Top Things to do in Cuenca
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What to do and see in Cuenca, Azuay Province: The Best Multi-day Tours
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. Baños Private Guided 4-day tour from Cuenca
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1 reviews
We take you to some of the most important attractions in Ecuador, including Inca ruins, the Devil's Nose Train, Avenue of the Volcanoes, Baños, Waterfalls Route, a canoe ride and animal rescue center in the Amazon. This is a perfect opportunity to appreciate the contrasts and diversity of this country.
Inclusions: 3 nights accommodation, Lunch, Lunch, Lunch, Lunch, All taxes, fees and handling charges, Professional Guide/Driver
Exclusions: Dinners and drinks, Gratuities, Train Tickets $ 33 adult or $ 25 seniors and kids
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!
2. 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:
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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.
3. 10-Day Ecuador Highlights
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 11 reviews
Discover the MAGIC of ECUADOR traveling through the Avenue of Volcanoes in the high Andes Mountains towards the best tropical Amazon destinations and explore the outdoor town of Baños, Unesco classified city of Cuenca and local indigenous market in Otavalo. On your journey, you will learn about all the different local tribes and their cultures. The Ecuador Highlights trip is the perfect combination of cultural experiences, wildlife spotting, adventure activities, and natural wonders that make Ecuador one of the most mega-divers countries on Earth. "Unique Experiences:" Visit a native local family in the middle of the Amazon jungle and look for the smallest monkey in the world (Pygmy Marmoset) Breathtaking zig-zag train ride through the rocky slopes of the Andes and the switchbacks of the Devil's Nose
Inclusions: Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Lunch, Breakfast, Dinner, Breakfast, Dinner, Breakfast, Breakfast, Lunch, Lunch, Lunch, Breakfast, Transportation: Airfare Cuenca-Quito one way, airport transfers (national flights), private and comfortable land transportation, train, motorized canoe, Accommodation based on double occupancy: First Class hotel in Quito, colonial hacienda in Otavalo, 5-star Spa Resort Papallacta, Itamandi Eco-lodge in the Amazon, 3 or 4 star hotel in Baños, 5-star Andean lodge in Chimborazo, 3 or 4 star hotel in Cuenca, Activities: Indigenous Market, volcanic hot springs, encounter with indigenous people, road of the waterfalls, hiking up the glacier of Chimborazo, trekking, bird watching in the Amazon, canoeing and wildlife observation in the rainforest, Amazoonico Animal Rescue Center, chocolate making with indigenous people, train to Devil's Nose, cultural visit of Cuenca., Gear: hiking sticks, life jackets, Trip Leader: Certified AJ expert English-speaking adventure Trip Leader and local guides
Exclusions: My Own Room supplement, International flights, Airport transfer (international flights), Travel insurance (mandatory), Meals not described in the itinerary, Tips for guides and drivers
Reviewed By imnhoj
It would be hard to pick a favorite activity on this adventure, every day seemed to be better than the last. Climbing cotopaxi to 16k, mountain biking in the Andes, white water rafting, hiking around a volcanic crater lake, the otovalo market, the amazing hike through the rain forest, and exploring Quito. And I don't think we have ever had a better guide, Marcelo was a very knowledgeable and gracious host for his remarkable country. All of our accomodations were top notch and very unique. This trip far exceeded our expectations. If you are looking for an adventure, you will not be disappointed.
4. Cultural tour, 3 days, INCA EXPRESS Ingapirca - Cuenca - Cajas Nationalpark
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1 reviews
You will discover the best of the Southern Highlands of Ecuador: Ingapirca - the best maintained inca site in Ecuador Cuenca - UNESCO heritage city El Cajas National Park - an amazing moorland high in the Andes
Inclusions: Breakfast, Breakfast, Private transportation, 2 nights in tourist superior hotel in Cuenca
Exclusions: Gratuities, Food and drinks
5. 4-Day Magic Tour Cuenca, Alausi town, Baños, Quilotoa, Cotopaxi and Quito
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 2 reviews
On this spectacular four-day tour departing from Cuenca, you will have the opportunity to visit several of Ecuador's tourist attractions, a combination of nature and culture, an ideal tour for people who want to walk along paths with volcanoes, lagoons, waterfalls, colonial cities, archaeological sites, indigenous markets, etc. We invite you to take this tour and Experience the authentic! Check our tripadvisor photo gallery. ONE WAY: CUENCA - DEVIL'S NOSE TRAIN - BAÑOS - QUILOTOA - COTOPAXI - QUITO
Inclusions: 4 nights accommodation based on double occupancy, National Park fees, Driver/guide SUV (1 to 3 people) - Minivan (4 to 6 people) - Minibus (7 to..., One day courtesy lunch..!!, Pick up (hotels or apartments), Breakfasts
Exclusions: Lunch-dinner, Personal expenses, Tips
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.
