Cuenca Ecuador Things To Do
Whether you’re planning a move or a vacation, Cuenca Ecuador has LOTS of things to do while you’re here. Yoga, belly dancing, museums, tours, Inca ruins & more!
Cuenca Ecuador Things To Do VLOG
Amelia Learns to Surf in Olón Ecuador (Filmed 2 Weeks Prior to the Quarantine) (4/12/2020) - Wow! This is our 200th VLOG! And what better way to celebrate than showing Amelia learning how to surf just a couple weeks before the world went on lockdown!
SPA DAY in Cuenca Ecuador!!! + A Special Offer for Our Viewers (2020) (1/21/2020) - Alejandra from RadiantSkin Spa and Vicky from Berenice Studio offer a variety of skin treatment, massage, haircare, mani/pedi and beauty services.
Our Bus Ride of Terror to Puerto Lopez Ecuador (and our return to zen) (12/10/2019) - After one of the worst bus rides we've experienced in over 2 years in Ecuador (from La Entrada to Puerto Lopez), we found our zen on the beautiful beach of Puerto Lopez.
Piedra de Agua – Cuenca Ecuador – Baños Azuay (10/24/2019) - After we finished the grueling process of filming and editing our last video, we decided to take a break and visit the Piedra de Agua spa/hot springs in Baños outside Cuenca Ecuador. 
Cuenca Ecuador Axe Throwing + How To Throw An Axe (Episode 143) (9/24/2019) - Channeling your inner viking is not only fun, it's therapeutic! This new hobby hit North America a few years ago, and now we have axe throwing in Cuenca Ecuador, too!
Cuenca Ecuador Gringo Saturday (Episode 135) (8/26/2019) - If you're wondering what it's like to live in Cuenca Ecuador, we share our typical gringo saturday with you in this video. It was a rainy, chilly day so we filmed Cloverfield style with my iPhone to protect my nice camera from the weather....
Cuenca Ecuador Art Scene w/ Patricio Palomeque (Episode 117) (6/25/2019) - In this video, we had the great honor of interviewing a famous artist from the Cuenca Ecuador art scene, Patricio Palomeque. We attended his art exhibit opening almost a month ago with Christina (our new Spanish tutor) and thoroughly enjoyed it. So we made arrangements to return and talk to him in more detail about his art.
This is a bilingual video. We have a lot of Spanish speaking viewers, so we wanted to share Mr. Palomeque's explanation of his art, as well as Christina's translation. If you don't speak Spanish, you can skip forward in the video to the English-speaking parts. Although, I did share video of some of the exhibits while Patricio was talking....
Cuenca Ecuador Salsa Dancing + Allpafest 2019 (Episode 111) (6/4/2019) - This was an unexpected Day In The Life video! We planned to meet Olesya and Johnny for some Cuenca Ecuador Salsa Dancing lessons in the afternoon, but we didn't have much else planned for the day.
Usually, when we go to popup ferias, we only stay a few minutes, but Allpafest was great! We saw lots of friends and ate some delicious vegan goodies!
Top 10 Things To Do in Cuenca Ecuador 2019 (Episode 109) (5/28/2019) - We've been in Cuenca for over a year and a half now and we're still finding new and exciting things to do, but we wanted to share our current Top 10 Things To Do in Cuenca Ecuador with you. These are the activities we did with our friends and family when they came to visit and they LOVED them.
We never get tired of exploring Cuenca and the surrounding areas. Everywhere we look, there's something beautiful and historic to see...
Cuenca Ecuador Yanuncay River Walk // Day In The Life (Episode 107) (5/21/2019) - We're back to business as usual here in Cuenca, Ecuador after are 4 week trip to Miami, Amsterdam, India and back. This day in the life video gives you a good taste of life here with a Cuenca Ecuador Yanuncay River walk, organic markets, belly dancing and delicious Southern Indian food.
Rock Climbing in the Rain at Cojitambo Ecuador (Episode 89) (4/6/2019) - When Stephen said he wanted to come visit us here in Cuenca Ecuador, his main request was to do some adventure sports. Lucky for him, our friend Pietro is a rock climber and we have a great climbing mountain not far from Cuenca called Cojitambo.
If you missed our last video showing Stephen playing like a kid at Aventuri Cuenca, you can check that out here: Aventuri Adventure Park in Cuenca...
