If you are looking for things to do in Cuenca, Ecuador with kids, this city ended up being one of the easiest places for our family to settle into during our time in Ecuador.
Cuenca has a beautiful historic center, large family-friendly parks, local markets, easy day trips, and enough outdoor space that our kids could move without every day needing to revolve around a major attraction.
That balance made a big difference for us.
We could spend one day hiking through the mountains at Cajas National Park, then take the next day slowly at a playground, walking through El Centro, stopping for ice cream, or buying produce at the market.
Cuenca felt manageable in a way that worked really well with young kids. We could walk through parts of the city, use inexpensive Uber when we needed them, take buses to places outside of town, and build our days around what our family actually had the energy to do.
It also worked well as a base for exploring more of southern Ecuador.
From Cuenca, you can take day trips to mountain parks and waterfalls, continue toward Guayaquil or Vilcabamba, or connect to other parts of the country using Ecuador’s bus system.
In this guide, I am sharing the best things to do in Cuenca, Ecuador with kids based on what our family actually did, including the parks we visited frequently, the historic center and local market, Cajas National Park, and a day trip to Girón Waterfalls.
How to Get to Cuenca, Ecuador
Getting to Cuenca is surprisingly easy, and during our time traveling through Ecuador with kids, we found the country’s bus system to be one of the simplest and most affordable ways to move between cities.
We took buses throughout Ecuador and consistently found them to be comfortable, inexpensive, and easy to use. If you’re already exploring the country, taking the bus to Cuenca is the option I would recommend for most families.
From Quito, you can head to the city’s main bus terminal and choose from several companies that operate daily routes to Cuenca. There are multiple departures throughout the day, making it easy to find a schedule that works for your family. The journey is longer, but it’s a straightforward way to travel between two of Ecuador’s most popular destinations without needing to rent a car.
Cuenca is also well connected to other destinations in Ecuador. From here, you can continue west toward Guayaquil, travel south to Vilcabamba, or head north toward Baños, making Cuenca a great stop on a larger Ecuador family travel itinerary.
If you’d rather save time, Cuenca also has its own airport with regular domestic flights from Quito. Flying is by far the fastest option, especially if you’re traveling with younger kids or have limited time.
Once you’re in Cuenca, getting around is easy. We primarily walked, used inexpensive taxis when we needed them, and took public buses for longer trips outside the city. If you’re planning to visit places like Cajas National Park or Girón Waterfalls, you’ll find that Ecuador’s bus network makes both day trips possible without needing to hire a private tour.
For our family, that flexibility was one of the things we appreciated most about traveling through Ecuador. It allowed us to move between cities and explore beyond Cuenca without the expense or stress of renting a car.
Take a Day Trip to Cajas National Park
One of our favorite things to do in Cuenca, Ecuador with kids was taking a day trip to Cajas National Park. Located about 40 minutes to an hour west of the city, Cajas is one of the most beautiful national parks we visited in Ecuador. It feels wild, peaceful, and completely different from the energy of Cuenca, making it an easy escape into nature for the day.
The best part is that you do not need to book a tour.
We took the public bus from Cuenca’s Terminal Terrestre, which made getting there simple and inexpensive. There are buses heading toward Cajas throughout the day, but I would recommend catching one in the morning. Weather in the mountains changes quickly, and mornings generally give you the best chance for clear views before afternoon clouds or rain move in.
The bus drops you at the entrance to the park, where you’ll check in at the ranger station before beginning your hike. We were asked to provide identification when registering, so having a passport or a photo of your passport on your phone is a good idea.
There are several hiking trails throughout the park, but one of our favorites was the trail around one of the beautiful alpine lakes. The paths are well maintained, making them manageable for families with kids who enjoy hiking. Rather than coming here to see wildlife, come for the scenery. Endless mountain views, quiet lakes, rolling grasslands, and the feeling of being completely surrounded by nature are what make Cajas so special.
The weather deserves its own mention because it can change incredibly fast. During our visit, we experienced sunshine, clouds, cooler temperatures, and got caught in the rain, all within the same outing. Since Cajas sits at a high elevation near the equator, the sun is much stronger than you might expect, even when the air feels cool.
