Cuenca blends colonial charm with Andean scenery, famed for its red‑brick churches, vibrant markets, and nearby high‑altitude wilderness; the dry season (June‑September) offers clear skies and comfortable temperatures.
Top Things to Do in Cuenca
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Getting Around Cuenca
From the Airport
Taxi. Official airport taxis wait at the arrivals curb; a 20‑30 minute ride to downtown costs about $15 USD. Rideshare. Uber and Cabify operate from the airport; pickup is at the designated rideshare zone and fares are comparable to taxis. Bus. Local bus line ‘Aeropuerto‑Cuenca’ (route 1) departs every 30 minutes, takes ~45 minutes, and costs $0.70 USD.
Once You're There
Walking. Cuenca’s historic centre is compact and cobblestoned, making most attractions easily reachable on foot. Bicycle (BiciCuenca). The city’s public bike‑share system offers stations near Parque Calderón and the Tomebamba River; rentals start at $1 per hour. Rideshare. Uber and Cabify are widely used for quick trips beyond walking distance. Taxi. Licensed taxis are plentiful; negotiate a flat rate or use the meter for trips to outskirts like El Cajas.
Where to Stay in Cuenca
Hotel picks for Cuenca are coming soon. In the meantime, search directly:
Where to Eat in Cuenca
Taita panadería Express★★★★★Tarqui 9-31, Cuenca, EcuadorLoved their chocolate croissant 🥐. Also tried a few others like BBQ Chicken, Ham & Cheese. Prices range from $0.30-0.45
El RINCÓN DE LAS DELICIAS★★★★★Mariscal Lamar, i y Coronel Guillermo Tálbot, 010111 Cuenca, EcuadorFood was tasty!! Chicken was very good. Hamburger and hot dogs were very good as well. The staff was very kind. Highly recommended if you want a quick bite to eat.
Restaurant Con Sazón de Aquí y de Alla★★★★★C. Mariscal Lamar 1232, 010107 Cuenca, EcuadorGreat place for some quick Venezuelan/Ecuadorian food. The Pabellon and the Seco de Pollo were both very good. Price was very good. The staff was very nice.
Tiesto★ 4.7 (2,099)Creative Ecuadorian tasting menu that showcases seasonal ingredients in artful plates
El Mercado★ 4.7 (1,741)Bustling market‑hall eatery where the grilled trout is a crowd favorite
Casa de la Cerveza★ 4.6 (1,334)Craft‑beer bar renowned for its house‑made IPA paired with jumbo empanadas
La Casona★ 4.5 (340)Elegant house‑restaurant known for its seco de chivo (slow‑cooked goat)
Café del Parque★ 4.4 (1,538)Charming café on Parque Calderón praised for its avocado toast and people‑watching spot
Santo Café★ 4.3 (59)Specialty‑coffee haven famous for its silky cortado and pastel de guanábana
Tours & Activities
Bookable through Viator.
3 Days in Cuenca
Colonial Heart & Riverside
Morning. Start at Parque Calderón, admire the fountain, then step into the Catedral de la Inmaculada Concepción for its baroque interior; finish with a stroll to Plaza San Sebastián for a coffee break.
Afternoon. Follow the Río Tomebamba Walk southward, pausing at the historic Casa del Alabado to see pre‑Columbian artifacts.
Evening. Enjoy a refined dinner at Tiesto, where the tasting menu highlights local flavors in a modern setting.
Museums, Markets & Local Flavors
Morning. Visit the expansive Museo Pumapungo to explore archaeological sites and gardens, then head to the Museo de las Culturas Aborígenes for indigenous textile displays.
Afternoon. Wander through Mercado 10 de Agosto, sampling fresh fruit and street‑food snacks, and have a casual lunch at El Mercado, famous for its grilled trout.
Evening. Dine at La Tablita for an authentic cuy experience in a colonial courtyard.
Panoramic Views & Nature
Morning. Take a short taxi ride to Mirador de Turi for sunrise over the Andes, then drive into El Cajas National Park for a gentle hike to Laguna de los Chillos.
Afternoon. Return to the city for a leisurely walk in Parque de las Flores, then sip specialty coffee at Santo Café while people‑watching.
Evening. Savor a river‑view dinner at Misk'i, celebrated for its quinoa risotto and tranquil setting.