Located in the Sierra at 2,500 m altitude, the city of Cuenca is Équateur's third-largest city. It is also the capital of Azuay Province and the country's cultural heart. Renowned for its quality of life, colonial architecture, and natural surroundings, the city is an essential stop on any Équateur itinerary. Discover everything to do and see in Cuenca and the surrounding region. 

Explore the Historic Center

Designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1999, Cuenca is renowned for its historical remnants and colonial architecture dating from the 16th century. To begin your visit, wander through the cobblestone streets and admire the houses with Republican-style facades reflecting Spanish and French influences. 

Stop at one of the countless plazas to take a break and soak in the local laid-back atmosphere. And don't forget to stroll along the Rio Tomebamba's banks, where residents once came to do their laundry. 

Admire Religious Edifices

With over fifty religious buildings, Cuenca truly is a city of churches. Among the city's most emblematic structures, don't miss the Catedral de la Inmaculada Concepcion. 

Also called the "New Cathedral," it was constructed in the late 19th century. Today, it stands as one of South America's largest cathedrals and one of the city's most majestic buildings. It is distinguished by three blue domes rising from the roof and two towers that were originally intended to become domes but were left unfinished due to an architect's miscalculation. 

Entry is free, but for $2, you can climb the 155 steps leading to the cathedral's roof and enjoy a breathtaking panorama of the city and see the famous blue domes up close.

The Church of El Sagrario is one of the oldest in the city. More commonly known as the "Old Cathedral," this 16th-century religious building is today transformed into a museum of religious art. With its pastel paintings, its interior differs from most other churches.

Other churches worth visiting include:

• San Francisco Church,

• Santo Domingo Church, 

• Todos los Santos Church,

• San Alfonso Church...

Discover Local Craftsmanship

Considered Équateur's cultural and artistic hub, Cuenca is home to numerous artisans. To see local craft creations and purchase travel souvenirs, head to the Mercado de los Otavaleños located at Plaza de San Francisco. This market is particularly renowned for Otavalo textiles, whose worldwide reputation is well-established. 

Also consider visiting the Casa de la Mujer (CEMUART) on the same plaza, where you'll find artisan shops, notably clothing made from alpaca wool.

Shop at the City's Markets

Nothing beats wandering through a market to immerse yourself in local culture. In Cuenca, you'll find several markets:

• Mercado 10 De Agosto,

• Mercado 9 de octubre,

• Mercado El Arenal, 

• Mercado 3 de Noviembre...

You'll find a bit of everything, but most importantly, you can taste Ecuadorian culinary specialties at very attractive prices. Think, for example, of the famous hornado de Cuenca: an entire braised pork.

For a change of scenery, don't forget to visit the flower market held at Plaza de las Flores, renowned for its roses cultivated in Cuenca.

Visit Cuenca's Museums

The city of Cuenca boasts numerous museums; here are the must-sees:

Museum of Aboriginal Cultures

This museum houses an impressive collection of archaeological pieces tracing the history of indigenous cultures, from Valdivia culture through the Incas.

The Hat Museum 

This museum provides insight into the history and fabrication of the famous Panama hat, traditionally hand-woven in Cuenca.

Museum of the Central Bank and Pumapungo Archaeological Park

Also known as the Ministry of Culture museum, it sits on the ruins of an Inca site. It provides insight into Équateur's ethnographic history as well as the origins of Ecuadorian currency. You can access the Tomebamba site and see the ruins of an Inca village, one of the empire's most important, and stroll through the park to admire 200 native Andean plants and observe bird species (hummingbirds, toucans, parrots...).

Cuenca's Modern Art Museum

Located in a building that once served as a monastery, poor house, and prison, the museum today houses a fine collection of Ecuadorian and South American paintings and sculptures.

Visit the Famous Homero Ortega Hat Factory

Cuenca is known worldwide for Panama hat manufacturing. To discover all the production stages of this iconic hat hand-woven with palm leaf fibers, you can book a visit to the Homero Ortega factory. You can also purchase your hat at the factory's shop. 

