South America > Ecuador > Cuenca (CUE)
The Car or no Car advice for Cuenca can be broken down into three similar questions - do you need a car in Cuenca ; is it worth it (based on costs), and ultimately - should you rent one? (a balance of the two).🚆 🚌⛴️ Do we need to rent a car in Cuenca ?
These scores are based on the quality of public transport and other travel options. If these are good enough to see the main points of interest, then you don’t need to rent a car.
💰💶💳 Is it worth hiring a car in Cuenca?
These scores reflect the practical factors that affect whether renting a car is convenient, good value, and stress-free.
🚶♂️ A city designed for walking
Cuenca is remarkably walkable. The centre is laid out on a grid, and almost all key sights are within easy reach:
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The New Cathedral
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The flower market
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The riverside trails along the Río Tomebamba
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Museums and artisan workshops
The air is cooler than in coastal Ecuador because the city sits at 2,500 metres, which makes walking pleasant year-round.
🚊 Tranvía de Cuenca: A modern alternative to driving
Cuenca is one of the few smaller South American cities with a modern light rail line. The Tranvía runs east–west through the city and offers clean, efficient, and inexpensive travel across several neighbourhoods. Using it is easy, and it avoids traffic delays on busy avenues. Taxis and buses cover everywhere else, so you genuinely do not need a car for day-to-day sightseeing.
🏞️ When a rental car becomes useful
Although the city is best explored without driving, the surrounding Andes are spectacular and spread out. A car becomes extremely helpful if you want to reach:
🌿 Cajas National Park
One of South America’s most striking páramo landscapes, filled with lakes, mist, and rolling tundra. Public buses go as far as the main visitor area, but they do not stop at trailheads, and they offer limited return options. With a car, you can explore multiple trails in one day.
🏺 Ingapirca
Ecuador’s most important Inca archaeological site. Buses do run to nearby towns, but schedules are sparse, and taxis for the final legs are not always available. Driving makes the round trip simple and flexible.
🏔️ Mountain villages and craft towns
Towns such as Gualaceo, Chordeleg, and Sigsig are famous for jewellery, weaving, and handicrafts. They are reachable by bus, but a car allows you to stop at workshops, viewpoints, and markets at your own pace.
🚗 Driving conditions around Cuenca
Driving in the Andes requires confidence. Roads are paved but often narrow, with sharp bends, steep climbs, and unpredictable weather. Rain and fog are both common. However, traffic volumes are low, and road quality between cities has improved greatly in recent years.
For experienced drivers, the routes are rewarding. For anxious drivers, buses and taxis remain easier.
✈️ Airport access and car hire
Mariscal Lamar Airport (CUE) sits only minutes from the centre. Some rental desks operate inside the terminal, while others deliver vehicles on request. Because fleets are smaller than in Quito or Guayaquil, it is wise to book ahead.
If you prefer to avoid driving entirely, taxis and ride-hailing apps offer inexpensive transfers throughout the city.
🧭 Conclusion — Should you rent a car in Cuenca?
Not for exploring the city itself, because walking, the tram, and taxis cover everything effortlessly. However, if you want to reach Cajas National Park, Ingapirca, or the wider Andean countryside, renting a car gives you the freedom to travel at your own pace and visit areas that public transport barely touches.
