Top Things to do in Cuenca
Top 10 Bus Tours in Cuenca, Azuay Province
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. Gualaceo, Chordeleg, and San Bartolomé from Cuenca
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 6 reviews
In the tour of the artisan villages, you will visit 3 important towns of the province of azuay Gualaceo, Chordeleg, San Bartolome and in each one you will have the opportunity to know about the elaboration of some crafts such as guitars, jewelery or textiles. Also during this day you can admire the beautiful landscape of the Andes mixed with the color of the traditional "cholas cuencanas" that always wear their colorful skirts and shawls, and you will enjoy the old colonial style houses. And for lovers of local food this tour will take you to a local market to enjoy culinary delights.
Inclusions: Lunch, Professional guide, Hotel pickup and drop-off, Transport by private vehicle
Exclusions: Drinks, Tips
Reviewed By catherineagrizzard7
I took the 4 day tour with Edison in May. It was my mom and I’s first time to Ecuador and we never would have been able to see so much without this tour. Everything in Ecuador is truly incredible and on this tour you could see all the best sights in a short time. Our guide, Edison, and our driver Diego made the tour even more enjoyable as they were super fun to be around and incredibly knowledgeable of their country. They have great pride in their country and it’s obvious they love what they do. The tour has got something for everyone. I love active things and there were plenty of opportunities to challenge myself with hiking and adrenaline actives like cable cars and swings over cliffs. My mom loves learning about the culture and we got the opportunity to visit plenty of markets and learn about the natives of Ecuador. Edison really listens to you and makes sure you know that this tour is for you, they really work to make sure you enjoy their country. I’m normally never a “tour” person, I like to backpack. But I loved this experience and would recommend it to anyone looking to experience Ecuador in a short amount of time.
2. Private Trekking Full-Day Tour at Cajas National Park
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1 reviews
It will be an unparalleled experience as it will be possible to observe a very diverse fauna, such as Andean condors, giant hummingbirds and coatis. Next to the park, the sanctuary of the Virgen del Cajas is a place of pilgrimage in the open air where they say the Virgin Mary appeared. The main activities practiced are photography, hiking and experiential fishing.
Inclusions: National Park fees, Driver, Professional guide, Hotel pickup and drop-off, Lunch
Exclusions: Food and drinks, unless specified, Personal Expenses
Reviewed By daniellD4910OZ
Driver picked us up on time at hotel at 7am and informed us that main road to Cajas was closed due to a mudslide but no problem there's another way that is slightly longer(if you hear that consider not going) it ended up taking 6hrs to get there when normally takes 3hrs or less. Finally reached the park at 1pm to begin hike. Milton our guide met us there and did an awesome job of leading us on a hike. Milton was very engaging and informative and did an excellent job. Finished hike at 4:15 and was advised main road should be open but driver opted to take the alternate route (6hr drive back to Guayaquil arriving back to hotel at 10pm. Fortunately we brought a few snacks as driver never did stop and allow us to eat a meal(supposed to be included) 15hrs without eating can be rough so plan accordingly. Overall the hike part of the trip was awesome and would definitely do it again but like I said, if alternate route is mentioned consider opting out and trying a different day.
3. Cajas National Park+Turi viewpoint, Day Tour
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 7 reviews
Cajas National Park is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful natural places of Ecuador with more than 200 glacial lakes and a range of alternatives for hiking for everyone. Enjoy the scenery of the Andean Highlands during this private tour designed according to your requirements.
Inclusions: Professional guide, Hotel pickup and drop-off, Transport by private vehicle, All activities, Lunch
Exclusions: Drinks, Tips
Reviewed By catherineagrizzard7
I took the 4 day tour with Edison in May. It was my mom and I’s first time to Ecuador and we never would have been able to see so much without this tour. Everything in Ecuador is truly incredible and on this tour you could see all the best sights in a short time. Our guide, Edison, and our driver Diego made the tour even more enjoyable as they were super fun to be around and incredibly knowledgeable of their country. They have great pride in their country and it’s obvious they love what they do. The tour has got something for everyone. I love active things and there were plenty of opportunities to challenge myself with hiking and adrenaline actives like cable cars and swings over cliffs. My mom loves learning about the culture and we got the opportunity to visit plenty of markets and learn about the natives of Ecuador. Edison really listens to you and makes sure you know that this tour is for you, they really work to make sure you enjoy their country. I’m normally never a “tour” person, I like to backpack. But I loved this experience and would recommend it to anyone looking to experience Ecuador in a short amount of time.
