When you think of Ecuador, the first cities that come to mind are Quito and Guayaquil. However, it has many other treasures such as the wonderful city of Cuenca. Located in southern Ecuador, Cuenca is famous for its well-preserved colonial buildings, including its cathedral, and for the beautiful natural landscapes that surround it. Its beauty is so great that in 1999 its historic center was declared a Unesco World Heritage Site.
In this post we reveal the secrets of the wonderful city of Cuenca, in Ecuador. This way you can organize your trip more comfortably and do not miss any of its attractions or activities. Read on and discover with us beautiful Cuenca and some tips that will make your trip easier.
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What are the best things to do and see in Cuenca, Ecuador?
1. Inmaculada Concepción Cathedral
The Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception is also known as the New Cathedral of Cuenca. It is one of the most iconic and emblematic religious buildings in the city of Cuenca, Ecuador. Built in the 19th century, this majestic neo-Gothic style cathedral stands out for its impressive facade and central tower, which rises to more than 40 meters high.
The Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception is a must-see for those interested in history, architecture and religious art. In addition, from its heights you can enjoy spectacular panoramic views of the city of Cuenca. Its red-tiled roofs and colonial buildings that make it even more fascinating and charming.
2. Sagrario Church
The Church of the Sagrario, also known as the Old Cathedral of Cuenca, is another building that you can’t miss on your trip to Ecuador. It is located in the historic center of the city. The Cathedral draws attention for its Renaissance Baroque style and its immaculate white color. It also has two beautiful and magnificent bell towers that watch over the city from above. It was built in 1557 during the period of Spanish colonization and at the time it was the main temple of Spanish worship.
Currently this church is a religious museum. You can visit it for 1€ per person from Monday to Friday from 9:00 to 13:00 and from 14:00 to 16:00 and on Saturdays in the morning.
3. Market of August, 10
The 10 de Agosto Market is one of the most beautiful and important markets in Cuenca, Ecuador. It is also the perfect place to find a nice souvenir of your trip. This market is a vibrant and colorful place that provides a wide selection of local products. There you’ll find fruits, vegetables, meats, fish, clothes and handcrafts. So, whether you want to try some of the local products that you can’t find at home, or find a souvenir, such as jewelry or decorative objects, the 10 de Agosto Market is the place to visit. Here visitors have the opportunity to experience the true atmosphere of Ecuadorian life and culture, as well as the friendliness of its people – an absolute must!
4. Pumapungo Museum
The Pumapungo Museum is one of the most popular places and an essential stop on a trip to Cuenca. Especially, for lovers of culture and history. Its name derives from the fact that it is located in the place where an ancient Inca fortress of the same name built in the 15th century used to stand.
It is currently one of the most important museums in Cuenca and throughout Ecuador due to its archaeological and ethnographic wealth. Currently, the archaeological complex of Pumapungo includes the ruins of the fortress, a botanical garden of native species, a contemporary art museum and the Pumapungo Museum. The museum has a large collection of archaeological and ethnographic pieces related to the pre-Columbian cultures of the Andean region.
Opening hours Monday to Friday from 8:00 to 17:00 and Saturdays and Sundays from 10:00 to 16:00. Free admission.
Travel Tip: To organize your trip we recommend using Passporter totally free. You can be inspired by the experiences of other travelers, choose the places that interest you most, create the travel route with a geolocated map, upload all important documents such as reservations and invite your friends so that everyone can participate in the organization of the trip.
What to do in the surroundings of Cuenca, Ecuador
1. Cajas National Park, one of the most beautiful parks in Cuenca and Ecuador
The Cajas National Park is one of the most beautiful natural sites in Ecuador and. It is located only about 30 km from Cuenca, which is about 35 minutes by car. It is the perfect place to relax while walking through its wonderful trails and get in touch with nature. The park has trails of different levels of difficulty. It also offers other interesting activities such as bird watching and horseback riding.
So, if you have enough time in Cuenca we suggest you add Cajar National Park to your travel itinerary and enjoy this natural jewel in Ecuador.
2. Guayaquil, things to do in Ecuador
If you are thinking about what could be your next stop after Cuenca on your trip around Ecuador, a good option could be Guayaquil. It is about 190km away, approximately 3,5 hours by road and 50 minutes by plane.
