Cuenca Vacation, Tours & Travel Packages
A UNESCO World Heritage Site and capital city of the Azuay Province, Cuenca is located in the highlands of Ecuador at an elevation of about 2,500 m (8,202.1 ft). The third largest city in Ecuador, Cuenca offers an interesting blend of old and new elements for the visitor on an Ecuador vacation.
While archaeological discoveries in Cuenca date back to around 8060 BC, the first known inhabitants were the Cañari people who built a city around 500 AD. Despite great resistance, these people eventually became part of the Incan Empire in the 15th century, not long before the arrival of the Spanish. The settlement of Cuenca was established in April of 1557 by Spanish explorer Gil Ramírez Dávalos from a commission by the Viceroy of Peru. During the colonial era, the settlement grew steadily and gained independence in 1820 and in the following years, Cuenca was a very important city.
The Old Town of Cuenca was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1999 and is an incredible reminder of the city’s history. Often referred to as “the colonial jewel of the south”, Cuenca’s old town is a mixture of narrow cobblestone streets, plazas and domed churches. While many people come to enjoy the old-world charm of Cuenca, the city is also embracing modernity with art galleries, international restaurants, cafes, bars and more on Ecuador tours.
Ecuador Travel Information
At Goway we believe that a well-informed traveller is a safer traveller. With this in mind, we have compiled an easy-to-navigate travel information section dedicated to an Ecuador vacation.
Learn about the history and culture of Ecuador, the must-try food and drink, and what to pack in your suitcase. Read about Ecuador's nature and wildlife, weather and geography, along with 'Country Quickfacts' compiled by our travel experts. Our globetrotting tips, as well as our visa and health information, will help ensure you're properly prepared for a safe and enjoyable trip. The only way you could possibly learn more is by embarking on your journey and discovering Ecuador for yourself. Start exploring… book one of our Ecuador tours today!
Extend Your Trip
After your Ecuador vacation packages, why not consider another of Goway's Latin America tours? These include a large selection of other exciting countries in Central and South America. We offer Chile vacation packages and Easter Island tours, Peru vacation packages which include Machu Picchu tours and Brazil tours including Iguassu Falls tours among many others.
Cuenca, Ecuador
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Wonders of Ecuador: Quito, Otavalo, Cuenca & More
FIRST-CLASS | PRIVATE-GUIDED: This tour of Ecuador takes you to the center of the world and through some of the most enchanting sights and villages of the Andes. From the equator to the sea with cloud forests, national parks and volcanoes between, explore the best of Ecuador.- Duration:
- 8 Days
- Prices From:
- US$ 2,337
- Trip Type:
- Active & Adventurous, Private Experiences
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Cuenca Stopover
Walk the streets of the UNESCO-listed old town of Cuenca and discover a gorgeous centre of old churches, museums, and colonial European houses. This city stay in Cuenca is a perfect add-on to a longer Ecuadorian vacation.- Duration:
- 3 Days
- Prices From:
- US$ 363
- Trip Type:
- Stopovers/City Breaks
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Essential Ecuador
Visit two UNESCO World Heritage Sites and enjoy an impressive range of natural environment and culture which in combination have inspired outstanding culinary diversity for you to discover.- Duration:
- 8 Days
- Prices From:
- US$ 4,210
- Trip Type:
- Bucket List Travel Ideas, Tailor-made Travel Ideas
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