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the city at 2ºLatitude
At 2,560 meters (8,400 ft) above sea level, Cuenca blends colonial beauty, vibrant traditions, and breathtaking Andean landscapes. Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, its historic center features cobblestone streets, grand plazas, and the iconic blue domes of the New Cathedral of Cuenca.
Four rivers cross the city, artisan markets celebrate Ecuadorian craftsmanship, and just outside town, Cajas National Park offers high-altitude lakes and unforgettable hikes.
Cuenca is where history, culture, and nature meet — all in one walkable, welcoming city.
Our tours and expeditions allow you to live the city to the fullest:
Cuenca Watercolor Experience
Enjoy a half day visit to Montesinos´ Gallery and learn a bit from Julio´s 40 year experience creating marvelous art
We pick you up at your hotel and spend time with the artist, then he teaches us some techniques and we practice at a white canvas where we create our own work of art.
We try some local snacks and then return to our hotel.
This is a half day activity.
Cuenca Ebike Tour
An incredible experience on the riversides of the city, visiting parks, the botanical garden, and a traditional ice cream shop, topped off with a visit to the local thermal springs to relax by the end of the ride.
This is a half day activity and includes the entrance to the thermal springs
Bee Experience at Sinincay
Learn from a bee expert and the local history of Sayausi, a small parrish 30 min outside of Cuenca where marble artists create incredible sculptures. We start by dressing with beekeeper suits and visiting the hives, where we learn about this animals and collect some honey.
After this, we come back to the apiary where we make some local tea and try some of the hive`s products.
This is a half day activity.
Cuenca Watercolor Experience
We’ll whisk you away to Julio Montesinos’ enchanting home and art gallery, just 15 minutes outside Cuenca.
Here, you’ll immerse yourself in the beauty of Julio’s stunning artwork and uncover his unique, secret techniques firsthand.
Enjoy delicious snacks to keep you energized as you dive into creating your very own watercolor masterpiece!
Inca Trail Cajas
The Cajas National Park, located in the South Andes of Ecuador, is renowned for its stunning landscapes, featuring over 400 lakes, rugged mountains, and diverse ecosystems.
We will guide you out of the beaten path to magnificent landscapes.
Hike the old road that connected the coast with the incan city of Pumapungo in what is now Cuenca. A trail like no other, to enjoy the Cajas National Park´s ancestral trails.
We pick you up early in the morning and drive towards Toreadora lagoon, from here we can walk sections of the Inca trail, being the longest 10 km with 600 m elevation gain in paramo terrain.
We end up either in Toreadora or Huagrahuma according to the pace of the hikers.
This is a full day activity ending and includes box lunch and snacks.
Ancient Trails and Thermal Springs
We pick you up at your hotel and drive 15 min to our trail start, our hike goes up 300 m elevation and 6 km in lenght, using ancient trails that date even before the foundation of the city 1557, we enjoy some birdwatching and incredile views of the city, then we visit the old old mines of the city, and at the end, visit a local family for some fruits and refreshing horchata.
At the end of the hike we find the thermal springs and take some time to rest in the warm waters.
We then return to Cuenca.
This is a half day activity and includes entrance fee, and snacks.
Cojitambo: a hike through time
Hike some of the ancestral trails dating back to the Inca and Cañari people that once inhabited this iconic volcanic cone. The trail has 9 km and 400 m eleveation gain, with some sections inside andean forest. There is good probabilty of spoting some hummingbird species and birds of prey.
The hike includes a visit to the archeological complex of Cojitambo, with an amazing 360º view of both Azogues and Cuenca.
By the end, and only thursdays to sundays, we visit the local beer factory for some freshly brewed beer at the local factory.
Optional rock-climbing is available at extra cost.
We recommend doing this tour in the afternoon and Thursday to Sundays.
Lunch and a pint of beer are included.
Rock Climbing Cojitambo
We drive 30 min to Cojitambo and hike to the chosen routes.
Our certified guide will give you a safety breifing and fit your saftey gear (harness, rock climbing shoes and helmet) and start the activity.
Cojitambo holds over 100 rock climbing routes from the easiest to the hardest, including some incredible multi-pitch.
This tour includes snacks and transportation and is a half day activity.
Experience the Best of Cuenca and Surroundings
“Whether you’re drawn to the historical treasures of Cuenca or the natural beauty of its surroundings, this region has something for everyone. Experience the warm hospitality, indulge in local cuisine, and immerse yourself in the rich culture of Cuenca and Surroundings.”
