Day Trip to Cuenca and Ciudad Encantada
Discover Cuenca, a World Heritage City, and its magnificent hanging houses during a full-day trip from Madrid, followed by the surprising geological site of the Ciudad Encantada (Enchanted City).
Itineraries
Choose between two different itineraries:
Cuenca, Ciudad Encantada and Hanging Houses
You’ll depart from Calle San Bernardo, in the city center, at 9:15am on a coach and head to the province of Cuenca.
Enjoy the colorful landscape during the one-hour journey until you get to Tarancón for a brief stop. Next, stop at the Ciudad Encantada of Cuenca, where you will follow an English-speaking guide through this Natural Site of National Interest full of peculiar rocks and singular shapes. You’ll get the impression that you’ve wandered onto another planet! This park has also been a movie set for several films including Conan the Barbarian, starred by Arnold Schwarzenegger.
You’ll hike up to the “Mirador del Ventano Diablo”, a spectacular overlook. You’ll then stop for lunch before continuing at 4pm with a guided tour of Cuenca, where you’ll gaze at the famous “hanging houses” from the Puente de San Pablo, a colossal engineering marvel crossing the Huécar River.
On the other side of the bridge is the Old Town. Your guide will lead you to the Cuenca Cathedral, where you’ll appreciate its Gothic façade. You’ll stroll through Calle Alfonso VIII flanked by colorful buildings. After the tour, you’ll have time to explore the city at your own leisure and enjoy the terraces and buy a few souvenirs near Plaza Mayor.
At 6:45pm you’ll drive back to Madrid and arrive at approximately 8:30pm.
Complete Cuenca excursion
Do you wish to discover more of Cuenca? Enjoy a complete excursion to this magical city!
Hop on a comfortable air-conditioned bus at 9:15am and sit back as you are driven to the province of Cuenca.
Upon arrival, you’ll admire the most emblematic building in Cuenca: the magnificent Cuenca Cathedral, believed to be the first Gothic-styled temple. Once you’re inside, you’ll be blown away by the light passing through the stained-glass windows. To close with a flourish, marvel at the impressive views from the triforium. From here, observe the panoramic of the new city and the Hoz del Júcar.
Continue the excursion by visiting the Cathedral Treasure Museum of Cuenca, which houses masterpieces by El Greco, as well as a diptych icon reliquary by the Despots of Epirus and a large collection of tapestries and carpets.
Afterwards, visit the world-famous hanging houses, home to the Museo de Arte Abstracto (Abstract Art Museum). The museum accommodates beautiful Spanish paintings from the mid twentieth century, including artwork by Chillida, Feito, Canogar, Oteiza, Millares and Tapies, among others.
Hungry? You will be led to a typical restaurant where you will sample the best dishes from Cuenca.
Next, head to the Hoz del Júcar, a natural phenomenon arisen by the erosion of the river, forming a canyon. On the top of this beautiful gorge sit the famous hanging houses, St Paul Convent and the Posada de San José.
The tour will come to an end at approximately 9pm.
Lunch
You can book this activity with lunch included. You can choose one of the following menus:
- Standard menu: For starters, you can either choose the region’s traditional large white beans or a salad, followed by ribs or trout and “torrijas” for dessert. Lunch includes bread, water or wine.
- Gastronomy menu: You'll have typical starters from Cuenca and La Mancha regions. The main dish is a leg of lamb or cod and “torrijas” for dessert. The menu includes bread, water or wine.
Price
More information
Duration
12 hours.
Language
The tour includes an English speaking guide, but the tour can sometimes be carried out in two languages.
Included
Return transportation by coach.
Bilingual (English and Spanish) guide.
Entrance to the Ciudad Encantada of Cuenca.
Lunch (optional).
Travel insurance.
Not included
Extra beverages during any of the optional lunches.
Entrance to the Cuenca Cathedral (optional visit).
When to book?
Book as soon as possible to guarantee availability, especially during public holidays and festivities.
Ticket
Once your booking has been confirmed, you will receive an email containing your booking voucher. Please print it out or download on your smartphone/tablet to show on the day of the activity.
Accessibility
No (not suitable for people with reduced mobility).
How to book?
To reserve the activity, choose the date and complete the form on this page. You will receive your confirmation immediately.
Do you have any questions?
Find answers to our most frequently asked questions. If you need help to book an activity or have any enquiries, please contact us.
Meeting point
Calle San Bernardo, 7 (Shopping Gallery)
Cancellations
Free! Free cancellation up to 48 hours before the activity starts.
If you cancel under this time or do not show up, you will not be refunded.
