10 Free Things to do in Azuay Province That You Shouldn't Miss

March 15, 2022 Augustus Redeker

Azuay (Spanish pronunciation: [aˈswaj]), Province of Azuay is a province of Ecuador, created on 25 June 1824. It encompasses an area of 8,309.58 square kilometres (3,208.35 sq mi). Its capital is Cuenca. It is located in the south center of Ecuador in the highlands. Its mountains reach 4,500 m (14,800 ft) above sea level in the national park of El Cajas.
Restaurants in Azuay Province

1. El Cajas National Park

Cuenca 010219 Ecuador +593 7-237-0127 http://www.ambiente.gob.ec/parque-nacional-cajas/
Excellent
80%
Good
17%
Satisfactory
3%
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Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 2,364 reviews

El Cajas National Park

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.

Calle Larga 1-209 Miguel Angel Estrella, Cuenca 010150 Ecuador +593 7-284-6768 [email protected] http://www.miguelillescas.com.ec
Excellent
94%
Good
6%
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5.0 based on 18 reviews

Miguel Illescas Art Gallery

In "MIGUEL ILLESCAS C. ART GALLERY" you can find two and three-dimesional works made by ecuatorian artist MIGUEL ILESCAS C., an invitarion for the viewer to discover codes that will lead to a magicl an fantastic encounter. Permanent exhibition of national and international guest artist also silver jewelry designs. Visit us, we will glad to receive you.

3. Rio Tomebamba

Cuenca Ecuador +593 99 221 0921
Excellent
60%
Good
31%
Satisfactory
7%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 975 reviews

Rio Tomebamba

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.

4. Plaza Abdon Calderon

Mariscal Sucre, Cuenca 010150 Ecuador
Excellent
59%
Good
35%
Satisfactory
5%
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4.5 based on 673 reviews

Plaza Abdon Calderon

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.

5. La Catedral de la Inmaculada Concepcion de Cuenca

Padre Aguirre 8-27 In front of Parque Calderon, Cuenca 010150 Ecuador +593 98 333 5238 http://iglesiadecuenca.ec
Excellent
68%
Good
27%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
1%
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4.5 based on 1,086 reviews

La Catedral de la Inmaculada Concepcion de Cuenca

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.

6. Pumapungo Museum and Arqueological Park - MCYP

Calle Larga y Huayna Capac s/n, Cuenca 010110 Ecuador +593 2831521 [email protected] http://www.museos.gob.ec/redmuseos/index.php/museos/itempumapungo
Excellent
54%
Good
33%
Satisfactory
10%
Poor
2%
Terrible
1%
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4.5 based on 886 reviews

Pumapungo Museum and Arqueological Park - MCYP

The Museum and Ancestral Park of Pumapungo, are the two main elements that conform the cultural complex administered by Ecuador's Culture and Heritage Ministry in the city of Cuenca. These are public spaces, open to a variety of cultural activities, projects, and initiatives, that have a very profound meaning for Cuenca's citizens. Pumapungo Museum has a lot of different components. It has seven temporary exhibition rooms were a wide diversity of exhibitions are produced: art, history, photography, sculpture are some of them. It also has an archeology exhibition room - site museum, where the development of society is explained through time, as well as the Inca occupation and findings at the Pumapungo archeological site. In addition, the museum exhibits the national ethnography room, where Ecuador's multicultural diversity is displayed through vivid representations of every day's life, dresses, instruments and images. The museum also counts with a library and historic archive; both open for free and open access from the public, art, archeology and ethnography reserves, which are available for students as well as for national and international investigators. In total, the complex conserves around 160.000 cultural and heritage goods. Another important component of the cultural complex is the Ancestral Park. There are three main elements: The archeological park, where visitors can appreciate the remains of the once most important administrative, military and religious center of the northern part of the Inca Empire; the Ethnobotanic park, with more than 230 species of native Andean plants and trees, this space has become the last native ecological niche in the center of Cuenca, and it is the reason why it is visited by more than 30 local species of birds daily. The park is also a very important space for educational activities aimed at illustrate ancestral knowledge and traditions. The bird rescue center is the last element of Pumapungo's Ancestral Park. At the moment it contains about 200 birds of around 25 species. It complements the whole educative content of the park, as this animals are filled with significance and myths of our ancestors. We work together with the Ministry of environment to fight against the illicit traffic of native species. In this area we cure and feed the birds that are brought by the competent authorities. After the birds have reached its optimal shape, we coordinate its liberation in the birds original environment. Shamefully, in most of the cases, this liberation process is not possible, as the birds have suffered from irreversible injuries, and conditioning of their behavior. The park has a full time 13 people team, that carry the traditional knowledge needed to attend all of its areas. Biologists, veterinarians, agronomic engineers, are amongst them.

