19 Best Things to Do in Cuenca Ecuador for Fun + Culture
The best things to do in Cuenca Ecuador highlight why this city has become a favorite among travelers. Red-tiled rooftops stretch across the historic center, blue-domed cathedrals rise above the main plaza, and the Andes mountains form a dramatic backdrop.
Whether you’re here for culture, food, or nature, there’s no shortage of things to see in Cuenca. The city is packed with museums, churches, markets, and natural escapes.
But deciding what to do in Cuenca in a limited time wasn’t easy. That’s where a little insider perspective makes the difference. I spent ten full days in Cuenca, staying with friends who live there and know the city well.
What stood out most was how easy it is to balance culture with nature. One morning you’re hiking in Cajas National Park, and by afternoon you’re learning about the history of Panama hats or sipping hot chocolate in the historic center.
This guide covers the top things to do in Cuenca but expands to a few unique things you won’t find elsewhere. It allows you to experience the city in a way that feels both fun and authentic.
This article may contain affiliate links. This means if you click a link on my website and make a purchase, I earn a commission at no additional cost to you. For full information, please see my disclaimer here.
Top Things to do in Cuenca Ecuador
For a mid-sized city, Cuenca packs in culture, history, and natural beauty. You can hike through páramo landscapes, soak in hot springs, or learn about traditions like Panama hat making.
Add in the stunning architecture and sunset lookouts, and you’ll see why the city quickly wins people over. Here are some of the top things to do in Cuenca Ecuador that show off both the city and its surroundings.
1. Hike Cajas National Park and Laguna Toreadora
Cajas National Park feels worlds away from Cuenca, even though it’s only about an hour outside the city. The high-altitude páramo landscape is dotted with more than 200 lagunas, along with mossy valleys and otherworldly plants. It’s easy to see why it ranks among the top things to do in Cuenca.
My friends and I chose to hike the most popular trail around Laguna Toreadora. The route is straightforward, with viewpoints that let you pause and take in the wide-open scenery. At over 3900 meters (almost 13,000 feet), we took our time to admire the wild plants and shifting clouds across the peaks. Keep in mind, the weather can change quickly so it’s best to dress in layers.
You can reach Cajas by public bus, but you’ll need to time the hike for the return bus. If you prefer to have the logistics taken care of, book this small group Cajas Park tour with round trip transportation.
We decided to pair it with soaking in the hot springs (see next), which was a lovely combination. If you want the same experience, I recommend you book this tour that includes both Cajas and the hot springs.
2. Soak in Hot Springs
The hot springs around Cuenca are a great way to relax during your travels. Known as Baños de Cuenca, the thermal pools combine mountain views with a spa-like atmosphere that includes steam rooms, mud treatments, hot pools, and cold plunges. And the mountain views add to the peaceful experience.
Locals visit not just to relax but for the health benefits of soaking. The mineral-rich waters ease sore muscles, improve circulation, and help you feel rejuvenated. If you’re planning to visit, read my guide to the hot springs in Cuenca for more details.
3. Learn About Panama Hats in Cuenca
Despite the name, Panama hats are actually from Ecuador and Cuenca was a major hub for production. For Ecuadorians, these hats are more than souvenirs. They’re a source of national pride, recognized worldwide for their craftsmanship.
You can learn about the Panama hats in Cuenca at two different museums. One feels more like a shop, where you can browse hats while seeing the old machinery and learning about a local family who has been making them for generations.
The other dives deeper into the weaving process and and history. It explains how Cuenca rose to international importance, including how the hats got their name.
4. Admire the Architecture on Ave Simon Bolivar
Cuenca is known for its colonial architecture and red-tiled rooftops, but along part of Avenida Simón Bolívar the mood shifts. In the blocks surrounding the Paccari chocolate shop (see foodie things to do in Cuenca), the buildings stand out with painted columns, intricate balconies, and pastel facades trimmed with ornate detail.
They’re bold, extravagant, and a sharp contrast to the architecture that defines most of the city. It’s a short stretch, but walking here gives you a glimpse of another layer of Cuenca’s history.
5. Visit the Pumapungo Museum + Ruins
At the Pumapungo Museum in Cuenca, you can see Ecuador’s history come to life through its Indigenous cultures. Exhibits cover daily life and rituals including shrunken heads once created by the Shuar people of the Amazon. It’s one of the best places to visit in Cuenca to understand the depth and diversity of the country’s traditions.
Step outside and you’ll find the archaeological remains of the Inca city of Tumebamba. What first looks like a scattering of low walls reveals its scale as you walk downhill. And yes, there are llamas grazing among the terraces. There’s also a small garden of native plants and an aviary with rescued tropical birds.
6. Stroll Along Rio Tomebamba
Strolling the Tomebamba River is one of the best things to see in Cuenca, though it took me a couple of tries to find a picturesque stretch. Some parts are quiet or rundown, but others reveal why the river is such a landmark.
