A Comprehensive Guide to a Cuenca City Tour

Have you traveled to Cuenca, Ecuador? Even if you haven’t, you’re likely aware of its beauty. However, the true beauty of this city is much more than meets the eye. Taking part in a Cuenca city tour unlocks a wealth of history and culture, truly allowing you to become one with the city. There are a variety of tours you can take, so in this comprehensive guide, we’ll highlight the best areas for a visit and provide some tips for improving your tour experience.

Where to Start Your Cuenca City Tour

Your city journey begins at the heart of Cuenca. The Old Town area is brimming with past tales and architectural wonders. Here, you can leisurely stroll the streets, marvel at the backdrop of the Tomebamba River, old churches, and the pink “New Cathedral’. As one of the oldest parts of town, you’ll find wide cobblestone roads that lend to its charming yet traditional character. Along the Toribio Rodríguez de Mendoza Waterfall, you’ll also find some of the best street food in all of Cuenca as well as numerous craft stores.

Best Attractions in Cuenca

As mentioned earlier, there are numerous attractions located within the city. From shopping streets and open markets to monuments and old churches, there’s plenty to explore.One of the best sights in the city is El Centro Cultural Plaza Civica (Plaza Civica). The square grounds feature several museums and cultural centers, one of the most popular being Museo Pumapungo. Here, you can explore a variety of archaeological artifacts from pre-Incan times. One of the iconic attractions of Cuenca is its stunning bridges that span across Rio Tomebamba. Each day, thousands opt to visit one of three bridges—Huayna Capac, San Francisco, and San Roque—to view the beautiful panoramic views of the city. If history is your thing, there are plenty of churches scattered throughout the city. From San Blas to El Sagrario Cathedral, each has its own unique flavor and fun facts behind its origin.

Additional Things To Do During Your Cuenca City Tour

In addition to sightseeing within the city hallmarks, there are other attractions worth exploring. One such location is Parque Nacional Morro de Tomebamba. Located within this national park is Mount Tomebamba—one of the tallest hills in the region located within Cuenca. On clear days, visitors can take the narrow path, climb up to its peak, and indulge in spectacular views with a sea of colorful homes. Additional outdoor attractions include “Plaza de Las Flores’ farmer’s market and other spots such as Parque Paraíso or Padre Aguirre for a pleasant riverside stroll or bike ride.

Tips for Experiencing a Memorable Cuenca City Tour Experience

Take photos on your journey – Installing a camera app onto your phone or carrying around a DSLR camera allows you to take beautiful photos during your tour. Capture various angles and have them printed for future reminders of your Cuenca city tour.Fly over Cuenca for a birdseye view – Local pilots offer short air tours over the city and provide spectacular views of it from above. This is not only a great avenue for taking breathtaking photos and videos but also allows you to get some aerial knowledge of the city’s landscape.Don’t forget to pack comfortable shoes and light clothing – Cuenca is an area that witnesses significantly high temperatures most months so be sure to pack accordingly with clothing that breathes well and comfortable shoes that won’t rub while walking long distances.

Booking Your Cuenca City Tour

Most travelers explore the city on their own without booking any organized tours but it’s also possible to purchase guided tour packages from several local estate agencies or from travel websites such as GetYourGuide. By booking with GetYourGuide, travelers can save time and energy searching for attractions or landmarks on their own. With just a few clicks, travelers can book private or shared guided tours that range from 2 hours to multiple days long and make sure that they maximize their time in Cuenca while learning its stories and legends from experienced locals who are passionate about their city. So no matter if you’re just passing through on vacation, traveling for work remotely or even if you’re thinking about settling down in Cuenca, don’t miss out on these essential attractions and experiences by exploring this city of rich culture and history on your own. You won’t regret it!

Cuenca is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful cities South America has to offer! No matter what tour you decide to take, make sure to book it quickly with GetYourGuide, so you can maximize your time in this archaeological wonderland and truly experience the rich culture that Cuenca has to offer.