What to do in Cuenca

Activities, attractions and tours

A cityscape with a prominent highway, dense residential areas, and surrounding mountains.
An aerial view of a city with a large white building surrounded by green fields and terraced gardens.
A historic cathedral with blue domes, a green gazebo, and palm trees.
A statue of a woman holding a child in a park.
A night view of a historic building with domed architecture and fireworks in the sky.

Things to do

Happy group

Cajas National Park Hiking Tour from Cuenca

Rp848.124
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
Cajas National Park Hiking Tour from Cuenca
Ikat workshop

Gualaceo, Chordelg and San Bartolome craft making villagues

Rp982.066
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
Gualaceo, Chordelg and San Bartolome craft making villagues
Cuenca: Half-Day City Tour including Panama Hat Factory

Cuenca: Half-Day City Tour including Panama Hat Factory

Rp625.065
per adult
Cuenca: Half-Day City Tour including Panama Hat Factory
Amazing Cajas National Park Tour from Cuenca

Amazing Cajas National Park Tour from Cuenca

Rp837.409
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
Amazing Cajas National Park Tour from Cuenca
Cuenca down town

Cuenca Half-Day City Tour Including Panama Hat Factory

Rp624.886
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
Cuenca Half-Day City Tour Including Panama Hat Factory
Gualaceo-weavers workshop

Ingapirca Archaeological and Gualaceo & Chordeleg Tour from Cuenca

Rp1.160.656
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
Ingapirca Archaeological and Gualaceo & Chordeleg Tour from Cuenca
Cuenca: Tour of the best of Cuenca, walking through its Historic Center

Cuenca: Tour of the best of Cuenca, walking through its Historic Center

Rp625.065
per adult
Cuenca: Tour of the best of Cuenca, walking through its Historic Center
Ñami ñami.. delicious snacks in Cuenca

Street food Tour in Cuenca,Ecuador

Rp589.168
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
Street food Tour in Cuenca,Ecuador
Giron Chorro Waterfall

Giron Waterfall and Busa Lake

Rp964.207
per adult
Giron Waterfall and Busa Lake
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What to do in Cuenca

Stay near popular Cuenca attractions

Two illuminated church domes with cross-topped spires, set against a mountainous backdrop.

Calderon Park

9.6/10 (590 reviews)
This central plaza honours independence hero Abdón Calderón, framed by the New Cathedral's blue domes. Relax on shaded benches watching street performers, then explore the adjacent flower market.
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Where to stay in Cuenca

Find the best Cuenca areas for the activities you enjoy most.
A white church with a bell tower and dome, surrounded by cobblestone streets and palm trees.

San Sebastián

While San Sebastián isn't home to many top sights, San Sebastian Plaza and University of Cuenca's Orchid Garden are some notable places to visit nearby.

A historic building with a tower, a fountain, and a street with pedestrians and vehicles.

El Barranco

If you're spending some time in El Barranco, Río Tomebamba & Calle Larga and Puente Roto are top sights worth seeing.

A cityscape at night with illuminated streets and prominent buildings.

Puertas del Sol

While Puertas del Sol may not have many sights to explore, venturing just a little farther will lead you to top things to see and do like San Sebastian Plaza and University of Cuenca's Orchid Garden.

A historic cathedral with multiple domes and a bell tower.
Photo by Botak Jon
Open Photo by Botak Jon

Downtown Cuenca

Downtown Cuenca is known for its ample dining options, and you can make a stop by Convent of the Assumption and University of Cuenca's Orchid Garden while in the area.

A cityscape with historic architecture, including domed buildings and a prominent church tower.

Cuenca Historic Center

While you're in Cuenca Historic Center, take in top sights like Convent of the Assumption and jump on the metro at Gaspar Sangurima Tram Station to see more of the city.

Frequently asked questions

Is Cuenca worth visiting?
From shopping to outdoor activities and history, there are plenty of fun things to do in Cuenca. Don't forget to discover the area's blend of unmissable attractions, culture and local charm.
How do I spend a day in Cuenca?
Once you've checked off leading attractions like Amaru Zoo and Pumapungo Archaeological Park, spend the rest of your day enjoying Cuenca's shopping and food scene.
What is the top tourist attraction in Cuenca?
The top tourist attraction in Cuenca is Amaru Zoo, so make sure to include it on your sightseeing list.
Is three days enough to stay in Cuenca?
Three days will be enough time to tick off many city highlights, such as Amaru Zoo, Casa de los Arcos Art Museum and Galeria FVega. The average stay in Cuenca is three days. If you have the time to extend your adventure, Paute isn't far away.
Is Cuenca a walkable city?
Some major attractions in Cuenca, like Casa de los Arcos Art Museum and Galeria FVega, are within walking distance. You can also visit several of the city's popular neighbourhoods on foot. Just 0.16 kilometers from central Cuenca is Downtown Cuenca and Cuenca Historic Centre is 0.32 kilometers away.
What are some activities to do in Cuenca with kids?
Whether you're travelling with tiny adventurers or hard-to-please teens, an itinerary filled with fun activities takes your trip to the next level. Take a look at our ideas for what to do in Cuenca with kids.

What to do in Cuenca for adults?
Sombrero Museum and Museum of the Aboriginal Cultures are just a couple of the things to do in Cuenca. With loads of activities available, there's something here for everyone to explore.
Are there free things to do in Cuenca?
One of the easiest ways to learn about free things to do in Cuenca is to speak with a local tour guide. You'll get insider advice on hip neighbourhoods, parks and other major attractions you can experience without reaching for your wallet. Mirador de Turi is one sight that doesn't have an entrance fee.