Where to stay in Cuenca Ecuador
There are plenty of amazing places to stay in Cuenca Ecuador for a wide variety of budgets. Whether you’re looking for a cute boutique hotel, a cozy bed and breakfast, Cuenca Airbnb or VRBO vacation rental, or a self-catering apartment for rent, read on for our tips on Cuenca accommodations.
Cuenca is a beautiful Spanish colonial city in Ecuador, rich with heritage and scenic views. Designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, visitors enjoy the historical center as well as day trips to explore the spectacular natural beauty that surrounds the city.
There are plenty of cheap and budget-friendly Cuenca Ecuador rentals as well as beautiful luxury apartment rentals in Cuenca Ecuador. We’ve lived in Cuenca for months at a time across two stays, and this guide reflects what we’d tell a friend.
Quick Summary: Where to Stay in Cuenca
- 📍 Best area: Historic center (centro), near Parque Abdón Calderón
- 🏨 Top hotel pick: Boutique Hotel Santa Lucia
- 💰 Price range: $ to $$$ depending on style
- 💡 Local tip: Check reviews to avoid rooms facing noisy streets
Last updated: August 2026. Originally published: January 2022.
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Where to stay in Cuenca Ecuador: Best Areas
Cuenca’s historic center has the most charm as well as convenience to main attractions and restaurants. That’s why we recommend most visitors stay in the centro.
Aim to be within walking distance of Parque Abdon Calderon.
Personally, I would also check reviews to avoid rooms facing a street with a noisy bus route. City buses have been upgraded since we first visited but they’re still pretty loud. Plus the number of car alarms (triggered by nothing) also seems unusually high.
Along the Rio Tomebamba, still next to the town center, is another good location to stay in. This is within the UNESCO zone and easy walking distance of Parque Abdon Calderon. North of the river is at a higher elevation so you have a chance of views overlooking the south.
Staying south of the river, next to Parque de la Madre or Universidad de Cuenca, is still centrally located. However, the architecture isn’t as nice. Plus it’s a climb up to the town center, which also isn’t ideal to walk at night for safety reasons.
Best Hotels in Cuenca Ecuador
The following are some of the best Cuenca hotels with top ratings, located in the town center. After this, we’ll cover Cuenca vacation rentals and apartments.
Boutique Hotel Santa Lucia
A boutique hotel set in a historic building in central Cuenca, Hotel Santa Lucia offers luxurious accommodations and palace atmosphere. It’s truly stunning! Guests can enjoy the onsite restaurant and one of the best locations in the charming Old Town district of Cuenca.
Location: 0.2 km from Abdon Calderón Park, 2.2 km from airport
Cost: $$$/$$$$
Lodging style: Boutique hotel
Amenities/highlights:
- Beautiful historic building
- Free WiFi
- Airport shuttle
- Free parking
- Onsite restaurants and bar
- Facilities for disabled guests
Guests Say:
“Location was in heart of historical Cuenca and easy access to sites and restaurants. The hotel and room was very clean. Staff was very friendly and professional.”
“Beautiful and spacious rooms and the breakfast was very good.”
“The staff that are exceptional and made everything gorgeous.”
Check rates and availability for Hotel Boutique Santa Lucia >
Hotel Carvallo, Cuenca
A splendid 4-star hotel set in a renovated 19th century house offering guests charming rooms, on site family style restaurant, and impeccable service. Highly rated for its convenient location, Hotel Carvallo is a few blocks from the city’s top attractions.
Location: Right in Cuenca’s historical district, 2.4 km from airport, a few blocks from Abdon Calderón Park
Cost: $$/$$$
Lodging style: Luxury hotel
Amenities/highlights:
- Free WiFi
- Airport shuttle
- On site restaurant, cafe/bar
- Continental, Vegetarian, Vegan, Gluten-free, and American options for breakfast
- Some rooms offer separate living rooms and fireplaces
- Facilities for disabled guests
Guests Say:
“Beautiful hotel in a great location. Very easy to walk around from that location.”
“The staff was so friendly and helpful, it made our trip.”
