Top Things to do in Cuenca
10 Nature & Parks in Cuenca That You Shouldn't Miss
Writers and poets have long flourished in arts-oriented Cuenca, the country's third-largest city and the capital of the Azuay province. Cafes and galleries are tucked among the narrow cobblestone streets. The main plaza hosts both the old cathedral, started in 1557, the year the city was founded, and the blue-domed Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, dating to 1885. Locally made Panama hats get top billing at the markets, with centrally located Casa de la Mujer a shopping standout.
Restaurants in Cuenca
1. El Cajas National Park
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 2,364 reviews
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.
2. Laguna La Toreadora
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 22 reviews
Reviewed By Robert937 - Rotterdam, The Netherlands
With some phantasy you could imagine this lagoon to be a bullring as it has a similar shape, but there the comparison stops. The lagoon near Las Cajas park entrance is a heaven for peace and quiet seekers. The trail circumventing it is about 3.5 km (just over two miles). Altitude is around 3900m (just under 13,000 feet). Ideal for a pleasant walk, though come prepared as weather conditions could change abruptly at these altitudes. Rain, snow, fog, wind, slippery terrain are part of adventure in the highlands. Better on weekdays, as during the weekend many locals from Cuenca and Guayaquil may visit. No admission fee. The lagoon is part of Las Cajas National Park.
3. Camino de Garcia Moreno
4. El Bosquete de Polypepis
5. Rio Yanuncay
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 9 reviews
Reviewed By WorldByBackpack - Cuenca, Ecuador
The word Cuenca means river basin and the rivers that cross though the city are an integral part of its culture. The Yanuncay is the second largest of the four mayor rivers in Cuenca. While parks line many parts of all the rivers, the Yanuncay has the longest almost uninterrupted park shoreline. One can walk for hours on the well kept wide paths following the river that you'll be sharing with cyclists and even the occasional horse rider.
6. Parque la Libertad
7. Rio Tomebamba
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 975 reviews
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.
8. Plaza Abdon Calderon
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 673 reviews
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.
9. Ecuagenera - Orchids from Ecuador
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 172 reviews
If you are an orchid lover and have planned to visit ECUADOR, one of the most biodiverse countries in the world where more than 4,200 species of Ecuadorian Orchids grow, home to more than 1600 species of birds, 16 ethnic groups, 70 volcanoes in the Andes Highlands, and its wonderful beaches... We invite YOU to visit the SOUTH AMERICA'S LARGEST ORCHID NURSERY... "ECUAGENERA". It is located in the South part of Ecuadorian Highlands, 40km near to Cuenca City in the Province of Azuay. A privileged area with an altitude of 2200m above sea level and a temperature of 17oC that allow us to grow orchids of different microclimates: Coast, Highlands and Amazon. Visit us and enjoy this wonderful weather, take amazing pictures of all the Ecuadorian orchids that are in bloom and be part of the experience. As well, you will learn about the conservation program Ecuagenera is caring out, orchids growing process, commercialization and exportation. We are sure that your visit to this wonderful place will result you a FASCINATING EXPERIENCE AND MARVELOUS ADVENTURE.
Reviewed By kg9869388
Travel in a pandemic has its pluses. Ecuagenera makes money by attending 70+ orchid shows per year - all cancelled in 2020. So our family lucked into a private tour of Ecuagenera with its welcoming President, the bilingual Jose Portilla. Mr. Portilla taught us about orchids from germination to flowering. One orchid seed pod has 3 million tiny seeds because a vanishing fraction actually germinate. The company history is equally fascinating. The Portilla brothers grew up in an Amazonian village and were compelled to help the Salesian Padre who taught them in school with his orchid fascination after school and weekends. Years passed and the drudgery morphed into an incredible business opportunity. Mr. Portilla is now available to take orchid/nature lovers on tours to the Amazon. Do it! And if you can’t, tour the Ecuagenera facility in Gualaceo.