I recommend starting at Puente Roto (map) and walking toward the CIDAP Museum. Along the way, you’ll pass some of the most picturesque areas and the historic buildings perched above the river. Visit in the afternoon or on weekends when riverside cafes and restaurants are more alive.
7. Watch the Sunset from Mirador El Turi
For sweeping views of Cuenca, head up to Mirador El Turi. It’s a short, $3 taxi ride from the center, though some people hike the steep road. From the lookout, the entire city unfolds below, giving you a real sense of its size.
Aim for a clear evening during sunset. Clouds can make the view dramatic, but when I went a storm rolled in and blocked it completely. Either way, the panorama is worth it.
These days El Turi has become a destination in itself as one of the fun things to do in Cuenca for families or couples. It’s lined with restaurants, trinket shops, and look out points, many of which only open on weekends. The style, with photo ops, reminded me of the themed parks in Baños Ecuador.
My friend that lives in Cuenca warned me the restaurants aren’t great. They’re better to go for a cocktail with a view. It’s cooler up here and the wind can pick up, so bring a layer if you’re staying through sunset.
8. Rooftop Cocktails and Views
Having cocktails on a rooftop is one of the top things to do in Cuenca at night and another way to take in the skyline. On my first night in the city, friends suggested we go for cocktails, where the view of the cathedral and main square set the scene for the 10 days I spent in the city.
We started at Negroni (map) and later we checked out Zaza (map), where the baby-blue domes of the cathedral stood out against the skyline. Both spots are great for soaking up the city’s atmosphere while unwinding with a drink.
9. Go on a Walking Tour Through Centro
A walking tour is one of the best ways to see Cuenca and get a feel for the city. The free walking tour meets in front of the cathedral at 11 am and 3 pm. And their slogan, “El tour más cuencano que el mote,” gives you a sense of the humor and local pride behind it.
If you’d rather combine sightseeing with food, you should book this walking tour with a local guide who blends the history of the city with food tastings. It’s a fun way to learn the history of Cuenca while sampling its flavors.
Foodie Things to Do in Cuenca
Food is a big part of what to do in Cuenca, whether you’re wandering local markets or sitting down for a traditional meal. These foodie experiences give you a taste of the city’s flavors and daily life.
10. Wander the Markets and Eat Hornado
Cuenca’s markets are some of the most vibrant places in the city, where locals shop for fresh produce, flowers, and everyday essentials. They’re also the best spots to try traditional food of Ecuador like hornado, a slow-roasted pork served with mote and llapingachos. The plate is topped with a tangy salad that helps to cut through the rich flavor of the meat.
I recommend Mercado 10 de Agosto or the October 9 market for a plate of hornado. Both give you a chance to eat alongside locals while soaking in the buzz of daily life. If you want to explore further, read my guide to the markets in Cuenca with tips on what to eat and where to go shopping in the city.
11. Eat All the Street Food on a Tasting Tour
If you want to dive into the city’s food culture, this walking food tour of Cuenca is the way to go. Between stops for sanduche de pernil, empanadas, tamales, and traditional drinks like morocho or coconut juice, you’ll also explore the city’s streets and landmarks with a local guide.
Along the way you’ll visit sites such as the Broken Bridge, the neighborhood of the bakers, and walk along a stretch of the Río Tomebamba. It’s the mix of food and culture that makes this tour stand out. You’re not only tasting local flavors but also learning the history of the city.
12. Take a Cooking Class + Market Tour
Joining a cooking class in Cuenca is a fun way to dive deeper into Ecuadorian food. What makes this experience special is that you start with a guided walk through a local market to buy the fresh produce you’ll use later.
Back in the kitchen, you’ll learn to prepare a few typical dishes of the Andes. The menu changes, but expect a mix of soups, stews, and sides that highlight local ingredients. If you want to learn how to make Ecuadorian food at home, book this cooking class and market tour in Cuenca.
13. Eat Mote Pillo or Mote Sucio
Mote is a staple of the southern Andes, especially in areas surrounding Cuenca. These soft, peeled corn kernels are typically served for breakfast or with a plate of hornado and are prepared a few different ways.
Mote pillo is scrambled with eggs, onions, and annatto (aka achiote). Mote sucio is richer, flavored with leftover lard from making fritada. Both are simple, home-style dishes that reflect the region’s ingredients and traditions. You’ll find them at local markets and small restaurants that serve traditional Ecuadorian food.
14. Drink a Cup of Hot Chocolate
Ecuador is the birthplace of cacao, so it’s only right to sip a proper hot chocolate while you’re in Cuenca. The city’s cool mornings and drizzly afternoons give you the perfect excuse.
My friends and I are chocolate lovers, so we made it a mission. Our favorite stop was Paccari (map), a modern chocolate shop inside a beautifully restored historic building. Their drinking chocolate is rich, though I’d go back just for the chocolate tart.
Chocolatería Dos Chorreras (map) is more touristy, with kitschy displays, chocolate souvenirs, and a full menu of sweet treats. It’s a fun stop for families and a chance to try different takes on Ecuadorian chocolate.
