Unique Things To Do In Cuenca Ecuador

An Overview of Cuenca

Found in a highland valley in the Azuay Province, Cuenca is a vibrant colonial city with a laid -back vibe and a range of gorgeous buildings. The city has lovely narrow streets, interesting building, well-preserved Incan ruins, incredible art galleries and excellent food. The city is located near numerous nearby mountain ranges and the gorgeous Cajas National Park, which allows for extrodinary highland hikes through the Andes. With its grand views of mountains, beautiful parks, thriving nightlife and distinct culture, there are many unique things to do in Cuenca, Ecuador.

Advice While Visiting Cuenca

The road to and from Guayaquil winds through a steep portion of the mountains.  Landslides are somewhat common, so delays happen a few times each week. This is true for the majority of long-distance busses traveling the region.

Supermaxi and Coral are the most popular general purpose shopping centers, but the Mercados, open vegetable markets usually located on the city fringes are where food is the healthiest and cheapest.  When buying goods, an ID is generally asked for.  Drivers Licenses are fine, but Passports or Passport Cards are preferred. 

Busses leaving from Cuenca to the Cajas Mountains in the early morning leave from Terminal Terrestre de Cuenca. To return from Cajas National Park to the city, simply wait at the small awning near the park entrance and a bus driving towards the city will pick a person up if there is room available. 

Several unique things to do in Cuenca, including Cajas National Park, the Cathedral of Immaculate Conception, the Incan Ruins Pumapungo are free, though passports are needed to enter.

Cuenca has free internet WIFI located in their popular parks, though a one-minute video must be watched to access this internet.  The internet works on one device for one hour per day. 

For individuals frequently visiting the Centro area, Cuenca has a light rail system, ETAPA.  The Tranvia card (purchased at the airport) cuts down on the cost of this train considerably (about $0.35 cents USD per ride).

The Cuenca accent is relatively neutral and easy to understand.  However, like much of Cuenca, the “B” and “V” sounds are used interchangeably and without strong distinction. 

Centro is the most popular area for expats in Cuenca to visit, but the sounds of traffic are fairly strong.  Most opt to stay on the various neighborhoods just outside of the city center. 

Guinea Pigs are a local delicacy in Ecuador and are available, roasted, in Cuenca.  Though the Spanish word for the animal is Cobayo, the food is pronounced as “Quee” when ordering.

Cuenca does not offer Uber, Lyft or other ride-sharing services but Taxis in the city are extremely reliable and honest.  Super Taxis Cuenca or Ejucutivo San Luis are the best options.

After eight or nine PM, taxi rates increase considerably and the cost on the meter rises more rapidly. 

The various parks in Cuenca, such as Parque de la Madre, San Sebastian and others have dancing in the evenings.  Anyone is welcome to attend. 

Unique Things To Do In Cuenca

Cathedral of Immaculate Conception

This is the large and ornate cathedral in the center of Cuenca.  The upper levels, accessible for two dollars via Santa Anna Calle, overlook the city with splendid clarity.

Parque Calderon 

This is a famous central park located directly adjacent to the Cathedral of Immaculate Conception. The park is a popular gathering site with monuments, trees and small walking trails. There are often performances here.

Parque De La Madre 

This is a small park to the south of Centro Cuenca.  The park is a popular area for working out, complete with a running track, playground and plaza area.

Parque El Paraiso

Parque El Paraiso is a large park located to the south-east of Cuenca’s Centro area.  The Park has short hiking trails, scenic lakes and a sports field. It’s an extremely scenic area to walk around, especially during the spring.

Parque San Sebastian 

This is a small paved park located to the north-west of Centro Cuenca.  The park is famous for the small shops that ring the edges, including several restaurants and bars.

Calle Santa Anna 

This is a small, rather pretty, pedestrian traffic road located along the side of the Cathedral of Immaculate Conception.  It has access to various walk-in shops and the upper floors of the Cathedral.

Negroni 

This is an upscale, reservation-only restaurant located atop a shopping center near Parque Calderon.  It is famous for it’s unobstructed views of the upper stories of the Cathedral of Immaculate Conception.

Plaza del Flores 

Celebrating a major export in Cuenca, this flower market is crammed with floral arrangements for sale and a special drink that supposedly deeply relaxes people. The drink is known as Agua de Pitimas, made by nuns while living in seclusion in the nearby monastery. The drink is formulated with an ancient, secret recipe which uses dozens of flowers and herbs.

Totto Freddo 

This is a popular artisinal ice cream franchise with locations scattered throughout the city.

Ruinas de Pumapungo

These are an impressive series of well-preserved Incan ruins that overlook the southern portion of Cuenca. Exploring the ancient structures is one of the most unique things to do in Cuenca. Entry to the ruins is free, allowing guests to walk amongst the numerous platforms, cultural gardens and historical markers. There’s a museum attatched.

Miguel Illescas Art Gallery 

This is a uniquely styled art gallery located near the entrance of Ruinas de Pumapungo. The art within involves many colorful sculptures, glinting objects and strange paintings.

Amaru Zoo (Amaru Bioparque Cuenca)

This is a small zoo embedded on the side of a mountain.  The zoo is home to a fair number of Ecuadorian local animals, but the trail is steep and often hard-packed dirt. Visitors should expect rather steep climbs.

Mirador del Turi

This is a famous overlook of Cuenca, located on a mountain directly south of the city’s center.  There are swings here where people can sit while overlooking the city. 

Cuenca Botanical Gardens

This is a small, well-maintained botanical garden to the south of the city.

Puento Roto (Broken Bridge) 

Considered a popular meeting spot, this small bridge sits next to the November Path, a walking trail flowing a scenic river flowing through the city.

Cajas National Park 

Cajas National Park (Parque Nacional Cajas) is a large, exceptionally beautiful biosphere at high altitudes.  The park and surrounding mountains naturally store a considerable amount of Cuenca’s very pure drinking water.  Weather is somewhat wild and unpredictable in this area, so harsh sun, high winds, dense clouds, rain, fog and dry air are all possible within the same hour.  The weather is usually clearest in the early morning.  Park entry is free but requires a passport. 

Goza Coffee 

Goza Coffee is known as a popular expat café with good food and somewhat higher prices.

Paradise 

Located near a park, Paradise is a popular and excellent Indian restaurant located close to Parque de La Madre.

Read more about points of unique things to do in Cuenca and seeing the world by visiting Leftfade Trails Blog.

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