Top Things to Do in Cuenca
Things to Do in Cuenca
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See what other travellers like to do, based on ratings and number of bookings.
Book these experiences for a close-up look at Cuenca.
- fromper adult (price varies by group size)R 768
- Historical Toursfromper adult (price varies by group size)R 1 056
- Historical Toursfromper adult (price varies by group size)R 1 229
- Photo Shootsfromper adult (price varies by group size)R 1 056
- fromper adult (price varies by group size)R 1 029
- fromper adult (price varies by group size)R 13 427
- Historical Toursfromper adult (price varies by group size)R 576
- Food & Drinkfromper adult (price varies by group size)R 1 056
- Historical Toursfromper adultR 787
- Historical Toursfromper adult (price varies by group size)R 768
Other Top Attractions around Cuenca
What travellers are saying
- Weezi2013Toronto, Canada68 contributionsWhat a gorgeous place!
My spouse and I drove here from Cuenca in our rented car. We were lucky enough to snag a parking spot in the small lot at the Lake Torreadora Ranger Station; there were many cars that had to park on the side of the highway. On the weekend, people go to hang out by the lake, where you can picnic (it did not feel at all crowded, however).
There is a small visitor centre with a cafeteria on site, but otherwise no restaurants in the park, never mind lookouts - except for Mirador Tres Cruces up the road. That is too bad because the views from the highway are fantastic and worth the drive even if you don't go for a hike. We did find a charming small restaurant called El Senor Cajas outside the park by the side of a small lake - it has a wood-burning fireplace and the best hot chocolate! You have to drive past the park "exit" to find it.
My spouse and I are both in our earlyish 60s - he was able to do the Lake Torreadora trail (Trail #1) in about 1.5 hours but found it moderately challenging, likely because of the altitude; he is otherwise reasonably fit.
I had had two knee replacements in the 15 months before our visit (one at 8 months pre-trip) and found even the first section with its wooden steps and a boardwalk challenging despite having trekking poles (although I did manage to go a little bit beyond the end of the boardwalk and stop for pictures - that took me the same amount of time it took my spouse to complete the trail!). I found the stairs steep and the altitude made me breathless despite having been in Ecuador for about 9 days (including Quito, Banos and a couple of days in Cuenca).
Trekking poles also help with navigating the steps and boardwalk at the Mirador.
It was cold and windy the day we went - so go prepared with layers, a warm jacket, a wool hat and light gloves. Also a packed lunch if you want to eat on the trails.
Not too many flowers blooming in February but it was still very special even on a cloudy day and it was great to see the paramo up close.Written 16 March 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - Douglas Bartholomew-SaundersCambridge, Canada328 contributionsThis cathedral is a spectacular specimen of places of worship, architecture, Roman Catholic artifacts and rituals and religious art.
Located beside the Parque Calderon, the cathedral is always busy. Thousands of people come and go through the cathedral daily. The size of it alone is impressive and requires sufficient time to absorb the numbers of nooks, niches, art and artifacts.
If you're there on a Sunday, spend some time sitting in Parque Calderon to people watch after they've been to church. You'll see families dressed in their Sunday best, children enjoying ice cream, grandmas celebrating their birthday and people just sitting on the benches enjoying the weather.
We didn't take the tour of the upper stories or the roof but we will next year when we're there. Be sure to photograph the domes at night as well as the day. There are plenty of rooftop restaurants that give you the best photographic advantage.
Don't miss this historic site.Written 10 March 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - scottchamberlinSeattle, WA74 contributionsThere are walking paths along both sides of the river for most of its length through the city. The water appears clean with only occasional bits of cloth or plastic, far less than what would normally be seen in an urban setting.Written 8 February 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Carmen LOrlando, FL9 contributionsThis is a beautiful plaza to visit in Cuenca and is within easy reach when visiting the city. The weather in Cuenca is wonderful which makes walking around the city very pleasant.Written 16 July 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Susan I1 contributionWe were able to see many animals, we heard and saw a glimpse of the bear. You definitely need comfortable footwear. It's very rustic which is it's charm. We are in our 70's. We sat and rested but made the whole zoo. 5 hrs. It would have been nice after we ate and rested to have a shortcut to the end. We were glad to to it but once 2as enough.Written 12 September 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Mary SSanta Cruz, CA29 contributionsMuseo Pumapungo offers visually rich, well curated displays. Exhibition design encourages absorption in and reflection about peoples' experiences, from pre-Inca to present day, through realistic reconstructions.Written 27 May 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Mabel C1 contributionThe Mirador Turi in Cuenca, Ecuador, is recognized for offering a stunning panoramic view of the city, highlighting the majesty of its iconic buildings and the natural beauty of the surroundings. With its strategic hillside location, this viewpoint has become a popular destination for locals and visitors alike, seeking to capture the essence of the charming colonial city of Cuenca.Written 23 October 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- michael cStockholm, Sweden1 081 contributionsthe city of Cuenca is littered with churches, this is one of many, but certainly worth a visit then here.Written 15 October 2020This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- lies1970Pourrieres, France31 contributionsNice museum ( dont go if You are not able to translate with your phone or don t know any Spanish). Check out the numismatic submuseum downstairs. Backpacks to be handes in at the entrance. Like all museums in Cuenca they ask Some questions for visitors statistics.Written 1 August 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Mary SSanta Cruz, CA29 contributionsEl Museo de las Conceptas offers a fascinating look into the life of nuns. The exhibits are well curated, with Spanish explanations.Written 27 May 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Adventure beyond imaginationMunich, Germany14 739 contributionsWonderful place to admire different orchids from Ecuador. Unfortunately the choice and tour to visit the farm is limited due to pandemic. It would be great to have some in vitro for home in Europe.Written 30 January 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- GaryBrazelBrooklyn, NY538 contributionsI had been in Equador for 3 weeks and hadn't bought a single art piece or souvenir. Also a couple of months ago I had visited Africa, Madagascar and Wales for 67 days and also hadn't bought anything. But seeing the beautiful ceramic here I wound up buying six pieces. Exquisite ceramics are here and they are well worth their prices.Written 20 December 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Frequently Asked Questions about Cuenca
- The top attractions to visit in Cuenca are:
- El Cajas National Park
- La Catedral de la Inmaculada Concepcion de Cuenca
- Mirador de Turi
- AMARU Bioparque Cuenca Zoologico
- Museo Pumapungo
- The best outdoor activities in Cuenca according to Tripadvisor travellers are:
- El Cajas National Park
- AMARU Bioparque Cuenca Zoologico
- Plaza Abdon Calderon
- Rio Tomebamba
- Ecuagenera - Orchids from Ecuador
- The best day trips from Cuenca according to Tripadvisor travellers are:
- Full-Day Ingapirca, Gualaceo & Chordeleg from Cuenca
- Cajas Unveiled: A Half-Day Escape from Cuenca
- Full-Day Tour, Ingapirca Archaeological Site and Incan mountain face from Cuenca
- Full Day Tour Gualaceo, Chordeleg, and San Bartolomé from Cuenca
- Giron Waterfall and Busa Lake
- The most popular things to do in Cuenca with children according to Tripadvisor travellers are:
- El Cajas National Park
- AMARU Bioparque Cuenca Zoologico
- Cuenca Bestours
- Centro Ecuestre Bellavista
- Plaza Abdon Calderon