For that reason, I would recommend bringing:
- Plenty of water
- Snacks for the kids
- Sunscreen
- Hats
- Layers for changing temperatures
- A camera
You can easily spend either a half day or a full day exploring Cajas National Park, depending on your family’s hiking ability and the weather. Once you’re ready to head back, simply wait along the highway for one of the returning buses to Cuenca and purchase your ticket in cash. We found the entire process surprisingly easy and never felt like we needed a guide or organized tour.
If your family enjoys hiking, mountain scenery, and getting outdoors, Cajas National Park is one of the best day trips from Cuenca and an experience I would not skip.
Visit the Best Parks in Cuenca, Ecuador
One of the things we loved most about Cuenca, Ecuador with kids was how much green space the city has. We found ourselves returning to the parks over and over again, not because they were major tourist attractions, but because they gave our kids a chance to simply be kids.
Some afternoons were spent hiking or exploring the city.
Other days, all we needed was a great playground, a coffee, and a place to let the girls burn off some energy.
These were the two parks we found ourselves recommending to other families.
Parque de la Madre
If you only have time to visit one playground in Cuenca, I would make it Parque de la Madre.
Located just south of the historic center, this quickly became one of our favorite places to spend an afternoon. The park has multiple playgrounds, but what our girls loved most was the large zipline swing that they rode over and over again.
The entire park felt extremely well maintained. The lawns were beautifully landscaped, there were plenty of shaded areas to escape the midday sun, and the public bathrooms were consistently clean whenever we visited.
What stood out most, though, was how family-oriented it felt.
Parents were relaxing on benches while their kids played, grandparents were out walking, and local families gathered throughout the park, especially on the weekends. It never felt crowded in an overwhelming way. It simply felt like a community space where families naturally spent time together.
El Paraíso Park
If you’re looking for a larger outdoor space, El Paraíso Park is another great place to visit with kids.
This park sits a little farther from the city center and offers a completely different experience than Parque de la Madre. Instead of being primarily a neighborhood playground, it feels like a destination where families can spend several hours.
There are walking trails, multiple playgrounds, wide open grassy fields, soccer fields, and a large lake where you can rent paddle boats. The park also sits alongside both the Río Tomebamba and Río Yanuncay, giving it a peaceful setting that encourages you to slow down and enjoy being outside.
Like many places in Cuenca, the atmosphere changes on the weekends. Local families fill the park, kids are running everywhere, and the entire area feels lively without ever feeling overwhelming.
If you’re spending several days in Cuenca, I would recommend visiting both parks. They became part of our routine and gave us an easy way to balance bigger sightseeing days with slower afternoons that everyone in our family genuinely enjoyed.
Explore Cuenca’s Historic Center and Mercado 10 de Agosto
One of the easiest things to do in Cuenca, Ecuador with kids is to spend a day wandering through the historic center. You do not need a packed itinerary to enjoy this part of the city. Some of our favorite afternoons were spent walking through El Centro, stopping for ice cream, exploring the plazas, and seeing where the day took us.
The heart of the historic center is the Catedral de la Inmaculada Concepción, better known for its beautiful blue domes that have become one of Cuenca’s most recognizable landmarks. The cathedral sits beside the city’s main square, and especially on weekends, this area comes alive.
Families gather throughout the plaza, street performers entertain the crowds, vendors set up around the square, and the entire area feels energetic. It was one of our favorite places to simply sit on a bench, let the girls watch everything happening around them, and experience everyday life in Cuenca.
Just a few blocks away is Mercado 10 de Agosto, one of the best local markets in Cuenca.
If you’re staying in an Airbnb like we were, this is a great place to shop for fresh fruits, vegetables, and other local produce. We always enjoy visiting markets because they give our kids a chance to see how local families shop instead of only experiencing the city through tourist attractions.
Beyond the produce section, you’ll also find local food vendors, textiles, flowers, spices, and small shops selling everything from souvenirs to everyday household items. Even if you are not planning to buy much, it is a fun place to wander and experience another side of Cuenca.
