Cuenca in 3 days

A UNESCO Andean gem of blue-domed cathedrals, cobbled streets and a relaxed, riverside colonial charm. Best time to visit: June to September and December to February. Average daily budget: $30 to $60 USD.

Day 1, Get oriented

Base: Centro Histórico, The UNESCO old town of cobbled streets, churches and the blue-domed New Cathedral.

Morning: Stroll the Río Tomebamba. Walk El Barranco's riverside path beneath the old colonial balconies.

Afternoon: Explore Centro Histórico, The UNESCO old town of cobbled streets, churches and the blue-domed New Cathedral.

Evening: New Cathedral. Marvel at the giant sky-blue domes and climb up for rooftop views over the city.

Eat: Hornado, slow-roasted pork served with potato and corn

Day 2, Go deeper

Base: Parque Calderón, The leafy main square framed by both the old and new cathedrals.

Morning: Panama hat museum. Learn that the famous hat is actually Ecuadorian, and watch (or buy) one being made.

Afternoon: Explore Parque Calderón, The leafy main square framed by both the old and new cathedrals.

Evening: Cajas National Park. Take a day trip to the misty paramo of over 200 glacial lakes, just an hour away.

Eat: Mote pillo, hominy corn scrambled with eggs

Day 3, Hidden side

Base: El Barranco & Río Tomebamba, The scenic riverfront where colonial houses cling above the water.

Morning: Wander the historic centre. Cuenca's UNESCO old town is full of cobbled streets, flower markets and the blue-domed New Cathedral. Stroll the Río Tomebamba riverbanks and the artisan workshops.

Afternoon: Explore El Barranco & Río Tomebamba, The scenic riverfront where colonial houses cling above the water.

Evening: Day trip to Cajas National Park. A high-altitude wonderland of lakes, paramo and trails just 30 minutes away. Hike among hundreds of glacial lagoons in the misty Andes.

Eat: Cuy, roasted guinea pig, a traditional Andean delicacy

Hidden gems

The flower market beside the Carmen de la Asunción church.
The ruins of Pumapungo, an Inca and Cañari site with gardens and a museum.
Mirador de Turi for the classic panoramic view of the city and domes.
Local ceramics workshops in the nearby village of San Bartolomé.

Getting around

Cuenca's historic centre is walkable, though the cobbles and gentle hills mean comfortable shoes help. The modern tram crosses the city, and taxis and ride apps are cheap. For Cajas National Park, buses run hourly toward Guayaquil and stop at the park, or join a guided day tour for the trails and lakes.

Safety

Cuenca is one of Ecuador's safest cities and very relaxed, but use normal urban precautions, keeping valuables discreet and using registered taxis or apps at night. It sits at about 2,560m, so ease into activity to adjust to the altitude, and pack layers as evenings are cool. Drink bottled or filtered water.

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