Discovering the Andes | Colonial Cuenca

Cobblestone Charms, Nature's Best, and Artisan Villages:

JOURNEY OVERVIEW

Colonial Cuenca

5 days / 4 nights

Most consider Cuenca the country’s most beautiful city, though, for a less subjective description, we can also call this tranquil Southern Andean urban hub, Ecuador’s ‘city of rivers’. Four beautiful Andean rivers run through it, and strolling along their banks is certainly among the most pleasurable moments of contemplation the country has to offer.

Cuenca, a UNESCO city, is made for walking, a city that has preserved its cobblestone streets, where modern shops and cafés function within the Spa-nish-style mansions of old, with a slew of museums, churches, and squares to revel in. An active street life makes it a safe place to spend an evening barhopping and a breed of craftsmen are keen to showcase their talent in everything from hat- making to jewelry.

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Starting Price per person

Silver | $ 1.366

Destination

Cuenca

Highlights & Activities

Explore Cuenca´s colonial quarters and exquisite baroque-style buildings, hike El Cajas National Park or pay a visit to Artisan Villages

Physical Level

Easy to Medium Walking. El Cajas National Park operates above 11,800ft.

JOURNEY DETAILS

Explore the French-inspired tin roofs and murals found within some of the legendary XIXth-century residences. Peek into the cloister museum, or travel back in time to a pre-Columbian world at Pumapungo. This spectacular archaeological museum is built on Inca terraces that dominated the city before the arrival of the Spanish. For the next two days, you can choose between two options. The first is to visit the spectacular Cajas National Park, which boasts 230 lakes surrounded by typical tundra-like landscapes and is home to several birds, mammals, and other Andean species. The second option is to pay a visit to Chordeleg, home to Cuenca's most talented artisans who specialize in the finest metalwork and amazingly detailed filigree in jewelry. You can also visit the vibrant Gualaceo Market and the fascinating Orchids Farm, which has over 8,000 varieties of orchids and other tropical species.

5 days itinerary showcasing the best highlights in Cuenca

Discover Colonial Cuenca, El Cajas National Park and Artisan Villages

GALLERY

Essence of the Andes

COLONIAL CUENCA

COLONIAL CUENCA

ITINERARIES

Our unforgettable journeys

5 days / 4 nights: Daily

Day 1

Arrive in Quito and transfer to your hotel in the airport area for overnight.

Day 2

Private transfer to the airport to catch a 45-minute flight. Once in Cuenca and start a full-day tour of the city’s colonial quarters, markets, and museums. After lunch, visit a Panama hat workshop. Dinner and overnight in Cuenca.

Day 3

Choose between hiking the spectacular Cajas National Park and its glacial lakes or visiting Gualaceo Market & Chordeleg Artisan Villages. Farewell dinner and overnight in Cuenca.

Day 4

Explore the city by yourself during the morning and afternoon. Later, transfer to the airport for a night flight to Quito. Transfer to your hotel in the airport area.

Day 5

Transfer to the airport on time for your departing flight.

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ACCOMMODATION