Our family recently traveled back to Cuenca, Ecuador, a city that holds a special place in our hearts. It was my husband’s and my second time visiting, but this trip was extra special because it was our son’s first visit. I was pregnant the last time we were here, so returning with my little one in tow felt like coming full circle. In just 24 hours, we packed in as much adventure as we could, from exploring the city to enjoying new experiences together. Here’s how it went and why Cuenca should be on your family travel list!
Why We Returned to Cuenca
Our return to Cuenca was partly for my husband’s job—he had a program with the embassy here. But honestly, I was excited to tag along with our two-year-old son and revisit a city that I instantly fell in love with during our first trip. This time, I wanted to relive that nostalgia while exposing our son to Cuenca’s beauty and creating new family memories.
During our first trip, I was pregnant, and the experience was different but wonderful. We didn’t do much sightseeing back then, but it was a great time for my husband and me to bond and meet some fantastic people through his work. This second trip, however, allowed me to explore Cuenca with my son, and I felt a sense of freedom and joy navigating the city on my own with him. It felt like the perfect blend of revisiting a place I love and seeing it anew through my child’s eyes.
Traveling with a Toddler: A New Experience
Traveling with our son this time around was such a rewarding experience! At two years old, he’s at the age where he recognizes that traveling is different and exciting. From the moment we arrived, he was eager to explore. One of the highlights was him staying out past bedtime, all smiles and full of energy as we dined with my friend Tony. He was adventurous with the food, trying new things and even indulging in Tony’s ice cream—this boy truly loves experiencing the world!
Our Stay at Hotel Cruz del Vado
For both of our trips, we stayed at Hotel Cruz del Vado, and I can’t recommend it enough. One thing to note about Ecuador is that most hotels aren’t what we would consider “baby-friendly” in the way that U.S. hotels might be. You won’t typically find a pack-n-play, so we always bring our travel crib with us. It’s a bit of extra luggage, but worth it for a good night’s sleep.
That said, the hospitality at Hotel Cruz del Vado more than made up for any minor inconveniences. Although our son wasn’t technically a paying guest, he was treated with the same level of care as we were. From the welcome drink (a warm, non-alcoholic tea) to the snacks provided in the room, the staff went above and beyond to ensure our comfort. And the breakfast? Absolutely delicious, with a great mix of traditional Ecuadorian foods and Cuenca specialties. It’s worth waking up for!
Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour
For a bit of sightseeing, we hopped on Cuenca’s Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour, which gave us a great overview of the city’s highlights. We didn’t get off the bus much, except for a stop at Mirador de Turi, a stunning viewpoint with panoramic views of the city. My son enjoyed watching the action from the open-air bus, and the ride gave him the perfect opportunity to nap after an exciting morning of exploration. For families looking to see a lot in a short time, I highly recommend this tour—it’s a great way to take in Cuenca’s beauty without wearing out your little ones.
Exploring Cuenca on Foot
One of the things I love most about Cuenca is how walkable the city is. It’s clean, safe, and the perfect place for a family stroll. Calderon Park is an excellent starting point, with its beautiful green spaces and proximity to shops, restaurants, and the iconic cathedral.
From the park, we wandered to El Cafecito Cuenca, a hostel owned by my friend Tony, who also runs a travel business. The hostel’s location is ideal, right in front of one of Cuenca’s oldest markets. After catching up with Tony, we walked to Picantería Karina, a black-owned seafood restaurant on the edge of the city. The food was fresh and flavorful, and the staff was incredibly welcoming—definitely a spot to check out if you visit Cuenca!
Final Thoughts on Cuenca
If you’re considering a trip to Cuenca, I say go for it! It’s one of the most charming cities in Ecuador, perfect for families looking to explore somewhere new. We only had 24 hours on this trip, but it was enough to remind me of how special Cuenca is. Whether you’re traveling with a toddler like us or just looking for a beautiful city to explore, Cuenca has something for everyone. I know we’ll be back again, and I can’t wait for our next adventure.
Tips for Traveling to Cuenca with Kids:
- Bring your own travel crib if you’re traveling with a baby or toddler, as most hotels won’t provide one.
- Take the Hop-On Hop-Off bus tour for a relaxed way to see the city and take in the sights.
- Visit Calderon Park as a central spot for exploring Cuenca’s landmarks and local culture.
- Don’t skip the food scene! From local markets to hidden gems like Picantería Karina, Cuenca has plenty to offer in terms of delicious and authentic cuisine.
