3 Days in Cuenca: The Ultimate Guide to Ecuador’s Hidden Gem
CUENCA, ECUADOR
I've visited Ecuador countless times over the years, but it wasn't until recently that I finally made the long-awaited trip to Cuenca (officially Santa Ana de los Ríos de Cuenca). Cuenca, Ecuador's third-largest city and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, proudly boasts of being called the "Athens of Ecuador” for its rich cultural, intellectual, and historical significance. Beyond its heritage, Cuenca is home to a warm community, a thriving food scene, and breathtaking natural wonders, making it a must-visit destination for anyone traveling to Ecuador.
I was lucky to experience Cuenca with my dad and aunt who are from Ecuador, but had never had the chance to truly explore this city, which made the trip even more memorable. In this blog post, I’m sharing everything we did during our 3-day visit to Cuenca; a day of cultural immersion, a day of a little luxury, and a day in nature. I hope this post inspires you to explore Cuenca one day. I left looking forward to returning someday.
A special thanks to my friend Shirley for sharing her local recommendations for her beautiful city.
“There are places in the world where you can feel the soul of the earth. Ecuador is one of those places.”
HOW TO GET TO CUENCA, ECUADOR
There are no direct international flights to Cuenca’s Mariscal La Mar Airport (CUE), so you’ll need to fly into Quito (UIO) or Guayaquil (GYE) and then take a domestic flight or ground transportation to Cuenca. We took a domestic flight from Quito, which was under an hour—quick, easy, and a great way to maximize our time in Cuenca. If you’re traveling on a budget, you can reach Cuenca by bus or car in just a few hours, with Guayaquil being significantly closer than Quito. Once you arrive in Cuenca, the city is very walkable, and taxis, Ubers, or local buses make getting around easy!
WHERE TO STAY IN CUENCA, ECUADOR
Centro Histórico de Cuenca (Historic CentRE of Cuenca)
If it’s your first time visiting Cuenca, like it was for me, Centro Histórico is an excellent choice for its proximity to historic landmarks, museums, restaurants, and cafés. The historic center of a city isn’t always my first recommendation, as they can sometimes feel unsafe, but Cuenca is different. The locals, or Cuencanos, are incredibly warm and welcoming, and I never once felt unsafe while exploring the historic center. The charming cobblestone streets, beautifully preserved buildings, grand churches, and lively plazas all provide a glimpse into the cultural heart of Ecuador.
Hotel Boutique Vaway (Hotel Vaway)
Padre Aguirre 8-17 y, Cuenca, Ecuador
@hotelvaway
There are so many wonderful places to stay in Cuenca's Historic Centre, making it tough to choose. We decided on a boutique hotel for a more local experience. Hotel Vaway was ideally located and had an incredible staff, with a beautiful rooftop restaurant offering 360-degree views of the city and a stunning view of the Catedral de la Inmaculada Concepción (The Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception), especially when lit up at night. Each morning, we enjoyed breakfast at the rooftop restaurant, and in the evening, the bar offered a great selection of drinks we enjoyed one night.
HOW TO SPEND 3 DAYS IN CUENCA, ECUADOR
DAY 1 IN CUENCA, ECUADOR: A CULTURAL IMMERSION
Ideally, you’ll arrive in Cuenca early in the morning on your first day. We took a direct flight with Avianca from Quito to Cuenca, allowing us to reach the Historic Centre well before noon. Use this first day to immerse yourself in Cuenca’s vibrant culture and fascinating history.
VISIT Catedral de la Inmaculada Concepción (The Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception or Cuenca’s New Cathedral)
After dropping off our bags at the hotel, we started by visiting the Catedral de la Inmaculada Concepción, also known as Cuenca's New Cathedral. It’s one of the most iconic landmarks in Cuenca, built between the late 19th and early 20th centuries, with its construction taking over 100 years. Aside from admiring the impressive blue domes and ornate interior of the cathedral, you can climb a staircase to panoramic views of the city.
PROUDLY BE A TOURIST AND TAKE A GUIDED Bus TOUR OF CUENCA
Bus tours are located at Parque Calderón (Calderón Park)
4X3W+26J, Mariscal Sucre, Cuenca, Ecuador
Don’t be afraid to embrace the double-decker bus tour experience as soon as you arrive—it’s one of the best ways to get a feel for the city and learn about its history. Walk over to Parque Calderón where bus tours depart from, buy a ticket from one of the operators standing nearby, and hop on one of the many popular tours they offer. We took a 1 hour and 45-minute tour which included the Historic Centre, the modern part of Cuenca, and a 25-minute stop at Mirador de Turi which offers the best view of Cuenca you can get. I recommend a stop in Puente de Cristal (Crystal Bridge) in Turi to get the very best view on their glass bridge.
