Catedral de la Inmaculada Concepción

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

Ecuador is so much more than just the Galapagos. This guide includes all the must-see spots in Ecuador on the mainland...no Galapagos needed. Ecuador is a country filled with stunning mountains, impressive volcanos, giant waterfalls, picturesque beaches, and vibrant cities. I include all of my personal recommendations for the best hikes, restaurants, bars, coffee shops, tours, viewpoints, and museums so you can get the most out of this vastly underrated country. At the end of the guide I also include my list of tips n tricks so you are informed of important things like: common scams, the tipping culture, and national dishes to try.