemic birds. Let us to show you the wonders of the birds.

$149.99

5/5

10 h

Devil´s Nose Viewpoint and Ingapirca Ruins tour from Cuenca

Discover Ecuador's Andean history and cultural identities on a full-day small-group tour from Cuenca. After convenient pickup from your accommodation, enjoy a relaxing transfer to Alausi. Then, follow your guide on a city tour and visit the Condor Pununa viewpoint. After lunch at a typical restaurant, travel back in time to the days of the Inca Empire at the Ingapirca del Canar Archeological Complex. -Enjoy a small group size of maximum 15 people -Travel comfortably in round-trip transportation -Have a traditional Ecuadorian lunch (optional) -Learn about indigenous cultures in Ecuador

$84.99

4.9/5

8 h

Cajas National Park Hiking Tour from Cuenca

Discover the magic of Cajas National Park, one of the most beautiful places in South America, on a full day tour of approximately 8 hours. Explore and learn about the Andean vegetation. In this spectacular place you can enjoy a lake system that has more than 200 lakes of glacial origin. In addition to the beautiful landscape, you can enjoy the presence of beautiful birds, llamas and alpacas. The park is located 30km west of the city of Cuenca, between 3150 and 4450masl, the surface area of the park is 28544 hectares and the ecosystem known as paramo predominates. Experience the authentic!

$47.49

4.9/5

8 h

Private Gualaceo & Chordeleg craft-making villages tour

$55.00

5/5

8 h

Cajas National Park and Cuenca City private Tour

If you’re on a tight schedule this program is ideal to see the highlights of Cuenca city and Cajas National Park You’ll start the day visiting Cajas National Park, one of the most beautiful natural sites in Ecuador. Its landscapes, flora, fauna, and more than 230 lakes, makes it an essential place to visit. After hiking with amazing views, you will return to Cuenca for lunch and a guided tour of the historic center, declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and see places like the new and the old Cathedral, the 10 de agosto market, Turi Viewpoint and the famous Panama Hat (Straw hats) factory. Because, as a matter of fact, all Panama hats are proudly manufactured in Ecuador! We will tell you all its history while on tour.

$115.00

4.9/5

3 h

Biking Cuenca City Tour

Our tour takes you along riverside trails to enjoy nice views and the charming architecture of El "Barranco". We will also explore Pumapungo (Inca site) and the modern area of Cuenca, a UNESCO World Heritage city on this bike tour on the riverside along charming parks.

$49.99

4.8/5

7 h 30 mins

Private Cajas National Park Tour through Cloud Forest and Moorlands

Hike through the ecosystem of primary cloud forest, later the intercontinental water division and finally take an amazing walk across the highlands to the unique Polylepis Forest.

$89.00

4.8/5

9 h

Cacao Farm & Chocolate tasting with a visit to Jubones desert

Experience the contrast between the green highlands, dry desert, and the dense tropical area. Discover the flavors, aromas and taste of the Ecuadorian Cacao know as one of the best in the world. You will experience a chocolate tasting as well.

$120.00

5/5

8 h

Full day Artisanal route and Cuenca City Tour

We will visit the picturesque craft villages of Gualaceo and Chordeleg, admiring the variety of objects that are made here, such as shawls, pottery and jewelry. After noon visit the city of Cuenca, considered one of the most beautiful cities of Ecuador, and one of the most beautiful cities in South America!

$54.99

4.9/5

3 h

Cuenca Food tasting tour of Hidden Gems for Small Groups

"Embark on a culinary journey in the heart of Ecuador with our 'Typical and Delicious Ecuadorian Food Tour.' What sets Ecuadorian cuisine apart is its unique blend of coast, Andean, Amazonian, and Galapagos influences, creating a harmonious tapestry of flavors. We're fortunate to take you off the beaten path to discover the authentic, local spots that aren't the typical tourist destinations but are unquestionably the best. From tasting authentic street food to enjoying elegant gastronomic experiences, this tour will immerse us in the aromas, colors, and textures that make Ecuadorian food unique. Each stop on our tour offers an opportunity to dive deeper into Ecuadorian culinary heritage, ensuring an enriching and delicious journey. Get ready to tantalize your taste buds and discover the magic that waits in every dish. Let's indulge in an unforgettable culinary adventure!

$69.00

4.7/5

Cajas National Park tour from Cuenca

Cajas National Park is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful natural places of Ecuador with more than 200 glacial lakes and a range of alternatives for hiking for everyone. Enjoy the scenery of the Andean Highlands during this private tour designed according to your requirements.

$49.99

5/5

8 h

Inca-Cañari Ingapirca Ruins +Incan face Mountain tour from Cuenca

Discover Ecuador’s most noteworthy archaeological attraction on a small-group tour to Ingapirca. Relax, as comfortable transportation takes you from your Cuenca hotel on a scenic drive through Andean landscapes. Then, explore the ruins, while your guide provides commentary about Canari and Incan cultures and history. The tour also includes visits to the Biblian church, also known as La Virgen del Rocio, and also the famous Incan Face mountain. -Get the personalized experience of a small group -Enjoy convenient round-trip transportation from Cuenca -Gain an in-depth knowledge about the ruins -Have a traditional Ecuadorian lunch