Check in early for your flight; most itineraries route via Phoenix, Dallas, or Mexico City to Quito or Guayaquil. Book a flight with one connection to minimize risk. Aim for carry-on only as a backpacker.
Casual Ecuadorian dinner (e.g., seco de chivo, tigrillo) near the plaza; good to try local flavours after travel. Most small restaurants serve until 10pm.
Eat cheap, hearty plates (soup + second course) at the market; great for trying local daily fare. Market vendors serve from early morning to mid-afternoon.
Sit-down dinner with local fare or international options; many restaurants operate 6:00pm–10:00pm. Reserve rooftop seats for sunset views of the cathedral.
Spend a morning volunteering (local school, community projects) or use a coworking space if you need to handle digital tasks; most programs start mornings.
Depart for Mariscal La Mar Airport (in Cuenca) for flights or the interprovincial bus terminal for overland travel to Quito/Guayaquil; allow extra time for security and check-in.
Board your domestic flight to Quito/Guayaquil or international routing home from Cuenca (if available). If flying out of Quito/Guayaquil, plan an extra day for connections.