A
Nice experience in Cuenca
100% Recommended; it was an incredible experience to learn about the hat-making process.
Cuenca Half-Day City Tour Including Panama Hat Factory
+7 photos
At a glance
- Duration
- 4 hours
- Price from
- $35 / person
- Location
- Cuenca, Ecuador
- Rating
- 4.9 / 5 · 94 reviews
- Languages
- EN, ES
- Group
- Private
- Cancellation
- Free cancellation up to 24 hours before
- Hotel pickup
- Available
- Confirmation
- Instant
- Ticket
- Mobile or paper ticket accepted
- Operator
- Cuenca Bestours Tour Operator
Description
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.
Schedule & prices
- Runs
- Every day
- Start times
- 9:00 AM, 10:00 AM, and 2:00 PM
- Next available
- Wed, Oct 7
- Adult (ages 12–80)
- $35
- Child (ages 4–11)
- $30
- Infant (ages 0–3)
- Free
Prices change with the date; the lowest is shown.
Prices are per person when two book together; a solo traveller pays $65.
Larger groups pay less per person.
From the operator’s live schedule on Viator, checked Oct 6.
Tour Options
Itinerary
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
Included
Transportation
Professional tour guide
Hotel pick-up and drop-off
Not included
Food and drinks
Gratuities
Pickup Locations & Times
Pick-up is included in centrally located hotels or Airbnb. If your location is in the outskirts, please contact us for further details.
Traveller Ratings
Reviews collected by Viator and Tripadvisor
4.9
94 reviews
How it compares in Cuenca
- No. 6 by number of reviews among 122 tours in Cuenca
- Starting price $35 is 53% below the typical $75 for tours of similar length in Cuenca
Excurgo comparison of 122 Viator tours, recalculated daily.
Important Information
- 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 info@cuencabestours.com 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
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
1+ days before100% refund
0–1 days before0% refund
Frequently asked questions
How long does Cuenca Half-Day City Tour Including Panama Hat Factory take?
Cuenca Half-Day City Tour Including Panama Hat Factory lasts about 4 hours. The itinerary has 2 stops.
How much does Cuenca Half-Day City Tour Including Panama Hat Factory cost?
Prices start at $35 per person for this Cuenca experience, booked through Viator with the price shown before checkout. That is the per-person price when two book together; a solo traveller pays $65. There are 2 booking options, so the final price depends on the option you choose.
What days does Cuenca Half-Day City Tour Including Panama Hat Factory run?
According to the operator’s current schedule, it runs every day, starting at 9:00 AM, 10:00 AM, and 2:00 PM.
How much does Cuenca Half-Day City Tour Including Panama Hat Factory cost for children?
Children aged 4–11 pay from $30, adults from $35. Infants go free.
Can I cancel Cuenca Half-Day City Tour Including Panama Hat Factory for free?
Yes. Cancel at least 1 day before the start for a full refund. Later cancellations are non-refundable.
Is hotel pickup included?
Yes, pickup is offered. Pick-up is included in centrally located hotels or Airbnb. If your location is in the outskirts, please contact us for further details. Pickup points include Hotel San Pablo, Valgus Hotel & Centro De Negocios.
What languages is Cuenca Half-Day City Tour Including Panama Hat Factory offered in?
The experience is available in EN, ES.
Is this a private or a group tour?
It is a private experience: only your party takes part. Up to 15 travellers can book together.
Is the tour suitable for children?
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap Infant seats are available on request if advised at time of booking. Child rate applies only when sharing with 2 paying adults.
Will my booking be confirmed immediately?
Yes, bookings are confirmed instantly.
Is Cuenca Half-Day City Tour Including Panama Hat Factory worth it?
Travellers rate it 4.9 out of 5 across 94 reviews on Viator and Tripadvisor; it is run by Cuenca Bestours Tour Operator.
Reviews(94)
Reviews collected by Viator and Tripadvisor
T
Awesome day in Cuenca
Eddy is amazing! His English is flawless, his knowledge of Cuenca’s/Ecuador’s history and culture is bottomless, and his care of and attention to us tourists is exemplary. I saw and learned so much in just a few hours. Highly recommend this tour with Eddy!
M
The whole experience is very nice.
A nice way to get to know Cuenca Ecuador.
