Top Things to do in Cuenca
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The 10 Best City Tours in Cuenca, Azuay Province
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. Artisanal route and Cuenca City Tour
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 3 reviews
We will visit the picturesque craft villages of Gualaceo and Chordeleg, admiring the variety of objects that are made here, such as shawls, pottery and jewelry. After noon visit the city of Cuenca, considered one of the most beautiful cities of Ecuador, and one of the most beautiful cities in South America!
Inclusions: Professional guide, Hotel pickup and drop-off, Transport by private vehicle, Lunch
Exclusions: Tips, Drinks, Personal expenses
Reviewed By catherineagrizzard7
I took the 4 day tour with Edison in May. It was my mom and I’s first time to Ecuador and we never would have been able to see so much without this tour. Everything in Ecuador is truly incredible and on this tour you could see all the best sights in a short time. Our guide, Edison, and our driver Diego made the tour even more enjoyable as they were super fun to be around and incredibly knowledgeable of their country. They have great pride in their country and it’s obvious they love what they do. The tour has got something for everyone. I love active things and there were plenty of opportunities to challenge myself with hiking and adrenaline actives like cable cars and swings over cliffs. My mom loves learning about the culture and we got the opportunity to visit plenty of markets and learn about the natives of Ecuador. Edison really listens to you and makes sure you know that this tour is for you, they really work to make sure you enjoy their country. I’m normally never a “tour” person, I like to backpack. But I loved this experience and would recommend it to anyone looking to experience Ecuador in a short amount of time.
2. Biking Cuenca City Tour
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 4 reviews
Our tour takes you along riverside trails to enjoy nice views and the charming architecture of El "Barranco". We will also explore Pumapungo (Inca site) and the modern area of Cuenca, a UNESCO World Heritage city on this bike tour on the riverside along charming parks.
Inclusions: Hotel pick-up, Rental Bike, Helmet, Licensed bilingual guide (English/Spanish), Taxes and surcharges
Exclusions: Food and drinks, 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!
3. Shared Cuenca City Half Day Tour
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1 reviews
Cuenca offer an astounding variety of art, culturally rich traditions, monumental architectural gems and exceptional cuisine. A city crossed by four rivers and situated in an Andean valley in the South Ecuadorian mountain region, nature makes its home in the city center. The famous 10 de Agosto Market, is very famous in the city for being a place where it is very interesting to get to the market and walk through the aisles of the fruit and medicinal herbs vendors as well as the large number of local shops selling food also deciding on where to eat isn’t easy.
Inclusions: Local guide, Transportation
Exclusions: Food and drinks, Personal Expenses, Tips
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.
4. 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.
5. Half-Day Tour of Cuenca Including Panama Hat Factory
Overall Ratings
4.8 based on 22 reviews
Head through Cuenca historic district with a local expert that will show you the highlights including churches, beautiful historical buildings with wrought-iron balconies, and carved wooden doors, amidst a flower market, art galleries, etc.
Inclusions: Professional tour guide, Hotel pick-up and drop-off, Transportation
Exclusions: Food and drinks, 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!
6. Ingapirca Archeological Site and Cuenca City Tour
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2 reviews
Join this small-group full day tour to Ingapirca Archaeological complex, the most important archaeological sites in Ecuador. Then you will visit the city of Cuenca, considered the most beautiful city of Ecuador, and one the most beautiful in South America! Enjoyed the cultural heritage site of Cuenca.
Inclusions: Snacks, Driver/guide, Professional guide, Hotel pickup and drop-off, Transport by private vehicle
Exclusions: Drinks, Lunch
Reviewed By catherineagrizzard7
I took the 4 day tour with Edison in May. It was my mom and I’s first time to Ecuador and we never would have been able to see so much without this tour. Everything in Ecuador is truly incredible and on this tour you could see all the best sights in a short time. Our guide, Edison, and our driver Diego made the tour even more enjoyable as they were super fun to be around and incredibly knowledgeable of their country. They have great pride in their country and it’s obvious they love what they do. The tour has got something for everyone. I love active things and there were plenty of opportunities to challenge myself with hiking and adrenaline actives like cable cars and swings over cliffs. My mom loves learning about the culture and we got the opportunity to visit plenty of markets and learn about the natives of Ecuador. Edison really listens to you and makes sure you know that this tour is for you, they really work to make sure you enjoy their country. I’m normally never a “tour” person, I like to backpack. But I loved this experience and would recommend it to anyone looking to experience Ecuador in a short amount of time.
