JetlyGo
How it worksThings to doRoad tripsLocal Friend
My trips
→ Sign inSign in
Home/Ecuador/Cuenca/Attractions
Eat outAttractionsWith kidsFreeRomanticBars & nightlifeAdventureHidden gems

Cuenca, Ecuador

Top things to do in Cuenca

18 attractions, landmarks and museums worth your time, ranked by traveler reviews.

Landmark
Landmark4

Plaza Civica

90 reviews

A historic plaza in Cuenca's artisan market area, known for its traditional crafts and vibrant local atmosphere.

Tickets & tours

Skip the queue in Cuenca

Compare live prices for entry tickets, guided tours and day trips from trusted local operators.

Find tickets & tours

Some booking links are affiliate links. If you book through them, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. We never let this influence which places we recommend.

Good to know

What is the most visited attraction in Cuenca?

Plaza Civica draws the most traveler reviews of anywhere we track in Cuenca, with 90 of them, rated 4.0 out of 5. Review volume is the closest honest proxy we have for how many people actually turn up, so it is what this list is ranked by.

Which place in Cuenca do visitors rate highest?

Iglesia de Santo Domingo holds the highest rating in Cuenca among places with a meaningful number of reviews, at 4.0 out of 5 from 63 reviews. It is less busy than Plaza Civica, which is often exactly why it scores better.

Browse Cuenca by type: parks & nature. Planning your trip to Cuenca? See where to eat, build a Cuenca itinerary, or check visa requirements.
Religious site
Religious site4

Iglesia de Santo Domingo

63 reviews

A historic Dominican church in Cuenca's city center known for its ornate Baroque altar and religious art.

Museum
Museum4.5

Art Cuenca

26 reviews

Art Cuenca is a contemporary art museum in Cuenca, Ecuador, showcasing works by local and international artists in a historic building.

Neighborhood
Neighborhood

Chiquintad

Chiquintad offers a glimpse of traditional Andean life with its preserved colonial architecture and agricultural landscapes.

Park & nature
Park & nature

Machángara River

A river cutting through Cuenca with green spaces and walking paths, offering a peaceful urban nature experience.

Park & nature
Park & nature

Matadero River

A small urban waterway in Cuenca, part of the city's natural landscape and a quiet spot for a short nature break.

Museum
Museum

Pumapungo Museum

Pumapungo Museum features archaeological artifacts from the Inca and Cañari cultures, plus an open-air archaeological park with ruins.

Old Cathedral of Cuenca
Religious site

Old Cathedral of Cuenca

The Old Cathedral of Cuenca, now a museum, showcases colonial architecture and religious art from the 16th to 18th centuries.

Turi, Ecuador
Neighborhood

Turi, Ecuador

Hilltop neighborhood with a sweeping viewpoint over Cuenca's red-tiled roofs and cathedral spires.

New Cathedral of Cuenca
Religious site

New Cathedral of Cuenca

The New Cathedral of Cuenca, with its iconic blue domes, is one of South America's largest cathedrals and a central landmark in the city.

Sayausi
Neighborhood

Sayausi

Sayausi is a rural parish in Cuenca's highlands, a gateway to the Cajas Massif for hiking and outdoor adventures.

Neighborhood
Neighborhood

Sidcay

Sidcay provides a serene escape into rural life with rolling hills, farms, and proximity to natural beauty near Cuenca.

Park & nature
Park & nature

Tomebamba River

Scenic river with walking paths and historic bridges, perfect for a relaxing stroll through Cuenca.

Historic site
Historic site

Tumebamba

Inca ruins featuring terraces and temple foundations, offering a glimpse into pre-Columbian history.

Estadio Alejandro Serrano Aguilar
Landmark

Estadio Alejandro Serrano Aguilar

Cuenca's main stadium, hosting football matches and concerts, with a capacity of over 20,000.

Valle, Ecuador
Neighborhood

Valle, Ecuador

Rural parish with rolling hills, hiking trails, and a slower pace just outside Cuenca.

Yanuncay River
Park & nature

Yanuncay River

A scenic river corridor in southern Cuenca, ideal for walking, cycling, and enjoying nature along its banks.

Neighborhood
Neighborhood

Baños, Azuay

Small town known for its thermal springs and lush valley setting near Cuenca.