Top Things to do in Cuenca
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10 Things to do 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. El Cajas National Park
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 2,364 reviews
Known for its more than 275 Andean lakes and many waterfalls, this national park is a popular destination for trout fishing, rugged hiking and camping.
Reviewed By Elias_Rovielo - Sao Caetano do Sul, Brazil
As this is my last Andean country, I seriously thought if this tour would be worthwhile, the time spent to see the Andes mountains, bush (park) and lakes. I'm glad I didn't hear my mind! The tour has incredible trails around a lagoon with birds and flowers, then we go further up the high mountains to see high altitude lagoons with the reflection of the sky in them, unique high altitude forests and a lot of history. 1) First pond and complete lap around it; 2) The highest top of the park; 3) Another lagoon with a walk in the only high altitude forest; 4) Restaurant with lunch included; This shared tour was contracted with the great travel agency, Deep Ecuador Travel (Cuenca) with the fantastic guide Andrés León.
2. Rio Tomebamba
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 975 reviews
Separating the colonial section from the modern residential areas of the town of Cuenca, this river features scenic walking paths along its north bank and several Inca ruins.
Reviewed By jandag2019 - Cuenca, Ecuador
Tree-lined walkway with nice walking and biking paths. Some restaurants and cafes along the side, with great views of the Barranco, the hillside housing the old colonial buildings. Plus, some nice spots to stop and sit on the grass or on a bench. Cool and quiet respite below the hustle and bustle of Calle Larga. Very safe during the daylight hours. Better for two or more after dark.
3. La Catedral de la Inmaculada Concepcion de Cuenca
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,086 reviews
This large cathedral (circa 1885) features a series of sky-blue cupolas; the interior contains a magnificent altar and a famous crowned image of the Virgin Mary.
Reviewed By 68olivers
Our hotel sits on a hilltop about a mile and a half from the city center. We had a grand view of the city center of which the blue domes of this church stood out. The church is even more striking up close. Beautiful gothic arches, stained glass windows, very ornate altars that speak of days gone will greet you inside the church. For $2, you can access the stairs to the roof. The stairs are winding, narrow and at times steep. If you are fit enough, I recommend it strongly. The views are magnificent from atop the church. There are 52 churches in Cuenca- 1 for each week as our guide told us. The Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception is one of three churches that I would recommend as a "Do Not Miss" when visiting Cuenca.
4. Pumapungo Museum and Arqueological Park - MCYP
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 886 reviews
The Museum and Ancestral Park of Pumapungo, are the two main elements that conform the cultural complex administered by Ecuador's Culture and Heritage Ministry in the city of Cuenca. These are public spaces, open to a variety of cultural activities, projects, and initiatives, that have a very profound meaning for Cuenca's citizens. Pumapungo Museum has a lot of different components. It has seven temporary exhibition rooms were a wide diversity of exhibitions are produced: art, history, photography, sculpture are some of them. It also has an archeology exhibition room - site museum, where the development of society is explained through time, as well as the Inca occupation and findings at the Pumapungo archeological site. In addition, the museum exhibits the national ethnography room, where Ecuador's multicultural diversity is displayed through vivid representations of every day's life, dresses, instruments and images. The museum also counts with a library and historic archive; both open for free and open access from the public, art, archeology and ethnography reserves, which are available for students as well as for national and international investigators. In total, the complex conserves around 160.000 cultural and heritage goods. Another important component of the cultural complex is the Ancestral Park. There are three main elements: The archeological park, where visitors can appreciate the remains of the once most important administrative, military and religious center of the northern part of the Inca Empire; the Ethnobotanic park, with more than 230 species of native Andean plants and trees, this space has become the last native ecological niche in the center of Cuenca, and it is the reason why it is visited by more than 30 local species of birds daily. The park is also a very important space for educational activities aimed at illustrate ancestral knowledge and traditions. The bird rescue center is the last element of Pumapungo's Ancestral Park. At the moment it contains about 200 birds of around 25 species. It complements the whole educative content of the park, as this animals are filled with significance and myths of our ancestors. We work together with the Ministry of environment to fight against the illicit traffic of native species. In this area we cure and feed the birds that are brought by the competent authorities. After the birds have reached its optimal shape, we coordinate its liberation in the birds original environment. Shamefully, in most of the cases, this liberation process is not possible, as the birds have suffered from irreversible injuries, and conditioning of their behavior. The park has a full time 13 people team, that carry the traditional knowledge needed to attend all of its areas. Biologists, veterinarians, agronomic engineers, are amongst them.
Reviewed By JoshAdvisor - Launceston, United Kingdom
For a free activity this easily took a couple of hours to see. Interesting (some bilingual) exhibitions indoors and an extensive outdoor area with flowers, llamas and ruins. Other than the depressing aviary the whole place was a great way to spend an afternoon and all for free.
