Key Takeaways:
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Cuenca is a UNESCO World Heritage city filled with colonial charm, Andean culture, and a rich artistic scene.
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The city offers a perfect blend of architecture, hiking trails, food markets, and festivals in every season.
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With walkable streets, mountain views, and a relaxed vibe, Cuenca delivers year-round travel experiences that feel both local and unforgettable.
Tucked high in the Ecuadorian Andes, Cuenca is one of South America’s most beautiful colonial cities—known for its cobblestone streets, domed cathedrals, and laid-back pace. Founded by the Spanish in the 16th century on top of Incan ruins, Cuenca retains a deep sense of history while embracing its role as a creative and cultural capital. The city’s rivers, artisan shops, food scene, and surrounding mountains make it a favorite destination for locals, expats, and travelers alike.
People love Cuenca for its mild climate, welcoming atmosphere, and the ease of blending city and nature in a single day. Whether you’re exploring a museum, hiking in the highlands, or sipping coffee on a colonial balcony, Cuenca offers beauty and inspiration year-round. Here are 10 incredible things to do in Cuenca, Ecuador—no matter when you visit.
Table of Contents
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Stroll Through the Historic Center and Visit the New Cathedral
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Hike in Cajas National Park
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Explore Museo Pumapungo and the Incan Ruins
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Shop Local at Mercado 10 de Agosto
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Walk Along the Río Tomebamba and Visit Art Galleries
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Discover the Mirador de Turi Viewpoint
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Enjoy Live Music and Coffee in El Vado or San Sebastián
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Join a Cuenca Festival or Parade Celebration
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Tour a Panama Hat Factory and Museum
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Take a Day Trip to Gualaceo and Chordeleg for Weaving and Silver
1. Stroll Through the Historic Center and Visit the New Cathedral
Cuenca’s UNESCO-listed Historic Center is a dream for architecture lovers and history buffs. Colonial mansions, iron balconies, blue-domed churches, and hidden courtyards line the cobblestone streets. The centerpiece is the Catedral de la Inmaculada Concepción—known locally as the New Cathedral—with its unmistakable blue domes and grand plaza out front. Inside, stained glass windows and gold-accented altars add to its sacred beauty.
Year-round, the historic center bustles with street musicians, flower vendors, and traditional bakeries selling fresh pan de yuca. It’s a place where you can wander without a map and still uncover plazas, bookshops, and artisan cafés at every turn. Be sure to visit the church’s rooftop (when open) for panoramic views of the city. Morning or evening, this part of Cuenca is pure magic.
2. Hike in Cajas National Park
Just 30 minutes from Cuenca, Cajas National Park is a high-altitude wonderland of glacier-formed lakes, rugged trails, and misty páramo landscapes. The park is home to more than 200 lagoons, with hiking routes ranging from gentle walks to challenging treks through mountain passes. Wildlife sightings may include llamas, hummingbirds, and the elusive Andean condor.
Weather here is famously unpredictable, so pack layers and be prepared for sudden shifts from sun to fog. But the ever-changing skies only enhance the sense of adventure. Open year-round, Cajas is a popular weekend escape and offers the perfect contrast to city life. You can go solo, hire a local guide, or join a group tour for a deeper dive into the region’s ecosystems.
3. Explore Museo Pumapungo and the Incan Ruins
Museo Pumapungo is one of Ecuador’s most fascinating museums, combining history, ethnography, and open-air archaeology. Inside, you’ll find exhibits on indigenous cultures, Afro-Ecuadorian traditions, and Ecuador’s national music and dress. Step outside and you’re suddenly walking among the stone foundations of ancient Incan ruins that once formed part of the city of Tomebamba.
Open all year with free or low-cost entry, the museum is both educational and atmospheric. There’s also a lush botanical garden and an aviary with rescued birds native to the Andes. You could spend a full afternoon here learning, wandering, and relaxing in the gardens. It’s a beautiful blend of the past and the present—all within city limits.
4. Shop Local at Mercado 10 de Agosto
If you want a true taste of Cuenca, head to Mercado 10 de Agosto, one of the city’s most beloved indoor markets. Locals come here to buy fresh fruit, vegetables, flowers, meat, herbal remedies, and traditional snacks like tamales or hornado (roasted pork). The upstairs area offers affordable lunch counters serving homemade Ecuadorian dishes.
The market is open daily and offers insight into local ingredients, customs, and food preparation. It’s also a great place to chat with vendors and try new fruits like naranjilla or tree tomato. The energy is lively but never overwhelming. Whether you’re stocking up for a picnic or just exploring, it’s an essential stop for food and culture lovers.
5. Walk Along the Río Tomebamba and Visit Art Galleries
The Río Tomebamba cuts through the heart of Cuenca, and its riverside paths are perfect for morning jogs, scenic walks, or quiet reading under a tree. Colonial houses cling to the bluffs above the river, while pedestrian bridges connect the historic center with the modern neighborhoods. Artists and photographers love this area for its natural light and colorful contrasts.
Along the riverbanks, you’ll also find several independent art galleries and artisan workshops. Many host rotating exhibits or open studios where you can watch craftspeople at work. It’s a calm, creative zone that lets you step away from the main tourist flow. Spend an afternoon strolling, sipping coffee, and maybe even picking up a one-of-a-kind souvenir.
