Thomas’s guidebook

Sightseeing

Pumapungo Museo

The museum offers several interesting components such as: the national ethnographic room, the archaeological room and site museum where you can learn about the history of Pumapungo from the Cañarí and Inka times and today, the exhibition on the heritage fabric of Gualaceo "IKAT" , the exhibition "Millennial Gold and Silver", a beautiful exhibition that illustrates the mastery of metalworking and its symbolism for pre-Hispanic and Inca cultures in Ecuador, the Pumapungo Ancestral Park made up of the archaeological park of several hectares, vestiges of the majestic administrative, military and religious center that was Pumapungo, the ethnobotanical park and Andean farm, which contain more than 200 species of native plants, daily visited by more than 30 species of birds,and the avifauna and rescue center where you can see more than 50 birds that have been rescued from the illicit trafficking of species, parrots, toucans, eagles, turkeys, llamas, among others.

91 locals recommend

Pumapungo Museo

182 Calle Larga

91 locals recommend

The museum offers several interesting components such as: the national ethnographic room, the archaeological room and site museum where you can learn about the history of Pumapungo from the Cañarí and Inka times and today, the exhibition on the heritage fabric of Gualaceo "IKAT" , the exhibition "Millennial Gold and Silver", a beautiful exhibition that illustrates the mastery of metalworking and its symbolism for pre-Hispanic and Inca cultures in Ecuador, the Pumapungo Ancestral Park made up of the archaeological park of several hectares, vestiges of the majestic administrative, military and religious center that was Pumapungo, the ethnobotanical park and Andean farm, which contain more than 200 species of native plants, daily visited by more than 30 species of birds,and the avifauna and rescue center where you can see more than 50 birds that have been rescued from the illicit trafficking of species, parrots, toucans, eagles, turkeys, llamas, among others.

Amaru Zoológico Bioparque

Look at the website for Lion feeding times !!!! MUST SEE https://www.zoobioparqueamaru.com/ Cuenca’s Amaru Biopark is a non-profit conservation organization that rescues animals from situations like illegal trafficking and circuses. This allows the rescued animals to live out happy lives on the side of the mountains surrounding Cuenca in sizable spaces with lots of room to roam. The wildlife park is so full of species native to Ecuador, from the high Andes to the Amazon. Most people traveling through Ecuador likely won’t be lucky enough to encounter native species such as jaguars and Andean bears in the wild. So Amaru Biopark provides visitors a rare chance to see them.

27 locals recommend

Amaru Zoológico Bioparque

km 10 5 Altura

27 locals recommend

Look at the website for Lion feeding times !!!! MUST SEE https://www.zoobioparqueamaru.com/ Cuenca’s Amaru Biopark is a non-profit conservation organization that rescues animals from situations like illegal trafficking and circuses. This allows the rescued animals to live out happy lives on the side of the mountains surrounding Cuenca in sizable spaces with lots of room to roam. The wildlife park is so full of species native to Ecuador, from the high Andes to the Amazon. Most people traveling through Ecuador likely won’t be lucky enough to encounter native species such as jaguars and Andean bears in the wild. So Amaru Biopark provides visitors a rare chance to see them.

Turi viewpoint way

The Mirador de Turi is a lookout point perched high above the city, with spectacular views down below. Many of Cuenca’s churches and avenues can be easily seen from this high point located on the southern fringes of the city. It makes for a fantastic place for photos, whether attempting to capture the cityscape or to snap a few Cuenca selfies.

13 locals recommend

Turi viewpoint way

Avenida Mirador de Turi

13 locals recommend

The Mirador de Turi is a lookout point perched high above the city, with spectacular views down below. Many of Cuenca’s churches and avenues can be easily seen from this high point located on the southern fringes of the city. It makes for a fantastic place for photos, whether attempting to capture the cityscape or to snap a few Cuenca selfies.

Cajas National Park

Cajas is a wild and unique alpine environment that boasts nearly 300 lakes. Ponds and streams spill across the tundra landscape, spread across this portion of the Andes. It all takes place over mountains that rise well over 3,000 meters in altitude!

6 locals recommend

Cajas National Park

Cuenca - Molleturo - Naranjal

6 locals recommend

Cajas is a wild and unique alpine environment that boasts nearly 300 lakes. Ponds and streams spill across the tundra landscape, spread across this portion of the Andes. It all takes place over mountains that rise well over 3,000 meters in altitude!

El Paraíso Park

This is a large and beautiful park that makes you feel like you are far away from a city. There are waterways and a lake. Well groomed tree/grass areas, and wild tree patches beside the river. They wisely embedded rows of stones in the hillside at the edges of the river, so people can sit and peacefully gaze at the river, or wade in the edge of the river. The boardwalk takes you along the prettiest wildest areas, walking above the water and meadows. There is also a nice playground area. Lots of people have their dogs on leashes, and families with children have plenty to do there. A few vendors on the outer edges of the Parque provide drinks and fruits and snacks if you want them.