5. Eduardo Vega Galeria Taller
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 186 reviews
Reviewed By bwdmusic - Cuenca, Ecuador
Took a group of ladies here last week and everyone enjoyed seeing the beautiful artwork and most took a sampling home to enjoy.
6. Mirador de Turi
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,174 reviews
Reviewed By susansJ9674OJ
The view of Cuenca is spectacular! I would strongly suggest that you take the city bus tour, during the day, which stops at the top of Tui. Then go back by taxi at nighttime! Both views are great and well worth the time.
7. Ecuagenera - Orchids from Ecuador
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 172 reviews
If you are an orchid lover and have planned to visit ECUADOR, one of the most biodiverse countries in the world where more than 4,200 species of Ecuadorian Orchids grow, home to more than 1600 species of birds, 16 ethnic groups, 70 volcanoes in the Andes Highlands, and its wonderful beaches... We invite YOU to visit the SOUTH AMERICA'S LARGEST ORCHID NURSERY... "ECUAGENERA". It is located in the South part of Ecuadorian Highlands, 40km near to Cuenca City in the Province of Azuay. A privileged area with an altitude of 2200m above sea level and a temperature of 17oC that allow us to grow orchids of different microclimates: Coast, Highlands and Amazon. Visit us and enjoy this wonderful weather, take amazing pictures of all the Ecuadorian orchids that are in bloom and be part of the experience. As well, you will learn about the conservation program Ecuagenera is caring out, orchids growing process, commercialization and exportation. We are sure that your visit to this wonderful place will result you a FASCINATING EXPERIENCE AND MARVELOUS ADVENTURE.
Reviewed By kg9869388
Travel in a pandemic has its pluses. Ecuagenera makes money by attending 70+ orchid shows per year - all cancelled in 2020. So our family lucked into a private tour of Ecuagenera with its welcoming President, the bilingual Jose Portilla. Mr. Portilla taught us about orchids from germination to flowering. One orchid seed pod has 3 million tiny seeds because a vanishing fraction actually germinate. The company history is equally fascinating. The Portilla brothers grew up in an Amazonian village and were compelled to help the Salesian Padre who taught them in school with his orchid fascination after school and weekends. Years passed and the drudgery morphed into an incredible business opportunity. Mr. Portilla is now available to take orchid/nature lovers on tours to the Amazon. Do it! And if you can’t, tour the Ecuagenera facility in Gualaceo.
8. Museo de las Culturas Aborigenes
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 242 reviews
5000 Beautiful archaeologic pieces displayed in 15 rooms.
Reviewed By deborahsF6391YI
Terrific little museum with a wide range of artifacts from indigenous cultures around Ecuador. Offerings include: ornamental and utilitarian ceramics, musical instruments, weapons and tools, jewelry and ornaments, textiles, and more. There is also a nice gift shop with a wide selection of indigenous crafts at the exit/entry.
9. AMARU Bioparque Cuenca Zoologico
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 297 reviews
Reviewed By ChaseSq - Denver, United States
This is a "zoo" like no other. I am not a fan of most zoos. This one is different. Excellent environments for rescued animals, huge natural enclosures and animals that genuinely looked content. The large animals were rescued from terrible conditions and rehabilitated, but cannot be released back into the wild. This park is the next best thing for them. It is a bit unusual, you follow a lengthy walking path around to each exhibit, it feels a bit like a hike with animal encounters. There is a picnic area midway through with bathrooms and drinkable water. It took our group about 3 hours to go through the whole thing. Information is written in Spanish and English. A couple things to consider: The terrain is rugged an uneven, and this is a rigorous walk. Wearing hiking or running shoes. Not suitable for people with mobility issues, and might be a bit much for younger children. You could not get a stroller through this. There's a good bit of climbing. It is located outside of the city, about a $4-$7 cab ride from parts of the city. The fare is a bit more on the way back because driver's have to go up to the next exit to turn back. The last stretch to the park is dirt, very twisty, and bumpy. If you are driving on that part, take your time and be careful. If you are in a taxi, don't be freaked out when the driver turns off the highway onto a dirt road. The zoo will call a cab for you when finished. The animals were amazing and very curious, many come right up to the edge of the enclosure. You will be closer to these animals than in any zoo you've been to before. I clicked yes that it has free parking because there is parking there, but I believe it costs $2.
10. Pumapungo Museo
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 504 reviews
Reviewed By neuersarah8
The display was really lovely and I had the feeling that one day wouldn't be enough to see everything you wanted to see! It was divided in sections and had a special exhibition on Indian culture, but that didn't interfere with the usual show of Ecuadorian history. All in all it was very well made and the paths easy to follow. The outdoor area is also great for relaxing and enjoying the view on Cuenca. Definitely recommend to visit!
