Top 12 Things to Do in Cuenca, Ecuador

Are you crafting an itinerary of things to do in Cuenca, Ecuador? Cuenca is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with everything from bustling markets and delicious cultural food to lush natural landscapes and historically rich museums.

Cuenca is a city that offers relaxation and excitement. You can have picnics along the riverside, hike through the Cajas National Park, or learn about the Ingapirca ruins.

Ready to find out about all the cool things to do in Ecuador? Our Cuenca travel guide covers all the top attractions and offers helpful tips for getting around and having the best time possible.

Top things to do in Cuenca, Ecuador

From colonial cathedrals to scenic river walks and artisan markets, this city offers a little bit of everything for everyone. We’ve compiled a list of the 12 best things to do in Cuenca, Ecuador, so you’ll never feel bored while you’re there.

1. Admire the domes of Catedral de la Inmaculada Concepción

Domes of New Cathedral in Cuenca, Ecuador are lit at night

Start your journey by visiting Cuenca’s most iconic building: Catedral de la Inmaculada Concepción (Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception). It’s perfect for family trips, photographers, and architecture lovers.

This cathedral is a stunning building with three beautiful pastel blue domes. For around $2, you can climb to the top and soak in spectacular panoramic views, catching sight of places like the Plaza Abdón Calderón and the Mercado 9 de Octubre.

If you want to capture these stunning views, plan wisely around the opening and closing hours:

• Monday to Thursday: 06:30–15:45

• Friday and Saturday: 06:30–12:45

• Sunday: 06:30–12:45 and 07:00–20:45

2. Flower Market (Plaza de las Flores)

Photo by Jonathan MONCK-MASON on Unsplash

Looking for free things to do in Cuenca, Ecuador? The Plaza de las Flores is a perfect destination. Stop and smell the roses to your heart’s content and walk away with a beautiful bouquet, too.

Cuenca’s flower market is a World Heritage Site surrounded by well-known buildings like the Convent of Carmen and the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception.

Dozens of stalls litter the market’s streets with vibrant colors and aromas, making it a sight to behold. You can admire the various flowers any day from 07:00–20:00.

3. Walk the banks of the Tomebamba River

One of the most relaxing things to do in Cuenca, Ecuador, is to take a scenic walk along the Rio Tomebamba (Tomebamba River). 

This picturesque river runs through Cuenca, providing romantic and serene spots for locals and tourists to rest, picnic, or read. Various attractions and cafes surround this river, helping you tie in numerous activities in one go.

Start at Parque Calderón by heading south towards the Parque Madre until you reach the bottom of the pedestrian stairs. Turn left and stroll from here to reach the Museo Pumapungo.

4. Pumapungo Museum and Inca ruins

If you’re a history fan, visiting the Museo Pumapungo (Pumapungo Museum) and its surrounding Inca ruins is one of the best things to do in Cuenca, Ecuador.

This museum teaches you all about Cuenca, from historical context to its natural ecology and topography. It’s a three-storey atrium filled with over 5,000 exhibits, including art, archeology, and photography.

Go early to take it all in, as it gets busy throughout the day. It’s open 08:00–17:00 from Tuesday to Friday and 10:00–16:00 on weekends.

5. Panama Hat Museum (Museo del Sombrero de Paja Toquilla)

Another exciting (and possibly surprising) thing for history buffs to do in Cuenca, Ecuador, is to visit the Panama Hat Museum. The surprising part? Cuenca is the birthplace of these hats, not Panama.

This museum has a variety of Panama hats on display. You can also learn about their history; they’ve been woven by women for women along the coast for over 250 years. Today, they’re a popular hat choice for men and women across the world.

It’s dedicated to paying homage to the skilled artisans who inherited the straw weaving tradition and dedicated their lives to it.

6. Parque Calderón and Old Cathedral

If you enjoy relaxing in nature, people watching, and observing Cuencan culture, then Parque Calderón is the place to be. Surround yourself with tall pine trees and a mix of modern and traditional cultural activities in the heart of the Centro Historico.

Parque Calderón also puts you within walking distance of the city’s best markets, churches, and museums.

From here, you can choose between Cuenca’s Old and New Cathedrals, or walk a little further to find everything from street food to souvenirs at Mercado de Artesanías Rotary, Mercado 9 de Octubre, and Mercado 10 de Agosto.

7. Mirador de Turi

Visiting the Mirador de Turi is one of the top things to do in Cuenca, Ecuador if you like stunning sunset views. However, prepare yourself for a climb of around 500 steps.

This lookout offers views of the Centro Historico, Parque Calderón, and the surrounding hills. If you miss the sunset, you can still enjoy the sky’s pastel hues and the city lights’ warm glow.

Head nearby to Parque Extreme Turi for more fun things to do in Cuenca, Ecuador, including thrilling activities like high-flying swings, zip lines, and swing bridges.

8. Cajas National Park

Consider a day trip to Cajas National Park if you’re looking for things to do near Cuenca, Ecuador. Its lush landscapes with over 300 lagunas are tucked away in the mountains, about 45 minutes from Cuenca.

You can spend days exploring this park, viewing peaks and mountains on the most popular hike along Laguna Toreador. If you’re feeling more adventurous, hike up the nearby mountain to capture a spectacular view of the surrounding area.

Top tip: Prepare for any weather. Depending on the weather and cloud cover, it can be anything from sweltering hot to freezing cold.

9. Shop at Cuenca’s markets

If you’re after a vibrant shopping experience, then one of the most fun things to do in Cuenca, Ecuador, is to visit some of its bustling markets:

• Mercado 10 de Agosto: This market is one of the oldest and most traditional, offering a variety of souvenirs, traditional foods, and local items.

