How Many Days To Spend In Cuenca, Ecuador? 3 Days, 5 Days & 1 Week!
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WONDERING HOW MANY DAYS ARE NEEDED IN CUENCA, ECUADOR!?
Are you planning a trip to Cuenca, Ecuador, and wondering how many days you should spend there!? Dylan and I spent two weeks there in November 2024 and have acquired a list of all the best ways to experience the area! While we don’t think you really need two weeks there, we do believe you could spend anywhere from three days to one week to get a feel for the city!
How Many Days To Spend In Cuenca, Ecuador: An Overview
Many people argue you only need three days in Cuenca to see everything. While you can squeeze a lot in during three days, we also see the benefit of staying five or even a week to explore everything the city and surrounding area offers. Whatever your travel style, this blog covers must-see attractions depending on the time frame you’re traveling by.
How Many Days To Spend In Cuenca, Ecuador: Three Itineraries
The three itineraries I’ve written in this blog post will give you ideas on how to spend your day with top activities, destinations, and attractions, with room for you to explore at your own pace. However, I recommend skipping ahead to the timeframe that fits your trip length because each itinerary has repeat activities. Let’s get into it!
Are You Prepared For Your Trip?
3 Days In Cuenca, Ecuador
Let’s begin this Cuenca, Ecuador itinerary for the shortest time we recommend visiting: three days. This itinerary focuses on getting to know the city on the first day, visiting the surrounding artisanal villages on the second, and choosing your type of day trip for the third. This Cuenca itinerary combines the best that the city and surrounding area offer on a fast track!
Day 1. Exploring The City
The first day you find yourself in Cuenca, the best way to acquaint yourself with the city is by exploring it! I’d recommend heading to the historic center (if you aren’t already staying there). The Plaza Abdón Calderón is a great starting point. In the morning, find a cute coffee shop around the plaza. You can take your coffee to-go as you stroll through the streets or enjoy it in a cozy cafe atmosphere to start your day.
We recommend going to Frato Cafe for decent prices and delicious coffee. On a weekday, head to the Central Pharmacy building (Cross-streets Bolivar & Benigno Malo), the oldest operating pharmacy in the city. There, you can buy their “secret soda,” which is supposed to have health benefits!
Next, head to the central plaza to climb up the New Cathedral (Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception) for stunning views overlooking the city. After exiting, walk around the plaza and stop at the Old Cathedral (Sagrario Church) to see the original bells and cathedral materials. Complete the plaza loop and walk a half block to the wonderful Flower Market. Try the aguas de pítimas tea – an infusion made with flower petals, herbs, and more!
Head east towards the river, stopping at the Mercado Central (Mercado 10 de Agosto). Here, you can grab a bite to eat with the locals (the hornado (pig roast) is delicious here). Then, make your way to the river Tomebomba and take a stroll north. Along the way, you’ll encounter Puente Roto, an old-time bridge that once collapsed from a flood.
If you continue north, you’ll find archeological ruins within Cuenca – Pumapungo! This site is free to enter, and you can walk through the museum before exploring the grounds. It’s a perfect way to spend a later afternoon. End your day by heading to your hotel or wandering further to El Paraíso Park.
Day 2. Visiting Artisanal Villages
On your second day, leave the city to visit some of the region’s most fascinating artisanal villages! There are a few around, and Gualaceo, Chordeleg, SígSig, and San Bartolomé are all very popular to explore. Gualaceo is known for its textiles and ikat scarves, Chordeleg for its gold and silver jewelry and straw weaving, SígSig for its Panama hats, and San Bartolomé for its guitar-making!
It’s possible to do these cities independently (you can create your itinerary) or take a tour, which takes away the stress of figuring out transportation. If you want more information on how to get to these towns from Cuenca, read my Best Day Trips From Cuenca blog post next. Otherwise, popular tours to these artisanal villages include:
- Full-Day Tour Gualaceo, Chordeleg, and San Bartolomé from Cuenca
- Private Gualaceo & Chordeleg craft-making village tour
- Azuay: San Bartolomé, Gualaceo, and Chordeleg Artisanal Tour
Whether you do the tour or not, these trips will take up most of your day, so once you return, you’ll want to eat a nice meal and relax for the evening before another eventful day!
