Travel to Ecuador: Cuenca Tours

Why travel to Cuenca

Recognized as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1999, Cuenca is one of the highlights of any Ecuador vacation. With its cobblestone streets, flowering plazas, and whitewashed buildings, it is a real pleasure to explore. Located in the southern area of the Ecuadorian Andes, Cuenca is the country’s third largest city and the capital of the Azuay province.

Founded by Spanish conquistadors in 1557 on the site of the Inca settlement of Tomebamba, this truly charming city has preserved its colonial atmosphere. Many of its old buildings were originally constructed with travertine stone, quarried from nearby, and have been beautifully and lovingly restored.

The architecture of the city has evolved with the progression of the centuries. The harmonious blend of Inca, Cañari, and Spanish influences gives Cuenca its uniqueness. After conquering the Cañaris, the Incas proceeded to build a spectacular city, Tomebamba, which was meant to rival Cusco in Peru and become the second capital of the Inca Empire. Although not much is left from this period, the city’s impressive setting makes it easy to imagine why they would choose such a site.

Spanish conquerors obviously understood the Incas’ attraction to this lovely site where they themselves erected the beautiful city of Cuenca over the ruins of Tomebamba. Widely considered to be the most picturesque city in the country, Cuenca is also known as the “Athens of Ecuador” due to its long tradition as the birthplace of notable artists, writers, and philosophers.

Though strongly anchored in its colonial past, Cuenca has also moved into modernity and is filled with excellent international restaurants, trendy art galleries, cool cafés, and chic bars making for a lively and exciting atmosphere. As if frozen between past and present, Cuenca retains an imperishable charm that makes it a must-see on your Ecuador vacation.

What to do in Cuenca

City tour. Cuenca is filled with numerous stunning sights and it is not always easy to choose among them. You could spend days strolling the streets of Cuenca and admiring its countless architectural jewels. You will probably spend your time scrutinizing the ravishing architectural remnants of the colonial era, so be careful not to trip on the cobblestones!

There are of course some must-sees that should be on any traveler’s list to Cuenca on their Ecuador vacation. Among those are the city’s Old Cathedral, El Sagrario, located on the main plaza, Parque Abdon Calderon, and the newer immense Catedral de la Immaculada. Several other churches also worth seeing are San Blas, San Francisco, and Santo Domingo.

Visit Museums. Cuenca is full of exquisite museums where you can learn all about the fascinating history of this city. Take a look at the Museo Del Banco Central for historical pictures of Cuenca and exhibitions of local art. The Museo de las Culturas Aborigenes boasts archeological items and pre-Columbian art, while the Museo de las Conceptas displays religious art and artifacts from the 17th century.

Shopping for Panama Hats. Cuenca is also one of the best places in Ecuador to pick up an authentic Panama Hat, which despite their name are actually made in Ecuador. The misnomer occurred because the straw hats were exported via the Panama Canal. Visit Barranco's, a Panama hat factory and museum, and the many stores in Casa de la Mujer in Plaza de San Francisco selling all variation of the stylish hats.

Cajas National Park. Just 18 miles (30 km) northwest of Cuenca, Cajas National Park is another must see for anyone traveling to Cuenca. With 230 lakes distributed over 110 square miles (29,000 ha) of land, this park is a real breath of fresh air where you can admire wildlife and nature at its best. The vegetation, such as chuquiragua and lupin, is beautiful, and the park is home to many interesting species.

Travelers can spot Andean gulls, black frogs, hummingbirds, and even Condors. From the park you can enjoy spectacular views of the surroundings areas, and on clear mornings, you may even be able to spot the Chimborazo Volcano, some 180 miles (300 km) away.

When to visit Cuenca

Like the rest of the Ecuadorian Andes, Cuenca enjoys a relatively mild climate year round. While days are generally warm, nights can get chilly so remember to bring a sweater if you want to enjoy Cuenca’s nightlife.

