Things to do & places to visit in Azuay Province, Ecuador

Azuay Province #4 destination in Ecuador 2023. The average rating score is 4.59 based on 10.4k traveler reviews, of 43 attractions. Timezone: America/Guayaquil, current date and time: Friday, May 10, 2024, 1:40.

Top things to do (38)

Top destinations in Azuay Province 19

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Top places to visit (30 attractions) view more »

5.0 El Cajas National Park (2.400 reviews)
- Solo
Spent < 1 hour National Parks

Known for its more than 275 Andean lakes and many waterfalls, this national park is a popular destination for trout fishing, rugged hiking and camping. See more..
5.0 Laguna La Toreadora (25 reviews)
- Crystal Clear Lake
Spent 1-2 hours Bodies of Water

This is a beautiful lake high in the Andes in the Cajas National Park. We saw an Andean Duck, Coots, Andean Teal and several other birds there. See more..
5.0 Miguel Illescas Art Gallery (21 reviews)
- Unique artist
Spent 2-3 hours Art Galleries

In "MIGUEL ILLESCAS C. ART GALLERY" you can find two and three-dimesional works made by ecuatorian artist MIGUEL ILESCAS C., an invitarion for the viewer to discover codes that will lead to a magicl an fantastic encounter. Permanent exhibition of national and international guest artist also silver jewelry designs. Visit us, we will glad to receive you. See more..
5.0 Parapente Paute-Azuay (10 reviews)
- A great experience
Friday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Parasailing & Paragliding

We enjoyed our flights a lot. Our guides were very professional and worked in a safe and uncomplicated way. We were in the air in no time! See more..
5.0 Cava San Miguel (7 reviews)
- Very Informative visit
Friday: 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM Spent < 1 hour Speciality Museums

My wife and I and with around a dozen more people visited the San Miguel Rum factory on a tour made available by La Yunta Tours and it was fantastic. A young guide started by telling us about the history of the company started in 1952. We then viewed a video about the place and went to where the rum was stored in huge oak barrels. Some of their rum is aged for 3, 5 or 7 years and we got to taste them all before going to another area where we had the opportunity to buy some of their products at a very affordable price. As an example, we bought a bottle of their San Miguel Black 7 years old for $12.60 taxes included plus it’s in a very nice metal case for travel. See more..
5.0 MIPA Museo Interactivo de Pirotecnia Artesanal (3 reviews)
- Awesome new Ecuadorian fireworks museum
Friday: 10:00 AM - 8:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Speciality Museums

Awesome place to learn about authentic Ecuadorian fireworks. Wonderful young married couple, Wilson and Marcela, who built this museum. They speak Spanish and English. Inexpensive and educational experience. Call ahead for extra fireworks displays and Ecuadorian food. See more..
5.0 Paintballpaute (1 review)
- Paute
Spent 1-2 hours Game & Entertainment Centers

Paute is located in the province of Azuay. The paintball in this place is very recreational as you can play with your friends and have a lot of fun. You can also find bikes to ride. Admission is free. There are many places where you can buy food and treats. The motorcycle rental costs $ 1.50 and paintball playing costs $ 3. The atmosphere is nice because you can see the sea and surrounding trees It is very fun place to spend with the family. See more..
5.0 Bosque Protector Aguarongo (1 review)
- Great Hiking, Nature and Cultural Reserve
Spent More than 3 hours Forests

Aguarongo Forest Reserve is one of the largest forrest reserves close to Cuenca. It has a developed Trail system, Interpretation Center and Cabins. It's a bit off the beaten track but well worth the trip. See more..
4.5 Mirador de Turi (1.190 reviews)
- Hike all the steps
Churches & Cathedrals

I have walked the steps to Turi countless times, its a hike so take your time. There are actually 3 sets of steps, the first is from Ave. Solano thru a neighborhood (take Ave Vienticuatro de Mayo and it will lead you there see map) and then across the highway to the main steps. Once at the top where most people congregate, you can also go up another 100 or so steps up past the restaurants to the left for an even better view. If you do the whole climb you have done about 850 steps. I promise you some older Cuencano lady will pass you and make it look easy. When returning on foot I suggest the road, easier on the knees and scenic in its own right, plus stop by the famous Vega pottery shop just down the hill. Recently, I rode my bike up to Turi, the back way. It is a gradual climb going right past the prison at one point, needless to say the ride back down is very easy. See more..
4.5 La Catedral de la Inmaculada Concepcion de Cuenca (1.116 reviews)
- A beautiful and deserving landmark
Friday: 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM Spent < 1 hour Architectural Buildings • Churches & Cathedrals

This large cathedral (circa 1885) features a series of sky-blue cupolas; the interior contains a magnificent altar and a famous crowned image of the Virgin Mary. See more..
4.5 Rio Tomebamba (984 reviews)
- The rivers (rios) in Cuenca are fab.
Bodies of Water

