Things to do in Cuenca

Activities, attractions and tours

A cityscape with a prominent highway, dense residential areas, and surrounding mountains.
An aerial view of a city with a large white building surrounded by green fields and terraced gardens.
A historic cathedral with blue domes, a green gazebo, and palm trees.
A statue of a woman holding a child in a park.
A night view of a historic building with domed architecture and fireworks in the sky.

Things to do

Cajas National Park Half Day Tour from Cuenca

Cajas National Park Half Day Tour from Cuenca

P2,438
per adult
Cajas National Park Half Day Tour from Cuenca
Toreadora lake Cajas NP

Cajas Unveiled: A Half-Day Escape from Cuenca

P2,498
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
Cajas Unveiled: A Half-Day Escape from Cuenca
Viewpoint

Viewpoints of Cuenca 360

P811
per adult
Viewpoints of Cuenca 360
Basin: Chocolate Tour with Practice Class

Basin: Chocolate Tour with Practice Class

P1,250
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
Basin: Chocolate Tour with Practice Class
Panama Hat Factory

Cuenca-Ec- Highlights City Tour

P994
per adult
Cuenca-Ec- Highlights City Tour
Ingapirca Ruins and Inca Face Small Group Tour from Cuenca.

Ingapirca Ruins and Inca Face Small Group Tour from Cuenca.

P3,626
per adult
Ingapirca Ruins and Inca Face Small Group Tour from Cuenca.
Giron Chorro Waterfall

Giron Waterfall and Busa Lake

P3,375
per adult
Giron Waterfall and Busa Lake
Cuenca down town

Cuenca Half-Day City Tour Including Panama Hat Factory

P2,188
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
Cuenca Half-Day City Tour Including Panama Hat Factory
Cuenca: Half-Day City Tour including Panama Hat Factory

Cuenca: Half-Day City Tour including Panama Hat Factory

P2,188
per adult
Cuenca: Half-Day City Tour including Panama Hat Factory
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What to do in Cuenca

Stay near popular Cuenca attractions

A cobblestone street leading to a town square with a view of distant hills.

Río Tomebamba & Calle Larga

9.4/10 (310 reviews)
Río Tomebamba flows through Cuenca, naturally dividing the historic center from modern neighborhoods. Stroll along its scenic banks or explore Calle Larga's colonial architecture, museums, and vibrant café scene.
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Where to stay in Cuenca

Find the best Cuenca areas and neighborhoods for the activities you enjoy most. Learn more about Cuenca
Learn more about Cuenca
A white church with a bell tower and dome, surrounded by cobblestone streets and palm trees.

San Sebastián

While San Sebastián isn't home to many top sights, San Sebastian Plaza and Río Tomebamba & Calle Larga are some notable places to visit nearby.

A historic building with a tower, a fountain, and a street with pedestrians and vehicles.

El Barranco

While visiting El Barranco, you might make a stop by sights like Río Tomebamba & Calle Larga and Puente Roto.

A cityscape at night with illuminated streets and prominent buildings.

Puertas del Sol

When in Puertas del Sol, you can plan a visit to San Sebastian Plaza and University of Cuenca's Orchid Garden, some noteworthy sights in the nearby area.

A historic cathedral with multiple domes and a bell tower.
Photo by Botak Jon
Open Photo by Botak Jon

Downtown Cuenca

Travelers come to Downtown Cuenca for its abundant dining options, and you can see top attractions like Río Tomebamba & Calle Larga and San Sebastian Plaza while you're in town.

A cityscape with historic architecture, including domed buildings and a prominent church tower.

Cuenca Historic Center

While you're in Cuenca Historic Center, take in top sights like Río Tomebamba & Calle Larga and jump on the metro at Gaspar Sangurima Tram Station to see more of the city.

Frequently asked questions

Is Cuenca worth visiting?
From shopping to outdoor activities and history, there are plenty of fun things to do in Cuenca. Don't forget to discover the area's blend of unmissable attractions, culture and local charm.
How do I spend a day in Cuenca?
Once you've checked off leading attractions like Amaru Zoo and Pumapungo Archaeological Park, spend the rest of your day enjoying Cuenca's shopping and food scene.
What is the top tourist attraction in Cuenca?
The top tourist attraction in Cuenca is Amaru Zoo, so make sure to include it on your sightseeing list.
Is three days enough to stay in Cuenca?
Three days will be enough time to tick off many city highlights, such as Amaru Zoo, Casa de los Arcos Art Museum and Galeria FVega. The average stay in Cuenca is three days. If you have the time to extend your adventure, Paute isn't far away.
Is Cuenca a walkable city?
Some major attractions in Cuenca, like Casa de los Arcos Art Museum and Galeria FVega, are within walking distance. You can also visit several of the city's popular neighborhoods on foot. Just 0.16 kilometers from central Cuenca is Downtown Cuenca and Cuenca Historic Center is 0.32 kilometers away.
What are some activities to do in Cuenca with kids?
Whether you're traveling with tiny adventurers or hard-to-please teens, an itinerary filled with fun activities takes your trip to the next level. Take a look at our ideas for what to do in Cuenca with kids.

What to do in Cuenca for adults?
Sombrero Museum and Museum of the Aboriginal Cultures are just a couple of the things to do in Cuenca. With loads of activities available, there's something here for everyone to explore.
Are there free things to do in Cuenca?
One of the easiest ways to learn about free things to do in Cuenca is to speak with a local tour guide. You'll get insider advice on hip neighborhoods, parks and other major attractions you can experience without reaching for your wallet. Mirador de Turi is one sight that doesn't have an entrance fee.