4. Full day Cajas National Park
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 8 reviews
Discover the magic of Cajas National Park, one of the most beautiful places in South America, on a full day tour of approximately 8 hours. Explore and learn about the Andean vegetation. In this spectacular place you can enjoy a lake system that has more than 200 lakes of glacial origin. In addition to the beautiful landscape, you can enjoy the presence of beautiful birds, llamas and alpacas. The park is located 30km west of the city of Cuenca, between 3160 and 4450masl, the surface area of the park is 28544 hectares and the ecosystem known as paramo predominates. Experience the authentic!
Inclusions: Professional guide, Hotel pickup and drop-off, Transport by private vehicle, Typical Lunch
Exclusions: Drinks, Tips, Personal expenses
Reviewed By catherineagrizzard7
I took the 4 day tour with Edison in May. It was my mom and I’s first time to Ecuador and we never would have been able to see so much without this tour. Everything in Ecuador is truly incredible and on this tour you could see all the best sights in a short time. Our guide, Edison, and our driver Diego made the tour even more enjoyable as they were super fun to be around and incredibly knowledgeable of their country. They have great pride in their country and it’s obvious they love what they do. The tour has got something for everyone. I love active things and there were plenty of opportunities to challenge myself with hiking and adrenaline actives like cable cars and swings over cliffs. My mom loves learning about the culture and we got the opportunity to visit plenty of markets and learn about the natives of Ecuador. Edison really listens to you and makes sure you know that this tour is for you, they really work to make sure you enjoy their country. I’m normally never a “tour” person, I like to backpack. But I loved this experience and would recommend it to anyone looking to experience Ecuador in a short amount of time.
5. Giron Waterfall and Busa Lake
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 2 reviews
Enjoy a drive among beautiful ranches to reach El Chorro de Giron waterfall where we will hike through the cloud forest. Later we will visit Busa lake where we will do a hike around it.
Inclusions: Hotel pick-up, Licensed tour guide English/Spanish, Transportation, Lunch
Exclusions: Tips (optional), entrance fees and extras., Entrance fee to Waterfall $3 p.p, Entrance fee to Busa lake $2 p.p
Reviewed By julieb1954
Best trip to the airport EVER! My driver, Wilson, was not only an excellant, thoughtful driver, he is an experienced tour guide. He pointed out geographical features throughout the trip. I learned a great deal about beautiful Ecuador. Thank you!
6. 11-Day Hidden Treasure Ecuador
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1 reviews
This tour takes you to all the best parts of Ecuador in just 11 days. You will go to places where other tours will not take you. You will find out what the hidden treasures of this tour are when you arrive at the airport. Enjoy one of the most biodiverse countries in the world, you will visit the cloud forest, the andes mountains, some volcanoes, beautiful cities, the pacific coast and a local market. The highlights of this tour will be: • Historical cities: you will visit Quito and Cuenca, beautiful historical cities. • Cloud forest: here you can enjoy the amazing nature and different animal species. • Volcanoes: take the perfect photos at three different volcanoes. • Local villages: Guamote local market and the Tigua community will be visited. • Pacific Coast: visit Guayaquil to enjoy the best weather and seafood dishes.
Inclusions: Accommodation in a single, double or triple room., Lunch, Lunch, Breakfast, Breakfast, Dinner, Dinner, Dinner, Lunch, Lunch, Breakfast, Breakfast, Lunch, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Dinner, Private bilingual guide during the activities, Private transportation with a Spanish speaking driver., Guided horse tour on healthy strong horses for all levels, 24/7 assistance in Dutch, English, and Spanish., Airport transfers to/from Quito airport
Exclusions: International flights., Personal travel & health insurance (mandatory), Food & drinks that are not mentioned in the itinerary., Optional mules rent ($10) at Quilotoa, Optional 30 min. kayak trip in the lagoon ($5) at Quilotoa, Optional tips for guide.
Reviewed By mbennaton
We (my husband and I ) had an amazing time in the Galapagos Islands! We did this trip at the end of October 2020 after the stressful lockdown covid months, so we were looking forward to unwind and visit for the first time the enchanted islands as our vacation. The tours designed by Rebecca Adventure were perfect and customized to our taste and needs. We visited Santa Cruz and Isabela and it was perfect because there weren't many tourists at the time due to the pandemic. We were truly impressed with all the activities, the wildlife and the services provided by our tour guides. We got to see most of the land and marine fauna that we expected, including hammerhead sharks. It was without a doubt one of the most memorable trips of our lives. We highly recommend Rebecca Adventure as your tour agency for the Galapagos and Ecuador. Biosecurity measures were very well respected on the islands, so its safe to travel! If you're looking to come to Ecuador and the Galapagos this is the time, still less tourists, the wildlife is truly impressive and besides life is short, take risks and ENJOY IT!