• Feria Libre: This market offers a more authentic experience, with goods like clothing, household items, meat, and fresh produce.

• Mercado Artesanal: You can find dozens of stalls selling local handicrafts like leather goods, textiles, jewelry, pottery, and Panama hats.

• Mercado Rotary: If you’re after more luxury goods, this market offers designer jewelry, clothing, and home decor.

10. Sample Cuenca’s cuisine

hornado roasted pork ecuadorian traditional typical food Ecuador

One of the best things to do in Cuenca, Ecuador, is to taste all the local food. This city’s cuisine is vibrant and cultural. You can find everything from fine dining to street food, either authentic Ecuadorian or immigrant-inspired.

Cuenca is also the perfect place for coffee lovers and chocoholics, with its main exports being cocoa and coffee. You can find some perfectly brewed cappuccinos and delicious chocolate cake.

If you’re after some Cuenca specialties, head to Mercado 3 De Noviembre for some tasty hornado (slow-roasted pork). El Calamar is home to some of the freshest and crispiest fried calamari.

11. Museum of Aboriginal Cultures

For history buffs and families, Cuenca’s Museum of Aboriginal Cultures is at the top of the list for fun things to do in Cuenca, Ecuador.

This local museum is a window into the country’s rich indigenous history, with exhibits displaying the art, traditions, and lives of Ecuador’s original inhabitants.

You can view ancient tools, textiles, and pottery and learn about the various artifacts unearthed in Ecuador. This museum lets you engage firsthand with Ecuador’s history, telling you its story.

12. Explore the Ingapirca ruins

For things to do near Cuenca, Ecuador, we recommend the Ingapirca ruins. You can find them about 50 miles north of Cuenca in Kichwa. Get a glimpse into the past, where ancient civilizations thrived.

If Ecuador’s history and culture are fascinating to you, these ruins are a must-see. You can explore this ancient site and ogle at the Inca civilization’s architectural and engineering skills.

Admire the ceremonial temple, adorned with stunning, intricate stonework, and the foundation walls of what may have been homes, storehouses, and a large plaza.

Explore Cuenca with Exoticca

Ready to experience all the exciting things to do in Cuenca, Ecuador? Exoticca is the perfect place to start, as we offer curated tours to this incredible region and beyond.

Ecuador 360: Cities & Santa Cruz Island

Discover the country’s beauty on our 15-day tour of Ecuador’s Cities and Santa Cruz Island. This itinerary mixes history, adventure, and natural beauty at every turn.

Begin in Quito, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with colonial architecture and Andean charm. Travel through the landscapes of Cotopaxi and Quilotoa, then soak in the natural wonders of Baños and its waterfalls.

Explore Amazon culture in Puyo, admire the traditions of Guamote, and view the treasures of Cuenca. Continue to Guayaquil before flying to the Galápagos, where Santa Cruz Island offers white-sand beaches, giant tortoises, and incredible marine life. 

Travel tips for visiting Cuenca

Take advantage of these tips to keep your visit to Cuenca safe and comfortable.

Best times to visit

Many of the fun things to do in Cuenca, Ecuador, depend on the weather, which is usually spring-like year-round. Here’s a rundown of when to visit:

• June to September: This is the dry season, making it the best time to visit for outdoor activities like cultural festivals, visiting national parks, and hiking.

• April to May: This is the shoulder season. During these months, Cuenca has fewer tourists and is in full bloom (with the occasional rainy day).

• December: This is the holiday season, when Cuenca’s festivals light up the city. Enjoy Christmas celebrations like the Pase del Niño Viajero parade and prepare for some rain.

Altitude tips

The best tip to combat the elevation in Cuenca (approximately 8,400 ft (2,500 m) above sea level) is to stay hydrated. Doing this will help your body adapt faster, preventing altitude sickness.

Public transport options

Here are the different ways to get around Cuenca:

• Buses: Get the Movilizate card for $1.75 and enjoy 30-cent bus rides throughout Cuenca.

• Tranvia: Ride in style with Cuenca’s modern light rail system. Get the $1.75 card for discounted rides or pay $1 for single rides. It operates daily from 06:00–21:00.

• Cycling: Cuenca has a public bicycle system, BiciCuenca, which offers 30-minute rides for 25 cents or $10 for the whole day with a $3 membership.

• Walking: A sturdy pair of sneakers will get you around most of Cuenca with ease.

• Taxis: Cuenca doesn’t have Uber or Lyft, but taxis are quite affordable.

Local etiquette

Here’s how to make a good impression on the locals of Cuenca:

• Church attire: Dress respectfully. Keep your legs covered down to the knees and cover your shoulders and upper arms.

• Greetings: Show your elders respect, greeting them with “señor” and “señora”.

• Dining: When eating out, dress smart-casual and tip your servers for good service (they don’t typically see the 10% flat charge).

• Bargaining: Haggle at markets, not shops or restaurants. Be a sport about good or bad deals.

• Tipping: Make sure to tip tourist service drivers, guides, and servers.

FAQs about visiting Cuenca

Still have questions? Here are some answers to the most common questions to give you some context about Cuenca.

What is Cuenca, Ecuador, famous for?

Aside from its Panama hats, Cuenca, Ecuador, is famous for having a UNESCO World Heritage Site status and incredible food, sights, and buildings.

How do I get to Cuenca from Quito or Guayaquil?

Travel south along the Pan-American Highway (E35) by car to get to Cuenca from Quito. Take the E70 east and join the E25 south to get to Cuenca from Guayaquil.

How many days do I need in Cuenca?

You’ll need around three or four days to explore Cuenca and the surrounding areas, but more is always better for an immersive experience.