Separating the colonial section from the modern residential areas of the town of Cuenca, this river features scenic walking paths along its north bank and several Inca ruins. See more..
4.5 Museo Pumapungo (894 reviews)
- Exploring Cultural Things
History Museums

The Museum and Ancestral Park of Pumapungo, are the two main elements that conform the cultural complex administered by Ecuador's Culture and Heritage Ministry in the city of Cuenca. These are public spaces, open to a variety of cultural activities, projects, and initiatives, that have a very profound meaning for Cuenca's citizens. Pumapungo Museum has a lot of different components. It has seven temporary exhibition rooms were a wide diversity of exhibitions are produced: art, history, photography, sculpture are some of them. It also has an archeology exhibition room - site museum, where the development of society is explained through time, as well as the Inca occupation and findings at the Pumapungo archeological site. In addition, the museum exhibits the national ethnography room, where Ecuador's multicultural diversity is displayed through vivid representations of every day's life, dresses, instruments and images. The museum also counts with a library and historic archive; both open for free and open access from the public, art, archeology and ethnography reserves, which are available for students as well as for national and international investigators. In total, the complex conserves around 160.000 cultural and heritage goods. Another important component of the cultural complex is the Ancestral Park. There are three main elements: The archeological park, where visitors can appreciate the remains of the once most important administrative, military and religious center of the northern part of the Inca Empire; the Ethnobotanic park, with more than 230 species of native Andean plants and trees, this space has become the last native ecological niche in the center of Cuenca, and it is the reason why it is visited by more than 30 local species of birds daily. The park is also a very important space for educational activities aimed at illustrate ancestral knowledge and traditions. The bird rescue center is the last element of Pumapungo's Ancestral Park. At the momen... See more..
4.5 Plaza Abdon Calderon (683 reviews)
- An Oasis
State Parks

The main city square of Cuenca is dominated by the magnificent Catedral de la Immaculada (New Cathedral). See more..
4.5 Pumapungo Museo (510 reviews)
- Must-see Museum
Spent 1-2 hours Speciality Museums

The museum is free. I liked that we can learn about the history of Cuenca and the ethnic groups in Ecuador. Do have Google translate on your phone (non-Spanish speakers) because there isn't signs in English. The ruins are interesting to visit and the park is really beautiful. You can spend between 1.5-2 hours here if you go through everything. See more..
4.5 Museo Catedral Vieja (442 reviews)
- Stunning church with breathtaking stained glass
Friday: 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM Spent < 1 hour Speciality Museums • Historic Sites • Religious Sites

Situated on top of some ancient Inca ruins, this cathedral was built in 1557 when modern Cuenca was founded. See more..
4.5 AMARU Bioparque Cuenca Zoologico (314 reviews)
- A must visit Attraction
Friday: 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM Nature & Wildlife Areas • Zoos

This place deserves 6 stars. It's an immersive eco zoo that demands your physical involvement since it's all trails. Great selection of birds, cats are hit or miss since they usually sleep during the day, but for a few bucks it's a great afternoon. Be warned: wear comfortable shoes and there are slippery, wet paths. Starting elevation is about 8200 feet and it's all uphill from there. See more..
4.5 Museo de las Culturas Aborigenes (250 reviews)
- Amazing Exhibits
Speciality Museums

5000 Beautiful archaeologic pieces displayed in 15 rooms. See more..
4.5 Eduardo Vega Galeria Taller (187 reviews)
- Exquisite Ceramics
Art Galleries

I had been in Equador for 3 weeks and hadn't bought a single art piece or souvenir. Also a couple of months ago I had visited Africa, Madagascar and Wales for 67 days and also hadn't bought anything. But seeing the beautiful ceramic here I wound up buying six pieces. Exquisite ceramics are here and they are well worth their prices. See more..
4.5 Ecuagenera - Orchids from Ecuador (178 reviews)
- Exquisite and informative!
Friday: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM Gardens

If you are an orchid lover and have planned to visit ECUADOR, one of the most biodiverse countries in the world where more than 4,200 species of Ecuadorian Orchids grow, home to more than 1600 species of birds, 16 ethnic groups, 70 volcanoes in the Andes Highlands, and its wonderful beaches... We invite YOU to visit the SOUTH AMERICA'S LARGEST ORCHID NURSERY... "ECUAGENERA". It is located in the South part of Ecuadorian Highlands, 40km near to Cuenca City in the Province of Azuay. A privileged area with an altitude of 2200m above sea level and a temperature of 17oC that allow us to grow orchids of different microclimates: Coast, Highlands and Amazon. Visit us and enjoy this wonderful weather, take amazing pictures of all the Ecuadorian orchids that are in bloom and be part of the experience. As well, you will learn about the conservation program Ecuagenera is caring out, orchids growing process, commercialization and exportation. We are sure that your visit to this wonderful place will result you a FASCINATING EXPERIENCE AND MARVELOUS ADVENTURE. See more..
4.5 El Museo de Las Conceptas (143 reviews)
- An enjoyable hour experiencing the history of the convent
Speciality Museums