More Fun Things to Do in Cuenca Ecuador
Looking for what to do in Cuenca beyond the main sights? These extra activities add a fun twist to your visit and offer a deeper feel for daily life in the city.
15. Drink Agua de Pitima + Flower Market
Just outside the church at El Carmen de la Asunción, you’ll find one of Cuenca’s most beloved traditions. On one side, the small but vibrant flower market is a good spot to pick up a fresh bouquet.
On the other side, a tiny shop sells Agua de Pitima, one of many traditional Ecuadorian drinks to try. This herbal tea has been made by cloistered nuns for more than 300 years.
The recipe is secret, but expect calming herbs like chamomile and lemon balm. Locals sip it to ease headaches or anxiety, and legend says even Don Quixote drank it for a broken heart. Whether or not you believe in its powers, it’s worth stopping by for a taste of local tradition.
16. Get A Traditional Cleansing (Limpia)
A limpias is a spiritual energy cleanse common in parts of Latin America. It typically involves herbs and an egg rubbed over the body to determine what needs healing. In Ecuador, the ritual is believed to clear away negative energy and bring the body and spirit back into balance.
I’ve had a powerful experience with a limpia where I live in Oaxaca, so I was curious to see how the tradition is practiced in Ecuador. My friends told me the limpia healer sets up under the escalators at Mercado 10 de Agosto on Tuesdays and Fridays. But she was nowhere to be found when I visited during Semana Santa. I even went back another day to check.
So while I can’t comment on it specifically, I think this is one of the most unique fun things to do in Cuenca Ecuador.
17. Climb Up the Towers of Nuevo Catedral
If you’re searching for free things to do in Cuenca, step inside the Catedral de la Inmaculada Concepción. The stained glass, marble columns, and sheer scale of the building are impressive on their own. Just keep in mind that photos aren’t allowed during mass.
But more impressively, you can climb the towers for one of the best panoramic views of the city. The entrance fee of $3.50 gives you access to three levels via a circular staircase. The first includes historic photos of Cuenca. The second offers a closer look inside the tower. And at the top, you’ll find a terrace with views of the red rooftops and iconic blue domes.
Interestingly, the cathedral once played a role in a major scientific expedition. In the 18th century, French scientists used the church as a reference point during their efforts to measure the shape of the Earth. Their mission eventually led them north to Mitad del Mundo, a site near Quito where the equator is marked today.
18. Drink a Coffee or Beer in the Plaza
Tucked just behind the cathedral, Plaza de los Geranios Colgantes is one of Cuenca’s most picturesque corners. The plaza sits in front of Seminario San Luis, a former seminary that now houses restaurants, cafes, and boutiques in its arched walkways.
It’s a great place to take a break, especially if you want to people-watch or enjoy the backdrop of Cuenca’s historic center without leaving the action.
19. Visit the Botanical Gardens of Cuenca
If you’re looking to spend time in nature without leaving the city, the Botanical Gardens of Cuenca are a peaceful spot just outside the center. You can walk there in about 30-40 minutes or take a quick taxi ride.
It’s free to enter, and once inside, the city sounds are replaced by the call of birds, the rush of rivers, and views of the mountains beyond. Raised walkways wind through native vegetation and a small orchid garden, crossing two different rivers along the way.
If you enjoy plants and quiet green space, this is one of the best things to do in Cuenca for a break from the busy streets.
FAQ About What to Do in Cuenca Ecuador
Is Cuenca, Ecuador worth visiting?
Yes, Cuenca is worth visiting for its mix of colonial architecture, rich culture, and natural beauty. From hiking and hot springs to vibrant markets and museums, the city offers plenty to explore at a relaxed pace. It’s also one of the safest and most walkable cities in Ecuador.
How to spend a day in Cuenca?
To spend a day in Cuenca, start with a walk through the historic center and a visit to the New Cathedral. Then stroll along the Río Tomebamba, stop for lunch at a market, and explore a museum or two. End the day with a rooftop drink or sunset view from El Turi.
How many days should I spend in Cuenca, Ecuador?
You should spend at least three days in Cuenca to experience the city’s highlights without rushing. This gives you time to explore the historic center, visit nearby hot springs or Cajas National Park, and enjoy Cuenca’s markets, food, and museums at a comfortable pace. If you want to explore more of the surrounding towns or nature, give yourself more time.
What is special about Cuenca?
What makes Cuenca special is its mix of history, culture, and surrounding nature. The city is known for its well-preserved colonial center, vibrant artisan traditions, and proximity to the Cajas National Park. It also has a strong sense of local identity that comes through in its food, festivals, and everyday life.
Final Thoughts on Things to Do in Cuenca Ecuador
Exploring the best things to do in Cuenca is about more than checking sights off a list. It’s about how history, culture, and nature come together in one of Ecuador’s most charming cities.
Whether you’re browsing markets, wandering through a museum, or hiking in the Andes, the range of experiences makes Cuenca stand out. If you’ve been wondering what to do in Cuenca, let this be your guide to exploring Cuenca in a way that feels both fun and authentic.