Day 3. Taking a Day Trip
For your last day in Cuenca, Ecuador, consider taking a day trip to a site that interests you! There are many day trip options around Cuenca, but the most popular are the Ingapirca Archeological Site, Cajas National Park, and Baños de Cuenca (natural thermal springs).
Whether you’re looking to explore the natural beauty, learn about the largest Inca site in Ecuador, or want to relax after the past few days, each place has something valuable to offer.
Ingapirca Archeological Site
The Ingapirca Archeological Site takes about two and a half hours to arrive by bus. You can buy your return ticket with Cooperativa de Transportes Terrestres Cañar. The entrance ticket includes entrance to the museum and a guided tour. You can walk the Inca Trail behind the ruins and find other archeological artifacts afterward!
Cajas National Park
Cajas National Park is a fantastic day trip option for outdoor lovers. Just do a quick Google search to see why! You can take public transportation, book a tour, or take a rental car, but you’ll want to head to the Lago Torreadora entrance to register. You can choose your path from there, but I recommend booking a guide because the park is so big.
Baños de Cuenca
Lastly, if you’re more in the mood to relax, you might consider a trip to the neighboring town of Baños de Cuenca. This town has a variety of natural hot springs for all budget types. Popular ones include Balneario el Riñon, Piedra de Agua, Fuente, Termal & Spa, and Novaqua (listed from cheapest to most expensive). Arrive by bus, taxi, or rental car.
These trips will also take up a large portion of your day. But, if you feel up for it, you can always go to Mirador Turi after dark to see Cuenca’s city lights. Many restaurants surround the area, and a nice hot chocolate is the perfect way to end your trip.
5 Days In Cuenca, Ecuador
Spending five days in Cuenca is the sweet spot, in my opinion, because you don’t have to rush to fit everything in, and you can truly enjoy what the city has to offer. I don’t like feeling too rushed when I travel, and this itinerary balances all the best attractions at a comfortable pace. You’ll have two days to explore the city and get a feel for the town before exploring the neighboring areas!
Day 1. Exploring The Historic Center
On the first day of five in Cuenca, spend the day getting to know the historic center. Start in Parque Abdón Calderón and grab a coffee from one of the local cafes for your stroll. Start your day by visiting the Old Cathedral museum (Sagrario Church) to learn the history before experiencing the New Cathedral. You’ll learn about the original bell towers and the materials used to create this magnificent building.
After learning about the history, head to the New Cathedral (Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception) to climb to the top for beautiful views at every step. Then, take a left out of the exit and ponder one of the most historic streets in Cuenca – Calle Santa Ana. Turn left and head to the Flower Market, where vendors sell fresh flowers daily. Try the aguas de pítimas drink (flower petal-infused tea) before searching for a lunch spot!
Then, wander through the San Francisco Plaza and photo-opt before heading to the Central Market (Mercado 10 de Agosto). Grab a bite to eat at one of the sit-down restaurants. You might even try some fresh fruit juice and the Cuencan traditional pan de nata (bread with a sweet cream). If you’re feeling like really immersing yourself in the culture, get your energy cleansed at one of the herbal booths!
You can spend the rest of the day wandering the streets. I really enjoyed getting an afternoon coffee in Plaza La Merced, a tranquil area that’s nice for people-watching and winding down after a day of exploring. For dinner, I enjoyed any restaurant in the Plaza de San Sebastian!
Day 2. Visiting The Museums
Consider your second day in Cuenca a museum day! If you aren’t typically a museum person, don’t worry, because I don’t consider myself one either, but I found these fascinating. Start your day at the historic center and wander to the Municipal Museum of Modern Art for a unique twist to artwork in hallways and gardens. Then, head down to the El Vado neighborhood near the river.
El Vado is a historical part of Cuenca, and the architecture is gorgeous. You can start by visiting the Museum of Extreme Art (Prohibido Centro Cultural) if you’re up for a unique experience. The artist who creates all the designs uses his art to push the boundaries of our beliefs surrounding death, sexuality, and spirituality. I thought it was an interesting (but creepy) place. It was unlike any other museum I’ve ever been to.
