Centro Ecuestre Bellavista is a highly rated horseback riding center located in Turi, just outside Cuenca, offering a wonderful way to explore the region’s breathtaking mountains, valleys, and countryside on horseback.
The center offers several scenic trail rides of varying lengths, with routes tailored to riders’ experience and skill levels. Helmets and riding boots are provided for your comfort and safety.
Riding lessons are also available for everyone from beginners taking their first ride to experienced equestrians looking to improve their skills.
Tel. 099-415-0643 or 07-248-5007
https://www.centroecuestrebellavista.com
Chordeleg is a picturesque town located about an hour from Cuenca, best known for its exquisite gold and silver jewelry, particularly its intricate silver filigree work. The town’s name is often translated as “gold waterfall,” reflecting its long-standing tradition of fine jewelry making.
Shopping is the main attraction in Chordeleg. The central plaza and surrounding streets are lined with jewelry shops offering an impressive selection of silver necklaces, bracelets, rings, earrings, and other ornaments, often at very attractive prices. Although gold jewelry is also available, silver is the town’s specialty. You’ll also find boutiques selling leather goods, shoes, and other merchandise, although quality can vary, so shop carefully!
Beyond its shopping opportunities, Chordeleg is a charming destination in its own right. The heart of the town features a beautiful central plaza surrounded by colorful buildings, a lovely church, and the many small jewelry shops that give the town its distinctive character. It’s a pleasant place to stroll, browse the shops, and enjoy a taste of traditional Ecuadorian town life.
Getting There: You can visit Chordeleg as part of an organized tour from Cuenca or make the trip independently by bus. Buses depart from Cuenca’s main bus terminal, the Terminal Terrestre, located on Avenida España. Tickets can be purchased directly at the ticket windows inside the terminal.
Hacienda Hostería Dos Chorreras is a charming, rustic hotel and restaurant nestled in the mountains near Cajas National Park, approximately 20 km, or a 30-minute drive, from Cuenca.
The property features cozy guest rooms and bungalows, many equipped with fireplaces and private jacuzzis, making it a wonderful place to relax and enjoy the surrounding mountain scenery. The beautiful restaurant is particularly well known for its trout (trucha), often served with cassava (yuca), a local favorite.
There’s plenty to do beyond dining and relaxing. Guests can try trout fishing for an additional fee, and the property can arrange horseback riding excursions and guided hikes in nearby Cajas National Park.
Be sure to visit the gift shop, which offers an excellent selection of house-brand products, including delicious fruit preserves, coffee, smoked trout, and other specialty foods.
With its beautiful rustic architecture, spectacular mountain views, and peaceful natural setting, Dos Chorreras is a delightful destination for a meal or a relaxing getaway. Keep an eye out for the alpacas, llamas, and small deer that roam the property!
http://www.hosteriadoschorreras.com
El Cajas National Park is a spectacular protected wilderness area in the Andes, located approximately 30 km (18 miles), or about an hour’s drive, from Cuenca. Covering roughly 29,000 hectares (72,000 acres), the park is renowned for its dramatic mountain landscapes, rolling páramo grasslands, rugged peaks, and countless glacial lakes. Much of the park lies at elevations of around 10,000 feet, with some of its highest lakes reaching approximately 14,000 feet.
One of the park’s most remarkable features is its extraordinary collection of more than 200 lakes, lagoons, and reservoirs. These pristine waters form an important part of the region’s water supply, providing a significant portion of Cuenca’s drinking water.
Cajas is also home to an impressive variety of wildlife. More than 150 bird species inhabit the park, including the magnificent Andean condor, the giant hummingbird, and the distinctive curiquinga, a bird deeply rooted in Andean folklore. Mammals found in the region include spectacled bears, pumas, and ocelots, although these elusive animals are rarely seen. Alpacas and llamas can also be spotted in the surrounding highlands.
A visit to Cajas National Park makes an excellent day trip from Cuenca, particularly for anyone who enjoys spectacular mountain scenery, photography, and outdoor adventures. The park offers numerous hiking trails, ranging from relatively easy walks of about an hour to challenging treks that can extend over two days. Even if you prefer not to hike, the breathtaking scenery makes the journey worthwhile.
Be prepared for rapidly changing weather. Sunny mornings can quickly give way to cold temperatures, dense fog, wind, and rain, even during the dry season. Dress in layers, bring waterproof clothing, and wear sturdy hiking boots or shoes with good traction. Remember that the high elevation can make physical activity more demanding, so take your time, stay hydrated, and allow yourself to acclimatize.
http://www.parque-nacional-cajas.org/
Girón is a historic Andean town located about 30 minutes south of Cuenca, in the scenic Yunguilla Valley, along the route toward Loja. The town’s heart is its central plaza, featuring a striking basilica-style church surrounded by traditional colonial-style houses. Girón is also known for its local culinary specialties, including pan de Girón (traditional local bread), dulce de achira (a regional sweet made with achira starch), and fresh trout.
