Guidebook for Cuenca
Food Scene
Cuenca has many good restaurants. We have listed a few here. For a complete, ranked list, check Tripadvisor https://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurants-g294309-Cuenca_Azuay_Province.html
Tiestos
4-89 Juan JaramilloFabulous restaurant for a high end meal
Arguably the best pizza in Cuenca + lasagna and other dishes. They will deliver 07-282-4517
16 locals recommend
Fabiano's pizzería
4-74 Pdte. CórdovaArguably the best pizza in Cuenca + lasagna and other dishes. They will deliver 07-282-4517
Tutto Matto Pizzería
8-51 Av. Fray Vicente SolanoSabatino's
R. AguilarEverything Else
Also known as Feria Libre, this is the largest market in Cuenca. There are hundreds of booths. Be prepared for unusual sites and smells. Catch a bus north (7 or 18) on Avenida Las Americas.
6 locals recommend
El Arenal
7 Av. de las Americas Also known as Feria Libre, this is the largest market in Cuenca. There are hundreds of booths. Be prepared for unusual sites and smells. Catch a bus north (7 or 18) on Avenida Las Americas.
Sightseeing
This museum has interesting exhibits and beautiful gardens accented with Inca ruins.
Banco Central station
Avenida Huayna CápacThis museum has interesting exhibits and beautiful gardens accented with Inca ruins.
City advice
Customs and culture
Bring lots of small bills ($20s or smaller)
larger bills can only be exchanged at the Central Bank, with much aggravation (original passport, etc.) larger bill are good primarily for large purchases. Most stores will not even take them.
Getting around
Cabs and buses are cheap
Yellow cabs are metered. Most rides in town run $1.50 to $3.00. A tip (maybe $.50-$1.00) is only required if the driver helps loading and unloading luggage or groceries. We usually round up if the bill is close to the next dollar amount ( e.g. $1.80 rounded to $2.00
Buses require a card (no cash taken) and cost $ .30. In a pinch you can get on with change and motion to a passenger who will let you use their card.
We now have a European style streetcar (tranvia) system. You pay for your ticket at the station where you board. Ask you host for more info.
Getting around
Welcome to Casa Bella Mia
We send guests, once they book, a 50+ page "Welcome to Casa Bella Mia" house manual which provides more detail about the flat and Cuenca.