Guayaquil is Ecuador’s largest city and its main commercial port. It is located on the Pacific coast and has a wide variety of tourist and cultural attractions to make you enjoy your trip greatly. The historic center of the city is one of the most visited places for the unique beauty of its historic churches, squares and colonial buildings. Among the places to visit are the Metropolitan Cathedral, the Morisco Tower, the Malecon 2000 and the Iguana Park, where you can see iguanas in the wild.
Guayaquil is also known for its vibrant nightlife, with numerous bars, nightclubs and restaurants. In addition to it you will find museums, which offer a great deal of information about the history and culture of the city and the country in general.
What and where to eat in Cuenca, Ecuador
Ecuadorian cuisine is a mixture of indigenous, Spanish and African influences as well as the use of seasonal products. Typical dishes include ceviche, locro de papas, seco de carne, rice with stew and churrasco, among others. And more specifically from Cuenca, its dish of excellence is pote-pata, a corn soup with broth and pork meat.
- El Mercado: One of the best and most popular restaurants in Cuenca where you can taste typical Ecuadorian dishes with a touch of innovation in a friendly and cozy atmosphere. With an exquisite attention to detail and care in the cooking, El Mercado is one of the best options where to eat in Cuenca, Ecuador. Price range: 9-28€
- Museo de la Gastronomía Cuencana: And if you want to live a more traditional and regional experience where you can taste the best dishes from Cuenca, this is your option. A place to experience the past customs with a service that deeply respects the tradition of the area. Price range: 3-19€
Where to stay in Cuenca, Ecuador
- Hotel La Orquidea: A beautiful 3-star hotel in the historic center of Cuenca. La Orquidea is located in a beautiful colonial building and its decoration is elegant and tasteful in accordance with the facade. Rooms are comfortable, clean and spacious and the cafeteria serves a delicious and varied breakfast every morning. Average price: 32€ per night
- Wild Incas Hostel: And if you are looking for a more informal accommodation in downtown Cuenca, this hostel can be a very good alternative. There are different options for every budget, from shared rooms and shared bathrooms, to private rooms with their own bathroom. Of course, all of them clean and comfortable and best of all, very, very cheap. Prices range from 7 to 18€ per night.
What should I know before a trip to Cuenca, Ecuador
- No visa is required to travel to Ecuador from Spain, only a passport
- The official currency of Ecuador is the United States dollar (USD).
- Always carry some cash on you, not all stores accept credit cards.
- Do not expose valuables in public and avoid carrying large amounts of cash.
- Do not leave the most touristy areas, especially at night.
- The water of Cuenca is drinkable.
- Be covered for possible medical emergencies: travel insured.
- The best time to travel to Cuenca is from May to September.
How to organize a trip to Cuenca, Ecuador
Register or download the Passporter App and discover all of its possibilities.
- Get inspired by the experiences of other travelers.
- Create your own itinerary and add the suggestions from the app to it.
- Add the stops you are most interested in, as well as the restaurants and bars where you want to eat (you can use the points of interest we listed in this post as a reference).
- Organize your itinerary by route days according to their location on the map (you can be inspired by the routes we present in the post).
- Check out the travel budget that the app calculates for you based on your travel stops, restaurants, and leisure activities.
- Make any modifications you need and you’ll be all set for your trip.
- Share your experience. Upload photos of places you visited on your trip to the app and recommend to other travelers what to see in Cuenca, Ecuador.
If you have doubts on how to do it, you can check our post: How to create a travel itinerary in Passporter.
Frequently asked questions about a trip to Cuenca, Ecuador
The climate of Cuenca, Ecuador is mild and humid, with an average annual temperature of approximately 20ºC. The rainy season is from December to March, and the dry season for the rest of the year. In general, the climate in Cuenca is comfortable and pleasant for most people. However, it is important to keep in mind that temperatures can vary from day to night, so it is advisable to wear appropriate clothing for both times.
The best time to travel to Cuenca, Ecuador is from May to September, when the weather favors outdoor activities to avoid the rainy season.
The best option to get to Cuenca if you are traveling from another country is by plane. Airlines, such as LATAM, offer daily flights connecting Quito and Guayaquil with this city and prices start at 30€. Another option is to go by bus, more recommended from Guayaquil, as the journey from Quito takes about 10 hours on average and from Guayaquil, about 3 and a half.
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