6. Discover the Mirador de Turi Viewpoint
For sweeping views over Cuenca’s terracotta rooftops and the surrounding Andes, head to Mirador de Turi, a panoramic viewpoint located on a hill just outside the city center. You can take a quick taxi ride or hop on a city tour bus that stops at the lookout. At the top, you’ll find a small plaza, a church, souvenir stands, and cafes with window-side seating.
The view is spectacular at any time of day, but it’s especially stunning at sunset when the city begins to glow. It’s also a favorite spot for couples and photographers. Some visitors choose to climb the steps up from the city below for a bit of a workout with a reward. Whether you come for the view or a moment of reflection, Turi is worth the trip.
7. Enjoy Live Music and Coffee in El Vado or San Sebastián
Cuenca has a cozy, café-driven music scene, and the neighborhoods of El Vado and San Sebastián are where it thrives. By day, you’ll find laid-back cafés offering Ecuadorian coffee, pastries, and free Wi-Fi. By night, many of these same spots host intimate live performances ranging from folk to jazz to Latin fusion.
Places like El Mercado or La Guarida double as performance venues and cultural hubs with rotating events. These neighborhoods are especially popular among students, artists, and expats, giving them a youthful and international feel. Events happen year-round, often without a cover charge. It’s a great way to experience Cuenca’s creative pulse while enjoying good food and conversation.
8. Join a Cuenca Festival or Parade Celebration
Cuenca is a city that loves to celebrate, and festivals take place almost every month—highlighting everything from Catholic traditions to local arts and independence history. The most famous is Cuenca’s Independence Day in early November, when the streets fill with parades, music, artisan fairs, and fireworks. Another favorite is Corpus Christi in June, known for its colorful sweets and night celebrations.
These festivals are open to all and include cultural showcases, traditional dances, and regional cuisine. Streets and plazas turn into performance stages, making it easy to join in the fun. Even smaller celebrations, like neighborhood parades or food fairs, happen year-round. If you visit during one, embrace the energy—it’s when the city shows off its spirit best.
9. Tour a Panama Hat Factory and Museum
Despite the name, Panama hats are actually made in Ecuador—and Cuenca is one of the craft’s historic capitals. Several family-run hat workshops and museums throughout the city invite visitors to see the weaving process firsthand. You’ll learn how the fine toquilla straw is selected, boiled, dried, and woven into shape before being pressed and styled.
The Homero Ortega Hat Museum is one of the most popular stops, featuring exhibits on the hat’s global legacy and a shop offering high-quality handmade hats. Many of these workshops are open year-round and provide guided tours in English and Spanish. Even if you don’t wear hats, the craftsmanship is worth witnessing. And yes—you can buy a piece of Cuenca’s history to take home.
10. Take a Day Trip to Gualaceo and Chordeleg for Weaving and Silver
Just 45 minutes outside Cuenca, the towns of Gualaceo and Chordeleg are known for their traditional markets and artisan heritage. Gualaceo is famous for ikat weaving—a labor-intensive process using natural dyes and handlooms. Meanwhile, Chordeleg is the go-to destination for handmade silver jewelry and filigree craftsmanship.
These towns are accessible by bus or car and make for a perfect half-day or full-day excursion. Many workshops welcome visitors and demonstrate their techniques, offering a more personal shopping and learning experience. There are also riverside eateries and local bakeries where you can enjoy regional dishes like cuy (guinea pig) or mote pillo. It’s a hands-on, cultural escape that adds depth to your Cuenca journey.
What to do if you have kids?
Cuenca is ideal for families, offering both educational and outdoor fun for kids of all ages. Parks like Parque de la Madre and Parque Calderón feature playgrounds and space to run, while the Pumapungo gardens and aviary are great for wildlife spotting. Many museums include interactive exhibits or child-friendly tours. You can also take easy walks along the Río Tomebamba or hop on the city’s tram for a relaxing ride through the center. With safe streets, fresh air, and plenty of culture, Cuenca makes traveling with kids stress-free and rewarding.
Where can I find free events in Cuenca Ecuador taking place this weekend?
To discover the best free concerts, artisan markets, open-air dance nights, and cultural festivals happening this weekend in Cuenca, head to PlanMyWeekend.ai. This tool curates updated, alcohol-free, and family-friendly events so you can easily find something exciting every weekend. Whether it’s a local art opening, a cooking workshop in the park, or a free folkloric dance performance in a plaza, you’ll never be out of the loop. It’s your easiest way to plug into Cuenca’s local rhythm and enjoy meaningful experiences without spending a dime.
Final Thoughts
Cuenca is a city that invites you to slow down, wander with intention, and savor each moment. Whether you’re sipping coffee in a cobbled plaza, hiking through misty highlands, or watching artisans at work, you’ll feel deeply connected to both culture and nature. Its year-round mild weather, vibrant traditions, and welcoming spirit make it a destination that speaks to curious travelers. Visit once, and you may just find yourself wanting to stay longer than planned.
Author: Dejon Brooks
Dejon Brooks is an entrepreneur who founded Trend Watchers with his life savings. Aged 24, Dejon has turned Trend Watchers into a successful business. After reaching over 150M+ people on his personal accounts, he now spends his time growing Planmyweekend.ai