You can also book a bus tour that will take you through the southern region of Cuenca, with a stop at Homero Ortega (on UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage list). Here, you can watch artisans weave these delicate hats, and even purchase a handmade Panama hat to take home (my dad and I did!). Did you know that despite the name “Panama hats”, they originate in Ecuador? You can learn more about the history of Panama hats here.
Homero Ortega
Av. Gil Ramírez Dávalos, Cuenca, Ecuador
@homeroortegahats
ENJOY A LATE LUNCH AT CUENCA’S OLDEST RESTAURANT- RAYMIPAMPA
Benigno Malo 8-59, Cuenca, Ecuador
@raymipampa
Raymipampa was one of those special recommendations I couldn’t pass up. Located directly across from Parque Calderón and next to the New Cathedral, it’s a great spot to unwind after the bus tour and enjoy authentic Ecuadorian cuisine. Established in 1933, Raymipampa has been popular with both locals and visitors for decades. The restaurant’s traditional wooden furniture and warm lighting give it a homely and relaxed vibe. I enjoyed a classic Ecuadorian shrimp ceviche (my favorite Ecuadorian dish).
BY EARLY EVENING WARM UP WITH A LOCALLY SOURCED HOT CHOCOLATE FROM CHOCOLATERIA DOS CHORRERAS
Simón Bolívar 10-09 y, Padre Aguirre esquina, Cuenca 010101, Ecuador
@hosteriadoschorreras
Not only are evenings cool in the Andean regions of Ecuador, like Cuenca, but sharing a warm drink in the evening is a tradition among Ecuadorians. It’s common for friends and family to sit around the table, enjoy conversation, and wind down over a hot cup of coffee or chocolate. So, when the time came to take a break from exploring the downtown, we stumbled upon Chocolateria Dos Chorreras and took the opportunity to savor some locally sourced hot chocolate and yummy churros. The Chocolateria is a branch of Hostería Dos Chorreras and extends the brand into Cuenca’s Historic Center, allowing visitors who may not travel to the lodge to enjoy a taste of its offerings. Later in my itinerary, I’ll share how we ended up visiting Hostería Dos Chorreras on a day trip to Cajas.
DAY 2 IN CUENCA, ECUADOR: A LITTLE LUXURY
After a day of exploring the Historic Centre, it’s time to discover some of the little luxuries Cuenca has to offer.
SPEND YOUR MORNING EXPLORING The Silver Capital of Ecuador, CHORDELEG
Chordeleg, located about an hour’s drive from Cuenca’s Historic Centre, is a UNESCO Creative City primarily known for its gold and silver filigree jewelry. Everything in this little town is meticulously handmade, offering a unique opportunity to find something truly special. We spent two hours strolling through Chordeleg’s many shops, marveling at the intricate, skillfully crafted jewelry. Each of us found a little treasure to bring home as keepsakes.
Although there are several tours available to Chordeleg, we decided to hire one of the taxi drivers we met on our first day. He offered to take us for the same price as a group tour would’ve cost us, so we opted for a more personalized experience with him instead.
INDULGE IN A UNIQUE CULINARY EXPERIENCE AT LAMARÍA COCINA LIBRE
Benigno Malo 516 y, Cuenca 010112, Ecuador
@lamaria_cuenca
Before arriving in Cuenca, one place I was especially excited to try was LaMaría Cocina Libre. This restaurant pays tribute to the resilience and dedication of women who have preserved Ecuador’s culinary traditions for generations. Founded by two brothers, Manolo and Ronald Morocho, along with their wives, María Verónica Herrera and Mary Urgilés Guerrero, LaMaría blends diverse culinary styles into a unique dining experience.
The restaurant’s philosophy is rooted in honoring Ecuador’s rich culinary heritage while embracing creativity and innovation. True to their concept of cocina libre (free cooking), they deliberately avoid sticking to any single gastronomic theme. This freedom allows them to craft dishes without limitations, offering guests a new and unique experience each time they visit.