Aventuri Adventure Park in Cuenca Ecuador + Shopping at Mall Del Río (Episode 88) (4/4/2019) - Our friend Stephen is visiting us from Denver for a few days and he requested some adventure activities while he's here. Our first stop was at the Aventuri Adventure Park in Cuenca next to the white Turi Church.
In our next video, Stephen goes rock climbing in Azogues so be sure to check that out...
Two Birthday Parties + Salsa Dancing in Cuenca Ecuador (Episode 87) (4/2/2019) - We had a busy Tuesday with two birthday parties and my friend Stephen's arrival from the states. On Thursday, we went to Café Libre for dinner and then Salsa Dancing at Verde Pintón y Maduro.
Be sure to check out our next video. Stephen does some crazy adventure sports here in Cuenca that Amelia and I would never do!
Hiking in Upper Cajas National Park – Cuenca Ecuador (Episode 79) (3/14/2019) - On this excursion outside Cuenca, Ecuador, we went to Upper Cajas in the Cajas National Park. Edwin picked us up about 9:30AM and the drive took us about 45 minutes to reach the check in station.
Entry into the park is free, but we did have to sign in at the building by the parking lot before venturing down the trail toward the lake...
Cuenca Ecuador Yoga in the Park with Olesya (Episode 78) (3/12/2019) - Before we share our Cuenca Ecuador Yoga In The Park experience, we just passed 500 subscribers on our Amelia And JP YouTube Channel! Thank you all for subscribing and continuing to watch our videos! They're quite the labor of love so knowing so many people enjoy them makes it all worthwhile!
We also celebrated our 3-Year Veganversary over the weekend! We went vegan on March 8th, 2016 and haven't looked back! We did several fun things to celebrate our compassionate, environmentally friendly and healthy lifestyle, and we share a couple of them with you in this video...
Cuenca Ecuador San Sebas Neighborhood + Marc’s Consignments Tour (Episode 77) (3/9/2019) - This day in the life video features a walking tour of the Cuenca Ecuador San Sebas (or San Sebastian) neighborhood. We also stopped by Marc's Consignments, The Museum of Modern Art, a Vietnamese Pho restaurant run by our friend Rick, and a few other colorful places...
Hiking in Lower Cajas National Park near Cuenca Ecuador (Episode 72) (2/26/2019) - We went on another hiking adventure just 40 minutes west of Cuenca to Lower Cajas, which is part of Cajas National Park.
It takes about 10 to 15 minutes to drive from highway 582 to the trailhead parking lot. It was free to enter, but we had to show our cedulas (or passports would work). There are no food services so bring your own snacks....
A Walk Around El Centro Cuenca Ecuador + Old Cathedral Museum Tour (Episode 70) (2/21/2019) - This was our day of firsts. We took a walk around El Centro Cuenca Ecuador and it was the first time we visited the newly renovated San Francisco Plaza. It was the first time we toured the Old Cathedral art museum. And it was our first time having lunch at Funky Sauce, a new vegan and vegetarian restaurant on the corner of 3 de Noviembre y Benigno Malo by the Tomebamba River....
Cuenca Hot Springs Novaqua Tour in Baños Azuay Cuenca Ecuador (Episode 69) (2/19/2019) - After a busy day of work, we decided to go to Novaqua in Baños Azuay just outside of Cuenca. It's one of several spas in Baños Azuay with hot springs pools. While we enjoy the other places, we prefer Novaqua because it's adults only.
If you have kids or enjoy listening to kids play, we recommend Hostería Durán, which is just a short walk from Novaqua. It has a nice kid's pool, as well as a nice thermal bath room that's perfect for relaxing. The last time we went to Hostería Durán, it cost $8 per adult and I believe they also have kids rates. However, their kitchen is not very vegan friendly so be sure to take snacks....
Ecuagenera Orchid Farm Gualaceo Ecuador + Casa Museo de la Makana & Paute Ecuador Indigenous Mercado (Episode 66) (2/12/2019) - The Ecuagenera Orchid Farm Gualaceo Ecuador is a short drive from Cuenca Ecuador and a must-see if you're an orchid lover, or if you just appreciate the beauty and variety of colorful flowers. We also enjoyed visiting La Casa de Makana and the indigenous mercado in Paute Ecuador....
