Things to do in Cuenca

Activities, attractions and tours

Visit Cuenca

Types of activities

Where to stay

Cuenca Travel Guide

View of Cuenca from Mirador de Turi, Canar Province, Ecuador, South America

Pumapungo ruins near Cuenca, Ecuador, aerial drone

View of the city of Cuenca, Ecuador, with it's many churches, on a cloudy day

Hanging houses of Cuenca panoramic. Spain. UNESCO World Heritage site

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What to do in Cuenca

Popular places to visit

Santo Domingo church at night, as seen from a rooftop on Park Calderon

Calderon Park

Calderon Park is just one of the places to see in Cuenca, so why not enjoy the other things to explore during your travels? Amble around the area's riverfront or visit its cathedral.

Aerial View of New Cathedral in center of Cuenca, Ecuador

New Cathedral of Cuenca

After visiting New Cathedral of Cuenca, make a plan to see the other sights and activities in Cuenca. Stroll along the riverfront or experience the area's museums.

Cuenca, Ecuador - Stairs from Calle Larga to Rio Tomebamba

Río Tomebamba & Calle Larga

You can find out about the history of Cuenca with a trip to Río Tomebamba & Calle Larga. Stroll along the riverfront or visit the cathedral in this culturally rich area.

Puente Roto

You can find out about the history of Cuenca with a trip to Puente Roto. Amble around this culturally rich area's riverfront or experience its museums.

Mall del Rio

You can do some window-shopping at Mall del Rio during your trip to Cuenca. Discover the museums and cathedral in this culturally rich area.

Alejandro Serrano Aguilar Stadium

Catch an event at Alejandro Serrano Aguilar Stadium during your trip to Cuenca.

San Sebastian Plaza

Find out about the history of Cuenca with a stop at San Sebastian Plaza. Discover the museums and cathedral in this culturally rich area.

Rio Tomebamba

Commune with nature and explore the great outdoors at Rio Tomebamba during your travels in Cuenca. Discover the museums and cathedral in this culturally rich area.

University of Cuenca's Orchid Garden

Explore the great outdoors at University of Cuenca's Orchid Garden, a lovely green space in Cuenca. Stroll along the riverfront or visit the cathedral in this culturally rich area.

Areas of Cuenca

The old cathedral taken from the shopping mall beside it

Downtown Cuenca

Travelers come to Downtown Cuenca for its abundant dining options, and you can see top attractions like University of Cuenca's Orchid Garden and Río Tomebamba & Calle Larga while you're in town.

Panoramic view of the historical center of city Cuenca at the valley with its many churches. Ecuador

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.

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.

Santa Ana de los Cuatro Ríos de Cuenca is a beautiful city surrounded by rivers.
It is widely regarded as the most European city in the country of Ecuador due to its 16th and 17th century era Spanish colonial architecture resembling cities and architecture throughout Spain.

Huayna-Cápac

While visiting Huayna-Cápac, you might make a stop by sights like Alejandro Serrano Aguilar Stadium and Cuenca Botanical Garden.

San Blas

If you're spending some time in San Blas, Puente Roto and Río Tomebamba & Calle Larga are top sights worth seeing.

A breathtaking panoramic drone view of Cuenca, Ecuador, showcasing the city's vibrant architecture, lush green spaces, and the Tomebamba River winding through its heart.

El Barranco

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

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.