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Ecuador Ecuador

Cuenca

Cuenca sits in the highlands of south-central Ecuador at an elevation of 2,560 meters, giving it a refreshingly cool climate. It's considered one of Ecuador's leading highland cities.

Updated August 15, 2026 · Edited by the World by City editors

Cuenca
Gateway airport
Mariscal Lamar International Airport (CUE)
Best season
Jul–Nov
Time zone
America/Guayaquil
Sights covered
12 places

Sights worth seeing

See all 12 →
New Cathedral of Cuenca

Temples & religious sites

New Cathedral of Cuenca

A cathedral facing Parque Calderón in Cuenca, offering a grand and majestic display of religious architecture right in the heart of the city. It's an easy stop while strolling around the square, and well worth stepping inside.

Old Cathedral of Cuenca

Museums & galleries

Old Cathedral of Cuenca

An old cathedral begun in the mid-16th century during Spanish colonial rule, standing at Calderón Park in downtown Cuenca. It now serves as a religious art museum, displaying a variety of altars and sacred artifacts.

Iglesia de San Alfonso, Cuenca

Temples & religious sites

Iglesia de San Alfonso, Cuenca

This church stands in the heart of Cuenca's old town, its twin pointed spires hard to miss. The ornate interior and calm atmosphere make it a pleasant stop while wandering downtown.

Parque Calderón

Parks & gardens

Parque Calderón

A square at the heart of Cuenca's old town, where the cathedral and surrounding buildings form a beautiful setting. It's a great starting point for exploring the city on foot.

Tomebamba River

Nature

Tomebamba River

The Tomebamba flows through the center of Cuenca and joins the Machángara River to form the Matadero River. Walking along its banks is a pleasant way to take in the cityscape.

Iglesia de Todos Santos, Cuenca

Temples & religious sites

Iglesia de Todos Santos, Cuenca

Set on the banks of the Tomebamba River in Cuenca, the Todos Santos Church is regarded as one of the city's oldest places of worship. Inside, an ornate bell tower and three worship spaces create a serene atmosphere full of quiet charm.

Church San Blas

Temples & religious sites

Church San Blas

A historic church at the eastern edge of Cuenca's old town, first built in the 16th century. The view of its fountain in the cozy square makes for a relaxing walk.

Iglesia de San Francisco, Cuenca

Temples & religious sites

Iglesia de San Francisco, Cuenca

A 16th-century church on a square in Cuenca's old town, long known as a marketplace. It's a great spot to browse craft stalls and visit the church together.

How many days do you need?

Routes grouped by travel distance so each day stays comfortable.

Average temperature by month

5-year average

14° Jan
14° Feb
14° Mar
14° Apr
14° May
13° Jun
13° Jul
13° Aug
13° Sep
14° Oct
14° Nov
14° Dec

Getting there

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Getting around the city

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Fares and timetables change often, so we don't list them here. Check the operator or the booking site for current prices and schedules.

Cuenca Tours & Experiences Booking

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Local data

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Activate mobile data with a QR code instead of swapping SIM cards. Buy it before departure and switch it on the moment you land.

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Where to stay

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