15 must-visit places in Cuenca Ecuador

With the stunning images of volcanoes, lagoons, jungles, and breathtaking landscapes still vivid in our minds, we arrive in Cuenca, arguably the most beautiful city in Ecuador. This destination is undeniably a must-include in your travel itinerary through the country. If you still have doubts, let us guide you through the best things to see and do in Cuenca (Ecuador) to help you make up your mind.

Are you ready to embark on a virtual journey through its charming plazas, cobblestone streets, vibrant street art, rich museums, and the most beautiful sites?

* As always, at the end of the article, we provide plenty of useful information to help you plan your visit

Discovering Cuenca: A UNESCO World Heritage Site

The historic center of Cuenca is designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is considered one of the best-preserved colonial centers in Latin America. When compared to Quito, Cuenca feels more cared for, safer, and is committed to sustainable tourism. Plus, it has no steep hills!

Across the Tomebamba River, which borders the south of the historic center, lies a modern and youthful university city. However, its most significant tourist attractions are nestled within the grid-like streets of the center. Here are the must-see spots in Cuenca (Ecuador):

1. Nueva Catedral: The Architectural Gem You Must Visit

Officially named the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, the “Nueva Catedral” was completed in 1975, making it quite a newcomer in the realm of cathedrals.

The first feature that catches the eye is its three blue domes, which have become a symbol of the city. If you wish to see them up close after exploring the interior, you can ascend to the upper terrace (admission is $2) for one of the best panoramic views of Cuenca.

While the interior may not boast as much intricate detail as other historic churches in Ecuador, the visit is free 😉

2. Callejón de Santa Ana: The Most Beautiful Street in Cuenca

Just a short walk from the Nueva Catedral, you will find one of the best spots to see in Cuenca: Callejón de Santa Ana. This quaint cobblestone alley is the perfect embodiment of charm, adorned with flowerpots and picturesque balconies.

3. Seminario de San Luis

From this alley, you can access what we believe is the most special and beautiful place in all of Cuenca. The Seminario de San Luis showcases the city’s highest expression of colonial architecture. From its beautiful courtyard surrounded by arcades, you can enjoy a different perspective of the cathedral’s domes.

Both the ground floor and the first-floor terraces house several cafés and restaurants where you can indulge while soaking in the stunning views. But trust us, the best views of Cuenca are yet to come…

4. Parque Calderón

This is the most important square in the historic center, located right in front of the Nueva Catedral. While it’s referred to as a park due to the abundance of trees, plants, and flowers that fill its spaces, it feels almost like a botanical garden.

There’s always a lively atmosphere here, with relaxed tourists, local families taking strolls, and vendors selling sweets. It’s a great place to sit back and be enchanted by the views and the vibrant life flowing through the streets of Cuenca.

5. Iglesia del Sagrario (Old Cathedral)

Right across from Parque Calderón stands the Iglesia del Sagrario (also known as the Old Cathedral). While it might not attract as much attention today (it’s easy to get distracted by the Nueva Catedral), don’t pass up the chance to visit for its striking white facade and to learn a piece of the city’s history.

Fun fact: the Iglesia del Sagrario is no longer an active church; it was desacralized with the arrival of the Nueva Catedral and now houses a small museum of religious art and artifacts.

6. Mercado 10 de Agosto

We love wandering through local markets because they truly capture the essence of a city. In Cuenca, one of the most interesting is the Mercado 10 de Agosto.

This two-story building is filled with stalls selling fresh fruits, vegetables, legumes, meats, and cheeses. You can also sample local dishes (like mote pillo or hornado) at great prices.

Additionally, rumor has it that you can sign up for a “limpia,” a kind of spiritual cleansing session that will rid you of bad vibes and energies. The curanderas use herbs, oils, and incense (all natural products) for their ancestral healing practices. This is said to take place only on Tuesdays and Fridays.

7. Calle Larga and Barranco

Starting from Mercado 10 de Agosto, this street runs parallel to the canyon, filled with bars, restaurants, hotels, and… street art! It’s the best place in the historic center of Cuenca to go out for dinner and enjoy a drink. It’s also perfect for a daytime stroll to visit some of its museums.

To return to the center, take the scenic route along the Barranco, which runs alongside the Tomebamba River, featuring some “hanging houses,” reminiscent of its Spanish namesake.

8. Puente Roto

One of Cuenca's most iconic landmarks is the Puente Roto, a 19th-century bridge built on the banks of the Tomebamba River. It got its name because a flood in 1950 swept away part of the structure, leaving it in two pieces.

Today, it’s a lively area with musicians and artists, bustling with people. It’s located at the other end of Calle Larga.

9. Street Art Route

Street art can be found not only along Calle Larga but also in many corners of Cuenca. You can enjoy colorful murals on building facades, hidden corners, and even inside Mercado 10 de Agosto. Kudos to cities that embrace urban art to add vibrancy and joy to their streets!

10. Iglesia de Santo Domingo and Convento Carmen de la Asunción

As you can see, Cuenca is rich in religious architecture, and the Church of Santo Domingo is another must-visit. This neoclassical church features two towers standing about 40 meters tall and houses the largest bell in the country.

Equally impressive is the Convento Carmen de la Asunción, which boasts a stunning baroque façade. Here, a group of cloistered nuns sells their specialties through a revolving door: “agua de pitimas,” a cold flower infusion, and “gelatina de pichón.” This church-convent is located in the Flower Market, one of the most pleasant spots in Cuenca.

