Guided Tour of Cuenca
Guided Tour of Cuenca
After being picked up from your hotel, you'll make your way to Cuenca's old town. One of the largest and best-preserved historic city centres in Ecuador, it has been designated a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.
Your guided tour of Cuenca will begin in the Plaza de San Sebastián, a peaceful square at the western edge of the colonial centre, where the 19th-century Church of San Sebastián takes pride of place. At the Museum of Modern Art, located in the former Casa de la Temperancia - which has its own interesting history - you'll enjoy a number of exhibitions of contemporary art by both Ecuadorian and foreign artists.
As you delve deeper into the historic city centre, you'll learn more about the daily life of Cuenca's locals, visiting favourite spots such as the San Francisco market. Let the vibrant colours and enticing aromas of the popular open-air flower market at the Plaza de las Flores captivate you - a truly beautiful sight.
Surrounded by lofty pines in Abdón Calderón Park, admire the view of the 16th-century Baroque-style Old Cathedral side by side with the New Cathedral. Inside the latter, built when the colonial church became too small for Cuenca's growing population, admire the grand golf-leaf altar and the floors of pink marble imported from Carrara.
The next stop on your tour will be at a factory where traditional toquilla straw hats, popularly known as Panama hats despite their Ecuadorian origins, are made. Discover the history and process of hat weaving, a handicraft that has been recognised as a practice of Intangible Cultural Heritage.
You'll then head down to the banks of the River Tomebamba where you'll see the colonial "hanging houses" overlooking the river, and the famous Puento Roto, or Broken Bridge. For the finishing touch on this comprehensive tour of the cultural capital of Ecuador, you'll head up to the Turi viewpoint to enjoy spectacular views over Cuenca.
After 4 hours of touring, you'll be dropped back off at your hotel.
More Information
Duration
4 hours.
Language
The activity takes place with a guide that speaks in English and Spanish.
Included
Hotel pickup and drop–off
English–speaking guide
Transport by bus or minibus
Tickets
When to book?
You can book up until 24 hours before the activity as long as there are still places. Book now to guarantee your spot.
Type of voucher
Electronic. Show the voucher on your phone.
Accessibility
Not wheelchair accessible.
Sustainability
All services published on Civitatis are carried out in accordance with our Sustainability Code.
Our providers commit to:
- Provide a safe and satisfying experience.
- Reduce, reuse, recycle.
- Incorporate eco-conscious technologies.
- Uphold fair employment standards.
- Foster the growth of local communities.
- Preserve the integrity of local culture.
- Safeguard both cultural and environmental heritage.
- Ensure ethical treatment of animals.
- Operate with honesty and transparency.
- Encourage sustainable behaviors among customers and staff.
This particular activity contributes as follows:
- No printing of documentation required.
- Promotes local employment.
- Has a gender equality policy.
Provider
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Cuenca Bestours
Corporate name: Cuenca Bestours Tour Operator Cia Ltda
Pets
Not permitted.
Frequently asked questions
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Q - Why do this activity with Civitatis?
A - At Civitatis we guarantee the best quality and prices, click here if you want to know how we select our activities.
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Q - How to book?
A - To reserve the activity, choose the date and complete the form on this page. You will receive your confirmation immediately.
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Q - Is a minimum number of participants required?
A - This activity requires a minimum of 2 participants. Should this number not be reached, we'll get in touch with you to offer alternatives.
If you have any other questions please contact us.