Reviewed By JoshAdvisor - Launceston, United Kingdom

For a free activity this easily took a couple of hours to see. Interesting (some bilingual) exhibitions indoors and an extensive outdoor area with flowers, llamas and ruins. Other than the depressing aviary the whole place was a great way to spend an afternoon and all for free.

7. Homero Ortega

Avenue Gil Ramirez Davalos 3-86 Behind Terminal Terrestre Bus Station, Cuenca 010150 Ecuador +593 7-280-9000 [email protected] http://www.homeroortega.com
Excellent
63%
Good
29%
Satisfactory
6%
Poor
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4.5 based on 363 reviews

Homero Ortega

Reviewed By Dorito50 - Washington DC, United States

The free guided tour (in English or Spanish) of how the misnamed Panama hat of Ecuador is made is fascinating. Also welcome is the freedom to wonder among the workers to see what they do up close, ask questions and take photos. The tour ends, of course, in the company store, including the room where the finest and most expensive hats are on display. Hats at all price levels are available and, even if you don't buy, you can try them on for fun. If you happen to arrive at a time when no guided tour is available, there is good bilingual signage to self-tour. Panama hats are one of Ecuador's signature crafts. Homero Ortega offers a wonderful opportunity to learn about them and maybe take one home..

8. Eduardo Vega Galeria Taller

201, Camino a Turi, Cuenca 5937 Ecuador +593 7-288-1407 [email protected]
Excellent
65%
Good
21%
Satisfactory
8%
Poor
3%
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4.5 based on 186 reviews

Eduardo Vega Galeria Taller

Reviewed By bwdmusic - Cuenca, Ecuador

Took a group of ladies here last week and everyone enjoyed seeing the beautiful artwork and most took a sampling home to enjoy.

9. Mirador de Turi

D. Gonzalez del Barco, Cuenca 010150 Ecuador +593 98 756 0290 http://www.ecuador360.travel/index.php/ciudades-de-ecuador/guia-de-atractivos-de-cuenca/el-turi-mirador-cuenca
Excellent
46%
Good
37%
Satisfactory
14%
Poor
3%
Terrible
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Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 1,174 reviews

Mirador de Turi

Reviewed By susansJ9674OJ

The view of Cuenca is spectacular! I would strongly suggest that you take the city bus tour, during the day, which stops at the top of Tui. Then go back by taxi at nighttime! Both views are great and well worth the time.

10. Art Cuenca

Simon Bolivar and Miguel Heredia, Cuenca 010150 Ecuador +593 7-282-8558 [email protected]
Excellent
69%
Good
27%
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4%
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4.5 based on 26 reviews

Art Cuenca

Visit the artists, artisans and designers of Cuenca. Art Cuenca can plan a great visit into the studios, galleries or shops to see the process and learn from them. You can also buy the art straight from the artists paying a good price. Also visit our gallery located on Bolivar and Miguel HerediaVisite artistas, artesanos y disenadores de Cuenca. Art Cuenca puede planear una visita a los estudios, galerias y talleres para ver el proceso y conocer mas sobre el mismo. Puede compara el arte directamente del autor, pagando un buen precio.Tambien puede visitar nuestra galeria ubicada en la Simon Bolivar y Miguel Heredia.

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