Top Things to do in Cuenca
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7 Things to do for Honeymoon 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. Cuenca Bestours
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 335 reviews
We are a leading Tour Operator & Travel Agency based in Cuenca - Ecuador, specialized in arranging and customizing adventure and cultural activities for couples, families, and groups in Cuenca and around Ecuador. In addition, we provide assistance in both English and Spanish languages, giving you as much help as possible during your trip. At Cuenca Bestours, we strive at every turn to define and redefine your notion of what is possible on a vacation. Our staff of travel experts has degrees in tourism and endeavor to skillfully handle every detail of every trip to create that extra unexpected that makes your experience unique and unforgettable, letting you focus only on enjoying the natural and cultural beauty of Ecuador. Join us, every mile will become a lifetime memory!
3. 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.
4. Plaza Abdon Calderon
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 673 reviews
The main city square of Cuenca is dominated by the magnificent Catedral de la Immaculada (New Cathedral).
Reviewed By shoellr - Cotacachi, Ecuador
It is a beautiful city, it is full of culture, history and tradition, there are many activities to do such as visiting museums or historical centers, the most beautiful thing was its square where you can see the cathedral, we had to stop here several times to go to different places from the city, there is a great variety of hotels near the square that adjust to the needs of each visitor, the food is delicious, most of the restaurants serve typical Cuenca food but they also have many varieties, I liked it a lot. Of the attractions or activities to do in Cuenca are close to its central square, I think it is wonderful because in this way tourists can interact more with this beautiful place.
5. 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.
6. Piedra de Agua Fuente Termal & Spa
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 498 reviews
Piedra de Agua - Fuente Termal y Spa is a modern and complete thermal tourism center located 10 minutes from downtown Cuenca - Ecuador. Built almost entirely from limestone rock of volcanic origin carved out of the same location, Piedra de Agua combines stone, glass and wood in its clean and modern architecture to achieve delicate and comforting spaces. Our main attractions are our THERMAL WATER of volcanic origin and a series of related services which include volcanic mud treatments, vaporized massages, steam baths, contrast baths, box steam baths and more. Our guests can take full advantage of the world renowned medicinal and healing properties of natural thermal water in a place specifically designed to relieve stress and find peace and serenity.
Reviewed By C7582AJchristiand
Super recommended! The personal is really nice and attentive. They don't hurry you to go through the spa circuit, they let you take your time. In the end we got a tea while waiting on our cab and an employee guided us to the cab with an umbrella because it was raining.
7. 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.
