Cuenca Ecuador Experiences | Culture & Nature

UNESCO jewel

in the south of Ecuador

Our lovely city

Guapondelig

“Guapondelig”, the cañari name of the city in the Tomebamba valley that shows habitation of more than 8000 years, one of the oldest in Ecuador and the Americas, it means: “Valley as Big as the Sky”.

Cuenca, the name given by the spanish conquistadors in 1557, makes the actual city, which is a charming place known for its stunning colonial architecture, picturesque rivers, and vibrant cultural scene.

As a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it offers visitors a glimpse into its rich history with beautiful churches and cobblestone streets.

The local markets brim with colorful handicrafts, and the nearby Andes mountains provide breathtaking views and outdoor adventures.

Cuenca’s warm and welcoming atmosphere makes it a perfect destination for travelers seeking both culture and natural beauty!

New Cathedral

The unfinished beautiful cathedral that holds the city`s faith

2° TOURS

Choose from the following

experiences

Cuenca Authentique

A great tour to enjoy the city of 4 Rivers, with visits to hystorical, patrimonial and gastronomical places around the valley. you will love it!

Start with a brief introduction to the iconic buildings around Parque Calderón, then a full visit to both cathedrals, then the seminary, and the Plaza de las Flores, while you enjoy some sacred “Agua de Pítimas”.

Then visit the local market, and end up sharing a local ice cream in San Sebastián Park

This is a half day tour, but can be a full day including lunch at a top traditional restaurant

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.

We guide you safely around the river bike paths and show you the city in a complete different way.

This is a half day activity and includes the entrance to the thermal springs.

Cuenca Bee Experience

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 with the possibility of having lunch at extra cost.

Cajas Inca Trail

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

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. (check out @juliomontesinosart)

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.

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.

Snacks, a pint of beer and light food is 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.

Clay Ceramic Experience

This experience is held 15 min drive from downtown in a private house, where our great friends will help you create your own work of art in ceramic.

This experience includes local home-brewed beer and kombucha and lasts half day.

Availability upon request

Exploring Sugar Cane and its ties to the cuencanos

Just 45 minutes southeast of Cuenca, the fertile valley of Paute is known for its warm climate, abundant orchards, and thriving sugar cane fields — the origin of the iconic local spirit, Zhumir.

Thanks to its rich soil, the region produces apples, peaches, and plums that color the valley during the first months of the year.

During our visit, we explore the agricultural traditions that shape this landscape and visit a private family-owned hacienda where generations have crafted exceptional spirits. Discover the art of distillation and enjoy a tasting of beautifully oak-aged rum and other local delicacies — each sip reflecting the character of the valley.

A flavorful journey into Paute’s rural heritage and craftsmanship.

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