Alternatur Cuenca: See more. Do more. Be more.
Allowing visitors to develop their own itineraries helps create a more dynamic and participatory travel experience.
FOOD TOUR
Cuenca is known for offering new visitors to the city a wide range of culinary choices, catering to every taste and palate. Many of the traditional dishes that are a staple of Ecuadorian cuisine date back to pre Incan times, using ingredients that are indigenous to the region, such as potatoes, melloco (Ullucus), corn and a varied assortment of grains. The food tour that we have developed for you is designed to help new visitors discover Cuenca's rich culinary heritage by sampling a wide array of local dishes that also include brief descriptions by the chefs that prepare them. Come join us on this tasty culinary exploration of local food and drink in beautiful Cuenca. Your taste buds will be sure to thank you!
Price: $35 per person
- Transportation provided.
- Tour is conducted in English.
- Price includes cost of meals and drinks.
- Approximate duration of tour is 2 hours.
CITY TOUR
The walking tour of Cuenca was developed with a primary focus on cultural immersion and education, allowing visitors to learn more about the city through its many different landmarks, museums, churches, plazas and food markets. The tour covers all of the city's main attractions, with detailed descriptions that highlight the historical significance of its edifices. The historical center of Cuenca, or El Centro as it is commonly referred to by local residents, still remains the commercial, political and cultural center of the city, just as it was after its founding nearly 500 years ago. Designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1999, the walking tour of Cuenca offers new visitors the chance to fully immerse themselves in the daily activities of a vibrant city that even after all these years has lost none of its charm or appeal.
Price: $35 per person
- Transportation provided.
- Tour is conducted in English.
- Water and light snacks are included.
- Approximate duration of tour is 3 hours.
ARCHITECTURE TOUR
The architecture tour was designed to help new visitors explore Cuenca's rich heritage by providing details of the different architectural styles and design methods used in many of the city's colonial buildings, squares and churches. In 1999, Cuenca's historical center was declared a UNSESCO World Heritage Site due to the presence of so many well preserved colonial houses, with some dating back almost 300 years. Considered by many to be Ecuador's most beautiful city, Cuenca's charming cobble stone streets and magnificent squares as well as its beautiful river walk and parks, provide visitors with great photo taking opportunities and a relaxing environment. Join us as we explore Cuenca's amazing colonial architecture and slowly uncover the city's rich historical past.
Price: $45 per person
- Transportation provided.
- Tour is conducted in English.
- Water and light snacks are included.
- Approximate duration of tour is 3 hours.
FULL DAY TOUR
A special one day tour has been designed to explore the neighboring towns of Gualaceo, Chordeleg and Sigsig, located just 45 minutes from Cuenca. Each one of these charming towns specializes in something unique and different, and on this full day tour, we have the opportunity to enjoy them all: Gualaceo with its leather goods and renowned orchid farms, Chordeleg and its jewelery, Sigsig and its handmade Paja Toquilla hats, also known as Panama Hats, declared an Intangible Cultural Heritage by UNESCO in 2012. The tour also includes a sampling of traditional Ecuadorian cuisine, such as the famous hornado and rosero, local delicacies of beautiful Gualaceo. Transportation to and from the various locations will be provided, as well as a seasoned guide that will explain the historical significance of each town. Please join us on this special day tour of Gualaceo, Chordeleg and Sigsig. A mixture of sightseeing, food and drink ensure this is a trip not to be missed.
Price: $55 per person
- Transportation provided.
- Tour is conducted in English.
- Price includes cost of meal and drinks.
- Approximate duration of tour is 6 hours.
PUMAPUNGO INCA RUINS
The walking tour of Cuenca was developed with a primary focus on cultural immersion and education, allowing visitors to learn more about the city through its many different landmarks, museums, churches, plazas and food markets. The tour covers all of the city's main attractions, with detailed descriptions that highlight the historical significance of its edifices. The historical center of Cuenca, or El Centro as it is commonly referred to by local residents, still remains the commercial, political and cultural center of the city, just as it was after its founding nearly 500 years ago. Designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1999, the walking tour of Cuenca offers new visitors the chance to fully immerse themselves in the daily activities of a vibrant city that even after all these years has lost none of its charm or appeal.
Price: $35 per person
- Transportation provided.
- Tour is conducted in English.
- Water and light snacks are included.
- Approximate duration of tour is 3 hours.