Where to Stay in Cuenca, Ecuador
Are you wondering where to stay in Cuenca, Ecuador?
Here’s what to know about the best places to stay in this beautiful city!
I just spent one week in Cuenca, the third-largest city in Ecuador that is known for its cosmopolitan atmosphere, colonial architecture, rich artistic and intellectual tradition, and breathtaking scenery.
There is plenty to do in Cuenca itself, and the city also makes a great base for exploring nearby Cajas National Park or one of the many quaint artisanal villages close to the city like Gualaceo or Chordeleg.
How many days should I spend in Cuenca, Ecuador? Two days is enough to explore the majority of the city, but add another day or two if you want to do some day trips outside of Cuenca.
Best Places to Stay in Cuenca, Ecuador
What is the best area in Cuenca? If you’re wondering where to stay in Cuenca, El Centro is the best neighborhood to stay in so you can be centrally located with lots to do nearby.
Cuenca is Ecuador’s third-largest city with a population of over 440,000, but the historic center of the city is compact and walkable, making it the best place to stay. The entirety of El Centro is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site due to its beautiful colonial architecture and cobblestone streets.
The Tomebamba River runs through the heart of the city, separating the historic district from the more modern area to the south, which is a popular place to live for Cuenca’s thousands of expats.
Accommodation in Cuenca is very affordable, and I found it to be a great value for your money. Below I’ve listed some of the best hotels in Cuenca, Ecuador for travelers on any budget.
Here are my top picks for where to stay in Cuenca, Ecuador:
- Best luxury: Hotel Victoria
- Best mid-range: Selina Cuenca
- Best budget: Wild Monkey Hostel
And here’s a full breakdown of the best hotels and hostels in Cuenca.
Tip: I use and recommend Booking.com for getting the best deal on hotels. If you book directly through a link on this page, I may earn a small commission at no cost to you. Thank you for supporting Stay to Wander!
Hotel Victoria
Hotel Victoria is one of the most luxurious top-rated hotels in Cuenca. This elegant hotel offers tastefully appointed guest rooms, some with views and private balconies overlooking the river.
Free breakfast is included in your stay, and the hotel is just a short walk from the main attractions in Cuenca, including the Cuenca Cathedral, Calderon Park, and the Pumapungo Museum. Although this is a luxury hotel, you can find rooms for under $85 a night, making it a great value for your money.
Selina Cuenca
Selina is one of the best places to stay in Cuenca. This hotel and hostel is also located along the Tomebamba River in the historic center of Cuenca. I stayed here after staying at two other Selina locations in Ecuador and found it to be the nicest one. It’s located in an old hotel, which gives it a wonderful ambiance. It’s also very centrally located to everything that Cuenca has to offer.
The private rooms are extremely affordable and comfortable, and dorms are also available. There are common areas like a terrace, a coworking space, a library, and a kitchen. The only issue I had with my stay was noise. It’s on a street with a loud bar that’s open late, and there’s no soundproofing at all. So if you stay here, be sure to ask for a room that’s not facing the street to avoid this issue.
Hotel Inca Real
Hotel Inca Real is another one of the best hotels in Cuenca, Ecuador. This charming hotel is located in a colonial mansion in the historic district of Cuenca, close to all the main attractions in the city.
The hotel offers a free buffet breakfast and a tour desk. Guests will enjoy eating their breakfast or relaxing in the afternoons in the tranquil, plant-filled central courtyard of the hotel. This is one of the best places to stay in Cuenca in order to be centrally located and close to everything the city has to offer.
Hotel La Orquidea
Another highly-rated hotel in Cuenca, Ecuador is Hotel La Orquidea. Steps away from the Cuenca Cathedral and Calderon Park, this cozy hotel is located in the heart of the city’s historic center.
Many rooms have private balconies overlooking the streets of El Centro, and a free breakfast buffet is included in your stay. This hotel is a budget-friendly place to stay in Cuenca that is still very nice.
Del Parque Hotel & Suites
Del Parque Hotel & Suites is one of the most popular places to stay in Cuenca. If you’re looking for suite-style rooms with a private kitchenette, this is the number one place to stay in the city.
The rooms are elegant and private, and some offer private balconies with stunning views of Calderon Park. Suite-style rooms include a kitchenette with a refrigerator, freezer, microwave, sink, and kitchen utensils.
TRYP by Wyndham Cuenca Zahir
TRYP by Wyndham Cuenca Zahir is the only hotel on this list that’s not in the historic center of Cuenca. It’s located a short walk away across the river in the more modern southern part of the city.
However, if you’re looking for a more modern chain hotel, this is a good option. You’re close to lots of restaurants and shopping in this neighborhood, and still just a short walk from the churches, museums, restaurants, and more in El Centro, making this a great place to base yourself on a trip to Cuenca.
Wild Monkey Hostel
For budget-conscious travelers, you can’t go wrong with Wild Monkey Hostel in Cuenca. This hostel offers dorm rooms for just $5 a night and breakfast is $2 additional, making this a wallet-friendly stay.
Wild Monkey Hostel is conveniently located in the historic district of Cuenca, a short walk away from the river and the Pumapungo Museum. They also have a sister property called Wild Incas Hostel that is located a few blocks away, so if one is sold out, the other is also a solid option with a similar atmosphere.
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Where to Stay in Cuenca, Ecuador
This guide showed you where to stay in Cuenca, Ecuador.
To recap, my top picks for where to stay are:
- Best luxury: Hotel Victoria
- Best mid-range: Selina Cuenca
- Best budget: Wild Monkey Hostel
Have a great trip and enjoy your stay in Cuenca!
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- 6 Best Hostels in Quito, Ecuador
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