1. Pamper Yourself in Baños – It is a beautiful place located just outside of Cuenca with large lakes and there are also thermal baths available at a hotel complex. Many local and foreign visitors come here to relax in saunas and swim in the hot or cold waters of the pools. A good place to go to if you want to do some serious pampering.
2. Take a Sightseeing Bus –The tour will cost $5 and will last for about 2 hours. The bus will take you to most of the must see places in Cuenca including a visit to the Mirador de Turi. The bus leaves from Parque Calderón. For such a very affordable price, you can get off the bus anywhere you like and you can get on the next bus that comes. A good thing to do if you want to enjoy some sightseeing.
3. Visit the New Cathedral of Cuenca - The construction of the church was started in 1885 and lasted for almost a century. The architecture of the church is very beautiful and it combines many architecture styles. A good place to see to enjoy some old architecture.
4. Check out El Sagrario - Or the old cathedral, the construction of the church has begun in 1557. The church is no longer in use and it is now a museum. The church underwent a meticulous restoration and has been completed just recently and now you can see the original paint and old murals for a $2 fee and it’s worth it.
5. Visit Museo del Banco Central – This is a great museum with sections on ethnography and old Ecuadorian money. The explanations though are in Spanish so you might as well tag along a Spanish speaking friend if you visit this place. Entrance is free by the way.
Have you been to Cuenca, Ecuador? Feel free to share your tips and recommendations.
Photo Credits (Flickr Creative Commons): Cuenca by mavik2007/ Baños by markg6/ New Cathedral in Cuenca by georigami/