Gain Perspective at Mirador de Turi

Want to gain some altitude to admire the city? Head to Mirador de Turi to enjoy a panoramic view of Cuenca. We recommend going at sunset to see the city dressed in its finest colors. On-site, you'll find a charming church as well as several restaurants and souvenir shops.

To reach Mirador de Turi, you can take a taxi, a tourist bus, or hike up using stairs if you're feeling adventurous.

Relax at Baños de Cuenca Hot Springs

Baños de Cuenca is a thermal resort located just 9 km southwest of Cuenca's city center (about 15 minutes by car). The site features medicinal hot springs of hydrothermal volcanic origin with temperatures around 75°C, making them the hottest thermal springs in the country. 

Rest assured, the water undergoes a cooling process so you can enjoy thermal baths ranging between 36 and 42°C. It's the perfect place to unwind and benefit from multiple therapeutic advantages. 

Visit Artisan Villages in the Region

As mentioned, Cuenca is considered Équateur's cultural hub. To discover local artisan expertise, we recommend visiting the region's artisan villages. Among them, we recommend:

The Village of Chordeleg 

Located just 6km from Cuenca, this village is known for jewelry manufacturing spanning several generations. Indeed, pre-Inca peoples were already crafting jewelry here. Today, artisans still create filigree jewelry in gold or silver. You'll also find wood carvings, pottery, and textiles.

The Village of Sigsig 

Built on the ruins of an indigenous village from the colonial era, approximately 30 km from Cuenca, the small village of Sigsig specializes in Panama hat manufacturing. Notably, you'll find a cooperative run by women. Note that hats here are less expensive than in shops and artisan workshops in downtown Cuenca. 

The Village of Gualaceo

It is in the village of Gualaceo, approximately 36 km from Cuenca, that the famous Ikat originated—an ancestral weaving technique that allows for weaving and dyeing geometric patterns onto textiles (wool, silk, or cotton threads). This technique is used notably for fabricating traditional garments such as macanas and Paños de Gualaceo (shawls, scarves, and ponchos). You can purchase items showcasing this craftsmanship at Gualaceo's market held at the village's main plaza every Sunday.

Beyond its ikat weavings, Gualaceo is also known for its affordable shoes, pottery, and orchids… 

Hike at Cajas National Park

Located 30 km from Cuenca, Cajas National Park ranks among the region's essential natural treasures and constitutes one of Équateur's most beautiful national parks. 

Spanning 285.4 km², the park is characterized by an impressive quantity of water features. In total, it hosts 786 bodies of water, including approximately 165 major glacial lagoons and nearly 621 lakes smaller than 10,000 m. 

The park shelters 44 animal species, some of which are endemic and endangered, as well as 157 bird species. You'll find, among others, llamas, pumas, Andean tapirs, jaguarondis, wolves, condors, the giant hummingbird Patagona gigas, and the Violet-throated Metaltail.

To discover all these treasures of Mother Nature, you can embark on a day excursion or undertake a multi-day trek (camping on-site). Most hiking trails average 2 to 6 hours.

Note!
Cajas National Park reaches elevations between 3,100 m and 4,450 m. At this altitude, weather can change minute to minute. Be sure to pack rain gear and warm clothing just in case.

Explore the Ancient Ingapirca Inca Ruins

Approximately two hours from Cuenca lies the largest Inca-Canari archaeological site and Équateur's best-preserved Inca complex: the Ingapirca ruins. This is definitely a must-visit during any stay in the region. 

Perched above 3,160 m altitude on a plateau, the Ingapirca ruins date from the 15th and 16th centuries. The complex once served as a fortress but was primarily a high place of worship and sun veneration. Recently restored, the sun temple and the quarters of priests, priestesses, and the emperor constitute the site's most interesting structures. You can also admire trapezoidal stairs and doorways, typical of Inca architecture.