Guidebook for Cuenca
Sightseeing
Plaza Abdon Calderon
Mariscal SucreCenter of the world
Old Cathedral of Cuenca
Calle Luis CorderoOld Cathedral
San Blas
Church
Madre Park
Avenida 12 de AbrilPark
Climb the tower, tour the inside of the church, where the nuns bake bread, gardens, etc.
Iglesia de Todos Santos
494y Calle LargaClimb the tower, tour the inside of the church, where the nuns bake bread, gardens, etc.
Beautifully restored colonial courtyard complex, almost destroyed by fire in 2015.
9 locals recommend
Seminario San Luis
Beautifully restored colonial courtyard complex, almost destroyed by fire in 2015.
Santo Domingo
General TorresChurch
Santo Cenaculo
987 TarquiChurch
Cruz del Vado
De la CruzFantastic views of the newer part of Cuenca and the mountains.
Located where Goza restaurant is. One of the few outdoor dining venues. Also, the church next door is worth seeing.
plazoleta de la merced
Presidente BorreroLocated where Goza restaurant is. One of the few outdoor dining venues. Also, the church next door is worth seeing.
Iglesia del Carmen de la Asuncion
Padre AguirreChurch on the flower market plaza.
Food Scene
Cafe San Sebas
1-94 Y Mariscal SucreGreat food, owned by expats
Raymipampa Restaurant
8-59 Benigno MaloBest Ecuadorian food at cheap prices!
Tiestos
4-89 Juan JaramilloAmazing food! Reservations required.
Windhorse Café
6-16 Calle Largagood breakfast
Café de Ñucallacta
Exterior:5-62 Hermano Miguelcoffee and good breakfast
Govindas
Gonzalo Cordero Dávilavegetarian
Chill & Grill
S/N Todos SantosBEST burgers and other great food on the cheap
Zircus Restaurant
Esq Florencia Astudillooutdoor seating across from soccer stadium
Has a MacCafe with various coffees and yogurt smoothies, outdoor seating
6 locals recommend
McDonald's
S/N Florencia AstudilloHas a MacCafe with various coffees and yogurt smoothies, outdoor seating
BEST breakfast and lunches for very reasonable prices. Very popular with Gringos.
14 locals recommend
SUNRISE CAFE
938 Calle LargaBEST breakfast and lunches for very reasonable prices. Very popular with Gringos.
El Charrúa Parrilladas
5-200 RamirezBEST STEAKS in Cuenca!
Very popular, BEST pizza in town, great atmosphere, and budget friendly.
16 locals recommend
Fabiano's pizzería
4-74 Pdte. CórdovaVery popular, BEST pizza in town, great atmosphere, and budget friendly.
Don Colon Restaurante
BEST spot for lunch. 4 course meal for $4.
BEST Mexican food (but not your typical), inexpensive, fun atmosphere, great margaritas. Two locations. This one is by the airport.
Tacanijo
1-54 y 1BEST Mexican food (but not your typical), inexpensive, fun atmosphere, great margaritas. Two locations. This one is by the airport.
BEST Mexican food (but not your typical), inexpensive, fun atmosphere, great margaritas. Two locations. This one is in El Centro in a renovated colonial home.
Tacanijo comida mexicana
Presidente CórdovaBEST Mexican food (but not your typical), inexpensive, fun atmosphere, great margaritas. Two locations. This one is in El Centro in a renovated colonial home.
Everything Else
Plaza de San Francisco
Padre AguirreTextiles made by Otovalans
Mercado de Artesanias Rotary
1127 Vargas Machucahand made gift items
Terminal Terrestre station
Avenue Españabus station
The nicest and most diverse thermal spa/baths/pool in Banos neighborhood of Cuenca. Lava massage caves, 3 swim pools, steam rooms, restaurant, mud baths, etc. Certain days/hours are 2 for 1 !!
20 locals recommend
Piedra de Agua, Fuente Termal & Spa
s/n C. 1 de SeptiembreThe nicest and most diverse thermal spa/baths/pool in Banos neighborhood of Cuenca. Lava massage caves, 3 swim pools, steam rooms, restaurant, mud baths, etc. Certain days/hours are 2 for 1 !!
Drinks & Nightlife
Inca Bar and Lounge
Paseo 3 de NoviembreBest Burgers!
Jazz Society Café
Wonderful architecture, live music, and italian food available.
Essentials
Mercado 10 de Agosto
1147 Calle Largafresh produce, fruits, meats, seafood market
Mainstream grocery store (ie; Safeway/Vons/WinDixie). Near soccer stadium, Chill-n-Grill, McDonalds, and Parque de la Madre.
26 locals recommend
Supermaxi El Vergel
PALACIOSMainstream grocery store (ie; Safeway/Vons/WinDixie). Near soccer stadium, Chill-n-Grill, McDonalds, and Parque de la Madre.
Arts & Culture
Museo de las Culturas Aborigenes
5-24 Calle LargaMuseum
Museo del Sombrero de Paja Toquilla
10-41 y Calle LargaMuseum
Museo Municipal de Arte Moderno
& Coronel Guillermo TálbotMuseum
Planetario
010204'new' planetarium (orange ball)
Museo Remigio Crespo Toral
1159 Calle LargaRenovated mansion with thousands of artifacts.
One of the largest museums in Cuenca. Also, visit the arboretum behind the museum to see ruins, a bird aviary, and alpacas!
91 locals recommend
Pumapungo Museo
182 Calle LargaOne of the largest museums in Cuenca. Also, visit the arboretum behind the museum to see ruins, a bird aviary, and alpacas!
AMAZING sculptures, statues, and wall art. Hard to describe other than simply amazing.
Miguel Illescas Art Gallery
1-209 y Miguel Angel EstrellaAMAZING sculptures, statues, and wall art. Hard to describe other than simply amazing.
Set in a stunning old colonial home along the river Tomebamba.
Centro interamericano de Artes Populares
& Hermano MiguelSet in a stunning old colonial home along the river Tomebamba.
Entertainment & Activities
Coliseo Jefferson Perez Quezada
Tennis courts, Olympic sized pool, etc.
Not your typical zoo atmosphere. in a very natural setting. Wear good walking shoes as trails can be steep and made only of dirt.
27 locals recommend
Amaru Zoológico Bioparque
km 10 5 AlturaNot your typical zoo atmosphere. in a very natural setting. Wear good walking shoes as trails can be steep and made only of dirt.