6. 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!
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. Discover The Top Ten Ecuador Highlights
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1 reviews
This is a nice tour for you, in this trip you have the opportunity to visit part of the Andean Highlands while you go along the Volcanoes Avenue, you´ll go down to enjoy the beauty of the jungle. It is a ideal journey for people who want to walk along paths with volcanoes, lagoons, waterfalls, colonial cities, archaeological sites, indigenous markets, etc. We will start in Quito and end in Cuenca. Check our tripadvisor photo gallery. ONE WAY: QUITO - COTOPAXI - QUILOTOA - PUYO - BAÑOS - DEVIL'S NOSE TRAIN - CUENCA -
Inclusions: Breakfast x 7, 7 nights accommodation based on double occupancy, All activities, Driver/guide, Entrance fees
Exclusions: Train tickets ($33 each adult / $22 each child), Meals (lunch & dinner), Personal expenses, Tips
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. The Best of Ecuador & Galapagos 12 Days / 11 Nights (PRIVATE Trip)
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1 reviews
Discover the Avenue of the Volcanoes at the Ecuadorian Andes very well known for its striking volcanic peaks and rugged Andean scenery. Some of Ecuador’s most visited sites lie in this area, including the view Cotopaxi volcano, the Quilotoa Lake a huge crater lake, the lively little holiday town of Baños and of course, Ecuador’s highest peak, Chimborazo. Keeping going to the south visit the famous Devil´s nose train that follows a zigzag path carved into the rock to continue to Cuenca with its cozy old town with colonial plazas, squares and much more. The land tour end in the Guayaquil city based at the pacific coast in order to departure to the Enchanted Islands of Galapagos that will captivate to every traveler with its unique flora and fauna.
Inclusions: Lunch, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Lunch, Lunch, Lunch, Breakfast, Breakfast, Dinner, Breakfast, Lunch, Breakfast, Lunch, Breakfast, Lunch, Lunch, Lunch, Private transportation, English speaking guide, Accommodation based in double room, Excursions as mentioned in the program, Public boat ticket to travel from Santa Cruz to Isabela Island and vice versa, Shared excursion to Tintoreras Islet with Snorkel gear, Shared excursion to Sierra Volcano, Devil´s Nose Train Ticket
Exclusions: Meals not mentioned in the program, Personal expenses, Flight ticket to Galapagos 480-500 usd pp aprox. pp, Entrance fees to the places mentioned in the program, Galapagos entrance fee 100 usd pp, Galapagos transit card 20 usd pp, Isabela dock fee at Galapagos 10 usd pp, Local bus at Baltra airport to get to the channel 5 usd pp per way, Local water taxis 5 usd pp for the whole program , Gratuities
Reviewed By Tina S
We needed a rapid Covid test within 72 hours of our flight back to the US. Guanguiltagua Expeditions to the rescue!! Dennis and team helped Us get the test from a private lab that came to our condo in Cuenca and we Received results the very next day! Great experience and great service!
10. 4-Day Magic Tour Quito, Cotopaxi, Quilotoa, Baños,Chimborazo, and Cuenca
Overall Ratings
4.9 based on 8 reviews
On this spectacular four-day tour departing from Quito, you will have the opportunity to visit several of Ecuador's tourist attractions, a combination of nature and culture, an ideal tour for people who want to walk along paths with volcanoes, lagoons, waterfalls, colonial cities, archaeological sites, indigenous markets, etc. We invite you to take this tour and Experience the authentic! Check our tripadvisor photo gallery. ONE WAY: QUITO - COTOPAXI - QUILOTOA - BAÑOS - DEVIL'S NOSE TRAIN - CUENCA
Inclusions: Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, 4 nights accommodation based on double occupancy, All activities, Driver/guide SUV (2 to 3 people) - Minivan (4 to 6 people) - Minibus (7 to 15 people), One meal of courtesy!!
Exclusions: Lunch-dinner, Personal expenses, Tips
Reviewed By _calanhiggins932
Our adventure was amazing and beautiful. A guide, Milton from Polylepis Tours, took us to the Cajas National Park. Our guide was extremely knowledgeable about the eco system of the Andes, local plant life, the culture of those living in the Andes, history and animal life. His personality, patience and English were excellent. The owner of Polylepis Tours even contacted me to make sure our day went well. The Cajas National Park is designated a nature and eco system preserve. The scenery is breathtaking. I’m so glad we had a guide, we learned things we perhaps never would have never learned on our own and were taken to areas others might not have known to go to. The views around Lake Llaviucu were almost heavenly as were the views at almost 14,000 ft up in to the Andes. A provided lunch was delicious. It was an amazing day!
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