Operator response
Thank you for sharing your experience! We’re delighted to hear that you enjoyed this tour as a way to discover and get to know the beautiful city of Cuenca. It was a pleasure having you with us, and we hope you enjoyed discovering the city’s culture, history, and local charm. Team Cuenca Bestours
J
Eddy was a great guide
Private tour guide Eddy was great. Slowed down, adapted, and was funny! He helped me get a sense of Cuenca, suggested possible lunch spots and was a pleasure to walk around with!
Operator response
Thank you so much for your wonderful review! We’re thrilled to hear that Eddy made your private tour of Cuenca such an enjoyable experience. It’s great to know that he adapted the pace to your needs, shared his sense of humor, and provided helpful local recommendations. Team Cuenca Bestours
A
The half day tour is a...
The half day tour is a great introduction to Cuenca. We loved learning about the history of the city
Operator response
We’re delighted to hear that you enjoyed the half-day tour and found it to be a great introduction to Cuenca. It’s always a pleasure to share the city’s fascinating history and culture with our guests. We truly appreciate you choosing us! Team Cuenca Bestours
F
I had a wonderful tour...
I had a wonderful tour with Eddy! He was incredibly knowledgeable and had wonderful recommendations!
Operator response
Thank you so much for your wonderful review! We’re delighted to hear that you had such a great tour with Eddy. His knowledge and thoughtful recommendations are a big part of what makes our experiences special, and we’re thrilled they added so much to your day. Thank you for choosing us! Team Cuenca Bestours
J
The Best Way to Experience Cuenca
Adrian was an exceptional private tour guide. He was knowledgeable, friendly, and shared so much about Cuenca's history, culture, and hidden gems. He made the tour engaging and tailored it to our interests. We learned a lot and had a fantastic time. I highly recommend Adrian to anyone visiting Cuenca.
Operator response
We’re delighted to hear that Adrian made your private tour of Cuenca such a memorable experience. His knowledge of the city’s history, culture, and hidden gems, combined with his friendly approach and attention to your interests, truly reflects the personalized service we strive to provide. Thank you for your enthusiastic recommendation! Team Cuenca Bestours
S
Fun and informative city tour
Diego was our guide for the day and took us on an amazing walking tour of the old town. We started from our hotel and visited several houses and churches. His knowledge of the city and architecture was as clear as his love for Cuenca. We explored some courtyards we never would have found, took in the smells of the flower market, and enjoyed the sights and smells in the central market. Also got to learn the history of the Panama hats and how they are made. The highlight was the view of Cuenca from way up on Turi which we reached by car. Back at our hotel about four hours after we started. Wonderful day with Diego!
Operator response
We’re delighted to hear that Diego made your walking tour of Cuenca such a memorable experience. It sounds like you truly immersed yourselves in the city—from its historic houses and churches to the hidden courtyards, vibrant flower and central markets, and the fascinating story behind Panama hats. Thank you for choosing us! Cuenca Bestours Team
1
Knowledgeable and Comprehensive
Our guide (Eddy) was very knowledgeable and a native of Cuenca. He did an excellent job informing us of the history, architecture, and restaurants. He showed us the area from an elevated point and from down in the flat basin of the city.
Operator response
Thank you so much for your thoughtful review! We’re delighted to hear that your time with Eddy was so enriching. As a native of Cuenca, his deep knowledge of the city’s history, architecture, and culinary scene truly adds a special touch to every tour. We’re glad you enjoyed seeing the city from both the elevated viewpoints and the heart of the basin—it’s a beautiful contrast. 🌄✨ Team Cuenca Bestours
P
Tour of Cuenca
We enjoyed seeing the old town of Cuenca, and the guide provided us with background on the founding of the city, the people who live and work there, and places to shop, eat and relax. The guide was quite knowledgeable. We enjoyed exploring Cuenca!
Operator response
We’re so glad you enjoyed discovering the historic center of Cuenca and learning about its history, culture, and local life. It’s wonderful to hear that your guide’s knowledge helped enrich your experience and gave you a deeper connection to the city. Exploring Cuenca’s charming streets, along with its great spots to shop, eat, and relax, is always a highlight, and we’re happy you made the most of it. We truly appreciate your feedback and hope to welcome you again for another memorable visit! Team Cuenca Bestours
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from$35
4.9(94) Free cancellation