One thing we quickly learned is that some of the best family travel moments are often the simplest ones.
Walking through El Centro, grabbing an ice cream, browsing the market, and letting the kids soak in the atmosphere became just as memorable as many of the bigger attractions. Those slower days gave us a chance to experience Cuenca beyond a checklist of sights, and for our family, that ended up being one of the best parts of visiting the city.
Take a Day Trip to Girón Waterfalls
If you’re looking for another great day trip from Cuenca, Ecuador, I would recommend visiting El Chorro de Girón, one of the tallest and most impressive waterfalls in the country.
Located south of Cuenca, this makes for a great nature escape if your family enjoys hiking and getting outdoors.
Like our trip to Cajas National Park, you do not need to book a tour.
We took the public bus from Terminal Terrestre in Cuenca to the town of Girón. Instead of riding all the way into the town center, ask the bus driver if they can drop you at the turnoff for El Chorro de Girón. From there, you’ll hire a local pickup truck or taxi to drive the remaining six kilometers up the mountain to the entrance.
The transportation ended up being very affordable. Our round-trip bus tickets for our family of four cost just $6.50 total, while the pickup truck ride was $6 each way, which worked out to about one dollar per kilometer. Entrance to the waterfall area was also inexpensive at around $2 USD per person.
Once you arrive, you’ll find much more than just the waterfall itself.
There are restaurants overlooking the area, along with adventure activities like zip lines, rope swings, and ATV rides for families looking to add a little more excitement to the day.
The main attraction, though, is the waterfall. It is absolutely massive.
When we visited, it had been raining for nearly a week beforehand, so the amount of water coming over the falls was incredible. The downside was that everything around the waterfall was extremely wet. Mist covered much of the trail, and by the time we reached the viewing area, we were soaked.
If I were to do this trip again, I would absolutely pack lightweight rain jackets or ponchos.
Depending on recent rainfall, reaching the second waterfall may not always be possible. During our visit, the bridge leading farther into the park was simply too wet for us to feel comfortable crossing with the kids. Having waterproof gear would have made that decision much easier.
I would also recommend bringing plenty of snacks and water for the day, especially if you’re traveling with younger children. This can become a fairly long outing once you factor in the bus ride, the transfer up the mountain, hiking around the waterfalls, and the return trip back to Cuenca.
For families who enjoy waterfalls, beautiful scenery, and getting outside, El Chorro de Girón is absolutely worth adding to your Ecuador itinerary. Just try to plan your visit around good weather if you can. You’ll likely have a much drier experience, better trail conditions, and a greater chance of exploring everything the park has to offer.
Final Thoughts on Things to Do in Cuenca, Ecuador With Kids
After spending four weeks here, it’s easy to see why Cuenca is one of the most family-friendly cities we visited in Ecuador.
It offers a little bit of everything without ever feeling overwhelming.
You can spend one day hiking through Cajas National Park, another afternoon exploring the historic center of Cuenca, let your kids run around at Parque de la Madre or El Paraíso Park, shop for fresh produce at Mercado 10 de Agosto, or take a full-day adventure to Girón Waterfalls. There is enough variety that every day can feel different while still maintaining the slower pace that makes family travel enjoyable.
What we appreciated most was that Cuenca never felt like a city where you constantly needed to spend money to have a good day.
Some of our favorite memories came from walking through El Centro with an ice cream, watching local families gather in the parks on the weekends, or simply spending an afternoon outside while the girls played. Those slower moments ended up being just as memorable as the bigger day trips.
If you’re planning an Ecuador family travel itinerary, I think Cuenca deserves more than just a quick stop. Between its walkable neighborhoods, beautiful parks, nearby mountains, and easy access to some of southern Ecuador’s best day trips, it’s a destination that works especially well for families traveling with kids.
For us, Cuenca wasn’t about checking attractions off a list.
It was about finding a city where we could settle into everyday life for a little while, giving our kids space to explore, and enjoying a rhythm of travel that felt sustainable.
If you’re looking for things to do in Cuenca, Ecuador with kids, I hope this guide helps you plan a trip that balances adventure with slower family moments, because that’s what made our time here so memorable.
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