Cuenca
Cuenca is in Ecuador. A mid-range day costs about €84 per person, and hotels near the centre start at €26 a night.
Most visitors come for New Cathedral (Catedral de la Inmaculada), Flower Market, and Pumapungo Archaeological Park.
What to see and do
The sights most visitors come for: New Cathedral (Catedral de la Inmaculada), Flower Market, Pumapungo Archaeological Park, Barranco del Río Tomebamba, Mirador de Turi, and Panama Hat Museum.
Away from the crowds
- Museo de las Culturas Aborígenes: A private museum housing an incredible personal collection of over 5,000 pre-Columbian artifacts from Ecuador's diverse indigenous cultures.
- Casa de los Arcos: A hidden cultural center and cafe located in a beautifully restored historic home with a serene interior courtyard garden.
- Mercado de Artesanías del Barranco: A small, covered artisan market tucked along the Tomebamba riverbank, near the end of Calle Larga.
- La Cueva de los Murciélagos (Bat Cave): A small but fascinating cave system within the city limits, accessible via a staircase from the Barranco del Río Tomebamba.
Where to stay
El Vergel & Remigio Crespo is the most central area, 1.7 km from the centre.
- San Sebastián: 5 km from the centre. Best for Shoppers seeking authentic crafts and Travelers wanting a quieter stay.
- El Vergel & Remigio Crespo: 1.7 km from the centre, hotels about €29 a night. Best for Long-term stays/expats and Luxury shoppers.
Hotel Boutique La Ronda by Chat Noir 2-star hotel
From €26 a night300 metres from the centre.
Check prices on Traveloka for Hotel Boutique La Ronda by Chat NoirSocialtel Cuenca 3-star hotel
From €29 a night200 metres from the centre.
Check prices on Traveloka for Socialtel CuencaHotel Boutique Santa Lucia 4-star hotel
From €76 a night300 metres from the centre.
Check prices on Traveloka for Hotel Boutique Santa LuciaLowest prices found on 4 February 2026; they change with your dates.
Hotels are booked on Traveloka. Rates are the lowest we found; we may earn a commission, at no extra cost to you.
What it costs
A mid-range day costs about €84 per person: €50 for a room, €20 for food and €14 for sights. These are averages for Ecuador as a whole.
Eat 'almuerzos' (set lunches) at local markets or 'huecas' (small family restaurants) for $2.50-$4 for a soup, main, and drink.
€22 for a room, €9 for food, €5 for sights
€50 for a room, €20 for food, €14 for sights
€100 for a room, €40 for food, €32 for sights
Per person, travelling alone.
What to eat
If you want to experience a local party, look for signs for a 'peña'. These are informal gatherings with live Andean folk music, dancing, and food, often held on weekend nights at cultural centers.
- Cuy Asado, roasted guinea pig
- Hornado, slow-roasted pork
- Trucha, fresh trout from local rivers
- Mote pillo, scrambled eggs with hominy corn
- Morocho, a warm, thick corn and milk drink
- Tamales Cuencanos, steamed corn dough with pork, wrapped in achira leaves
Day trips
Parque Nacional Cajas
1 hour by bus or car. A breathtaking high-altitude páramo ecosystem with over 270 glacial lakes, rugged trails, and unique flora like the 'frailejón' plant.
Ingapirca
2 hours by bus or car. Ecuador's most significant Inca archaeological site, featuring the impressive Temple of the Sun, an elliptical structure built with precise stonework.
Gualaceo & Chordeleg
1 hour by bus or car. A classic craft market circuit in the warmer 'Azuay' valley.
Questions people ask
How much does a day in Cuenca cost?
About €36 a day on a budget, €84 mid-range and €172 in comfort, per person, for a room, food and sights.
Where should I stay in Cuenca?
El Vergel & Remigio Crespo is the most central area, 1.7 km from the centre.
Is Cuenca safe for tourists?
Yes, Cuenca is generally considered one of Ecuador's safest cities. The historic center is well-patrolled and feels safe day and night. Standard precautions apply: be aware of your surroundings, don't flash valuables, use official taxis, and avoid isolated areas after dark.
Do I need to speak Spanish in Cuenca?
It's very helpful. While you'll find English spoken in tourist offices, higher-end hotels, and some expat-run businesses, basic Spanish is essential for markets, local restaurants, taxis, and buses. Learning a few key phrases will greatly enhance your experience.
How do I get a genuine Panama hat?
Visit the Museo del Sombrero de Paja Toquilla to educate yourself first. Then, purchase from a reputable shop like Homero Ortega P. & Hijos or a certified vendor. A real, high-quality 'superfino' hat is flexible, has a tight, even weave, and will have the weaver's signature inside. Expect to pay from $50 to over $500.
What is the altitude, and will I get altitude sickness?
Cuenca sits at 2,560 meters (8,400 feet). Most visitors adapt quickly, but some may experience mild symptoms like shortness of breath or a headache. To acclimatize, take it easy the first day, stay hydrated, avoid heavy meals and alcohol, and consider drinking coca tea ('mate de coca').
Can I drink the tap water?
It is not generally recommended for visitors. The water is treated but may contain microorganisms your system isn't used to. Drink bottled, filtered, or boiled water. Most hotels and hostels provide filtered water dispensers. Avoid ice in drinks from street vendors.
What is the best way to handle money?
Ecuador uses the US Dollar (USD). Carry a mix of small bills ($1, $5, $10) and coins for buses, markets, and taxis. Credit cards are widely accepted in hotels and restaurants. Use ATMs from major banks (Banco del Austro, Banco Pichincha) during the day for the best security and lowest fees.