One of the town’s most distinctive cultural events is the annual Fiesta de Toros del Señor de Girón (Festival of the Bulls of the Lord of Girón). The celebration features traditional corridas, in which bulls are brought into a designated area and released as participants chase them before guiding them back to the plaza. The festival offers a fascinating glimpse into local traditions and community life.
The area’s biggest natural attraction is El Chorro de Girón, a spectacular series of three waterfalls cascading down the mountainside, with the tallest dropping approximately 200 feet. Located about three miles from town, the waterfalls are surrounded by lush vegetation and beautiful Andean cloud forest.
Reaching the first waterfall involves a hike of roughly two hours through the verdant forest, although you can shorten the journey by taking a taxi from town to the trailhead. For more adventurous hikers, local guides can lead you onward to the second and third waterfalls. The additional climb is strenuous and takes approximately 75–90 minutes, but rewards hikers with even more impressive scenery.
Getting There: You can take a bus from Cuenca’s main bus terminal and get off in Girón, then arrange local transportation to the waterfalls. Alternatively, booking an organized tour from Cuenca is a convenient option, particularly if you want to visit the waterfalls and explore the surrounding area in a single day.
Guayaquil is Ecuador’s largest city, principal seaport, and commercial and economic hub, with a metropolitan population of more than 3.5 million people. Located on the Guayas River near the Pacific coast, it offers a very different experience from the Andean city of Cuenca.
Although Guayaquil is approximately 120 miles from Cuenca, it is relatively easy to reach. Shared minibus services take about 3½ hours and cost approximately $15 per person. If you prefer private transportation, expect to pay around $100–$150 for a private vehicle.
You can also fly between Cuenca and Guayaquil. Avianca and LATAM have offered service on this route, although flight schedules and availability vary, so check current options before making plans.
Major Attractions
Taxi and Transportation Safety
Exercise particular caution when using taxis in Guayaquil. Unmarked or unofficial taxis can pose a risk of robbery and other serious crimes, including express kidnapping. Avoid hailing taxis directly off the street, particularly at night.
Safer transportation options include:
As in any large city, remain aware of your surroundings, keep valuables out of sight, and avoid displaying expensive jewelry, phones, or cameras unnecessarily.
Weather and Climate
Guayaquil has a tropical climate and is considerably hotter and more humid than Cuenca. Temperatures frequently exceed 80°F (27°C), and the combination of heat and humidity can make it feel even warmer. The rainy season, generally from December through May, tends to be particularly hot and humid.
Wear lightweight clothing, stay hydrated, and use sunscreen. If you’re accustomed to Cuenca’s cooler mountain climate, allow yourself a little time to adjust to the heat.
Vilcabamba is a picturesque mountain village south of Loja, widely known as the “Valley of Longevity” because of its reputation for the longevity of its residents. This small, walkable town is surrounded by beautiful mountains and lush valleys, with a central plaza, organic markets, and inviting cafés. Its peaceful atmosphere and natural beauty make it a popular destination for visitors seeking a slower pace of life.
Vilcabamba has a lively international expat community and a distinctly alternative, somewhat hippie vibe. Wellness, healthy living, and a connection with nature are central to the local culture, attracting people interested in an alternative lifestyle, personal well-being, and a more relaxed way of life.
Outdoor activities include hiking through the surrounding mountains, birdwatching, horseback riding, practicing yoga, and exploring local rivers and organic farms.
Izhcayluma Eco-Resort and Spa is a popular nature-oriented lodge and wellness retreat overlooking the surrounding countryside. With its relaxed, communal atmosphere, it provides a peaceful sanctuary for nature lovers and anyone looking to unwind and escape everyday stress. Amenities include complimentary morning yoga sessions, full-body massages, a swimming pool, and hiking trails. The resort also offers a daily shuttle service to and from Cuenca.
Madre Tierra Resort and Spa is another well-known eco-resort with a strong connection to Vilcabamba’s wellness community. This holistic retreat offers a full-service spa, Turkish steam baths, clay baths, Jacuzzis, yoga spaces, and various wellness and detox treatments. It is an appealing option for visitors looking to combine relaxation with natural surroundings and holistic therapies.
Climate: Vilcabamba enjoys a mild, relatively warm climate throughout the year, with temperatures generally ranging from about 55°F to 75°F (13°C to 24°C). Its comfortable temperatures make it ideal for outdoor activities and enjoying the surrounding countryside.
Is Vilcabamba worth visiting? Absolutely, especially if you enjoy slow travel, wellness retreats, alternative lifestyles, and scenic mountain hiking. However, it is worth noting that Vilcabamba has evolved into a significant international expat destination. As a result, it has a distinctly different atmosphere from a traditional Ecuadorian village, blending local culture with international influences and a laid-back, wellness-oriented lifestyle.