7. Discover The Top Ten Ecuador Highlights
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1 reviews
This is a nice tour for you, in this trip you have the opportunity to visit part of the Andean Highlands while you go along the Volcanoes Avenue, you´ll go down to enjoy the beauty of the jungle. It is a ideal journey for people who want to walk along paths with volcanoes, lagoons, waterfalls, colonial cities, archaeological sites, indigenous markets, etc. We will start in Quito and end in Cuenca. Check our tripadvisor photo gallery. ONE WAY: QUITO - COTOPAXI - QUILOTOA - PUYO - BAÑOS - DEVIL'S NOSE TRAIN - CUENCA -
Inclusions: Breakfast x 7, 7 nights accommodation based on double occupancy, All activities, Driver/guide, Entrance fees
Exclusions: Train tickets ($33 each adult / $22 each child), Meals (lunch & dinner), Personal expenses, Tips
Reviewed By catherineagrizzard7
I took the 4 day tour with Edison in May. It was my mom and I’s first time to Ecuador and we never would have been able to see so much without this tour. Everything in Ecuador is truly incredible and on this tour you could see all the best sights in a short time. Our guide, Edison, and our driver Diego made the tour even more enjoyable as they were super fun to be around and incredibly knowledgeable of their country. They have great pride in their country and it’s obvious they love what they do. The tour has got something for everyone. I love active things and there were plenty of opportunities to challenge myself with hiking and adrenaline actives like cable cars and swings over cliffs. My mom loves learning about the culture and we got the opportunity to visit plenty of markets and learn about the natives of Ecuador. Edison really listens to you and makes sure you know that this tour is for you, they really work to make sure you enjoy their country. I’m normally never a “tour” person, I like to backpack. But I loved this experience and would recommend it to anyone looking to experience Ecuador in a short amount of time.
8. Full-Day Cajas National Park Tour from Cuenca, Ecuador
Overall Ratings
4.9 based on 35 reviews
Hike through the ecosystem of primary cloud forest, afterwards the intercontinental water division and finally take an amazing walk across the highlands to exprore the unique Polylepis Forest. The park includes approximately 768 lakes in an area of 70,533 acres. It is one of the most important water sources in Cuenca and Ecuador
Inclusions: Hotel/port pickup and drop-off, Naturalist Tour Guide, Transport by private vehicle, All taxes, fees and handling charges, Lunch with trout option (If option selected)
Exclusions: Gratuities
Reviewed By julieb1954
Best trip to the airport EVER! My driver, Wilson, was not only an excellant, thoughtful driver, he is an experienced tour guide. He pointed out geographical features throughout the trip. I learned a great deal about beautiful Ecuador. Thank you!
9. Guayaquil to Cuenca one-way tour with Cajas Park and a Cacao Farm
Overall Ratings
4.9 based on 21 reviews
Enjoy our one-way flexible, convenient and private tour departing from Guayaquil to Cuenca including a visit to a cacao farm and a optional hike in Cajas National Park. Allowed 2 suitcases p.p
Inclusions: Tour Guide/Driver (Licensed), Transportation, Lunch (If option selected), Hotel pickup and drop-off, All taxes, fees and handling charges
Exclusions: Gratuities
Reviewed By julieb1954
Best trip to the airport EVER! My driver, Wilson, was not only an excellant, thoughtful driver, he is an experienced tour guide. He pointed out geographical features throughout the trip. I learned a great deal about beautiful Ecuador. Thank you!
10. Excursion to the National Park "El Cajas"
Overall Ratings
4.9 based on 20 reviews
The Cajas National Park, has a lake system of more than 160 lagoons, with a unique landscape. In our visit we characterize the high Andean forest where we have a large number of birds and a unique flora; We also characterize the moorland ecosystem where we will visit the polylepis forest and perform an environmental interpretation of these sites while our tourists enjoy the landscapes offered by the national park
Inclusions: Air-conditioned vehicle, Lunch
Exclusions: This is borne by the passengers
Reviewed By petersen1
Andres picked me up at hotel in Cuenca to go to the Devils nose train. Professional knowledgeable and patient he was a very nice driver. I used a walker and he assisted this wonderfully. The ruins were not visited on the return trip as it was quite foggy. At no time was I concerned regarding his driving. I would recommend him highly.
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