Top Things to do in Cuenca
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What to do and see in Cuenca, Azuay Province: The Best Sights & Landmarks
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. Museo Catedral Vieja
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 437 reviews
Situated on top of some ancient Inca ruins, this cathedral was built in 1557 when modern Cuenca was founded.
Reviewed By 503nath_liap - Belo Horizonte, Brazil
There you can see beautiful pieces of art and learn about Cuenca's history and the history about catholic religion coming to South America. I recommend to listen the recording about the place.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. El Carmen de la Asuncion Church
5. Corte Provincial de Justicia de Azuay
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 66 reviews
Reviewed By 503nath_liap - Belo Horizonte, Brazil
After I entered the building I was very glad I did. The architecture is beautiful! There are some very interesting painting telling the history about justice in the country.
6. El Barranco del Rio Tomebamba
7. Iglesia de Todos Santos
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 16 reviews
Reviewed By PingaThePenguin - London, United Kingdom
We don't really do churches and I don't know why we came in here. However, for $2 each we got a private tour in which we learnt more about the Ecuadorian social history than we did the rest of our three weeks. You do have to speak Spanish, I believe (my Italian got me most of it). Our guide was delightful and spoke very clearly (luckily for me). However, the highlight is getting up to the bell tower: great views and quite a special place. If you want to avoid 45 minutes of Spanish, this bit costs just $1 per person ????
8. Seminario San Luis
9. Plaza Civica
10. Casa De los Arcos
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 13 reviews
