10 Things to Do in Cuenca, Ecuador

Welcome to Cuenca

Cuenca is Ecuador's third-largest city and, many would argue, its most beautiful. Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1999, its historic center is a remarkably intact example of Spanish colonial urban planning — church spires, cobblestone streets, whitewashed façades and flower-filled patios at every turn.

Despite its colonial elegance, Cuenca is a living, breathing city of 600,000 people. It has one of Ecuador's best university systems, a thriving arts scene, an internationally recognized culinary culture and a growing community of expats who chose it over Quito or Guayaquil for its climate, beauty and relatively low cost of living.

Here are the 10 experiences you shouldn't miss — all reachable on foot or a short taxi ride from Hotel Italia Cuenca.

1. Visit the New Cathedral (Catedral de la Inmaculada)

Cuenca's iconic blue-domed cathedral dominates the skyline and is visible from nearly every point in the historic center. Construction began in 1885 and took over 100 years to complete — it's the largest cathedral in Ecuador and one of the most impressive in South America. The interior is equally breathtaking, with stained glass windows filtering light onto marble floors imported from Italy.

Climbing to the roof is possible on certain days and offers an unmatched panoramic view of the city and the surrounding Andes. A 200-meter walk from Hotel Italia Cuenca.

2. Explore the Historic Center on Foot

Cuenca's old town rewards wandering. The UNESCO-listed historic center covers about 4km² and contains some of the best-preserved 16th–19th century architecture in the Americas. Wander Calle Benigno Malo, Plaza de las Flores (Flower Market), Parque Calderón and the side streets that connect them. Many of the most beautiful buildings house cafés, artisan shops and galleries — don't hesitate to push open a door.

Our self-guided walking tour covers the highlights in about 2–3 hours.

3. Walk Along the Tomebamba River

The Tomebamba River separates the historic colonial center from the modern city and its banks are one of Cuenca's great public spaces. The riverside path (El Barranco) runs along a steep cliff on the old town side, offering dramatic views of colonial mansions hanging over the edge. It's beautiful at any time but especially at sunset, when the light hits the white facades from the west.

4. Visit Pumapungo Archaeological Site

Cuenca was built on top of Tomebamba — once the second most important city in the Inca Empire. The Pumapungo site, located in the eastern part of the historic center, contains the excavated ruins of the Inca royal palace, together with the Museo del Banco Central, which holds one of Ecuador's best anthropological collections. Free entry.

5. Day Trip to Cajas National Park

Just 30km west of Cuenca, Cajas National Park is one of Ecuador's most extraordinary protected areas. Sitting at 3,100–4,450 meters above sea level, the park contains over 230 glacial lakes set among páramo grassland, cloud forest and rocky peaks. You can hike marked trails ranging from 2 hours to a full day, fish for rainbow trout or simply absorb the silence.

See our full Cajas day trip guide for how to get there, what to bring and the best trails.

6. The Flower Market & Plaza de las Flores

Every day (but especially on weekends), flower vendors fill the steps of El Carmen de la Asunción church with an astonishing range of fresh-cut flowers — roses, orchids, lilies and more — at prices that seem impossibly low to visitors from Europe or North America. It's one of the most photogenic spots in the city and a wonderful place to observe everyday Cuencano life.

7. Explore the Artisan Markets

Cuenca has a long tradition of artisanship. The city is famous for its Panama hats (which are actually Ecuadorian — the name came from Panama's role as a distribution hub), as well as filigree jewelry, ceramics, leather goods and textiles. The Mercado 10 de Agosto and several artisan cooperatives on and around Calle Gran Colombia are the best places to shop. Prices are negotiable and buying directly supports local makers.

8. Museo de Arte Moderno

Housed in a beautifully restored colonial building that was once a temperance house, Cuenca's Modern Art Museum features rotating exhibitions of Ecuadorian and Latin American art. Entry is free, and the building alone — with its central courtyard and thick stone walls — is worth a visit. Located two blocks from Hotel Italia.

9. Taste Local Food at the Mercados

Cuenca's traditional markets are the best place to eat like a local. Mercado 9 de Octubre and Mercado El Arenal both have large food halls where you can eat a full plate of traditional Ecuadorian food — mote pillo, hornado (roast pork), caldo de res, ají de cuy — for $2–4. The atmosphere is lively, the food is authentic, and it's one of the great cheap-food experiences in South America.

For a more refined take on Ecuadorian-Italian cuisine, Venecia Restaurant at Hotel Italia is open to all guests and the public.

10. Watch the Sunset from Turi Viewpoint

A short taxi ride (about $3) south of the city center, the Turi viewpoint offers the classic panoramic view of Cuenca — the cathedral domes, the river valley and the Andes behind. It's particularly spectacular at sunset. There are a couple of restaurants and cafés at the viewpoint if you want to stay for a drink as the light fades.

Where to Stay in Cuenca

For the most immersive experience, staying inside the UNESCO historic center puts you within walking distance of everything on this list. Hotel Italia Cuenca has been operating since 1993, just two minutes from the New Cathedral. We offer five room types — from solo-traveler singles to family rooms with three beds — all with free breakfast and high-speed Wi-Fi. Book direct for our best rate guarantee.