As it is a relatively small city, there is not much mystery to decide where to stay in Cuenca, in Ecuador. This beautiful city with colonial architecture is famous for its historic streets and beautiful, well-preserved mansions and its vibrant, lively atmosphere.
As is the case in the rest of Ecuador (apart from the Galápagos, of course), despite the current currency being the US dollar, The cost of living in Cuenca is very low and therefore it is possible to find good accommodation at very good prices. And the best part: almost all of them include breakfast.
Of all the countries I visited in South America, Ecuador had the lowest average hotel price and in this regard it is second only, I believe, to Bolivia.
In this post, we will share some tips and suggestions on where to stay in Cuenca, based on our own experience and research. So, if you are looking for hotels, hostels, apartments or even cheaper options, keep reading and discover the perfect place to stay in Cuenca.
Best area to stay in Cuenca
There is no shortage of hotels and hostels in Cuenca, and most of them are in historic center. This is, without a doubt, the best area of the city to stay.
In addition to concentrating hotels, tourist attractions and the best bar and restaurant options, the center is still charming and has good public transport options for you to travel to more distant attractions.
But by staying there, you almost won’t have to worry about it. Cuenca is a city to explore on foot, wearing the sole of your shoe between one historic building and another without even realizing it.
Find hotels in Cuenca
Best hotels in Cuenca, Ecuador
See now a selection of hotels to stay in the historic center of Cuenca. They all receive great reviews from guests and were selected based on 360meridianos’ curation and experience.
It is worth remembering that the word lodging house, in Spanish, is better translated into Portuguese as family guesthouse. Establishments with this name are not always typical youth hostels.
They tend to be small places, run by a family, with simplicity but a minimum of comfort. So it’s worth checking out even if you’re not a big fan of hostels.
Best luxury hotel in Cuenca:
For those looking for charming and authentic accommodation, the 5-star boutique hotel Itza Hotel Boutique Internacional is an excellent option.
Located in the historic center, the hotel offers beautifully decorated rooms. Some with balconies and city views. The hotel also offers a concierge service, tour desk, 24-hour reception and room service.
The highlight of Itza Hotel Boutique Internacional is its restaurant and bar, where you can enjoy a delicious continental or American breakfast daily.
The location is also great, as you can walk to the city’s most famous tourist attractions, such as the Tomebamba River, the New Cathedral of Cuenca and the Abdon Calderón Park.
Guests also praise the good heating system in the rooms and the hotel’s beautiful terrace, perfect for a sophisticated and pleasant stay.
Daily rates there start at US$142. SEE PRICES.
Best 3-star in Cuenca: Gran Hotel París
If you are looking for a well-located and cheap hotel in Cuenca, the Gran Hotel París de las Flores is an excellent choice.
It is located in a beautiful historic mansion in the city center, just 200 meters from the Cathedral. It has a beautiful internal courtyard and a restaurant that serves the best local cuisine at lunch.
There is also a wide range of restaurants nearby, just a short walk away. Daily rates from US$33. SEE PRICES.
Budget hotel in Cuenca: Check-Inn Bed and Breakfast
The Check-Inn Bed and Breakfast is one of the most reserved in the city and offers breakfast and an incredible view of the historic mansions. Located in the center, it is just a few steps from Plaza San Francisco, Parque Calderón and Cuenca Cathedral.
The bathrooms are shared and have hot water showers (which doesn’t always happen in cheaper hotels in Ecuador…). Additionally, you can enjoy the fully equipped kitchen and relax on the large rooftop terrace with panoramic views.
The 24-hour front desk offers tourist information services, transfers to Mariscal Lamar International Airport and the Bus Station, and laundry facilities for a fee. And, to top it off, the hotel is surrounded by several local restaurants and just 2 km from the Pumapungo Ruins.
Daily rates start at US$15. SEE PRICES.
Hostel in Cuenca, Ecuador: Hostal Restaurant La Cigale
Just 400 meters from the city’s main square and 300 meters from the Tomebamba River, Hostal Restaurant La Cigale is a great option for backpackers and independent travelers.
The place has a cool, artistic atmosphere that guests love!
But the highlight is its restaurant, which serves incredible food and has a pleasant atmosphere, surrounded by plants and with a lounge in the back that is perfect for having breakfast.
Additionally, there are many other restaurants to choose from within a 1km radius of the hostel.
The reception staff are friendly and helpful, and the hostel offers facilities such as a garden, bar and tour desk. Daily rates from US$35 (double room). SEE PRICES.
Hostel in Cuenca, Ecuador: Hostal Latina
Hostal Latina is highly praised for its excellent value for money and attentive, friendly service.
It is located in the historic center of Cuenca, just a 6-minute walk from the Cathedral, and offers double, triple and quadruple rooms.
This is a great option if you want to save on accommodation in Cuenca! Daily rates from US$23. SEE PRICES.
Find other hotels in the historic center of Cuenca
Did you like ours tips on where to stay in Cuenca? So check out our other travel tips there!
How much does accommodation in Cuenca cost on average?
Prices vary greatly depending on the type of accommodation chosen. Here are the average nightly prices in Cuenca for each accommodation category:
- Hostels: entre USD $15 e $30
- Apartments and houses for rent: entre USD $30 a $100
- Budget Hotels: entre USD $30 a $50
- Mid-range hotels: entre USD $60 a $100
- Luxury Hotels: from $100
It is important to remember that these are only average prices and that prices can vary greatly depending on the location, season of the year and availability of each accommodation.
To guarantee the best prices, make your reservation in advance.
How many days to stay in Cuenca?
It is recommended to stay at least two days in Cuenca to explore the city’s main tourist attractions, such as the Catedral de la Inmaculada Concepción, the Calderón Park, the Pumapungo Museum and the Tomebamba River.
However, if you want to explore the city more calmly, visit other tourist attractions nearby, such as the Inca ruins of Ingapirca, or carry out activities such as hiking and cycling, it may be interesting to stay longer.
Some people choose to stay for up to a week or longer to enjoy all that Cuenca and its surrounding areas have to offer. To learn more about the city’s attractions, read our post What to do in Cuenca.
When is the best time to visit Cuenca?
The best time to visit Cuenca is during the dry season, which occurs between the months of June and September.
During these months, the weather is generally sunny and temperatures are mild, making it ideal for hiking and sightseeing.
Additionally, during the month of November, the city celebrates All Souls’ Day with lots of festivities and parades, making this an interesting time to visit.
However, it’s important to remember that high tourist season can be more expensive and more crowded, so if you prefer to avoid crowds and save money, you might consider traveling in low season.
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