27 locals recommend

El Paraíso Park

27 locals recommend

This is a large and beautiful park that makes you feel like you are far away from a city. There are waterways and a lake. Well groomed tree/grass areas, and wild tree patches beside the river. They wisely embedded rows of stones in the hillside at the edges of the river, so people can sit and peacefully gaze at the river, or wade in the edge of the river. The boardwalk takes you along the prettiest wildest areas, walking above the water and meadows. There is also a nice playground area. Lots of people have their dogs on leashes, and families with children have plenty to do there. A few vendors on the outer edges of the Parque provide drinks and fruits and snacks if you want them.

Luz Park

The Wanacauri hill or “Tú eres Pedro” hill, is located in the north of the city of Cuenca. Due to its environmental qualities and urban potential, this space was destined for the design of one of the mega parks within the Cuenca Green Belt project of the Municipality of Cuenca. The project enhances the different characteristics that already exist in this space. The wooded areas on the north slope are used as recreation areas in contact with nature; and on the southern slope, where there were no significant plant masses, a more intense intervention is proposed and the geometrization of triangular surfaces with vegetation of different shades that accentuate this intention.

8 locals recommend

Luz Park

8 locals recommend

The Wanacauri hill or “Tú eres Pedro” hill, is located in the north of the city of Cuenca. Due to its environmental qualities and urban potential, this space was destined for the design of one of the mega parks within the Cuenca Green Belt project of the Municipality of Cuenca. The project enhances the different characteristics that already exist in this space. The wooded areas on the north slope are used as recreation areas in contact with nature; and on the southern slope, where there were no significant plant masses, a more intense intervention is proposed and the geometrization of triangular surfaces with vegetation of different shades that accentuate this intention.

Parque de la Madre

A pleasant green space adjacent to the Rio Tomebamba between Puente Roto and the stadium. Families gather to enjoy a picnic, the children's playground, relax in the shade, play soccer or basketball, or use the jogging track or exercise equipment. There is a public washroom, and home to the Observatory. There are some beautiful carvings made from remaining tree stumps.

Parque de la Madre

A pleasant green space adjacent to the Rio Tomebamba between Puente Roto and the stadium. Families gather to enjoy a picnic, the children's playground, relax in the shade, play soccer or basketball, or use the jogging track or exercise equipment. There is a public washroom, and home to the Observatory. There are some beautiful carvings made from remaining tree stumps.

Parque Los Eucaliptos

The park occupies an area of approximately 3 hectares, its intervention seeks to protect and recover the public spaces of the citadel. The place has a viewpoint, a 150-meter water mirror walkway, multiple-use court, walkways and ramps, drinking fountains, children's games, flower beds, pergolas, bicycle parking, public lighting and surveillance cameras.

Parque Los Eucaliptos

The park occupies an area of approximately 3 hectares, its intervention seeks to protect and recover the public spaces of the citadel. The place has a viewpoint, a 150-meter water mirror walkway, multiple-use court, walkways and ramps, drinking fountains, children's games, flower beds, pergolas, bicycle parking, public lighting and surveillance cameras.

Plaza Abdon Calderon

It’s Cuenca’s most central plaza. It’s directly in front of the city’s centerpiece, Cuenca’s New Cathedral. This central square is an enjoyable place to sit in one of the many park benches to relax and soak in the local life happening around. You can get your shoes shined here. Enjoy a snack.

61 locals recommend

Plaza Abdon Calderon

Mariscal Sucre

61 locals recommend

It’s Cuenca’s most central plaza. It’s directly in front of the city’s centerpiece, Cuenca’s New Cathedral. This central square is an enjoyable place to sit in one of the many park benches to relax and soak in the local life happening around. You can get your shoes shined here. Enjoy a snack.

Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception

Cuenca’s Cathedral de la Inmaculada is a centerpiece of the city that is commonly referred to as the New Cathedral. Although construction began in 1885, the cathedral was not completed until nearly a century later (1975). That’s why it’s referred to as the “new cathedral.” The cathedral’s signature blue domes have defined Cuenca’s skyline ever since.

81 locals recommend

Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception

Mariscal Sucre

81 locals recommend

Cuenca’s Cathedral de la Inmaculada is a centerpiece of the city that is commonly referred to as the New Cathedral. Although construction began in 1885, the cathedral was not completed until nearly a century later (1975). That’s why it’s referred to as the “new cathedral.” The cathedral’s signature blue domes have defined Cuenca’s skyline ever since.

Museo del Sombrero de Paja Toquilla

Within Cuenca’s historic center, it’s easy to get to the Museo Sombrero De Paja Toquilla. It’s more of a shop than a true “museum,” despite having a few very basic exhibits. Yet it’s still definitely worth going into, to see the fine craftsmanship and possibly purchase a hat. There’s also a very pleasant café in the back, overlooking the Tomebamba River.

23 locals recommend

Museo del Sombrero de Paja Toquilla

10-41 y Calle Larga

23 locals recommend

Within Cuenca’s historic center, it’s easy to get to the Museo Sombrero De Paja Toquilla. It’s more of a shop than a true “museum,” despite having a few very basic exhibits. Yet it’s still definitely worth going into, to see the fine craftsmanship and possibly purchase a hat. There’s also a very pleasant café in the back, overlooking the Tomebamba River.

