5 Spots for Panoramic Views of Cuenca

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Cuenca is one of the most beautiful cities in Ecuador. Known as the “Athens of Ecuador,” the historical center of Cuenca has even been designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Lots of culture and history, beautiful architecture, gastronomy, Cuenca has it all.

The city also has some of great spots for stunning viewpoints of Cuenca. Here are 5 spots for amazing panoramic views of Cuenca, all worthy of adding to your itinerary for your next visit to Cuenca!

Mirador Turi

Turi is perhaps the most popular viewpoint in Cuenca. In recent years, the area has been going through renovations. You can now find restaurants just below the Turi parking lot, so you can dine while enjoying a spectacular view of the city. Here, you’ll also find an “adventure park” known as AvenTuri. AvenTuri is also fairly new, as it’s been renovated to make for another great experience for tourists and locals alike (the area was practicially abandoned before, and was free to enter). It’s $1 to enter and once you enter you can pay for different activities like ziplining, bungee jumping, etc. There’s also a swing you can get on for free.

Turi is a bit outside of the city center but easily accessible by vehicle (taxi will run about $4-5 from the city center. You can even hike up, but keep in mind the altitude won’t make it easy. Another option I recommend is the Turibus, a double decker tour bus that takes you around Cuenca, and also makes a stop at Turi. The bus costs around $8 for a 2 hr ride around the city, and you can access it at Parque Calderon. The bus departs hourly.

Mega Parque Icto Cruz

This is my absolute favorite out of all the spots for panoramic views of Cuenca. There’s a reason this park is called a “mega park.” I’d suggest to visit Turi first, otherwise, Turi might seem like a disappointment. Icto Cruz is gigantic! It’s actually above Turi (the same road that leads to Turi splits, continue left to get to Icto Cruz). Part of the reason why I love this park so much is because of the amount of open space. You also don’t have to dea with the limited parking space at Turi. The park also has several observation decks for you to enjoy the best all around view of Cuenca, and even El Cajas National Park in the distance. You can also view the city’s maximum security prison to the left of the park.

Icto Cruz is also a perfect spot to bring out your drone for some flights. It’s very open, so you won’t have to worry about avoiding people or other obstacles. If you’re the more adventurous type, the park has a few hiking trails available as well as some ziplines (currently unavailable due to Covid-19).

The park is open from day to night. I highly suggest sticking around for sunset, as you start to se the city light up at night! *Due to the pandemic, the park currently closes around sundown, and vehicles are not allowed to drive up after around 6pm. Dogs are also allowed on leashes.

Parque La Libertad

Another one of Cuenca’s newest renovations, Parque La Libertad. Previously home to the city’s prison, the area has been transformed to a giant plaza to relax and take in the views. There’s also a playground available if you’re with visiting with children. The highlight here though, is the elevator that takes you even higher up for a better view.

*Due to the pandemic, the elevator is currently out of service until further notice. Pets also not allowed inside elevator.

Amaru Zoo

A zoo different than what you’d expect, Amaru Zoo is a private conservation aimed at educating and also protecting the cultural and natural resources of the city and overall country. It’s not your typical zoo where you look at animals behind a glass. It’s more of a “natural” zoo, situated on the side of a mountain, so it is a bit physical. However, there are many points along the path that run flat for you to rest. The best part is you get a direct view of the city every step of the way.

The visit takes around 2-3 hours and admission is $6 for adults.

For more information on the zoo, visit: https://www.zoobioparqueamaru.com/english/

Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception

The Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, otherwise known as the New Cathedral is one of the most visited places in Cuenca. You’ll see the New Cathedral from practically all of the above mentioned viewpoints. For a different perspective though, climb the (many) stairs up to the top of the Cathedral. You get an up close view of the famous blue domes that make up the skyline, as well as Parque Calderon and the rest of the city. To enter, go around the Cathedral on Calle Santa Ana.