Cuenca Ecuador Fitness: Aerial & Pole Fitness w/ Fit Alliance + Panda Cakes Cuenca & Doggie B-Day! (Episode 64) (2/7/2019) - Fit Alliance held their open house at JungleGym this weekend so we got a first-hand look at Cuenca Ecuador Fitness. We were lucky enough to get special aerial and pole dance performances from two of the instructors! What a beautiful and fun way to exercise!
Cuenca Ecuador Rotary: Mercado de Artesanías Rotary (Episode 60) (1/29/2019) - While Amelia's back in the States, I filmed the Cuenca Ecuador Rotary: Mercado de Artesanias Rotary. It's usually just called "the rotary" by the gringos and it's located at Vargas Machuca y Gaspar Sangurima just one block East of Mercado 9 de Octubre.
The Rotary has lots of mostly indigenous vendors selling furniture, metalwork, hand-woven baskets, pottery, kitchen utensils, clothes, bags, rugs, souvenirs, etc. It's a great place to find unique gifts for your loved ones, or obscure items for yourself....
Cuenca Ecuador City Bus Tour to Turi + New Cathedral Terrace (Episode 55) (1/17/2019) - The Cuenca City Tour, operated by Van Service Internacional, is a great way to get beautiful views of Cuenca and the Andes Mountains, as well as learn about Cuenca's long history. The tour guide speaks in both Spanish and English so us gringos can also understand.
We arrived at the City Tour departure area in Parque Calderon a little before 1PM, but they take a lunch break during that time so we had to wait for the 2PM departure.
Since we had an hour to kill, we decided to hike up to the New Cathedral Terrace, which is open to the public. It costs $2 per person and there are lots of stairs. If you have physical issues, it might be a little too tough for you...
Ingapirca Inca Ruins Ecuador + La Cara del Inca (Episode 53: Part 3) (1/12/2019) - This is Part 3 in our 3-part series from an excursion we took with Flavio from Polylepis Tours northeast of Cuenca, Ecuador to Biblián, Cañar and Ingapirca. Our third stop was in Ingapirca, Ecuador.
Ingapirca is an important archaeological site in Ecuador. It's considered the second largest Inca ruins in South America, second only to Machu Picchu. In reality, it's a combination of Cañari and Inca ruins. The Cañari people have been living here for nearly 1500 years and the Inca only arrived a little over 500 years ago....
Cañar Ecuador Indigenous Market 2019 (Episode 52: Part 2) (1/10/2019) - This is Part 2 in our 3-part series from an excursion we took with Flavio from Polylepis Tours northeast of Cuenca, Ecuador to Biblián, Cañar and Ingapirca. Our second stop was in Cañar, Ecuador.
Cañar is the ancestral home of the indigenous Cañari people who have lived in this region of Ecuador for nearly 1500 years. Every Sunday, people come from miles around to the indigenous market in the center of Cañar....
La Virgen del Rocío | The Church Built Into a Mountain in Biblián Ecuador 2019 (Episode 51: Part 1) (1/8/2019) - This is Part 1 in our 3-part series from an excursion we took with Flavio from Polylepis Tours northeast of Cuenca, Ecuador to Biblián, Cañar and Ingapirca. Our first stop was in Biblián, Ecuador.
Biblián is home to El Santuario de la Virgen del Rocío, or the Sanctuary of the Virgin of the Dew. This church was built into the side of a mountain after the residents of Biblián believed a miracle happened....
Cuenca Ecuador Christmas Parade: Pase del Niño (Episode 45) (12/25/2018) - Christmas in Cuenca is bustling with activities and parades like this one. Pase del Niño (literally translated means Passing of the Child) is Cuenca's Christmas Parade that attracts people from all over Ecuador and beyond. Over 120,000 people were expected to attend this years parade, which kicks off 3 months of celebrations leading to Easter Sunday....
A Stroll Through Parque Paraíso Cuenca Ecuador (Episode 32) (11/27/2018) - Parque Paraíso Cuenca Ecuador is one of our favorite parks. We walk Daisy from our house along the Yanuncay river, around the park and back home nearly every week at least once. It's a long walk and Daisy is getting older so we don't always take her, but she loves to go there and smell the other dogs.
Step Back In Time at the Pumapungo Inca Ruins Cuenca Ecuador (Episode 31) (11/24/2018) - The Pumapungo Inca Ruins Cuenca Ecuador is one of Amelia's favorite places to visit. We both love walking around the beautifully landscaped grounds and learning about the Inca history. Entry is free and it's very peaceful and relaxing.