My husband and I were looking for something to do on a late Monday morning and decided to try this museum. The entrance is on the west side of Hermano Miguel. There is a $2.50 entrance fee, but it is worth it. There are approximately 20 small rooms containing artifacts showing the history of the convent through the paintings, statues and other artifacts. Don't miss going through the two small gardens - one leads to the old kitchen and the other leads to the burial crypts. See more..
4.5 El Carmen de la Asuncion Church (81 reviews)
- The thing that is different.... Sequestered nuns.
Churches & Cathedrals

Outside the front door is where the old town flower vendors are set up. This is the best place to get flowers in old town. And... Enter the sanctuary to the left of the front door in the corner. This is where one f the most unique and bizarre traditions of the city still occurs! The sequestered nuns (about 45 of them)sell wine and bread from behind a rotary door for a donation. Locals frequently ring the bell to make contributions. This is what sets El Carmen from just being a pretty and nice church! It is woth the forth or fifth star to witness a centuries old tradition that is so rare. See more..
4.5 Parque El Paraiso (73 reviews)
- Best Family Park in Cuenca
Spent 2-3 hours Parks

Wife and I hiked through this park. We enjoyed every aspect of it. Games and play equipment for children are located throughout the spacious grounds. Also, a couple of duck ponds! See more..
4.5 Museo Remigio Crespo Toral (70 reviews)
- How the rich lived 100 years ago
Speciality Museums

Huge, lovely home converted into a museum that celebrates both the family and the 19th - 20th century history of upper class Cuencanos. A definite must see on the fringes of the historic center. Fronts on a main street but has five levels on the back including a very popular restaurant. Museum is free and fascinating but nearly all the signage is in Spanish. See more..
4.5 Corte Provincial de Justicia de Azuay (67 reviews)
- Corte
Architectural Buildings

a wonderful architectural solution that fits in this part of town. I didn't see what it looked like inside but it is very nice on the outside See more..
4.5 El Chorro Waterfall (43 reviews)
- Waterfall day trip
Waterfalls

We hired a driver to take four of us from Cuenca to Giron, Laguna Bosa and the Chorro Waterfall. The waterfall is a short walk from the parking area. You can see it from several different angles and you can get close enough to get wet. There is a small fee to enter. This was a highlight of the day trip. See more..
4.5 Art Cuenca (26 reviews)
- Fabulous - art by the artists in their homes and studios
Art Galleries

Visit the artists, artisans and designers of Cuenca. Art Cuenca can plan a great visit into the studios, galleries or shops to see the process and learn from them. You can also buy the art straight from the artists paying a good price. Also visit our gallery located on Bolivar and Miguel HerediaVisite artistas, artesanos y disenadores de Cuenca. Art Cuenca puede planear una visita a los estudios, galerias y talleres para ver el proceso y conocer mas sobre el mismo. Puede compara el arte directamente del autor, pagando un buen precio.Tambien puede visitar nuestra galeria ubicada en la Simon Bolivar y Miguel Heredia. See more..
4.5 Parque Chordeleg (25 reviews)
- the best jewelry
Spent 1-2 hours Parks

Chordeleg is a canton near of Cuenca, at a 40 minutes distance. The places as restaurants, hotels, stores are close. The weather is not as cold as Cuenca. Chordeleg is known as a craft center because the people who live there are engaged with jewelry, ceramic, shoe shops, straw toquilla and others. People who visit this place go especially for buying jewelry because they can get jewels of any size, model and weight and the prices are cheap. I have bought in this place and the jewels are of good quality. Generally, Tourists are attracted to the beautiful jewels they make. The typical food is delicious, you can find dishes as cuy with potatoes, corn tortillas, etc. Other attractions in this place are the parks, museums, churches, etc. If you go to the Azuay province, don’t forget to visit Chordeleg. See more..
4.5 Laguna de Busa (23 reviews)
- Amazing
Spent 2-3 hours Bodies of Water

Good place to do camping and spend the time in the nature. You can fish, camp, walk and many others. Really cheap. See more..
4.5 Economuseo Municipal "Casa del Sombrero" (21 reviews)
- Trip round Factory
Speciality Museums

Visited this factory as part of a tour surprised how many variations of the Panama Hat and how its made, All different styles not just Panama but Dress hats for all occasions very impressive worth a visit. . See more..
4.5 Mercado 9 de Octubre (16 reviews)
- Fun
Flea & Street Markets

We actually stumbled onto this place by accident when looking for the Rotary artisan market, and we loved it! So colorful and lively. The perfect place to enjoy a fresh jugo and snack (we got corn pancakey things) while watching the market buzz around you. See more..