CuencavsQuito
Can't decide between Cuenca and Quito? Compare these two amazing destinations to find your perfect match.
Cuenca
Cuenca is Ecuador's most beautiful colonial city, a UNESCO World Heritage Site nestled in the southern highlands. With its terracotta rooftops, flower markets, riverside walks, and thriving expat community, it offers a more tranquil alternative to Quito with equally stunning architecture.
Known for
Quito
Quito sits at 2,850 meters in an Andean valley, the world's highest official capital. Its UNESCO-listed colonial center is the best-preserved in Latin America, with ornate churches, cobblestone plazas, and sweeping views of snow-capped volcanoes on clear days.
Known for
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Head-to-Head Comparison
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Culture & History
Cuenca offers New Cathedral (Catedral de la Inmaculada), Flower Market, Pumapungo Archaeological Park
Quito offers Plaza de la Independencia, Basílica del Voto Nacional, La Compañía Church
Food & Dining
Cuenca is famous for its local dining scene
Quito is famous for its local dining scene
Nightlife
Cuenca offers a relaxed evening atmosphere
Quito offers a relaxed evening atmosphere
Best Time to Visit
June to September
June to September
Weather
Summer: 20°C, Winter: 17°C
Summer: 20°C, Winter: 18°C
Top Attractions in Cuenca
- 1New Cathedral (Catedral de la Inmaculada)
- 2Flower Market
- 3Pumapungo Archaeological Park
- 4Barranco del Río Tomebamba
- 5Mirador de Turi
- 6Panama Hat Museum
Top Attractions in Quito
- 1Plaza de la Independencia
- 2Basílica del Voto Nacional
- 3La Compañía Church
- 4TelefériQo Cable Car
- 5Mitad del Mundo
- 6Calle La Ronda
Cuenca is Popular With
Quito is Popular With
Joyas Ocultas
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Joyas Ocultas en Cuenca
- 1
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.
- 2
Casa de los Arcos
A hidden cultural center and cafe located in a beautifully restored historic home with a serene interior courtyard garden.
Joyas Ocultas en Quito
- 1
Museo Casa del Alabado
A stunning pre-Columbian art museum housed in a beautifully restored 17th-century colonial house in the Old Town.
- 2
Itchimbía Park and Cultural Center
A hilltop park east of the Historic Center, crowned by the striking Palacio de Cristal (Crystal Palace), a glass and iron structure.
Barrios para Explorar
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Mejores Zonas en Cuenca
El Centro Histórico
The UNESCO-listed historic heart of Cuenca, defined by its grid of cobblestone streets, majestic plazas, and stunning colonial and republican-era architecture.
El Barranco (Río Tomebamba)
The dramatic riverbank area where the historic center meets the Tomebamba River.
Mejores Zonas en Quito
Centro Histórico (Old Town)
The heart and soul of Quito, this UNESCO World Heritage site is a labyrinth of steep, cobblestone streets lined with magnificent Spanish colonial and Baroque architecture.
La Mariscal (Gringolandia)
The city's primary tourist and nightlife district, known for its grid of streets filled with hostels, bars, restaurants, travel agencies, and souvenir shops.
Comparación de Presupuesto
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Presupuesto en Cuenca
Presupuesto en Quito
Book Activities
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Reserva Actividades en Cuenca
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Reserva Actividades en Quito
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Getting There
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Encuentra transporte barato a Cuenca
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Encuentra transporte barato a Quito
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Our Verdict
Both Cuenca and Quito are incredible destinations. Cuenca excels in colonial architecture and Panama hats, while Quito stands out for colonial architecture and equator line.
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