Exploring Cuenca
Trip Overview
Cuenca was everything I didn’t know I needed: cobblestone streets, gorgeous architecture, laid-back vibes, and some of the best food I’ve had in Ecuador. This charming city in the Andes was declared a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site, and it’s easy to see why. If you’re planning a family trip with a touch of history, great coffee, and rooftop views—you’re going to love this one.
Duration: 5 days, 4 nights
Cities: Cuenca, Ingapirca, Gualaceo, Chordeleg
Budget: $365 – $750 (including flights and accommodation)
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Cuenca is between June and September, during the dry season. You’ll enjoy pleasant weather and clearer skies, ideal for walking tours and day trips to natural attractions like El Cajas. Avoid the holiday peaks around Christmas and Semana Santa for a more relaxed experience.
Why Cuenca Stands Out
Cuenca isn’t just a beautiful place to visit—it’s also considered one of the best places to live in South America. According to Numbeo’s 2025 rankings, Cuenca holds the top position in the region for quality of life. With affordable living, excellent healthcare, and a spring-like climate year-round, it’s easy to see why travelers fall in love and decide to stay.
Experience Breakdown
- Sight Seeing 100%
- Food 90%
- Transportation 70%
- Activities 100%
Food & Drink
While not necessarily native to the Islands, the Galápagos have a unique culinary scene that blends Ecuadorian coastal flavors with the rich, diverse seafood found in the surrounding waters.
1. Mote Pillo
Scrambled eggs cooked with mote (hominy corn), spring onions, and achiote. Usually eaten for breakfast or as a side dish.
2. Cascaritas
Made from crispy pork skin with a layer of tender meat underneath. The pork is typically roasted over an open flame or in a wood-fired oven until the skin becomes super crispy.
3. Morocho de Leche
A sweet, thick drink made from boiled morocho corn, milk, cinnamon, and sugar—perfect for breakfast or dessert.
4. Pan Cuencano
Local bakeries make small breads like pan de yema or pan de agua, perfect for breakfast or with coffee.
Daily Itinerary
Day 1
Arrival & Historic Center
After breakfast, the walking city tour started at 9:15 AM with a local guide, covering:
– Museo del Sombrero: known for showcasing the making of the famous Panama hat.
– Plaza San Francisco: local textile and artisan market.
– Parque Calderón: central square and historical heart of Cuenca.
– Plaza de las Flores: iconic flower market.
We then walked to Fábrica Fátima, one of Cuenca’s best artisanal chocolate shops, and returned to Parque Calderón for a late lunch at a local restaurant.
Day 2
Cathedral, museums and night tour
Started the day with the “Tour Criptas” inside Cuenca’s cathedrals, including climbing the New Cathedral for panoramic views. After lunch, visited Museo Pumapungo before closing time. Spent the afternoon in a local café and joined an evening city bus tour to Mirador de Turi. At night, participated in the special “Ruta de Fantasmas” ghost tour at Museo de las Conceptas.
Day 3
Ingapirca, Gualaceo and Chordeleg Excusion
Full-day tour to 3 locations:
– Ingapirca Ruins: Ecuador’s largest Inca archaeological site, guided visit with optional museum stop. Quick roadside stop to try cascaritas with choclo, mote, papas, and fritada.
– Casa Museo de la Makana: demonstration of Andean weaving techniques.
– Gualaceo: walked through town and enjoyed local food at a traditional restaurant.
– Chordeleg: well-known for silver and gold jewelry—perfect for souvenir shopping.
Returned to Cuenca by evening.
Day 4
El Cajas National Park Tour
Full-day tour to three locations:
– Ingapirca Ruins: Ecuador’s largest Inca archaeological site, guided visit with optional museum stop.
– Panamericana: quick roadside stop to try cascaritas with choclo, mote, papas, and fritada.
– Casa Museo de la Makana: demonstration of Andean weaving techniques.
– Gualaceo: walked through town and enjoyed local food at a traditional restaurant.
– Chordeleg: well-known for silver and gold jewelry—perfect for souvenir shopping.
Returned to Cuenca by evening.
Day 5
Relax and local Cafes
Spent the final day walking around Cuenca’s charming streets, shopping for local crafts and enjoying its many cafés and restaurants before departing.
Transportation Tips
- Get the Transportation Card:
Cuenca’s public transportation system only accepts electronic payment through a Movilizate card. This card is essential to use trams and buses.You can purchase the card at the ETAPA office near the airport (Aeropuerto Mariscal La Mar) or at tram/bus stations across the city.
If you’re entering from abroad, make this your first stop after arriving—cards are not sold inside buses or trams.- Alternative Options:
Taxis are widely available and affordable. Apps like Uber and InDrive also work in Cuenca.
For day trips to places like El Cajas or Ingapirca, consider booking a tour that includes transportation or renting a car with a driver.
- Alternative Options:
What to Pack
- Comfortable walking shoes – Most of Cuenca’s highlights are best explored on foot.
- Layered clothing – Cuenca has a spring-like climate year-round, with chilly mornings and evenings. Bring a light jacket or sweater.
- Waterproof jacket or umbrella – Sudden showers are common.
- Sunscreen and sunglasses – Even on cooler days, the sun can be strong at this altitude.
- Daypack – Useful for carrying essentials during city tours or day trips.
- Camera or smartphone – For stunning shots of colonial architecture, landscapes, and artisan markets.
Budget Overview
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Food
- Budget: Eating at local «almuerzo» (set lunch) restaurants can be very affordable, around $5 – $15 per meal.
- Mid-range: A meal at a tourist-oriented restaurant will typically cost $20 – $50 per person.
- Upscale: Expect to pay $60+ per person for a fine dining experience.
Transportation
- Inter-island ferries: $30 – $45 per person per trip between Santa Cruz, San Cristóbal, and Isabela.
- Inter-island flights: $150 – $240 per person per flight.
- Local taxis: Short trips within town cost a few dollars. Taxis for a half-day tour of an island’s highlands might cost $40 – $80.
Extras
- Souvenirs: Small items like T-shirts or magnets can be $5 – $20. Hand-carved or unique items will be more.
- Optional gear: Renting snorkel gear can be a few dollars a day, but many tours include it.
- Tips: Tipping is customary for tour guides and boat crews, often $10 – $20 per person per day.
| Category | Estimated Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| ✈️ Flights (Quito–Cuenca RT) | $90 – $150 | Depends on airline & advance booking |
| 🛏️ Accommodation (4 nights) | $100 – $240 | Budget hotel or Airbnb ($25–$60 per night) |
| 🍲 Food & Drinks | $60 – $100 | Local meals: $3–$6, cafes & nicer restaurants: $8–$15 |
| 🚕 Transportation (local) | $15 – $30 | Includes buses, tram, taxis, and airport rides |
| 🎟️ Activities & Tours | $80 – $180 | Includes guided city tours, Ingapirca, El Cajas, and special night tours |
| 🛍️ Souvenirs & Extras | $20 – $50 | Handmade crafts, chocolates, jewelry, etc. |
| 💰 Total Estimate | $365 – $750 | Varies by travel style & lodging preferences |
Fun Facts
Even though most people associate Panama hats with Panama, they actually come from Ecuador—and Cuenca is one of the main cities where they’re handwoven using traditional techniques passed down through generations.
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