“Breakfast exceptional with lots of choices.”
Downsides:
- No AC in some rooms
- Public parking at a nearby location with fee and needs reservation
Check rates and availability for Hotel Carvallo >
Pepe’s House Cuenca Boutique Hotel B&B
Conveniently located in Cuenca’s historic center, Pepe’s House is great for budget travelers looking for comfort and value. It’s steps from shops, restaurants and bars. Guests can enjoy an onsite garden, communal living room, and the exceptional assistance of multilingual staff.
Location: 2.8 km from airport, 0.4 km from Abdon Calderón Park
Cost: $/$$
Lodging style: Bed & Breakfast, private rooms and dormitory
Amenities/highlights:
- Continental breakfast included
- Free WiFi
- Free private parking
- Fantastic staff
Guests Say:
“Pepe’s House was amazing. Great location, comfortable and clean rooms, and awesome staff.”
“Excellent location center of city, but still quiet at night (rooms face inside), comfortable bed, modern bathroom, tasty breakfast, and very friendly hosts with good recommendations.”
“Very friendly and helpful staff. Breakfast was very good. Great location in the historic center of Cuenca. I would definitely stay there again.”
Check rates and availability at Pepe’s House >
Hotel Victoria, Cuenca
A charming hotel set in a lovely mansion overlooking the river. A garden and nicely decorated rooms providing a delightful environment for guests. This property is conveniently located near restaurants (kitty-corner from the popular Goza Cafe), museums, and a riverside walking path in Cuenca.
Location: 0.5 km from Abdon Calderón Park, 2.5 km from airport
Cost: $$
Lodging style: Hotel rooms
Amenities/highlights:
- Free WiFi
- Airport shuttle
- Free parking
- Onsite Restaurant
- Private balconies
Guests Say:
“Location was very central but also at one of the most safe and beautiful part of the old town, right by the river and fancy restaurants. “
“The staff was very friendly and helpful all the time, making us feel like at home and always inviting us to come again.”
“Nice facilities, great breakfast, excellent friendly helpful service.”
Check rates and availability for Hotel Victoria >
Casa Montalvo Bed & Breakfast
Also located in the top-rated area in Cuenca, Casa Montalvo Bed & Breakfast is close to popular attractions by foot while slightly removed from the hustle and bustle. This property is highly rated for its comfy beds and excellent service by the owner.
Location: 5-minute walk from Tomebamba River, 0.6 km from Abdon Calderón Park, 2.7 km from airport
Cost: $$/$$$
Lodging style: Bed & Breakfast
Amenities/highlights:
- Breakfast available
- Free WiFi
- Shared kitchen
- Free airport shuttle service
Guests Say:
“This place was incredibly charming and close to everything. Sonia, the owner, went out of her way to make us feel at home.”
“Our room was very comfortable and spacious.”
“Location couldn’t be better. Quiet street in downtown Cuenca. I fully recommend Casa Montalvo.”
Check rates and availability for Casa Montalvo Bed & Breakfast >
Hotel Cruz del Vado
A beautiful, 5-star boutique hotel within walking distance to popular historic places in Cuenca. It sits at the edge of the centro with nearly unobstructed views to the south. Hotel Cruz del Vado features an onsite bar and restaurant and offers first class service.
Location: 0.5 km from Abdon Calderón Park, 2.9 km from airport
Cost: $$$$
Lodging style: Hotel
Amenities/highlights:
- Private parking
- Free WiFi
- Airport shuttle
- Onsite restaurant and bar
- Facilities for disabled guests
Guests Say:
“The staff were incredibly helpful and friendly; the hotel has been impeccably designed and decorated…”
“First class all the way! Very clean, very beautiful! The restaurant is conveniently located on the rooftop, amazing views! Will definitely be coming back!”
“Luxury property in beautifully restored mansion within easy walking distance to most areas of the historic part of the city.”
