Get ready to experience Cuenca’s shopping scene like a savvy traveler. The bustling Mercado 10 de Agosto stands out as the city’s premier shopping destination, where locals and travelers mingle among stalls of handmade textiles and fresh produce. Our favorite guided tours include the Traditional Artisan Walk, which takes you behind the scenes with local craftspeople, and the Panama Hat Experience, showcasing the region’s most famous export.
At Plaza San Francisco, discover authentic indigenous crafts and textiles while expert guides share stories about Ecuador’s weaving traditions. For modern shopping, Mall del Río offers familiar brands, but the real treasures are found in family-owned boutiques scattered throughout the historic district.
Check out these carefully selected shopping tours that connect you with Cuenca’s best local merchants and artisans.
Key Points
- Cuenca offers a variety of artisanal and handicraft shopping experiences, featuring traditional Ecuadorian textiles, pottery, and jewelry.
- The city’s colonial architecture and vibrant markets provide an immersive cultural setting for shopping tours.
- Guided shopping tours in Cuenca often include visits to local artisan workshops and cooperative stores.
- Shopping tours in Cuenca provide opportunities to interact with skilled craftspeople and learn about their techniques.
- Cuenca’s shopping tours are highly rated for their authenticity, culture, and value for money.
Cooking Class & Market Tour in Cuenca
Visitors to Cuenca can enjoy the city’s rich culinary heritage through a 4-hour cooking class and market tour experience.
With a 4.9-rating and 98% traveler recommendation, this highly-acclaimed class offers an authentic taste of Ecuadorian cuisine. The experience begins with a visit to a vibrant local market, where participants select fresh ingredients under the guidance of knowledgeable instructors.
They’ll then learn to prepare traditional dishes like locro de papas, quinoa soup, and empanadas de viento, among others. Throughout the class, the guides share insights into Ecuadorian food culture, ensuring an immersive and educational experience.
Participants report feeling welcomed in traditional Ecuadorian homes and praise the quality of the food and overall experience.
With convenient hotel pickup and drop-off, as well as all ingredients and gratuities included, this cooking class provides an exceptional value at $54.99 per person.
Read our full review: Cooking Class & Market Tour in Cuenca Review
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Cuenca to Guayaquil One-Way Tour With Cajas Park and a Cacao Farm Visit
This one-way tour from Cuenca to Guayaquil offers travelers a captivating exploration of Ecuador’s natural wonders and cultural heritage.
With a rating of 4.9/5 and a Badge of Excellence, the tour is highly recommended by past participants. The journey includes a visit to the breathtaking Cajas National Park, known for its stunning landscapes, as well as a tour of a cacao farm, where visitors can learn about the production of Ecuador’s renowned chocolate.
The tour provides a range of inclusions, from transportation and a knowledgeable guide to lunch and hotel pickup and drop-off.
The maximum group size is 15 travelers, ensuring a more personalized experience. While the tour is wheelchair accessible and welcoming to families, specific dietary requirements should be communicated at booking.
With a competitive price point and a comprehensive itinerary, this tour promises an unforgettable adventure from Cuenca to Guayaquil.
Read our full review: Cuenca to Guayaquil One-Way Tour With Cajas Park and a Cacao Farm Visit Review
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The Sum Up
Cuenca offers a range of captivating shopping experiences. Visitors can explore the local markets, participate in a cooking class, and even venture out to nearby destinations like Cajas National Park and a cacao farm. These tours provide a unique opportunity to take in the vibrant culture and traditions of the region while discovering its finest shopping and culinary offerings.