Top Things to do in Cuenca
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10 Private Tours in Cuenca That You Shouldn't Miss
Writers and poets have long flourished in arts-oriented Cuenca, the country's third-largest city and the capital of the Azuay province. Cafes and galleries are tucked among the narrow cobblestone streets. The main plaza hosts both the old cathedral, started in 1557, the year the city was founded, and the blue-domed Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, dating to 1885. Locally made Panama hats get top billing at the markets, with centrally located Casa de la Mujer a shopping standout.
Restaurants in Cuenca
1. Private Trekking Full-Day Tour at Cajas National Park
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1 reviews
It will be an unparalleled experience as it will be possible to observe a very diverse fauna, such as Andean condors, giant hummingbirds and coatis. Next to the park, the sanctuary of the Virgen del Cajas is a place of pilgrimage in the open air where they say the Virgin Mary appeared. The main activities practiced are photography, hiking and experiential fishing.
Inclusions: National Park fees, Driver, Professional guide, Hotel pickup and drop-off, Lunch
Exclusions: Food and drinks, unless specified, Personal Expenses
Reviewed By daniellD4910OZ
Driver picked us up on time at hotel at 7am and informed us that main road to Cajas was closed due to a mudslide but no problem there's another way that is slightly longer(if you hear that consider not going) it ended up taking 6hrs to get there when normally takes 3hrs or less. Finally reached the park at 1pm to begin hike. Milton our guide met us there and did an awesome job of leading us on a hike. Milton was very engaging and informative and did an excellent job. Finished hike at 4:15 and was advised main road should be open but driver opted to take the alternate route (6hr drive back to Guayaquil arriving back to hotel at 10pm. Fortunately we brought a few snacks as driver never did stop and allow us to eat a meal(supposed to be included) 15hrs without eating can be rough so plan accordingly. Overall the hike part of the trip was awesome and would definitely do it again but like I said, if alternate route is mentioned consider opting out and trying a different day.
2. Cacao Farm & Chocolate tasting with a visit to Jubones desert
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1 reviews
Experience the contrast between the green highlands, dry desert, and the dense tropical area. Discover the flavors, aromas and taste of the Ecuadorian Cacao know as one of the best in the world. You will experience a chocolate tasting as well.
Inclusions: All taxes, fees and handling charges, Home made lunch with local family , Tour Guide/Driver, Hotel pickup and drop-off
Exclusions: Gratuities, Farm entrance fee $10 each
Reviewed By julieb1954
Best trip to the airport EVER! My driver, Wilson, was not only an excellant, thoughtful driver, he is an experienced tour guide. He pointed out geographical features throughout the trip. I learned a great deal about beautiful Ecuador. Thank you!
3. Private Ingapirca Ruins Tour
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1 reviews
It is the most important archaeological site of the Incas in Ecuador. Marvel at the ruins, including the only elliptical temple of the sun made of perfectly carved stones. On Sundays we include a visit to the Indigenous Cañar Market. Highlights: • Visit the largest archaeological Inca site in Ecuador and the only elliptical temple of the Inca empire • Enjoy the beauty of the Ecuadorian Andes while you drive through the fertile ranchland of the countryside. • Visit the Cañar Market and immerse yourself in the traditions of the local indigenous tribes (Sundays) • See how the famous Panama Hats are woven
Inclusions: All taxes, fees and handling charges, Licensed tour guide/driver, Lunch (if option selected), Hotel/Airbnb pickup and drop-off
Exclusions: Gratuities
Reviewed By julieb1954
Best trip to the airport EVER! My driver, Wilson, was not only an excellant, thoughtful driver, he is an experienced tour guide. He pointed out geographical features throughout the trip. I learned a great deal about beautiful Ecuador. Thank you!
4. Private Gualaceo & Chordeleg craft-making villages tour
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 5 reviews
Skilled artisans produce beautiful products here. Check out the exquisite textiles (hand-woven shawls and hand-embroidered clothing), jewelry made with unique techniques such as filigree, pottery, straw hats and much more... Highlights: • Browse the famous artisan-crafted guitars of San Bartolome • Check out Chordeleg's famous jewelry and ceramics • Learn about the Hispanic shawl-making technique called "Ikat" in Gualaceo • Walk through the colorful market in Gualaceo where you will see locals weaving hats on the streets
Inclusions: Licensed Tour Guide/Driver, Transportation, Lunch, Hotel/port pickup and drop-off, All taxes, fees and handling charges
Exclusions: Gratuities
Reviewed By julieb1954
Best trip to the airport EVER! My driver, Wilson, was not only an excellant, thoughtful driver, he is an experienced tour guide. He pointed out geographical features throughout the trip. I learned a great deal about beautiful Ecuador. Thank you!
