Top Things to do in Cuenca
Top 10 Day Trips from 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 Cajas National Park Full Day Tour
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1 reviews
The Cajas National Park is a well known national park located in the highlands of Ecuador. The main highlight of a trip to El Cajas is to simply enjoy the breathtaking scenery for miles around. It is home to a large variety of animals some of which are endemic or highly endangered. The National Cajas Park takes you to a beautiful lake and Andes forest at the lower elevations of the national park. Tourists can stop by the visitor center at the mountain pass at 3,979 m. From there, you can go on a hike through several hiking trails or you go camping along the way. Get to know Cajas National Park with this full day private tour.
Inclusions: National Park fees, Local guide, Hotel pickup and drop-off, Lunch, Private Tour
Exclusions: Personal Expenses, Tips
Reviewed By daniellD4910OZ
The driver was quick to communicate and promptly picked me up at hotel on time. He was very friendly and informative about the country and region. The hike was very nice and the guide at the National Park was engaging, informative, and made for a pleasant hike. After hike we enjoyed a nice lunch then returned back to hotel in late afternoon.
3. Artisanal route and Cuenca City Tour
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 3 reviews
We will visit the picturesque craft villages of Gualaceo and Chordeleg, admiring the variety of objects that are made here, such as shawls, pottery and jewelry. After noon visit the city of Cuenca, considered one of the most beautiful cities of Ecuador, and one of the most beautiful cities in South America!
Inclusions: Professional guide, Hotel pickup and drop-off, Transport by private vehicle, Lunch
Exclusions: Tips, Drinks, 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.
4. Private Shuttle Cuenca to/from Guayaquil
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 9 reviews
Door-to-door private shuttle service between Guayaquil airport/hotel to and from Cuenca. A private shuttle means no stops and only your party is on board. Your schedule is our schedule! Anytime service
Inclusions: All taxes, fees and handling charges, Fuel surcharge, National Park fees, Bottled water, Hotel pickup and drop-off, Private shuttle
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!
5. Private Devil's Nose Hike and Ingapirca Ruins Tour
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 18 reviews
Embark on this private Devil's Nose Mountain hike and Ingapirca Ruins with a bilingual guide. You will get to explore one of the finest and most daring feats of engineering the world has ever seen. The Devil’s Nose Train connected the Andes Mountains to the coast back in the day. You will have the chance to hike in the area and also do a biking activity. Then we will visit the Ingapirca Ruins, considered one of the most important remains from the Incas in Ecuador. Hotel pickup and drop-off are included. You can choose from the tour options for an all-inclusive or a basic tour. A minimum of 2 adults per booking is required.
Inclusions: Hotel pickup and drop-off, Lunch (if option selected), All taxes, fees and handling charges, Transport by private vehicle or van, Driver/guide, Private tour, Lunch
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!
6. Cacao Farm & Chocolate tasting with a visit to Jubones desert
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1 reviews
Experience the contrast between the green highlands, dry desert, and the dense tropical area. Discover the flavors, aromas and taste of the Ecuadorian Cacao know as one of the best in the world. You will experience a chocolate tasting as well.
Inclusions: All taxes, fees and handling charges, Home made lunch with local family , Tour Guide/Driver, Hotel pickup and drop-off
Exclusions: Gratuities, Farm entrance fee $10 each
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!
7. Private Ingapirca Ruins Tour
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1 reviews
It is the most important archaeological site of the Incas in Ecuador. Marvel at the ruins, including the only elliptical temple of the sun made of perfectly carved stones. On Sundays we include a visit to the Indigenous Cañar Market. Highlights: • Visit the largest archaeological Inca site in Ecuador and the only elliptical temple of the Inca empire • Enjoy the beauty of the Ecuadorian Andes while you drive through the fertile ranchland of the countryside. • Visit the Cañar Market and immerse yourself in the traditions of the local indigenous tribes (Sundays) • See how the famous Panama Hats are woven
Inclusions: All taxes, fees and handling charges, Licensed tour guide/driver, Lunch (if option selected), Hotel/Airbnb pickup and drop-off
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!
8. Private Gualaceo & Chordeleg craft-making villages tour
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 5 reviews
Skilled artisans produce beautiful products here. Check out the exquisite textiles (hand-woven shawls and hand-embroidered clothing), jewelry made with unique techniques such as filigree, pottery, straw hats and much more... Highlights: • Browse the famous artisan-crafted guitars of San Bartolome • Check out Chordeleg's famous jewelry and ceramics • Learn about the Hispanic shawl-making technique called "Ikat" in Gualaceo • Walk through the colorful market in Gualaceo where you will see locals weaving hats on the streets
Inclusions: Licensed Tour Guide/Driver, Transportation, Lunch, Hotel/port 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!
9. Shared Cajas National Park Full Day Tour
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, Local guide, Lunch, Meeting point given by the operator ( near the hotel of the customer)
Exclusions: Personal Expenses, Tips
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.
10. Half-Day Biking and Walking Tour of Cuenca, Ecuador
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1 reviews
A different way to discover Cuenca is on a bicycle and walking, you will enjoyed the geography of the valley allows us to travel through the one of the most beautiful ecuadorian city. Will be visit the most representative sectors. In this fun tour, as you travel around the city you will feel part of it, appreciating and living in every corner a different experience. After a short bike tour, we will start the tour on foot through the historic center of the city, admiring its important churches, squares and above all enjoy the warmth of its people and the beautiful architecture. This tour will take us approximately 4 hours (biking 2 hours and walking 2 hours). This kind of tour is designed for all ages.
Inclusions: Use of bicycle, Use of helmet, Hotel pickup and drop-off, Bottled water
Exclusions: Lunch
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.
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