Homero Ortega

A more complete look into these famous Ecuadorian hats can be found at the Homero Ortega Museum. This is more of an actual museum, where a guide accompanies visitors on a free 30-minute tour. During this tour, you’ll learn about the history of this Ecuadorian tradition while taking a look directly into the hat-making process.

Homero Ortega

Avenue Gil Ramírez Dávalos

A more complete look into these famous Ecuadorian hats can be found at the Homero Ortega Museum. This is more of an actual museum, where a guide accompanies visitors on a free 30-minute tour. During this tour, you’ll learn about the history of this Ecuadorian tradition while taking a look directly into the hat-making process.

Parque Arqueológico Pumapungo

In the back of the Pumapungo Museum, there are doors to the outside that lead to what is left of an ancient ruin site known as Parque Arqueologico del Pumapungo. The ruins found here are believed to be a part of the ancient city of Tomebamba that was first inhabited by the Cañari people before the Incas overtook it for use as a fort.

Parque Arqueológico Pumapungo

182 Calle Larga

In the back of the Pumapungo Museum, there are doors to the outside that lead to what is left of an ancient ruin site known as Parque Arqueologico del Pumapungo. The ruins found here are believed to be a part of the ancient city of Tomebamba that was first inhabited by the Cañari people before the Incas overtook it for use as a fort.

Flower Market

Cuenca’s colorful flower market is located in a prime setting, right next to the New Cathedral. It provides a picturesque backdrop to this plaza that’s filled with dozens of flower vendors. Known locally as the Mercado de las Flores, it’s well worth stopping in the open-air square to admire all the beautiful arrangements for sale.

Flower Market

Miguel Vélez

Cuenca’s colorful flower market is located in a prime setting, right next to the New Cathedral. It provides a picturesque backdrop to this plaza that’s filled with dozens of flower vendors. Known locally as the Mercado de las Flores, it’s well worth stopping in the open-air square to admire all the beautiful arrangements for sale.

Turibus en Cuenca / Cuenca City Tour

This sightseeing tour of Cuenca delivers passengers get a 1 hour and 45-minute tour of the city (or longer if hopping off). After departing from Parque Calderón, the bus makes stops at Plaza de San Sebastian (#13), the Homero Ortego Panama Hat Museum (#4), the Pumapungo Museum (#7), and even climbs up to the Mirador de Turi (#6), before descending down to Cuenca’s big Mall del Rio and then returning to Parque Calderón. The buses depart nearly every half hour from 9:30 am – 7:00 pm, excluding the lunch hours of 1:00 and 1:30. Buy your tickets at the stand at Parque Calderon

Turibus en Cuenca / Cuenca City Tour

Simón Bolívar

This sightseeing tour of Cuenca delivers passengers get a 1 hour and 45-minute tour of the city (or longer if hopping off). After departing from Parque Calderón, the bus makes stops at Plaza de San Sebastian (#13), the Homero Ortego Panama Hat Museum (#4), the Pumapungo Museum (#7), and even climbs up to the Mirador de Turi (#6), before descending down to Cuenca’s big Mall del Rio and then returning to Parque Calderón. The buses depart nearly every half hour from 9:30 am – 7:00 pm, excluding the lunch hours of 1:00 and 1:30. Buy your tickets at the stand at Parque Calderon

CENTRO ECUESTRE BELLAVISTA

In the mountains just south of Cuenca, there is an incredible horseback riding adventure that awaits! A very professional stable offers a variety of trail rides through this scenic section of Andes.

CENTRO ECUESTRE BELLAVISTA

In the mountains just south of Cuenca, there is an incredible horseback riding adventure that awaits! A very professional stable offers a variety of trail rides through this scenic section of Andes.

Giron Waterfalls

An approximately 1.5-hour drive south of Cuenca lies the small village of Girón, where visitors can find a huge 70-meter (230-foot) high waterfall! The trails through the lush cloud forest environment are scenic on their own merit. Yet the main attraction is the plummeting falls known as Cascada El Chorro or the Giron Waterfall.

10 locals recommend

Giron Waterfalls

10 locals recommend

An approximately 1.5-hour drive south of Cuenca lies the small village of Girón, where visitors can find a huge 70-meter (230-foot) high waterfall! The trails through the lush cloud forest environment are scenic on their own merit. Yet the main attraction is the plummeting falls known as Cascada El Chorro or the Giron Waterfall.

Ingapirca

Ingapirca is said to be the most important, best preserved, and largest Inca ruin site in Ecuador. As such, it makes for a great day of exploration from Cuenca to the neighboring province of Cañar to see these famous ruins.

25 locals recommend

Ingapirca

25 locals recommend

Ingapirca is said to be the most important, best preserved, and largest Inca ruin site in Ecuador. As such, it makes for a great day of exploration from Cuenca to the neighboring province of Cañar to see these famous ruins.