Most booked tours and tickets in Cuenca
Full-Day Tour, Ingapirca Archaeological Site and Incan mountain face from Cuenca
5.0169 reviews7h
from €49
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Top sights in Cuenca
- 1New Cathedral (Catedral de la Inmaculada)
- 2Flower Market
- 3Pumapungo Archaeological Park
- 4Barranco del Río Tomebamba
- 5Mirador de Turi
- 6Panama Hat Museum
- Immerse yourself in a living UNESCO World Heritage Site. Walk the perfectly preserved historic center, a grid of cobblestone streets lined with whitewashed buildings, ornate ironwork balconies, and magnificent churches like the New Cathedral and the Old Cathedral (El Sagrario). The city's architectural integrity is breathtaking and provides a constant, photogenic backdrop.
- Discover the authentic origin of the Panama hat. Visit the Museo del Sombrero de Paja Toquilla to see the intricate, weeks-long process of weaving the famous 'toquilla' straw hats, and purchase a genuine, high-quality 'superfino' directly from local workshops like Homero Ortega P. & Hijos.
- Experience a vibrant, affordable cultural hub. Cuenca boasts a thriving arts scene with galleries, the Pumapungo Museum's ethnographic collections, the Modern Art Museum, and frequent free concerts in the parks. Its large expat community also supports excellent, affordable Spanish language schools and a diverse culinary scene.
Tickets and passes in Cuenca
Food and drink experiences in Cuenca
4h Cooking Class in Cuenca with 9 Recipes & Bottomless Drinks
5.026 reviews4h
from €68
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Day trips and outdoor activities from Cuenca
Cuenca to Guayaquil one-way tour with Cajas Park and a Cacao Farm visit
4.956 reviews6h
from €67
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Hidden gems in Cuenca
Places most visitors miss, many of them free.
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.
Cerro de Cojitambo
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.
Day trips from Cuenca
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. It's a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve and a paradise for hiking and trout fishing.
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. The site also contains earlier Cañari ruins, showcasing the layered history of the region.
Gualaceo & Chordeleg
1 hour by bus or car
A classic craft market circuit in the warmer 'Azuay' valley. Gualaceo is known for its Sunday market and 'ikat' weaving, while Chordeleg is famous for its filigree silver jewelry and pottery.
Plan your Cuenca trip
Things to do in Cuenca: FAQ
What are the best things to do in Cuenca?+
Top sights include New Cathedral (Catedral de la Inmaculada), Flower Market, Pumapungo Archaeological Park and Barranco del Río Tomebamba. Away from the crowds, try Museo de las Culturas Aborígenes and Casa de los Arcos.
What are the most popular tours in Cuenca?+
The most booked experiences on Viator are Amazing Cajas National Park Tour from Cuenca (4.9 stars, 263 reviews); Cajas National Park Small-Group tour from Cuenca (5.0 stars, 232 reviews); Cajas National Park Half Day Tour from Cuenca (4.9 stars, 188 reviews).
How much do tours in Cuenca cost?+
The tours and tickets on this page start between €14 and €95 per person, depending on length and what is included.
Tours and prices from Viator, a Tripadvisor company. Prices change with your dates. We may earn a commission if you book, at no extra cost to you.