Image courtesy of lamaria.ec
"LaMaría was born as a tribute to the fight and resistance of the women who protect our culinary tradition, a tradition that is not willing to disappear, which has been guarded and protected by the hands of our grandmothers, mothers, aunts, and neighbors, who every day transform food into delicacies that transcend social class and are meant to be enjoyed. LaMaría, now a free kitchen, prepares what she loves to eat, welcoming guests into her home, where she always greets them with hot food and many stories to tell. The fight continues.
The future is written in the feminine..."
From the moment you step up the wooden stairs to LaMaría, the experience begins. The decor is a blend of rustic elements alongside modern, minimalist touches. Traditional wooden tables and chairs are combined with contemporary light fixtures, that create a perfect balance of old and new. Every detail on the table is carefully curated too, with each dish offering a surprising twist on traditional Ecuadorian flavors while also being visually stunning. The bar, with its handmade red velvet curtain, added to the charm. We were even fortunate enough to meet one of the owners, who stopped by our table to check on our dining experience and graciously answered all of our (many) questions. From start to finish, LaMaría delivered an unforgettable experience that will stay with me. I can’t wait to be back someday.
UNWIND AT A NATURAL OASIS: PIEDRA DE AGUA FUENTE TERMAL & SPA (STONE OF WATER THERMAL SPRING & SPA)
Pa. de la Guadalupana s/n, Cuenca 010202, Ecuador
@piedradeagua
Just 25 minutes from the Historic Centre, Piedra de Agua offers the perfect escape to unwind for a few hours. This peaceful retreat is famous for its natural hot springs, thoughtfully integrated into the surrounding landscape. The name Piedra de Agua, meaning "Stone of Water," reflects the healing and soothing properties of the mineral-rich waters that flow through the area. Though we had limited time since it was a last-minute decision for us, we were able to relax in the thermal baths, surrounded by lush greenery and breathtaking views of the Andes. You can easily stay several hours to take full advantage of their additional services. Keep in mind that reservations are required for any visit.
DAY 3 IN CUENCA, ECUADOR: A DAY OUT IN NATURE
Cuenca isn’t just a cultural hub—it’s also surrounded by some of nature’s most breathtaking wonders.
Venture on a Day trip to PARQUE NACIONAL EL CAJAS (CAJAS NATIONAL PARK)
Less than an hour’s drive from the Historic Centre, you’ll find a breathtaking natural destination you won’t want to miss—Parque Nacional El Cajas, or simply Cajas. It’s easily accessible and affordable by bus or on a tour. We again opted for the taxi driver we hired as our driver for the few days we were in Cuenca, who knew his way around Cajas quite well. Cajas is a top destination for outdoor enthusiasts who want to hike any of its many trails, as well as those who just want to marvel at its beauty. We made three stops on our tour:
STOP 1: Santuario de la Vírgen del Cajas
This peaceful sanctuary is where we enjoyed stunning views of the Andean mountains and watched sheep roaming freely. Even as someone who isn't religious, I can say the scenery alone makes this stop worth it—it feels like something out of a storybook.
STOP 2: LAGUNA TOREADORA
The Laguna Toreadora Loop has a very scenic and relatively easy trail you can follow. It starts from the park’s Visitor Center, and it takes you through high-altitude landscapes, with stunning views of surrounding mountains, valleys, and unique flora. The hike is approximately 1 to 1.5 hours one way, with mild elevation gain. Upon reaching the Laguna Toreadora, you'll be rewarded with breathtaking views of the glacial lagoon.
STOP 3: Hostería Dos Chorreras (TWO WATERFALLS)
Km 21 via al Cajas, Cuenca, Ecuador
@hosteriadoschorreras
Hostería Dos Chorreras is a charming eco-lodge located near Cajas National Park. The name "Dos Chorreras" (Two Waterfalls) comes from the nearby waterfalls. Aside from lodging, it also has a restaurant that serves Ecuadorian cuisine and is famous for its hot chocolate, which we tried at its branch in the Historic Centre on day one, Chocolateria Dos Chorreras.
In conclusion, Cuenca truly exceeded my expectations, offering a perfect blend of history, culture, and natural beauty. From exploring the vibrant Historic Centre to indulging in the city's delicious food scene and experiencing the tranquility of nearby natural wonders, every moment in Cuenca felt special. Cuenca truly has something for everyone. I hope this 3-day guide inspires you to consider Cuenca for your next adventure—it's a destination you won't regret exploring.
For more on Ecuador, check out my other blog posts:
A Frequent Visitor's Insider Guide to the Best 5 Days in and Around Quito, Ecuador
5 Wonders of Mindo Cloud Forest, Ecuador: A Perfect Day Guide for Anyone