Head back to the main road (Calle Larga) and visit the Panama Hat Museum (Homero Ortega Panama Hats) to learn about the fascinating history of Cuenca’s traditional hat-making. You can go down to the river, where you’ll stroll on the walkway and admire the beautiful views before reaching Puente Roto – a historical bridge destroyed in a flood.
Snap some pictures before wandering on. Grab some lunch in the Barranco neighborhood and admire all the artistic designs on the colorful buildings. Once lunch is over, you can continue walking down the river until turning off to reach Pumapungo – archeological ruins inside the city! It’s completely free to enter, and you can easily spend a few hours wandering around the property.
End your night by crossing the river and enjoying El Paraíso Park, the large shopping center, or the Planetarium on your way back. The planetarium only operates in Spanish, so if you know it, great, but if not, it might be a little hard to follow. Grab a hot chocolate before wandering back along the riverwalk towards the historic center before ending your night and grabbing dinner.
Day 3. History & Culture
The following two days of your Cuenca trip are a choose-your-own-adventure. I recommend taking a day trip to one of these places of your choosing: Ingapirca Archeological Ruins, or a day trip to the many artisanal towns surrounding Cuenca. If you’re interested in architecture, history, and archeology, I’d recommend Ingapirca. Try the artisanal town tour if you like shopping, artisanal crafts, and wandering through smaller towns.
Ingapirca Archeological Site
Dylan and I took a day trip to Ingapirca and absolutely loved it. You can either go by yourself or take a tour, but it’s easy enough to explore on your own. We recommend going at 9 AM with Cooperativas de Transportes Cañar because they offer a return ticket with your purchase. The entrance ticket covers the museum entrance and a guided tour through the grounds, and you can explore the Inca Trail afterward if you choose.
Artisanal Towns
A few popular Artisanal Towns near Cuenca include Chordeleg, Gualaceo, and San Bartolomé. You can take a public bus to explore them, or you can take a tour. Chordeleg is known for its jewelry making, Gualaceo for its ikat weaving, and San Bartolomé for its guitar making. Here are a few tour options if you don’t want to plan transportation independently:
- Full-Day Tour Gualaceo, Chordeleg, and San Bartolomé from Cuenca
- Private Gualaceo & Chordeleg craft-making village tour
- Azuay: San Bartolomé, Gualaceo, and Chordeleg Artisanal Tour
These day trips will leave you arriving back in Cuenca in the early evening, where you can grab a bit to eat and do as you wish for the rest of the night.
Day 4. A Day To Relax
The fourth day in Cuenca is the perfect opportunity to relax. Have a slow morning with a local desayuno and cáfe, then take the bus to Baños de Cuenca, a city less than 10 miles away from Cuenca! Baños de Cuenca has many natural thermal springs you can choose from for any budget type. Here are a few options below:
Balneario del Rincon is the most cost-effective thermal spring to visit and has a few thermal pools to enjoy. Novaqua is another good option with different package options, allowing you to choose one based on your budget. Piedra de Agua y Fuente thermal springs are the most spa-like, so if you want to treat yourself, you’ll want to head here!
After enjoying your afternoon in the thermal springs of Cuenca and reaping the health benefits they provide, head back to town whenever you’re ready. For a pleasant evening, you can take a taxi or bus up to the Mirador Turi, an overlook of the city with restaurants and shops to explore. Grabbing a meal, snapping photos, or enjoying a delicious hot chocolate will be the perfect end to your fourth day.
Day 5. Exploring The Outdoors
The fifth day of your trip is the perfect opportunity to see the beautiful outdoors surrounding Cuenca. You can choose between Cajas National Park, Laguna de Busa, or El Chorro de Girón Waterfalls.
Each offers unique perks and advantages. Generally speaking, if you like hiking, Cajas is a good option; if you want a relaxing walk around a lake, choose Laguna de Busa; and if you enjoy the natural beauty of a waterfall, El Chorro de Giron is a good fit.
Cajas National Park
You can arrive at Cajas National Park independently (head to the Lago Torreadora entrance to register) via public transportation or take a tour to hit the popular spots with a guide and transportation included. If you take public transport (any bus headed towards Guayaquil), try to catch a bus back before 4 PM.