5. 11-Day Hidden Treasure Ecuador
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1 reviews
This tour takes you to all the best parts of Ecuador in just 11 days. You will go to places where other tours will not take you. You will find out what the hidden treasures of this tour are when you arrive at the airport. Enjoy one of the most biodiverse countries in the world, you will visit the cloud forest, the andes mountains, some volcanoes, beautiful cities, the pacific coast and a local market. The highlights of this tour will be: • Historical cities: you will visit Quito and Cuenca, beautiful historical cities. • Cloud forest: here you can enjoy the amazing nature and different animal species. • Volcanoes: take the perfect photos at three different volcanoes. • Local villages: Guamote local market and the Tigua community will be visited. • Pacific Coast: visit Guayaquil to enjoy the best weather and seafood dishes.
Inclusions: Accommodation in a single, double or triple room., Lunch, Lunch, Breakfast, Breakfast, Dinner, Dinner, Dinner, Lunch, Lunch, Breakfast, Breakfast, Lunch, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Dinner, Private bilingual guide during the activities, Private transportation with a Spanish speaking driver., Guided horse tour on healthy strong horses for all levels, 24/7 assistance in Dutch, English, and Spanish., Airport transfers to/from Quito airport
Exclusions: International flights., Personal travel & health insurance (mandatory), Food & drinks that are not mentioned in the itinerary., Optional mules rent ($10) at Quilotoa, Optional 30 min. kayak trip in the lagoon ($5) at Quilotoa, Optional tips for guide.
Reviewed By mbennaton
We (my husband and I ) had an amazing time in the Galapagos Islands! We did this trip at the end of October 2020 after the stressful lockdown covid months, so we were looking forward to unwind and visit for the first time the enchanted islands as our vacation. The tours designed by Rebecca Adventure were perfect and customized to our taste and needs. We visited Santa Cruz and Isabela and it was perfect because there weren't many tourists at the time due to the pandemic. We were truly impressed with all the activities, the wildlife and the services provided by our tour guides. We got to see most of the land and marine fauna that we expected, including hammerhead sharks. It was without a doubt one of the most memorable trips of our lives. We highly recommend Rebecca Adventure as your tour agency for the Galapagos and Ecuador. Biosecurity measures were very well respected on the islands, so its safe to travel! If you're looking to come to Ecuador and the Galapagos this is the time, still less tourists, the wildlife is truly impressive and besides life is short, take risks and ENJOY IT!
6. Giron Waterfall and Busa Lake
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 2 reviews
Enjoy a drive among beautiful ranches to reach El Chorro de Giron waterfall where we will hike through the cloud forest. Later we will visit Busa lake where we will do a hike around it.
Inclusions: Hotel pick-up, Licensed tour guide English/Spanish, Transportation, Lunch
Exclusions: Tips (optional), entrance fees and extras., Entrance fee to Waterfall $3 p.p, Entrance fee to Busa lake $2 p.p
Reviewed By julieb1954
Best trip to the airport EVER! My driver, Wilson, was not only an excellant, thoughtful driver, he is an experienced tour guide. He pointed out geographical features throughout the trip. I learned a great deal about beautiful Ecuador. Thank you!
7. 17-Day Hidden Treasure Ecuador & Galapagos
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 2 reviews
Enjoy one of the most biodiverse countries in the world, you will visit the Galapagos Islands, the cloud forest, the andes mountains, some volcanoes, beautiful cities, the pacific coast and a local market. The highlights of this tour will be: • Historical cities: you will visit Quito and Cuenca, beautiful historical cities. • Cloud forest & Volcanoes: enjoy the amazing nature and different animal species. • Pacific Coast: visit Guayaquil to enjoy the best weather and seafood dishes. • Santa Cruz Highlands: your first contact with the Giant Galapagos Tortoises. • Visit one of the uninhabited islands: Bartolomé, Santa Fe or Seymour. • Los Tuneles: snorkel in the clear waters and swim with different animal species. • Kayak in Tintoreras Bay: if you are lucky you will find some sharks! • Snorkel at Kicker Rock: one of the most spectacular places of the Galapagos.
Inclusions: Lunch, Lunch, Lunch, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Lunch, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Dinner, Dinner, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Breakfast, Breakfast, Lunch, Breakfast, Breakfast, Lunch, Lunch, Lunch, Breakfast, Dinner, Accommodation in a single, double or triple room., Round trip flights between mainland Ecuador and Galapagos Islands., English speaking guide during the activities, Transportation., Guided horse tour on healthy strong horses for all levels., Flight from Isabela island to San Cristobal., Transfer in from Baltra airport and transfer out to San Cristobal airport., 24/7 assistance in Dutch, English, and Spanish., Transportation between Baltra Airport – Itabaca Channel.
