Cuenca, a magical destination in Ecuador
Its location, architecture, landscapes, gastronomy and its people, make this city a paradise to visit.
Considered as “the treasure of the Andes” is a city equipped with avant-garde public services such as the modern tram that crosses the city, with the best levels of water quality and a benchmark for the protection of forests and parks, Cuenca is that place in the world where you arrive and do not want to leave.
It is the third most important city in the country, whose economy also moves thanks to tourist activity. It is always a benchmark for resilience and innovation, two characteristics that only a consolidated destination can reflect.
Historic Center
It is one of the most beautiful spaces that Cuenca has. Its heritage houses, with flowery balconies, cobbled streets, museums and cultural centers make it unique.
Around it, there is the famous Plaza de las Flores, the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, the Old Cathedral, Santa Ana Street, The San Luis Seminary and more.
Tomebamba River Ravine
It is one of the most impressive natural spaces in Cuenca. It is born on the banks of the Tomebamba River and is where the old and modern basin ends and is born. Its unique houses hanging from the Barranco attract everyone’s attention. This place is surrounded by museums, cafes, the Broken Bridge, the Paseo 3 de Noviembre, the Todosantos Heritage Complex and the Pumapungo Archaeological Park.
Squares and markets
Visiting a market in Cuenca is like entering a world full of joy, color and a sharing of the anecdotes of the daily life of its people. In the supply centers, all kinds of agricultural products and typical Cuencan food are sold. In addition, on Tuesdays and Fridays, women healers practice the traditional “clean” for the bad wind and evil eye.
Museums
All the cultural and artistic wealth of Cuenca and part of the country, is exhibited in interesting and playful museums of the city. The most traditional are: Pumapungo Museum and Ancestral Park, Museum of Modern Art, Remigio Crespo, Old Cathedral Museum and Economuseo Casa del Sombrero.In the city we find other spaces for the dissemination of culture such as art galleries, theaters, foundations, cultural centers, etc.
Thermalism
Just 15 minutes from the Historic Center of Cuenca, in the parish of Baños are hot springs, which flow from a volcanic fault around which numerous spas, spas and lodging establishments have been built.
Handicraft
Cuenca stands out for its important artisanal activity that led it to be declared a World City of Crafts. Its artisans maintain artistic activities in ceramics, toquilla straw, jewelry, blacksmithing and textiles. Many open their workshops so that visitors know the process of creating the objects. Visit the PRAC and CEMUART in the historic center.
Viewpoints
From the top Cuenca looks unattainable. From the viewpoints of Turi, El Calvario, Icto Cruz, El Boquerón and Jalshi de Nulti, you will have spectacular panoramic views of the city. Day or night, Cuenca looks majestic.
Gastronomy
In Cuenca the flavors, smells and colors of gastronomy emerge. Its delicious and varied dishes with typical flavors, fusions and gourmet in spectacular themed restaurants, traditional, modern or rooftops, will make you live an amazing gastronomic experience. Discover, in addition, the artisanal elaboration of delicacies such as “corpus sweets”, wood-fired oven bread, dark chocolate and craft beers.
Entertainment
Cuenca offers visitors a varied agenda of activities for entertainment. Restaurants, bars, nightclubs, rooftops, cultural and artistic spaces, are the ideal places to live a fun and enjoyable experience in our destination. Have fun in the establishments that carry the “Biosafe and Sustainable Basin” badge.
Cajas National Park
Protected natural area located 32 km west of Cuenca. It is a lake system of glacial origin composed of more than 246 lakes and lagoons. In 2013, UNESCO recognized this site as a World Biosphere Reserve. In the Cajas National Park, 8 routes and 7 trails have been available for your visit. We recommend contacting a tour operator for a guided tour.
If you visit Cuenca at any time of the year, you can find celebrations for our traditional festivals, holidays, festivals and summer seasons, so look at the calendar and get ready for extra fun on your trip.
