Cuenca
Cuenca is a southern highland city of cobbled streets, blue-domed cathedral and four rivers, with a slower pace than Quito and a strong craft tradition — including the Panama hats actually made here. Cajas National Park, a high páramo of hundreds of lakes, is 30 minutes away. Altitude is 2,560 m.
How long to stay
June to December for drier weather.
Typical daily budget
No budget published for this place yet
Best time to go
No seasonal guidance published for Cuenca yet
Is Cuenca right for your trip?
Based on what this guide covers, not a score. This is what Cuenca is known for.
Great for
- History & culture
- Couples
Less of a focus
- Food
- Nightlife
- Nature
- Family
- Solo
Build your Cuenca trip
Top things to do
Cajas National Park
Free entry · Paid extras availableCuenca
A páramo plateau above 3,000 m with more than 200 lakes, polylepis woodland and marked walking routes.
Cuenca historic centre
Entrance $2 · VerifiedCuenca
A UNESCO-listed grid of colonial and republican architecture between the Tomebamba river and the new cathedral.
Panama hat workshops
Free entry · VerifiedCuenca
Workshops weaving and blocking toquilla straw hats, which originate in Ecuador rather than Panama.
Run a restaurant, café or tour in Cuenca? List your business.
Popular activities
Cajas day hike
High-altitude lake circuit in the páramo west of the city.
Panama hat workshop visit
See toquilla straw woven, blocked and finished.