Note: This is a
blog post that I am publishing with permission from the original blogger, Frank
and Angie of Discover Cuenca Ecuador (http://www.discovercuencaecuador.com/)
I am re-posting with some edits.
Having family or friends come visit you in Cuenca and
you're not sure what to do for the duration of their visit? The dilemma of
wondering what to do all day, besides the usual stuff like eating out and
shopping, can be uncertain. What else can you do with your family and
friends while they visit you in Ecuador? Here’s 10 days worth of neat
places to see in and around Cuenca. Hope you like being in nature and
walking.
Cajas National Park (Parque Nacional Cajas)
Breathtaking views, walking
trails and lakes abound in the Cajas National Park: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cajas_National_Park.
You can hike as far up as you like. Bring a jacket and a winter hat
because it’s much cooler than in Cuenca. Expect physical exertion to the
“difficult” level if hiking; remember the elevation is part of that.
Later after enjoying this nature-filled day if you didn’t pack a picnic lunch,
there are several restaurants you can choose from at the bottom of the
mountain. (My recommendation is Hosteria Dos Chorreras: http://www.hosteriadoschorreras.com/). Getting there: Take the
autopista off of Avenida de Las America, drive about 10 to 15 miles and you’ll
see the signs.
| Cuenca Amaru Zoo (Zoológico Amaru) We were pleasantly surprised with the
Cuenca zoo (http://grimmsecuadortraveltales.blogspot.com.br/2012/01/trip-to-amaru.html)
They have a variety of animals that are enclosed within beautiful areas
(nothing artificial) alongside a hill; be prepared to walk at a slight incline
throughout the park to view the animals. It’s a very enjoyable walk with
a hiking trail-like setting. It takes at least a couple of hours to walk
through if you are walking at a leisurely pace.
Getting there: It’s located on the
southeast side of Cuenca, off the Pan-American Highway. The best way to get to
this zoo is to hire a cab. Just tell him you want to go to the Cuenca
Amaru zoo. If the driver is not sure where it is, just get a different
cab.
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Yanuncay River Walk (Rio Yanuncay) To walk most of this river walk, start
out on Avenida Primero de Mayo and Avenida de las Americas. When you get
to Tres Puentes (three bridges), Primero de Mayo turns into 27 de
Febrero. Continue walking and you’ll end up at Parque Paraiso.
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| Tomebamba River Walk (Rio Tomebamba) To walk most of this river walk, start out on 3 de Noviembre and Las Americas. Nice walk, which takes you to El Centro, and to Parque Paraiso and beyond. |
El Chorro Falls, Giron The falls are about 45 minutes
from Cuenca. Be warned, there's only one restaurant at the base of the
mountain, so you might want to pack a lunch. Nice walking trails up to
the falls.
Getting there: If you don’t have a car, the frugal way is to
take the bus from Cuenca (Terminal Terrestre) that goes to Santa Isabel; or you
can also catch this bus going south along Las Americas. Look for the sign
that says "Santa Isabel". The bus costs $1 per person. You will not
be going all the way to Santa Isabel but you’ll be getting off in Giron.
Then hail a taxi in Giron and have him take you up the rest of the way to El
Chorro Falls for $4 to $5. https://www.tripadvisor.co.za/ShowUserReviews-g5962157-d5962160-r283009840-El_Chorro_Waterfall-Giron_Azuay_Province.html
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Downtown (El Centro) For the first time visitor, the
old town district with all of the Victorian architecture can be amazing!
You'll find lots of little shops and stores, cafes and restaurants in old town.
Getting there: Any taxi knows where “El
Centro” is located. Or if walking, find the Tomebamba River and walk
along the path of the river and when you get to the Universidad de Cuenca or
Parque de la Madre, go up the steps and you're in El Centro. (While in El Centro, be sure to see Parque Calderon.)
Park Calderon (Parque Abdón Calderón) If you are in El Centro, Parque
Calderon makes a great place to sit and relax after walking around in El
Centro. You can sit here and people watch and figure out what you’re
going to do next. Many restaurants line the outskirts of the park; i.e.,
Raymipampa, Tutto Freddo.)
Getting there: Park Calderon is
located off of Luis Cordero and Mariscal Sucre.
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Hot Springs in Banos (Piedra de Agua Pools and
Spas) Natural mineral
baths, massages and clay facials can be found at the spas, along with a
restaurant. http://piedradeagua.com.ec/
Getting there:
By Taxi: You can take a taxi from anywhere in the city and give the
name of Piedra de Agua in Banos. Most taxis know the place. For
reference you can tell the driver to take you near the entrance
to Hosteria Agapantos. The approximate cost is $ 5.
By Bus: You can take lines 100 or 12. Get off at Hostería
Agapantos and follow the signs to Piedra de Agua.
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