Cuenca, Ecuador is a great town, except for one thing; it's not on the water. Closest beaches to Cuenca are located on the Pacific Coast. The nearest beach is Jambeli island, located near the coast of Machala, but you will find the best Ecuadorian beaches in Santa Elena. We recommend travel north the Coast, and stop by in General Villamil Playas near Guayaquil. Although, as mentioned before, you will find the most beautiful beaches in the Santa Elena province. If you are willing to travel, visit Salinas, and Montañita (6 to 8 hours of travel).
Cuenca is well connected to the rest of Ecuador by a network of buses. Some of the best beaches in this route are listed below, in no particular order.