Exclusions: International flights., Entrance fee Galapagos National Park., Migratory Control Card: $20 p.p. cash only., Isabela dock fee $10 p.p. cash only., Water taxi $1 p.p. each way (this is a small boat that takes you from the Speedboat to the Harbour and vice versa), Wet-suits rent $5 p.p. (recommendable between May-November), Personal travel & health insurance (mandatory), Required immunizations (mandatory) – Yellow Fever, Hepatitis B., Optional mules rent ($10) at Quilotoa, Optional 30 min. kayak trip in the lagoon ($5) at Quilotoa, Personal health & travel insurance., Optional tips for guide., Single supplement fee (in case you want to have the room by yourself).
Reviewed By mbennaton
We (my husband and I ) had an amazing time in the Galapagos Islands! We did this trip at the end of October 2020 after the stressful lockdown covid months, so we were looking forward to unwind and visit for the first time the enchanted islands as our vacation. The tours designed by Rebecca Adventure were perfect and customized to our taste and needs. We visited Santa Cruz and Isabela and it was perfect because there weren't many tourists at the time due to the pandemic. We were truly impressed with all the activities, the wildlife and the services provided by our tour guides. We got to see most of the land and marine fauna that we expected, including hammerhead sharks. It was without a doubt one of the most memorable trips of our lives. We highly recommend Rebecca Adventure as your tour agency for the Galapagos and Ecuador. Biosecurity measures were very well respected on the islands, so its safe to travel! If you're looking to come to Ecuador and the Galapagos this is the time, still less tourists, the wildlife is truly impressive and besides life is short, take risks and ENJOY IT!
8. Ecuador Cheap Customized Tours
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 6 reviews
Because being travelers, we know what is necessary to travel correctly, so Customized tours depending on travelers' preferences, let me know how much time you have and we can make it worth it! While you are here, spend some time in Ecuador! Here you have Quito is the perfect place to learn how the Spanish invasion changes everything about the prehispanic culture, mixing it into a creole style. Nice view of volcanoes and contrast with the modern Quito's city life. Some places/activities' availability may vary. Better to go during weekdays to avoid conglomeration. Keeping all biosafety standards, Covid free service. We take care of each other.
Inclusions:
Exclusions:
Reviewed By Alexa Y
Daniel was a great guide and the drive from Quito was beautiful. The thermal springs and spa itself were amazing! I did the 45 min deep body massage and I highly recommend. If you go on a weekend, I would recommend leaving early, Daniela will work with you to figure out what time you want to leave and how long you want to stay, he is very flexible. If you're interested in Spa treatments, I would schedule them in advance or as soon as you arrive so that you can get the time slot you want. I waited a few hours and it started to get a little more crowded (not full but there were others there) and I hate to wait til the afternoon for my massage. Overall, it was a very relaxing day.
9. Cuenca City Private Tour
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1 reviews
Discover the beauty and colonial ambience of Cuenca with best experienced on foot . Our four-hour Cuenca city tour weaves its way through the old town center, designated a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, to give you a short introduction to the city before heading to Turi to enjoy the incredible view.
Inclusions: Fruits Tasting at the Market, Private transportation, Bottled water
Exclusions: Lunch is not included however we always end up our tour in a very cozy restaurant where you can buy something to eat, Gratuities
Reviewed By SunriseFitness
I highly recommend this tour! It’s active but not strenuous, covers a lot, and Alex was friendly and knowledgeable throughout. It felt nice to have a blend of parks and the city, stopping along the way for photos, explanations and history, sweeping city views and gelato on a balcony.
10. Guayaquil to Cuenca one-way tour with Cajas Park and a Cacao Farm
Overall Ratings
4.9 based on 21 reviews
Enjoy our one-way flexible, convenient and private tour departing from Guayaquil to Cuenca including a visit to a cacao farm and a optional hike in Cajas National Park. Allowed 2 suitcases p.p
Inclusions: Tour Guide/Driver (Licensed), Transportation, Lunch (If option selected), Hotel pickup and drop-off, All taxes, fees and handling charges
Exclusions: Gratuities
Reviewed By julieb1954
Best trip to the airport EVER! My driver, Wilson, was not only an excellant, thoughtful driver, he is an experienced tour guide. He pointed out geographical features throughout the trip. I learned a great deal about beautiful Ecuador. Thank you!
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