Downsides:
- No A/C
Check rates and availability for Hotel Cruz del Vado >
Budget Hostels & Best Vacation Rentals in Cuenca Ecuador
If you prefer to make your own meals in a furnished rental, long term apartment rentals and vacation homes can be found on Airbnb, Booking.com, or even in Facebook groups (search for “Cuenca Rentals”).
We’ve seen a lot of turnover in the top-rated, centrally located listings so it’s best to do your own real-time search.
Tip: The Smart Stay Finder course inside our Toolkit membership will help you pinpoint best-fit stays fast and save money while you’re at it.
El Centro Duplex Apartment Rental Cuenca
4 guests · apartment · 2 beds · 2 bath – Update: No longer listed on Airbnb
This is the place we stayed for two months in Cuenca in 2021 (and again 2022). We absolutely loved it.
Our 2016 apartment (pictured above) was no longer available, so we were happy to find another spot with strong wifi for our work, owned by a local Ecuadorian family.
This two-level Cuenca apartment is newly remodeled, just one block away from the main plaza, and has spectacular views of the iconic cathedral as well as Mirador Turi to the south. The building has some quirks, but it’s very secure and our host was always responsive if we needed anything.
Location: 1 block from Parque Abdon Calderon
Cost: $$
Lodging style: Private apartment
Amenities/highlights:
- Fast WiFi
- Kitchen
- Washing machine
- Spectacular views
- Balcony
Downsides:
- Tiny elevator only unavailable during business hours, apartment is located on the 5th floor of building
- Layout may not be safe for young children or those with mobility challenges
Anicha Hostel, Cuenca
Situated in Cuenca’s historic center, Anicha Backpacker Hostel is highly rated by guests for its proximity to top attractions and restaurants. This property offers rooms with balconies, dining area, private bathroom, shared kitchen and organized tours for guests.
Location: 0.5 km from Abdon Calderón Park, 2.7 km from airport
Cost: $/$$
Lodging style: Mixed dorm and private rooms (with private or shared bath)
Amenities/highlights:
- Breakfast included
- Free WiFi
- Pet friendly
- Facilities for disabled guests
Guests Say:
“It’s in the center of the town with every shops and activities accessible by foot.”
“The hotel is beautifully decorated with huge wall arts, gorgeous plants everywhere and antique tiles… It’s worth a visit just for its style and character.”
“Excellent location, great value for money, good breakfast, exceptional decoration, big rooms, friendly staff.”
Check rates and availability for Anicha Hostel >
We hope our advice on where to stay in Cuenca and review of the best Cuenca hotels, vacation rentals, and hostels have been helpful to you. May you enjoy Cuenca, Ecuador as much as we do!
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More about visiting Cuenca Ecuador
For further reading about Cuenca, Ecuador:
–What to See and Do in Cuenca, Ecuador (Plus Walking Tour Map)
–What and Where to Eat in Cuenca, Ecuador
– 5 Great Day Trips from Cuenca, Ecuador
– How to Get Around on Cuenca Public Transportation
–Epic Girón Waterfall Hike: Day Trip from Cuenca, Ecuador
–Gualaceo, Chordeleg, Sig Sig Day Trip from Cuenca, Ecuador
–Cajas National Park: A Great Day Trip from Cuenca, Ecuador
–Review of Yanapuma Spanish Language School in Cuenca, Ecuador
–Visiting Ingapirca Ruins from Cuenca, Ecuador
–Where to Practice Spanish and Get Free Lessons in Cuenca, Ecuador
For other Ecuador destinations:
–What to See and Do in Baños, Ecuador
–Best Things to Do in Vilcabamba, Ecuador
–6 Beautiful Places to Visit in the Ecuadorian Andes
–Amaru Bioparque Zoo: A Must See in Cuenca, Ecuador
–What to Do On A Day Trip to Otavalo, Ecuador
–Ecuador Highlights
–Top Things You Must See and Do in Quito, Ecuador
–Why Visit Llullu Llama Hostel Near Quilatoa
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Please let’s also consider Airbnb stays, since I have tried some and they are just as spectacular as hotels.
Yes, indeed, there are many great Airbnb apartments and rooms in Cuenca as well.