What's it like in Downtown Cuenca?

Downtown Cuenca is an historic neighbourhood known for its array of dining options. Make sure that you visit University of Cuenca's Orchid Garden and Río Tomebamba & Calle Larga as part of your Downtown Cuenca travel plans.

Where is the best place to stay in Downtown Cuenca?

Based on our traveller data, Vaway Hotel is one of the top choices for your stay in Downtown Cuenca. This hotel offers a restaurant and a rooftop terrace. Other good choices for your stay in the area include Mansión Alcázar Boutique Hotel and Santa Lucia House - Forum .

How many hotels should I expect to find in the Downtown Cuenca area?

Expedia has 142 hotels and other accommodation options in Downtown Cuenca to choose from, making this an ideal home base for exploring the greater Cuenca area.

If I need to cancel my hotel reservation in Downtown Cuenca, will I receive a refund?

Yes! The majority of hotel room reservations are fully refundable if you cancel before the accommodation's cancellation deadline, which is often 24 or 48 hours before the scheduled arrival. If you have a reservation that's non-refundable, you might be able to cancel it and receive a refund within a 24-hour period of your booking. Put your dates in and click on "Search", then filter by "fully refundable" to view top deals in Downtown Cuenca.

What can I see and do in this Cuenca neighbourhood?

Browse the collections at Casa de los Arcos Art Museum, Sombrero Museum or Las Conceptas Museum in Downtown Cuenca. University of Cuenca's Orchid Garden and Río Tomebamba & Calle Larga are some other stops worth a visit in the neighbourhood. A few places to visit in the area around Downtown Cuenca include Convent of the Assumption, Museum of Extreme Art and Cúpulas Lookout. When you're sightseeing in Cuenca, Museum of the Canari Identity and Inter-American Center of Popular Arts are also worth a stop.

How can I get around Downtown Cuenca and the greater Cuenca area?

If you want to venture out of town, Luis Cordero (Hermano Miguel) Station is the closest train station. You can also catch a ride at 14n - Antonio Borrero Station.

Downtown Cuenca Hotels: 2026 Top 10 Downtown Cuenca Hotels with Limited-Time Deals @Expedia

A historic cathedral with multiple domes and a bell tower.

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Our top choices for Downtown Cuenca hotels

A spacious lobby with a high ceiling, a central round table with a floral arrangement, and a staircase with wooden railings.

1. Santa Lucia House - Forum

Downtown Cuenca

Gabriel

HK$387 total

27 Sept - 28 Sept

An outdoor patio with tables and chairs, a trash can, and a view of a historic building with a dome and towers.

2. Vaway Hotel

Downtown Cuenca

Javier

HK$474 total

27 Sept - 28 Sept

A modern hotel with a glass facade, a reception desk, and a dining area visible through the windows.

3. El Dorado Cuenca

Downtown Cuenca

oscar

HK$690 total

26 Oct - 27 Oct

A spacious courtyard with a fountain, seating areas, and a chandelier.

4. Mansión Alcázar Boutique Hotel

Downtown Cuenca

Lauren

HK$691 total

14 Oct - 15 Oct

An indoor dining area with striped chairs and tables, surrounded by greenery and string lights.

5. Hotel Boutique Santa Lucia

Downtown Cuenca

Carla

HK$932 total

27 Sept - 28 Sept

A historic building with ornate architecture, including arched windows and a balcony with a decorative railing.

6. Hotel Boutique Magdalena By Chat Noir

Downtown Cuenca

Edwin

HK$212 total

27 Sept - 28 Sept

A spacious indoor area with a high ceiling, a balcony, and wicker furniture.

7. Pepe's House Cuenca I Boutique Hotel

Downtown Cuenca

maria

HK$398 total

28 Sept - 29 Sept

A multi-level outdoor area with a wooden staircase, metal railings, and hanging pendant lights.

8. Casa Firenza

Downtown Cuenca

Angela

HK$941 total

27 Sept - 28 Sept

A hotel lobby with a marble staircase, two elevators, and a reception desk.

9. Hotel NASS Continental

Downtown Cuenca

Julio

HK$256 total

27 Sept - 28 Sept

A historic building with ornate architecture, a prominent entrance, and flags.

10. ITZA Hotel Boutique Internacional

Downtown Cuenca

Taivon

HK$1,203 total

2 Oct - 3 Oct

A house with a tiled roof, a wooden door, and a garden with grass, plants, and a pathway.

11. Hotel Boutique Casa Montalvo Cuenca

Downtown Cuenca

"I can’t begin to say how amazing our stay was here! The staff was UNBELIEVABLY KIND! They went out of their way to accommodate us and truly went above and beyond during our entire stay! One of the things that impressed me was that they are so intricate and detailed in their decor and their attention to detail, particularly for the breakfast was amazing! I have recommended this place to all of our friends and family and plan to come back here!"

Xicotencatl

HK$528 total

27 Sept - 28 Sept

12. NASS Central Garden

Downtown Cuenca

Alfredo

HK$203 total

27 Sept - 28 Sept

A historic building with a symmetrical facade, large windows, and a central entrance.

13. Parc Royale Suites Hotel

Downtown Cuenca

Cesar

HK$1,182 total

27 Sept - 28 Sept

A hotel room with a large window offering a city view, a bathtub, a dining table with a vase of flowers, and a hat on the bed.

14. Hotel Azul de la Plaza

Downtown Cuenca

Michael

HK$402 total

27 Sept - 28 Sept

A modern room with a large glass window, a black leather chair, a white bathtub, and a small table with a lamp.