11. Museums in Cuenca

We bring good news: most municipal museums in Cuenca are free! This is a perfect excuse to learn more about the city’s history and culture. Here are our favorites:

• Remigio Crespo Toral Museum, featuring exhibitions on the history of Cuenca within a charming mansion that includes a lovely viewpoint overlooking the canyon.
• Paja Toquilla Hat Museum, which is actually more of a store than a museum, but it allows you to discover that the Panama Hat originates from Ecuador. You can see how they are handmade with vintage machines and even order one tailored to you.
• Municipal Museum of Modern Art, showcasing works by emerging local artists.
• CIDAP (Inter-American Center of Folk Arts), located in a cool building next to the canyon (though the exhibits may not be very impressive).
• Aboriginal Cultures Museum, with pieces from various pre-Columbian cultures (entrance fee is $4).

12. Museo Pumapungo

If there’s one museum to highlight in Cuenca, it’s Museo Pumapungo, where you can learn more about Ecuador’s culture and ethnology.

Surprise! In the city center, you can explore some Inca ruins *_* While they may not compare to those at Ingapirca, their historical significance is undeniable, as they are the ruins of the “Palace of Huayna Cápac,” one of the last Incas. The entrance is free, so don’t miss it.

Fun fact: Pumapungo means “Lion’s Gate” in the Quechua language, referring to the American lion… or rather, the puma.

13. Mirador de Turi

On the outskirts of Cuenca, atop a hill south of the city, you can reach this viewpoint for an exceptional panoramic view of the entire area. Don’t think of a typical overlook by the roadside; here, they’ve established a small theme park with playgrounds, adventure games, restaurants, and artisan shops.

14. Views from the Negroni Terrace

However, we believe that Turi doesn’t have the best views, at least not the most special. If we had to choose a memorable moment from our time in Cuenca, it would be watching the sunset from the terrace of the Negroni restaurant.

On a cloudy day, things didn’t look promising, but as we noticed the skies clearing and the last rays of sun painting the sky orange, we rushed there. We also enjoyed a refreshing orange drink: two Aperol spritz ($9 each) to bid farewell to the most beautiful city in Ecuador.

15. Hot Springs and Spas near Cuenca

Tired from all the sightseeing? In the surrounding areas of Cuenca, there are several hot springs. One of the most famous is Piedra de Agua, which even features underground thermal baths (check their thermal circuit and spa promotions; they offer daily deals, such as a 2-for-1 on Mondays and Fridays, priced at $33).

More budget-friendly options include Balneario El Riñón ($6) or Novaqua (basic plan for $16, including a station for aromatic drinks, thermal pool, contrast baths, and a thermal steam room).

Excursions from Cuenca

If you have time to explore the surroundings or arrive by car and want to make a stop before or after visiting Cuenca, here are the best day excursions:

› Parque Nacional Cajas

About half an hour by car towards Guayaquil, you’ll find Parque Nacional Cajas. Here, you can discover lagoons, forests, lakes, viewpoints, and various hiking options. It all depends on your time availability. Here’s our experience visiting El Cajas in Ecuador.

› Ruins of Ingapirca

Before reaching Cuenca, we stopped at the Ruins of Ingapirca, likely the most interesting archaeological site in Ecuador. It’s an ancient Cañari and later Inca city, of which excellent remains are preserved. It’s located a bit more than an hour and a half from Cuenca, making it a great daytime excursion.

More things to see and do in Cuenca

Of course, you need to take a good stroll through the historic center, visit its plazas, discover other churches (like San Alfonso), admire beautiful buildings like the Clinica Bolívar, stroll through the Flower Market or the Otavalo Market in Plaza de San Francisco (where the “CUENCA” sign is located), or indulge in Ecuadorian cuisine at some of Cuenca’s best restaurants.

Pressed for time? This tourist bus covers the main tourist spots and will save you a lot of time.

Useful information for your visit

As promised, here are a few recommendations to help organize your time in Cuenca:

› Where to stay

Any hotel within a few blocks of the Cathedral is a good option. We stayed at the Gran Hotel París, which had a perfect location (the hotel is nice, but the rooms were a bit dated).

Another area to look for accommodation is Calle Larga, where many of the best hotels in the city are located.

› Recommended restaurants

There are plenty of places to enjoy local cuisine, from menus starting at $2.5 at the Gran Hotel Paris (where we stayed) to the stalls at Mercado 10 de Agosto.

We also recommend trying a craft beer at CBC – Cuenca Beer Company in the Seminario San Luis, and to finish off with some chocolate from Chocolatería Dos Chorreras.

› How to get there and how to get around

The Cuenca airport is very close to the city center; a taxi ride will cost about $2-3. The bus terminal is next to the airport, and the price will be the same.

You can also take the tram, which costs $1, with tickets available from machines at all stops (cards and discounts are only for locals).

Map of the best places to see and do in Cuenca (Ecuador)

Here’s a map showcasing the locations of the places to visit in Cuenca:

These are all our recommendations for things to see and do in Cuenca (Ecuador) along with tips to prepare for your visit. We hope this information proves helpful and that you’re excited about what awaits you in this beautiful city. Have we missed any must-see spots?

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