Colonial Streets, Andean Flavors & Rooftop Views
Duration: 5 days, 4 nights
City: Cuenca, Ecuador
Budget: $300 – $700 (excluding flights and accommodation)
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.
- Sight Seeing 90%
- Food 70%
- Transportation 50%
- Activities 80%
Fun fact: 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.
Trip Video
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.
Best Food & Drink
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. Locro de Papa
A creamy potato soup with cheese and avocado, ideal for chilly days in the highlands.
5. Pan Cuencano
Local bakeries make small breads like pan de yema or pan de agua, perfect for breakfast or with coffee.
6. Dulce de higos
Figs cooked in panela syrup, often served with cheese.
Day 1 Arrival & Historic Center
Walked around the historic center, admired the Catedral Nueva and Catedral Vieja, and had dinner at a local restaurant near Parque Calderón.
Day 4 Parque Calderón & Local Life
Relaxed at the central plaza, had lunch at El Mercado, and strolled through Calle Larga. Picked up handmade souvenirs and took photos by colonial buildings.
Day 2
Museum Tours & River Walk
Visited Museo Pumapungo to see Incan ruins, birds, and cultural exhibits. Enjoyed a peaceful walk along the Río Tomebamba trail and stopped for coffee at a local Café.
Day 5 Farewell Coffee & Art
Spent the last morning having humitas and herbal tea, then visited a small art gallery before packing up. Cuenca’s calm energy made it hard to leave.
Day 3 Ingapirca Ruins, Gualaceo and Chordeleg
Explored the ancient Ingapirca ruins, where Kañari and Inca histories meet. Then headed to Gualaceo, famous for leather goods and woven textiles, and Chordeleg, known as Ecuador’s jewelry capital, filled with gold and silver treasures.
Don’t forget to bring these items
- Comfortable walking shoes – the city is best explored on foot.
- A light jacket – mornings and evenings can be cool due to altitude.
- Sunblock – even on cloudy days, the sun can be strong at elevation.
- Cash – most small restaurants and markets prefer it over cards.
Recent Travels
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Ecuador offers more than you can imagine in one trip. With four unique regions—the Andes, Amazon, Coast, and Galápagos—we suggest experiencing it all in two unforgettable adventures. Each trip allows you to immerse yourself in nature, culture, and adventure at a relaxed pace.
🇪🇨 Discover Ecuador in Two Magical Journeys
Ecuador offers more than you can imagine in one trip. With four unique regions—the Andes, Amazon, Coast, and Galápagos—we suggest experiencing it all in two unforgettable adventures. Each trip allows you to immerse yourself in nature, culture, and adventure at a relaxed pace.
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