If you're looking for fun things to do in Cuenca, this is at the top of our list.
On the day we filmed this video, it was so windy that my microphone didn't work well so most of the audio was unusable. Instead of an Inca history lesson, you get to enjoy the beauty of Pumapungo with some relaxing music....
Cuenca Ecuador River Walk: Tarqui, Yanuncay, Tomebamba, Milchichig & Machángara (Episode 25) (11/10/2018) - Today, we decided to do a Cuenca Ecuador River Walk along the 5 rivers that run through the city: Tarqui, Yanuncay, Tomebamba, Milchichig & Machángara....
Cuenca Days 2018: Celebrating Cuenca’s Independence (Episode 22) (11/3/2018) - This weekend is bustling with activity here in Cuenca Ecuador as we celebrate Cuenca Days 2018. Cuenca achieved its independence from Spain on November 3rd, 1820 and they pull out all the stops to celebrate Independence Day with art fairs, food festivals, parades, concerts and fireworks....
Cuenca Flower Market + Fresh Tea & Cold Beer in Cuenca Ecuador (Episode 20) (10/30/2018) - Today we did another one of our Sunday afternoon city walking tours. On our way to the Cuenca Flower Market, we stopped by Télicioso Tea Room to get some of our favorite tea.
Then, after we bought Amelia some new earrings and some beautiful flowers at the flower market, we went to Simón for some papas fritas y cervezas (we recorded this in March 2018 before I realized I still had high cholesterol)....
Best FREE Cardio in Cuenca Ecuador: The Stairs to Turi (Episode 18) (10/25/2018) - The Best FREE Cardio in Cuenca Ecuador is just a few steps away! We hike up to the Turi Church at least once per week, but usually 2 or 3 times per week. There are 439 stairs leading up to Turi, but the shortcut we take adds another 126 stairs plus some steep hills. It really is the best free Cardio in Cuenca Ecuador!
Unbelievable Orchids in Gualaceo Ecuador + Handmade Macanas (Episode 17/Part 3) (10/24/2018) - For our first tourist-y excursion since we’ve been in Cuenca, Ecuador, we took a trip east of town to three different artisan villages: San Bartolomé, Chordeleg and Gualaceo. This video covers the third town of Gualaceo, Ecuador, which is famous for its orchids and textiles.
Be sure to check out our other videos from this excursion to San Bartolomé Ecuador (Part 1) and Chordeleg Ecuador (Part 2).
We hope you enjoy seeing the beautiful Andean scenery, the picturesque town of Gualaceo, and the interesting people we meet along the way. We’ve also included some Spanish language learning opportunities for you....
Filigree Jewelry in Chordeleg Ecuador + Handmade Miniature Ceramics (Episode 16/Part 2) (10/22/2018) - For our first tourist-y excursion since we’ve been in Cuenca, Ecuador, we took a trip east of town to three different artisan villages: San Bartolomé, Chordeleg and Gualaceo. This video covers the second town of Chordeleg, Ecuador, which is famous for its miniature ceramics and filigree jewelry.
Be sure to check out our other videos from this excursion to San Bartolomé Ecuador (Part 1) and Gualaceo Ecuador (Part 3).
We hope you enjoy seeing the beautiful Andean scenery, the picturesque town of Chordeleg, and the interesting people we meet along the way. We’ve also included some Spanish language learning opportunities for you....
San Bartolomé Ecuador Handcrafted Guitars (Episode 15/Part 1) (10/20/2018) - For our first tourist-y excursion since we've been in Cuenca Ecuador, we took a trip east of town to three different artisan villages: San Bartolomé, Chordeleg and Gualaceo. This video covers the first village of San Bartolomé, Ecuador, which is famous for its handcrafted guitars.
Be sure to check out Part 2: Chordeleg Ecuador and Part 3: Gualaceo Ecuador to see the rest of our tour.
We hope you enjoy seeing the beautiful Andean scenery, the picturesque town of San Bartolomé, and the interesting people we talk to along the way. We've also included some Spanish language learning opportunities for you....
Mirador de Turi Ecuador: The Colorful Cuenca Countryside (Episode 2) (9/24/2018) - Our hike through Mirador de Turi Ecuador and the Cuenca Countryside was like stepping back in time. Small farms dot the landscape and friendly people were eager to talk to us....