Cuenca
Cuenca
Mia Smith
Cuenca is my favorite city in Ecuador by far. The city feels very European — gorgeous colonial architecture, beautiful public spaces along the river to walk along, the city is clean, traffic is orderly, and you can even drink the tap water!
This guide includes my tips on:
- Arriving in Cuenca (Transportation)
- Sightseeing & shopping
- Best restaurants (including an affordable tasting menu you absolutely CANT miss!)
- Places to stay
- Daytrips
- Weekend trips
Many North Americans retire in Cuenca for the comfortable quality of life. It’s a great place to recharge your batteries if you need a break from bussing and adventuring.
Don’t forget to pack a jacket and a beanie! Even if the daytime is beautiful with sunny blue skies, temperatures often drop down to the 50s at night.
Keywords: South America, Ecuador, Andes, Backpacking, Cuenca
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Arriving in Cuenca
Shuttles from Guayaquil: Private shuttle companies leave regularly throughout the day (Operazuay Tur $12/person, 4-5 hours)
Bus from Quito: Overnight buses have comfortable reclining seats (approx $37/person, 11 hours)
Shuttles from Vilcabamba: Reserve a spot on Hostal Izchayluma’s daily shuttle: $20/pp, 4.5 hours
Flights: You can catch a domestic flight to the Cuenca airport!
Sightseeing & Shopping
Centro histórico de Cuenca
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Stroll around to check out the beautiful colonial architecture and main plaza.
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Catedral de la Inmaculada Concepción
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Gorgeous cathedral and facade. Beautifully lit up at night
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Casa Yangoe
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Lovely cultural house that displays all sorts of Ecuadorian arts and handicrafts: from an organic market garden, to chocolates, Andean essential oils, local jams and cheeses, handmade clothing, Panama hats and more. Great place to browse and learn about Ecuadorian culture, or buy souvenirs.
Pro tip: buy some dried fruits here for snacks on the road! They have an amazing variety.
I HIGHLY recommend the restaurant and bar on the second floor!
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Rio Tomebamba
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Walk/jog along the river! One of the only places in Ecuador I felt safe running as a solo woman
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Homero Ortega Hats
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If you’re looking for a Panama Hat, visit this factory and small museum. You can see the process of how the hats are made.
Choose from their selection or get one custom made! Prices are much cheaper than what you’d find in the states
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Mirador de Turi
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Breathtaking view of the city. Grab a cab to check out the view! There are a few restaurants and a church to visit too.
Go at sunset to enjoy the colors, or at night to see the city lights and warm up with a canelazo (warm alcoholic drink)!
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Restaurants & Cafes
Dos Sucres
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MUST GO. My favorite restaurant in all of Ecuador. Definetly order the tasting menu - a one of the kind experience with unique Andean ingredients. Delicious food, beautiful plating and excellent service! They explain each dish carefully. $44/pp for the tasting menu is a great deal.
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Tiesto's Cafe Restaurant
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If you like meat, this is your restaurant! The tasting menu has so many delicious plates! Definetly on the heavier side, so go hungry
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Goza Espresso Bar
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Nice place to sit and enjoy a coffee and rest your legs after a day of walking around town
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Where to stay
I’d recommend staying in La Cigale or getting an Airbnb in walking distance of the Centro Histórico!
La Cigale
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Great central location. Simple comfortable rooms for a great price. One block from the river and 10 min to the centro historico
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Selina Cuenca
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Selinas are a great place for solo backpackers or remote workers to stay and meet other young people.
I’ve never stayed at this one personally.
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Hostel Bella Vista
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This hostel is on the outskirts of town - 15 minutes walking from the centro histórico. They offer simple clean private rooms for an affordable price.
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Day Trips
Cajas National Park
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MUST DO. Beautiful views that look like Lord of the Rings, but with LLAMAS! Check in town for a tour company that will take you on a hike.
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Piedra de Agua, Fuente Termal & Spa
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If you’re looking to treat yourself, this all day spa experience is incredible. They have amazing hot tubs inside caves. We payed around $100 for a massage, salt scrubs, and time in the hot tubs, steam room and outdoor pool
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Chordeleg
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This town specializes in silver and gold jewelry! There are a large number of jewelry shops along the main plaza. The jewelry is high quality — you can find very cheap gold and silver plated jewelry, the solid jewelry is much more expensive but cheaper than the US
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Weekend Trips
Vilcabamba
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You can reserve the Hostal Izchayluma’s (Located in Vilcabamba) daily shuttle to Vilcabamba for $20/pp. Pick up at La Cigale hostal in Cuenca
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ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Mia Smith
📍Ecuador
Originally from Hawaii, but I’ve been living in South America for the last few years. I love exploring all South America has to offer - from hiking up to glaciers in the Andes, river rafting in the Amazon, to surfing deserted beaches. When I’m in the cities I love finding the best restaurants to eat at — especially those that showcase local ingredients and highlight the unique culinary identities of the continent.
Ive been lucky enough to travel Ecuador with my Ecuadorian partner who knows all the best insider tips! Excited to share them with you all
#Galapagos Guides coming soon!!
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