El Chorro de Girón
It’s easy to get to El Chorro de Girón Waterfalls from Cuenca by yourself, as many buses go there from the terminal. You can see two waterfalls, depending on whether you hike to the second waterfall or take a taxi! If you go by yourself, the last bus leaves at 5:40, so I’d recommend going early in the morning for the best weather!
Laguna de Busa
Laguna de Busa is a bit more challenging to arrive, and I haven’t found much information about public transportation options. You can always take a taxi or drive if you have a rental car! However, I think the best option is if you’re interested in both El Chorro de Girón Waterfall and Laguna Busa to combine them both in this tour on Viator!
After a long day exploring the outdoors, take it easy and head to the Choclatería Dos Chorreros near the historic center for a delicious hot chocolate! Unwind and reflect on your last five days in Cuenca before heading home or to your next destination!
One Week In Cuenca, Ecuador
One week in Cuenca is an ideal amount of time to get to know the historic center and best attractions within Cuenca and venture out of the city to take some fascinating day trips. This itinerary features a well-rounded trip that includes history, culture, the outdoors, and more. Let’s dive in.
Day 1. Exploring The Historic Center
The first day in Cuenca is about becoming acquainted with this beautiful Ecuadorian city. Venture to the historic center in the morning to make the most of your day. If you want to start your day here, you can find plenty of breakfast spots and cafes around the Plaza Abdón Calderón.
First, you’re going to spend the day around the central plaza. You’ll venture to the Old Cathedral (Sagrario Church) to see some catacombs and learn the history of its construction and the original German bells. Then, you’ll head to the New Cathedral (Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception) to climb to the top, take in the views, and get a feel for where you are in the city.
Walk down the street Calle Santa Ana afterward and take in one of the oldest streets in the city. It’s the street you take to enter the New Cathedral, so you can’t miss it. Choose a restaurant on that street or head a half block down to Plaza de los Geranios Colgantes for lunch.
Afterward, walk around the corner to the side of the New Cathedral building to check out the small vendors selling their crafts in their booths. Then, you’ll stumble upon the beautiful Plaza de los Flores flower market. Take in the floral scent of the flowers and try the aguas de pítimas – a drink you can only find in Cuenca!
Wander to the San Francisco Plaza, which offers beautiful views of the New Cathedral. Snap some photos, try some street food, and shop locally. Make your way to Mercado 10 de Agosto (the central market) to check out local restaurant booths, juice stands, herbal shops, and more. You might try pan de nata (a Cuencan favorite) if you have room after lunch!
Afterward, continue getting acquainted with different corners of the city. Some of my favorite spots for a cup of coffee, a restaurant, or to relax included the Plaza de Merced and Plaza de San Sebastian. However, you’ll soon find your favorite nooks and crannies.
Day 2. Visiting The Museums
Now that you have explored the city, today is all about visiting its museums to learn more about its history! Start your morning in the historic center with a visit to the Municipal Museum of Modern Art, where artwork is displayed in charming hallways and peaceful gardens, making for a refreshing and engaging experience.
From there, head toward the El Vado neighborhood, a historic place known for its stunning architecture. If you are down for something unconventional, the Museum of Extreme Art (Prohibido Central Cultural) offers an experience like no other. The resident artist challenges perceptions of death, spirituality, and sexuality in ways that are both thought-provoking and, honestly, a little eerie. It’s definitely not your typical museum visit!
Next, walk up to Calle Larga and stop at the Panama Hat Museum (Homero Ortega Panama Hats). The museum is a great place to dive into Cuenca’s hat-making tradition and learn why the famous “Panama” hat is actually from Ecuador. Afterward, take a scenic stroll along the riverfront, soaking in the views as you approach Puente Roto, a bridge partially destroyed by a flood that now stands as a historic landmark.
Continue your walk toward the Barranco neighborhood, a lively area with colorful buildings and street art. It’s a great spot to stop for lunch and take in the creative atmosphere. To save money, opt for the menú del día, a lunch special with a small appetizer, beverage, entree, and sometimes, dessert.
Once you’ve eaten, wander over to Pumapungo, an impressive archaeological site in the city. The entrance is free, and you can easily spend hours walking through the ancient ruins and gardens.