The rainy season lasts from mid-October until early May. During this time, mornings are typically sunny, while afternoons are cloudy with light, periodic showers.

There are several noteworthy festivities taking place in Cuenca each year that can enliven and enrich your Ecuador vacation experience:

November 3: Cuenca's Independence Day is characterized by an immense and colorful fiesta. Streets are crammed with people and it is generally a very cheerful time.

Christmas: On Christmas Eve, Cuenca is home to one of the most outstanding parades in all of Ecuador, Pase del Niño Viajero. Children and adults from all over town and surrounding villages decorate donkeys, horses, cars, and trucks while little children dressed in colorful indigenous costumes ride through the streets accompanied by musicians.

New Year’s Eve: This day is celebrated slightly differently in Ecuador than in the rest of South America. Instead of celebrating the coming New Year, Ecuadorians hold a ceremony to say goodbye to the old year. Processions are organized with various creations representing past negative memories that are to be burned away at the end of the day. This unique and cheerful celebration is truly magical and a must-see if your Ecuador vacation occurs during this time of year.

April 10-13: The foundation of Cuenca is usually celebrated with great pomp and is an excellent time to visit this city.

Carnival: For those who like partying and water fights, the traditional activities of the Carnival will keep you in good spirits. Travelers may also witness local traditional rituals and sample the exquisite carnival-inspired gastronomy.

Travel Testimonials

We had a fabulous trip to Ecuador and Peru. The Galapagos Islands and Machu Picchu were definitely the highlights. Amazing!!! Thanks for coordinating the trip.

Joan Stearns (Virginia, USA)

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We indeed had a wonderful time. Everything went according to plan without a hitch. Galapagos trip also went without any problem. Very efficient and courteous staff. We would like to thank you for your efforts.

Masud Shaukat (Arizona, USA)

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Top Pick Cuenca Hotel

Mansion Alcazar 5*

Simon Bolivar 12-55 y Tarqui, Cuenca

Each of the luxurious rooms in Mansion Alcazar is uniquely decorated and furnished with antiques. The decor transports guests back to the mansion's origins when it was the personal home of an Ecuadorian president in the early nineteenth century. Try some of the talented chef's local dishes and enjoy a generous breakfast in the tastefully decorated restaurant. In the evening, relax by listening to the soothing sound of the fountain in the lobby, or have a glass of champagne by the baby grand piano. The top quality service and attention to detail in this Cuenca hotel, along with its central location near the main plaza, makes Mansion Alcazar one of the best accommodations in Cuenca.

Restaurant Internet Laundry Service Room Service Spa

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Carvallo Hotel 4*

Gran Columbia 952 y Benigno Malo, Cuenca

This newly renovated, colonial-style mansion is located in the heart of Cuenca. With its several patios, subdued lighting, and colonial style tiled floors, the hotel exudes a truly whimsical ambience. The comfortable and spacious 30 rooms, with their exquisite private facilities, are brightly and tastefully decorated. The colonial décor transports guests back in time while offering modern comfort. This Cuenca hotel is located just two blocks from the main square, a short walk from the many attractions and restaurants of Cuenca.

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Victoria Hotel 3*

Calle Larga 6-93 y Presidente Borrero, Cuenca

Located in the center of Cuenca, the Victoria Hotel in Cuenca is built on the top of a cliff overlooking the Tomebamba River. Not only does it provide an ideal location for experiencing the sights and sounds of this charming city, it also boasts stunning views. The sheltered garden space offers a truly relaxing atmosphere with the pleasant sounds of birds chirping as well as bushes adorned with fragrant flowers. The hotel itself is quite charming, complete with a façade composed of a mix of bourgeois aristocratic brick and marble, and an interior adorned with typical elements of Cuenca culture. Enjoy the spectacular views from the restaurant's terrace while tasting the delicious local cuisine offered at their excellent on-site restaurant, El Jardin.

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