7. Cuenca City Tour
Overall Ratings
4.4 based on 14 reviews
Come and experience Cuenca, the 'Athens of Ecuador' on this 4-hour city tour! See all the highlights of this city, including the Old and New Cathedrals, Calderon Park, and more. Learn about the culture, history and architecture of this UNESCO-World Heritage city from your knowledgeable guide as you travel around the city by coach.
Inclusions: Hotel pickup and drop-off, Professional guide
Exclusions: Gratuities, Food and drinks
Reviewed By 960rachelles
What a great time we had! Our guide, Estéban was well-versed in all the local culture. We had a very immersive experience with him. His sense of humor and his command of the English language made our time with him extra special. He was able to communicate our preferences precisely to the local craftsmen, which resulted in our leaving the various shops completely satisfied with our purchases. Thank you for a rare glimpse of the centuries-old traditions and arts of the rich Ecuadorian culture and the beauteous countryside!
8. Biking and Walking City Tour Cuenca
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 1 reviews
A different way to discover Cuenca is on a bicycle and walking, you will enjoyed the geography of the valley allows us to travel through the one of the most beautiful ecuadorian city. Will be visit the most representative sectors. In this fun tour, as you travel around the city you will feel part of it, appreciating and living in every corner a different experience. After a short bike tour, we will start the tour on foot through the historic center of the city, admiring its important churches, squares and above all enjoy the warmth of its people and the beautiful architecture. This tour will take us approximately 4 hours (biking 2 hours and walking 2 hours). This kind of tour is designed for all ages.
Inclusions: Use of bicycle, Use of helmet, Bottled water
Exclusions: Lunch, Personal expenses
Reviewed By catherineagrizzard7
I took the 4 day tour with Edison in May. It was my mom and I’s first time to Ecuador and we never would have been able to see so much without this tour. Everything in Ecuador is truly incredible and on this tour you could see all the best sights in a short time. Our guide, Edison, and our driver Diego made the tour even more enjoyable as they were super fun to be around and incredibly knowledgeable of their country. They have great pride in their country and it’s obvious they love what they do. The tour has got something for everyone. I love active things and there were plenty of opportunities to challenge myself with hiking and adrenaline actives like cable cars and swings over cliffs. My mom loves learning about the culture and we got the opportunity to visit plenty of markets and learn about the natives of Ecuador. Edison really listens to you and makes sure you know that this tour is for you, they really work to make sure you enjoy their country. I’m normally never a “tour” person, I like to backpack. But I loved this experience and would recommend it to anyone looking to experience Ecuador in a short amount of time.
9. City Tour In Cuenca Half Day More Visit To Hat Factory
Overall Ratings
1.0 based on 1 reviews
Cuenca, a cultural heritage city of humanity. Its people, traditions, gastronomy, culture and architecture make this city a place from which it is very easy to fall in love due to symbiosis between the modern and the ancient. For this and much more, Cuenca is an unmissable destination on your visit to Ecuador.This tour starts in the historic center where we will visit the Sagrario Cathedral (old cathedral) and the Immaculate Conception Cathedral (New Cathedral), from this point we will visit markets ( August 10), squares (Plaza de las Flores, Santo Domingo and San Sebastián) and traditional neighborhoods (San Sebastián, San Francisco and Vado). We continue our journey to the Barranco area where we can admire the beauty of the Tomebamba River and its peculiar architecture.
Inclusions: Private transportation
Exclusions: Lunch
Reviewed By edw177
I went as a half day trip from Cuenca with Andres. He was a friendly and knowledgeable guide. The park itself is very beautiful and definitely worthwhile to visit. But half a day does not do it justice!
10. Private Cuenca City Half Day Tour
Cuenca is a sizeable Ecuadorian city located in the Southern Andean region of the country. This city offers an astounding variety of art, culturally rich traditions, monumental architectural gems and exceptional cuisine. Located in the heart of the city, El Mercado’s menu centers around locally-sourced seasonal products prepared using traditional Ecuadorian techniques. A visit to Parque Abdon Calderon is a must, in the center of the city. As well as being a lovely place to relax for a while, you can also visit the new cathedral flanking the square. This private half day tour will take you to some of the most important places in Cuenca!
Inclusions: Local guide, Hotel pickup/drop-off, Transportation, Private Tour
Exclusions: Food and drinks, Personal Expenses, Tips
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.
