Essential Cuenca Ecuador Travel Guide: The Best Things to Do in Cuenca Ecuador (2026 Advice)
Cuenca is a stunning and historic colonial city tucked away in the southern highlands, famous for its grand rivers, beautiful blue domed churches and independent artisan spots. In this guide I share the absolute best things to do in Cuenca Ecuador, from climbing the high viewpoints at the spectacular New Cathedral Cuenca to spending a completely relaxing day soaking in a geothermal cave.
I did all the stressful planning and intensive research myself to create this comprehensive Cuenca Ecuador travel guide so you can explore the area with ease. Whether you are looking to learn about local history or find a quiet escape into the best mountain cafes these real tips from my own experience will help you plan your holiday or backpacking trip with absolute confidence.
The Best Things to Do in Cuenca Ecuador: My Ultimate Cuenca Ecuador Travel Guide / Bucket list
1. Soak at the Piedra de Agua Spa
Visiting the Piedra de Agua spa was exactly what I needed to recover after all the hiking in Cotopaxi and the daily swimming in the Galapagos. I desperately needed something to just relax and unwind. I caught a local taxi there and back from the town center. While booking a spa package is a bit more expensive on a backpacker budget it is completely worth every single penny.
I chilled out in the main outdoor pools for a few hours (they have hot, cold and normal temperature pools to lounge in). After that I started the spa circuit package that I had booked. I started off with a red thermal mud bath, then moved into the blue thermal mud with quartz bath. Next came the private hot and cold pools which were so peaceful and just for us two, making the whole afternoon feel incredibly personal.
We ended the circuit with the steam boxes which were absolutely hilarious. They are large wooden boxes where your entire body is enclosed but your head sticks out of the top. I could not stop laughing the whole time. It is a brilliant experience that you must include on your itinerary.
Pro Tip: Do not miss out on the walking trial, it is only short and really worth it.
2. Climb the Towers of the New Cathedral Cuenca
The spectacular New Cathedral Cuenca is the absolute iconic image of the city with its giant bright blue domes. It is such a gorgeous building and Cuenca is a truly beautiful city to just walk around and take photos of from every single angle.
For the best experience you must pay a small fee to climb up the tight stone winding steps to reach the high outdoor viewing terraces. Standing right next to the massive blue domes offers an incredible panoramic view over the red tiled rooftops of the historic centre and the surrounding mountains.
While you are exploring the church area you will learn a lot about the local history of the nuns who live in the adjoining convents. I learned all about how these mysterious sisters traditionally make their own local wine, sweet jams and baked bread from scratch inside their hidden gardens to help support their community lifestyle.
Pro Tip: Bring cash in small bills like 1 dollar or 5 dollar notes for your cable car ticket because they do not accept card and they rarely have change for big notes
3. Buy Secret Wine and Tea From Cloistered Nuns
Right outside the front doors of the cathedral is the famous Plaza de las Flores. This is a beautiful local square filled with indigenous vendors selling massive bright bouquets of fresh roses. Tucked into the corner of the flower market is the heavy wooden door of the El Carmen de la Asuncion church.
This spot is home to an incredible centuries old tradition where about 45 nuns live completely sealed off from the outside world. They have a small wooden rotating window screen built right into the stone wall. You walk up to the window, ring a small metal bell and tell the hidden voice your order.
The nuns sell their homemade wine, fresh bread and a special pink medicinal herbal water called Agua de Pitimas. You place your cash into the small chamber, the nun rotates the screen from the other side and your drinks appear out of nowhere. It is a completely surreal experience that you cannot find anywhere else.
BOARDER CROSSING TO PERU
If you are continuing your South American backpacking journey south into Peru after finishing up in Cuenca you can easily navigate this international route on your own schedule. There are 2 great ways to do this journey depending on your budget, how much time you have and where you want to visit.
Option 1: The Direct International Night Bus
The most straightforward way for backpackers is to book a direct international night bus through a reputable local company. These long distance coaches drive you straight from the terminal in Cuenca and cross through the main border control point. The bus staff guide you through the exit and entry stamp lines and drop you straight into northern Peruvian beach spots like Mancora or the city of Piura. It is a long journey that takes around 8 to 10 hours in total but booking an overnight seat saves you a night of accommodation costs and makes the border crossing completely seamless. It is also a good option if you want to visit the northern side of Peru.
Option 2: The Independent Border Run and Flight
I decided to handle the border crossing independently to save money, speed up the journey but also to skip Northern Peru. I took a local bus from the terminal in Cuenca straight to the town right before the border on the Ecuador side. From that town I caught a local taxi to take me directly to the border gates.
I then did the crossing on foot which took 2 hours in total so you must definitely factor this waiting time into your day. Once I cleared customs and got my entry stamps on the Peruvian side I got a local taxi straight to the airport from the border. From there I jumped on a domestic flight down to Lima because flying actually worked out cheaper than paying for the expensive international bus ticket plus all the hostels and food in the Northern towns which I did not want to visit. It is a fantastic option if you want to skip the long hours on a coach and reach Lima quicker!
MORE TRAVEL INSPO
What is Next?
Flying to the Galapagos from Quito?
If you are flying out of Quito to explore the Galapagos Islands and want to do this on a budget rather than an incredibly expensive yacht cruise then read my dedicated posts.
We did the entire trip on a budget by island hopping the 3 main islands of Santa Cruz, Isabela and San Cristobal on our own! I have written a dedicated post breaking down our exact budget itinerary, how to book the cheap local public ferries, the tours worth spending your money on and how to see the best wildlife for free without a guide.
Where to next?
I am constantly discovering new hidden gems and sharing the magic of the world in real time. If you would like to follow my journey through 44 countries and beyond, join me on social media. Whether you are looking for daily travel inspiration or honest travel advice for your next big adventure, I would love to have you as part of the Where Katie Goes community. Let us explore the world together.
