Cuenca your next destination in Ecuador

What to visit in Cuenca?

These are just some of the attractions that make Cuenca a fascinating destination for travelers interested in history, culture, art and nature.

Historic Center: The historic center of Cuenca is one of the best preserved in Latin America and was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. Here you can admire its beautiful cobblestone streets, colonial squares, ancient churches such as the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception and the Church of San Francisco, as well as historical buildings such as the Palace of Justice and the Municipal Palace.

Museums: Cuenca has a variety of museums that showcase the history, art and culture of the region. Some of the most notable are the Museum of Aboriginal Cultures, the Museum of Modern Art, the Museum of Concepts and the Museum of Medicine.

Viewpoints: To enjoy panoramic views of the city, you can visit viewpoints such as the Mirador de Turi, which offers a spectacular view of Cuenca and its surroundings, and the Mirador de El Barranco, from where you can see the Tomebamba River and the Broken Bridge. .

Parks and nature: Cuenca has beautiful parks and natural spaces to relax and enjoy the outdoors. Parque Calderón, located in the center of the city, is ideal for walking and enjoying the nearby architecture. The Cajas National Park, a few kilometers from the city, offers paramo landscapes, lagoons and hiking trails.

Crafts and markets: In Cuenca you will find markets and craft stores where you can buy local products such as toquilla straw hats (Panama), ceramics, textiles, jewelry and more. The San Francisco Market is one of the most popular markets to explore the region's artisan offerings.

Why visit Cuenca?

Visiting Cuenca is an enriching experience for several reasons:

Cultural Heritage: Cuenca is a city with a rich history and an exceptionally well-preserved historic center. Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, its colonial architecture, ancient churches, cobbled streets and charming squares will transport you to another era.

Arts and Culture: The city is home to a vibrant arts and culture scene, with art galleries, museums, theaters and festivals showcasing the cultural diversity of the region. From modern art to traditional expressions, Cuenca is a place where you can immerse yourself in the world of art.

Delicious Gastronomy: Cuenca is known for its delicious gastronomy. You can enjoy typical dishes such as roast guinea pig, fresh trout, morocho empanadas and the famous garlic soup. Additionally, the city is famous for its high-quality chocolate.

Traditional Crafts: Cuenca is famous for its crafts, especially the toquilla straw hats, known as "Panama hats." You can visit workshops where these hats are made and purchase local products such as ceramics, textiles and jewelry.

Nature and Landscapes: On the outskirts of the city, you will find impressive natural landscapes such as the Cajas National Park, with its high mountain lagoons and moors. In addition, viewpoints like Turi offer spectacular panoramic views of Cuenca and its surroundings.

Relaxed and Safe Environment: Cuenca is known for its calm and safe environment, making it an ideal destination to enjoy walks, shopping in local markets and exploring the city at your own pace.

Rivers that cross Cuenca

Cuenca, a charming city in Ecuador, is crossed by several rivers that add beauty and life to its surroundings. Here I present some of the main rivers that cross Cuenca:

Tomebamba River: It is the most important river that crosses the city of Cuenca. Its meandering riverbed and tree-lined banks provide a picturesque setting and are a popular spot for walks and outdoor activities.

Yanuncay River: Another significant river in Cuenca is the Yanuncay, which joins the Tomebamba near the city center. Its crystal clear waters and green areas along its course make it a pleasant place to enjoy nature.

Tarqui River: Although smaller than the previous ones, the Tarqui River also runs through the city and contributes to the natural beauty of Cuenca. It is especially known for the Broken Bridge, an ancient stone bridge that crosses the river and is a point of historical interest.

Machángara River: Although it does not directly cross the city of Cuenca, the Machángara River is another important river in the region that contributes to the hydrographic system and the natural beauty of the surrounding area.

Is it safe to travel to Cuenca?

If this is one of the questions you want to know, it is normal to be worried due to the amount of international news that talks about the reality of crime in Ecuador, however, the majority of our travelers finish their trip safely and without no problem. There are many places where you can travel without problems and Cuenca does not is the exception.