Wrap up your day by crossing the river to unwind in El Paraíso Park, check out the large shopping center, or catch a show at the Planetarium. Just a heads-up! It’s all in Spanish, so following along might be tricky if you don’t speak the language. Before returning to the historic center for dinner, grab a warm cup of tea and take one last peaceful walk along the river to end the night.
Day 3. Inca Ruins
You will leave town for the first time on the third day and explore the largest Inca Ruins in Ecuador – Ingapirca! Ingapirca was one of my favorite days in Cuenca because its history and archeology are fascinating, even as someone who doesn’t care for history too much. You can arrive via public transportation, or you can take a tour.
The site has a museum, archeological ruins, and a short Inca Trail you can follow for additional Incan artifacts. Honestly, my favorite part about the whole experience was seeing the Sun Temple for the first time, walking the trail, and seeing the “Face of the Inca” on the side of a mountain. It’s a fascinating place to visit for a Cuenca day trip.
To arrive via public transportation, head to the Terminal Terrestre and look for the bus company Cooperativa de Transportes Terrestres Cañar. They leave at 9 AM and offer a return ticket as well. Otherwise, you can always take a guided tour if you want to go with a small group!
After the two-hour drive back to Cuenca, head to Mirador Turi to get a beautiful overlook of Cuenca’s city lights during the evening. You will find plenty of restaurants to stop for a bite to eat at dinner, with overlooking city views. Or, do what Dylan and I did and split a few appetizers and sip on hot chocolates for the end of a perfect night!
Day 4. Artisanal Villages
For your second day, venture beyond Cuenca and explore some of the most fascinating artisanal villages! Each has its specialty, making them a great way to experience local craftsmanship. Gualaceo is famous for its intricate ikat textiles and scarves, Chordeleg is the go-to spot for stunning gold and silver jewelry, and San Bartolomé has a long tradition of crafting high-quality guitars.
You can plan the trip independently by piecing together transportation, or if you would rather skip the hassle, a guided tour will handle the logistics for you. If you’re looking for step-by-step directions on how to visit these villages on your own, check out my Best Day Trips From Cuenca guide. Otherwise, here are some great tour options:
- Full-Day Tour: Gualaceo, Chordeleg, and San Bartolomé from Cuenca
- Private Tour: Gualaceo & Chordeleg craft-making village experience
- Azuay Artisanal Tour: San Bartolomé, Gualaceo, and Chordeleg
Whether you go solo or on a tour, this day trip will likely take up most of your time, regardless. Once you arrive back in Cuenca, take the evening to unwind and enjoy a good meal—but if you still have energy, try some of Cuenca’s best street food!
Head to Plaza Abdón Calderón, Plaza de los Flores, or San Francisco Plaza for local favorites like tamales, empanadas, and yuca bread. Street food is a delicious way to wrap up the day before resting for the next day!
Day 5. Trip To The National Park
On your fifth day, head to the Cajas National Park! Cajas is a beautiful outdoor area, and Dylan and I were sad we couldn’t go because of the wildfires. Here is more information on getting there:
You can visit Cajas National Park on your own or with a tour, depending on how much planning you want to do. If you’re going solo, hop on any bus headed toward Guayaquil and ask to be dropped off at the Lago Torreadora entrance, where you’ll need to register before hitting the trails.
Just remember that buses back to Cuenca become less frequent in the afternoon, so it’s best to catch one before 4 PM. If you’d rather not worry about transportation or navigation, a tour is a great way to see the highlights with a guide who knows the area inside and out.
Once you’re inside the park, you’ll have plenty of hiking options. Some trails are short and scenic, winding past lakes and rolling hills, while others take you deep into the mountains. The park is massive, and the trails aren’t always well-marked, so a guide can be helpful if you don’t want to risk getting lost.
Also, don’t let the sun fool you. The weather here can flip from clear skies to freezing rain in minutes, so dress in layers and bring a rain jacket just in case.
After a long day of hiking, you’ll probably be starving, and there’s no better way to refuel than with some classic Cuencan food. Head back to the city and find a place to try hornado (slow-roasted pork with crispy skin) or, if you’re feeling adventurous, cuy (roast guinea pig, a local specialty). Grab a hot canelazo or fresh fruit juice to round out the meal before calling it a night!
