Private Tour
Cuenca Half-Day City Tour Including Panama Hat Factory
Overview
Available languages
4 hours
Mobile ticket
Head through Cuenca historic district with a local expert that will show you the highlights including churches, beautiful historical buildings with wrought-iron balconies, and carved wooden doors, amidst a flower market, art galleries, etc.
Additional Info
Public transportation options are available nearby
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Please contact us to [email protected] within 2 days notice to reconfirm the tour.
For 1 to 5 passengers, a bilingual guide will also be the driver. For more than 5 passengers, a driver and a bilingual guide will be provided.
Infant seats are available on request if advised at time of booking.
Comfortable walking shoes are recommended.
Child rate applies only when sharing with 2 paying adults.
Children must be accompanied by an adult.
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What To Expect
Cuenca
Our tour begins in San Sebastian neighborhood, here we find the Modern Art Museum where the famous Bienal International de Cuenca takes a place, it belongs to a select group of macro art events established in Latin America and the Caribbean. We will be able to explore not only the exhibits but also the historical house with its typical architecture. Afterwards we will visit the "10 de Agosto market", this is the perfect spot to learn about the local products and culture. We will also visit the San Francisco market, the flower market, Abdon Calderon Park, the cathedral “El Sagrario”, known as the “Old Cathedral”, and lastly, we will tour the “New Cathedral” which is considered one of the biggest churches in Latin America. The famous gold leaf altar is found here.
Homero Ortega
Then we will visit the Panama hat factory-musuem. Here observe the fabrication of the very famous Panama Hats from a fiber called “paja toquilla”. These hats range from simple inexpensive ones to colorful, elegantly designed and costly ones. Afterwards, we will drive through the “Barranco” which is an area of terraced houses located next to the Tomebamba River. Finally, we will go to “Mirador de Turi” (scenic viewpoint) to enjoy the beautiful vista of the Cuenca landscape.
What‘s Included
Transportation
Professional tour guide
Hotel pick-up and drop-off
Food and drinks
Gratuities
Pickup points
Select a pickup point
Options
Shared Half Day Tour
Duration: 4 hours
Pickup included
Private Half Day Tour
Duration: 4 hours
Private Tour: This option allows you to customize the tour and its only for you and your party
Pickup included
Reviews
84 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Wasted time
Lutz B,,Nov 8, 2025
- Review from Viator
1.00This was the worst city tour we ever had. The guide is just a lazy guy who tries to spend the booked time with lowest effort for him. About 1;5 hours where spend to drive to a viewing point which is not worth visiting and back. The Panama hat factory was so late in the program that nearly all workers had left already. So we saw empty machines instead of the process of hat making. The walk in the city was very short and only about 150 meters around the cathedral. We missed the experience of colonial Cuenca. A waste of time and money!
Great way to see the city
Matthew R,,Oct 31, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had a wonderful time with Wilson. He was very knowledgeable and kind, and he was always open to answering our questions. This was a wonderful way to see the city!
This tour covers the...
Kristine K,,Jun 16, 2025
- Review from Viator
4.00This tour covers the basics of Cuenca. We visited a Panama hat factory and museum which was very interesting, plus a photo op vista above the city. Then we walked around in the historic district and learned about the principal churches and important buildings. Genero, the guide, was very informative and accommodating.
City Tour of Cuenca and Panama Hat
131belkysc,,Jun 16, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had a wonderful experience with our guide, Eddy, on the half-day city tour of Cuenca, including a visit to the Panama hat factory. From the moment he picked us up—right on time—we knew we were in good hands. Eddy was incredibly accommodating and flexible, making adjustments to the itinerary as we requested without hesitation. His knowledge of Cuenca’s rich history, architecture, and culture truly enhanced our appreciation of this beautiful city. He shared interesting facts and stories at every stop, which brought each location to life. We especially enjoyed learning about the iconic Panama hat and witnessing the craftsmanship firsthand. Eddy’s English was impressive, especially considering he has never lived in an English-speaking country. We had no trouble communicating and always felt understood. Throughout the tour, we felt completely safe, comfortable, and well cared for. His professionalism, patience, and warm demeanor made this tour feel more like an outing with a friend than a formal excursion. We highly recommend Eddy to anyone visiting Cuenca. His passion for his city is evident, and he goes above and beyond to ensure his guests have a meaningful and memorable experience.
Eddy the Master!
mjr0174,,May 29, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This was an absolute GEM! I had Eddy... we went up to a viewpoint and saw the city, then walked around the city for the rest of the time. Eddy's knowledge of the city was absolutely incredible!! I was in Cuenca 14 years ago for 2 months and learned more about the city in 4 hours with Eddy. Would definitely recommend!
Worth it
Alex C,,Mar 6, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Eddy was a great guide and extremely knowledgeable about Cuenca. We got to see the view from the top of the city and we explored the streets, museums, churches, and the cathedral. All worth it
Extremely enjoyable & informative!
Stacey E,,Feb 19, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00It was our first day in Cuenca & this tour was a great introduction! Eddy, our tour guide was very knowledgeable & had so much information to share about his beautiful city. We loved it!
Basin
Luis P,,Feb 11, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Cuenca is a unique place, it has a wonderful historical center where we can know several cathedrals, several squares where we get to know the culture and quality of the people, the most incredible place was the viewpoint of Turin.
Great tour
F3037IFmatthewh,,Feb 7, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00One of the best city tours I have done. Luis knows his city and his English is excellent. I thought I wouldn't be interested in the hat factory, but it turned out to be a treat. The historic district is fascinating with French, German, Moorish, and, of course, Spanish architectural cues. Fascinating city and an excellent tour guide. Highly recommended.
A lovely city
471vit riar,,Jan 15, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Cuenca is a lovely city, with a very beautiful and varied architecture, with buildings from the colonial period. A place not to be forgotten for those who go to Ecuador. There are diverse tours, good gastronomy and the people are very kind.
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Operated by Cuenca Bestours Tour Operator