Top Things to do in Cuenca
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What to do and see in Cuenca, Azuay Province: The Best Things to do Good for Big Groups
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. Centro Ecuestre Bellavista
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 306 reviews
Centro Ecuestre Bellavista is located 8 kilometers outside of Cuenca. We offer the best Horseback Riding for children and adults on trails in the Ecuadorian Andes. Horses and trails are selected to match your riding skills. Experience the natural beauty of the Andes; the unique wildlife and vegetation.Participate in outdoor activities.
2. 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.
3. Expediciones Apullacta
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 76 reviews
We feature the best hotel arrangements in all of Ecuador, as well as tourism services in the Amazon Rainforest, Ecuadorian coast, and Galapagos Islands. We offer a variety of both single and multi-day trips and visits. We provide assistance at both national and international airports (in various languages): check-in, boarding passes and luggage checks. In cases in which luggage does not arrive on time, we take charge of the logistics (with the consent of the passenger) so that their luggage gets to their hotel or to the next stop on their journey. We book and purchase national and international flights. We offer tourist transport services (buses, vans and cars). We offer 2 types of tours: Group tours, for those who travel alone and/or prefer to be part of a group while visiting their destination(s) of interest, with an established itinerary and specified days for travel. Private tours, ideal for those who desire an exclusive experience. We design the tours according to the needs and interests of each client, after a meticulous analysis of their requirements that ensures their ultimate satisfaction.
4. South Land Touring Day Tours
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 25 reviews
With more than 10 years experience, South Land Touring Ecuador will accompany you discovering this four worlds country: Galapagos, Pacific Coast, Andes and Amazon. We offer you different tours with a general cultural approach, sports and adrenaline, family with kids, etc. Or we can simply personalize the itinerary and activities according to your interests, available time and budget. With the main goal of exceeding your expectations and create the best souvenirs of our country. Our offices in Cuenca and Quito, offer you personalized backup, every step of the way, for better safety and comfort. Our experience allow us also to advise you on your trips to Peru and Bolivia. Looking forward to your visit!
5. Polylepis Tours
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 233 reviews
Polylepis Tours has a fresh, personalised approach to tours, offering a range of services to meet travellers' interests and budgets. We offer the full range of tours, including Galapagos and Jungle tours. Along with the most famous destinations, we aim to introduce visitors to the delights of lesser known destinations in Ecuador, including community based, sustainable tourism projects. Cancellation policies To receive a full refund, travelers may cancel up to 24 hours before the tour start date in the local timezone. No refunds will be given after that time period
6. Experience Cuenca Ecuador
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 37 reviews
Join local Ecuadorians and resident English speaking expats who are fun and passionate about sharing the unique heritage of El Centro historic district of Cuenca Ecuador; a UNESCO world heritage site and one of the top tourist destinations in South America. Do you have a limited amount of time to visit Cuenca and want to get the best value for your traveling dollar? Are you a local that has just not had the time to visit, taste and see some of the great things here in Cuenca Ecuador? If so, our classes are perfect for you. Choose from one or several of our classes. Not only will you get personal and friendly instructors, you will learn a lot about the city, the food, the culture and many of the best kept secrets in town for culture, art, crafts, alpaca, jewelry, great dining, and behind the scenes history of some of the oldest architecture in Ecuador.
7. 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!
8. 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.
9. 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.
10. 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.