Day 6. Natural Thermal Springs
Baños de Cuenca is the perfect spot to unwind for a laid-back sixth day in Cuenca. This small town, just a short bus, taxi, or rental car ride away from Cuenca, is known for its natural hot springs.
Whether on a budget or looking for a spa experience, Baños de Cuenca will have what you need. Popular options include Balneario del Rincón (the most affordable), Novaqua (with customizable package options), and Piedra de Agua y Fuente (the ultimate spa-like retreat).
Start your morning slow—grab a local desayuno with fresh coffee before going to Baños de Cuenca. Once you arrive, pick a hot spring that suits your vibe.
Balneario del Rincón is a great, budget-friendly choice for those looking for a simple hot spring experience. For something a little more upscale, Novaqua offers a variety of pools and spa packages at different price points. And if you really want to go all out, Piedra de Agua has everything from underground thermal pools to mud baths and steam caves.
After spending the afternoon soaking in the mineral-rich waters, head back to Cuenca feeling refreshed. And to end the night perfectly, grab a hot chocolate from one of Cuenca’s cozy cafés before calling it a day!
Day 7. Other Day Trips from Cuenca, Ecuador
Day seven is another choose-your-own-adventure with one of these day trips from Cuenca! Laguna Busa, El Chorro de Girón, and Losas de Uchucay are all incredible day trips from Cuenca. Each offers something different, whether hiking through a desert-like landscape, chasing waterfalls, or taking in serene lake views.
El Chorro de Girón
If waterfalls are your thing, El Chorro de Girón is an easy and rewarding day trip from Cuenca. It’s simple to reach by public transportation. Just head to the bus terminal, where you’ll find buses heading toward Girón.
Once you arrive, you can choose your adventure: stick to the lower viewpoint for a simple walk or take the steeper trail to the second waterfall for a bit of a challenge. Either way, plan to go early in the morning for the best weather. Just remember that the last bus back to Cuenca leaves at 5:40 PM.
Laguna de Busa
Laguna Busa is a perfect choice for a peaceful nature escape. The lake is surrounded by lush mountains, making it an ideal spot for a short hike, a picnic, or even a paddle on the water. Getting here is trickier, as public transportation options aren’t well-documented. The best bet is to drive yourself, take a taxi, or join a tour that combines Laguna Busa with El Chorro de Girón—a great way to hit two scenic spots in one go.
Losas de Uchucay
Losas de Uchucay offers a desert-like landscape and a scenic hike leading to a hidden swimming hole near Hacienda de Uchucay. It’s about 62 miles from Cuenca and best suited for those who love rugged adventures. Getting here is tricky—there’s no direct public transportation to the trailhead, so you’ll need to drive, hire a taxi, or take a bus to Santa Isabel and arrange a ride from there.
Coordinates: -3.39165, -79.36701
No matter which adventure you choose, these day trips are all about getting outside, exploring Ecuador’s diverse landscapes, and experiencing nature in a way that’s totally different from the city!
Frequently Asked Questions
Great! Now that we’ve gone over what to do in Cuenca, Ecuador, with these three itineraries, we can cover some frequently asked questions.
Is Cuenca worth visiting Ecuador?
Cuenca is most definitely worth visiting. It’s called Ecuador’s most beautiful city for a reason! If you travel to Cuenca, Ecuador, you’ll know why others love it so dearly. The dainty cafes, cobblestone streets, and beautiful architecture make it a great place to visit.
What is the best month to visit Cuenca, Ecuador?
The best months to visit Cuenca, Ecuador, are during the dry season between June, July, August, or September. If you visit during one of those months, you will most likely avoid heavy rainfall. Dylan and I went during November, and it was a bit chilly and rained off and on frequently!
Wrapping Up: How Many Days To Spend in Cuenca, Ecuador: 3-Day, 5-Day & 1-Week Itineraries
There you have it! I hope my three-day, five-day, and one-week itineraries have answered how many days you’ll need to spend in Cuenca, Ecuador. You can absolutely fit it all in within three days, but if you’re like me and don’t like to feel rushed during your travels, I’d recommend five days. However, if you want to make the most of your trip, one week will do you good!
I hope you enjoy Cuenca! Happy travels!