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12 Interesting Day Trips around Cuenca, Ecuador + BONUS Overnight Trips!
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items Dylan and I spent two weeks exploring Cuenca back in November, and one thing we wish we would've done is take more day trips! There's so much to see around the area, so I've compiled a list of some of the coolest places to visit. Here they are…
Sections
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For History Lovers 📖
For Nature Lovers 🌊
For Cultural Immersion 🇪🇨
For Unique Experiences 👀
Overnight Trips 😴
For History Lovers 📖
Even if you don't enjoy history, these archeological Incan Ruins are fascinating to explore! Dylan and I went to Ingapirca and would've LOVED to visit Cojitambo - I didn't know about it until after.
Dylan and I LOVED visiting Ingapirca! It has a fascinating history and you can learn all about the Cañari and Incan peoples while visiting.
Ingapirca Archeological Site
Another Incan archeological complex near Cuenca, Cojitambo, is a fascinating day trip to take! Less popular than Ingapirca, but still interesting to say the least.
Cojitambo, Ecuador
For Nature Lovers 🌊
There's a ton of natural beauty to see around Cuenca, including lagoons, a national park, beautiful waterfalls, and more!
A nature lovers dream, the Losas de Uchucay are a great hike for some swimming in tthis granite canyon!
Las Lozas de Uchucay
If you enjoy birding and strolling around a lagoon, Laguna de Busa is a must-do, especially if you have extra time during your trip!
Laguna de Busa
Unfortunately, we couldn't visit due to wildfires, but Cajas was HIGH on our list! It has great day hikes and multi-day treks. It's recommended to go with a guide as it's easy to get lost!
Cajas National Park
El Chorro de Giron waterfall is a great day trip if you enjoy natural wonders. There are a few different waterfalls to see, especially if you're down for a bit of hiking!
El Chorro de Giron Waterfall
For Cultural Immersion 🇪🇨
If you like to explore small artisanal towns with adorable markets, this section is for you! You can do these on a tour or on your own.
This artisanal town is known for its traditional crafts like jewelry making, festivals, parades, and the largest Panama hat in the region!
Sigsig Canton, Ecuador
Known and loved for its open market, public parks, leather works, and ikak weaving!
Gualaceo, Ecuador
Chordeleg is one of the artisanal towns worth visiting near Cuenca. Known for its silver production, there are a ton of cute shops to explore!
Chordeleg, Ecuador
This city is known for its natural beauty, delicious apples, and guitar-making!
San Bartolomé, Ecuador
For Unique Experiences 👀
If you'd rather relax or take a scenic ride around the Andes, check out these experiences during your Cuenca trip!
A quick day trip to Baños de Cuenca will provide you with a variety of natural thermal spring options so you can relax during your trip!
Baños de Cuenca - Natural Thermal Springs
After COVID, the train system shut down, but this scenic train ride is said to be opening up again soon!
Alausi - Devil's Nose Train Ride
Overnight Trips 😴
Ecuador is massive, and sometimes its worth traveling to a further city and spending the night! Here are a few cities close to Cuenca we LOVED exploring!
Loja was a city I didn't plan on visiting yet really came to love after a few days! It's got fun side streets, beautiful murals, and delicious food!
Loja, Ecuador
Vilcabamba has a certain energy to it. It's relaxing, there's a ton of hiking nearby, and the town is calm.
Vilcabamba, Ecuador
Known as the adventure capital of Ecuador, Baños is a must-visit for adrenaline junkies! We LOVED Baños!
Baños, Ecuador