15. TRYP by Wyndham Cuenca Zahir

Downtown Cuenca

Edison

HK$683 total

11 Oct - 12 Oct

An indoor dining area with multiple tables and chairs, a central chandelier, and hanging plants.

16. Hotel Boutique Los Balcones

Downtown Cuenca

Alice

HK$522 total

26 Oct - 27 Oct

A hotel lobby with two sofas, a reception desk, a fountain, and hanging plants.

17. Hotel Pegasus

Downtown Cuenca

HK$503 total

26 Oct - 27 Oct

A spacious living area with a sofa, coffee table, and a dining table with chairs. There is a kitchen in the background with modern appliances.

18. Santa Lucia Suites - Barranco

Downtown Cuenca

Michelle

HK$388 total

25 Oct - 26 Oct

19. Hotel Boutique La Ronda by Chat Noir

Downtown Cuenca

Mauro

HK$245 total

4 Oct - 5 Oct

A spacious courtyard with a wooden balcony railing, multiple seating areas, and a central table with a keyboard and other items.

20. Hotel NASS del Sur

Downtown Cuenca

Tanya E

HK$201 total

28 Sept - 29 Sept

View all properties

Compare popular hotels in Downtown Cuenca

Property	Property class	Guest rating
Mansión Alcázar Boutique Hotel	4.0 star property	9.6 Exceptional 389 reviews	View
Casa 11-24 by Casa Bolivar	2.0 star property	9.6 Exceptional 15 reviews	View
Santa Lucia Suites - Barranco	3.5 star property	9.4 Exceptional 41 reviews	View
Pepe's House Cuenca I Boutique Hotel	3.0 star property	9.2 Wonderful 24 reviews	View
Vaway Hotel	3.0 star property	9.0 Wonderful 170 reviews	View

Where to stay in Downtown Cuenca

Find the best Downtown Cuenca areas for the activities you enjoy most.

A cityscape with historic architecture, including domed buildings and a prominent church tower.

Cuenca Historic Center

While you're in Cuenca Historic Center, take in top sights like Río Tomebamba & Calle Larga and jump on the metro at Gaspar Sangurima Tram Station to see more of the city.

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A white church with a bell tower and dome, surrounded by cobblestone streets and palm trees.

San Sebastián

While San Sebastián isn't home to many top sights, San Sebastian Plaza and Río Tomebamba & Calle Larga are some notable places to visit nearby.

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A cathedral with a large blue dome and multiple spires, set against a backdrop of mountains and a cityscape.

San Blas

If you're spending some time in San Blas, Puente Roto and Río Tomebamba & Calle Larga are top sights worth seeing.

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A cityscape at night with illuminated streets and prominent buildings.

Puertas del Sol

While Puertas del Sol may not have many sights to explore, venturing just a little farther will lead you to top things to see and do like San Sebastian Plaza and University of Cuenca's Orchid Garden.

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A flowing river with rocks, surrounded by trees and a grassy area.

Huayna-Cápac

If you're spending some time in Huayna-Cápac, Alejandro Serrano Aguilar Stadium and Cuenca Botanical Garden are top sights worth seeing.

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Top Downtown Cuenca Hotel Reviews

Santa Lucia House - Forum

8/10 Good

"I stayed 10 days and i enjoyed my stay. The location is perfect for walking to nearby things to see. The breakfast was made to order. The staff was very friendly and helpful and always available."

Vaway Hotel

10/10 Excellent

"Wonderful stay in Cuenca! We had a great experience staying at Hotel Vaway in Cuenca. From the moment we arrived, the staff was friendly, welcoming, and very helpful. The hotel was clean, comfortable, and had a great atmosphere that made us feel right at home. The location was also very convenient for exploring Cuenca and enjoying the beautiful city. Everything was well maintained, and we really appreciated the attention to detail and hospitality throughout our stay. We truly enjoyed our time here and would definitely recommend Hotel Vaway to anyone visiting Cuenca. We would happily stay here again on our next trip to Ecuador! 🇪🇨❤️ Thank you to the entire Vaway team for making our stay so enjoyable!"

Hotel Boutique Santa Lucia

8/10 Good

"Our experience was very good. However, the only issue we encountered was the strong kerosene smell on the third floor. The heating lamps located in the interior patio-which at night also operates as a restaurant, where the food is excellent, by the way- emit a very intense kerosene or gasoline odor, and because the patio has a covered roof, the smell ends up accumulating on the third floor."

Downtown Cuenca hotels in Cuenca

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Our top choices for Downtown Cuenca hotels

1. Santa Lucia House - Forum

2. Vaway Hotel

3. El Dorado Cuenca

4. Mansión Alcázar Boutique Hotel

5. Hotel Boutique Santa Lucia

6. Hotel Boutique Magdalena By Chat Noir

7. Pepe's House Cuenca I Boutique Hotel

8. Casa Firenza

9. Hotel NASS Continental

10. ITZA Hotel Boutique Internacional

11. Hotel Boutique Casa Montalvo Cuenca

12. NASS Central Garden

13. Parc Royale Suites Hotel

14. Hotel Azul de la Plaza

15. TRYP by Wyndham Cuenca Zahir

16. Hotel Boutique Los Balcones

17. Hotel Pegasus

18. Santa Lucia Suites - Barranco

19. Hotel Boutique La Ronda by Chat Noir

20. Hotel NASS del Sur

Compare popular hotels in Downtown Cuenca

Where to stay in Downtown Cuenca

Cuenca Historic Center

San Sebastián

San Blas

Puertas del Sol

Huayna-Cápac

Top Downtown Cuenca Hotel Reviews

Santa Lucia House - Forum

Frequently asked questions