Cuenca (Santa Ana de los Ríos de Cuenca) is a city in southern Ecuador’s Andes mountains. It's known for its Tomebamba River waterfront and handicrafts including Panama hats. Its central plaza, Parque Calderón, is home to the blue-domed Catedral Nueva and the 16th-century Catedral Vieja, now a religious museum. The Museo y Parque Arqueológico Pumapungo displays ruins and artifacts from the Incan city of Tomebamba. ― Google
June to December (Dry Season): Best weather — sunny, cool, and great for walking the city.
January to May: More rain, but showers are usually short; the city stays green and vibrant.
Cuenca has a spring-like climate year-round, thanks to its elevation (2,500+ meters / 8,200+ ft).
By Air:
Mariscal Lamar International Airport (CUE) has daily flights from Quito and Guayaquil.
10-minute taxi ride to city center from the airport.
By Bus:
From Guayaquil: ~4 hours
From Quito: ~8–9 hours (scenic but long)
By Car:
Renting a car from Guayaquil is a beautiful drive through the Andes.
Historic Center – UNESCO World Heritage Site with cobblestone streets and colonial buildings.
Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception (New Cathedral) – Iconic blue domes.
Old Cathedral (El Sagrario) – Cuenca’s first church, now a museum.
Tomebamba River Walk – Picturesque path along the river with views of colonial homes.
Mirador de Turi – Panoramic lookout over the city.
Pumapungo Archaeological Park & Museum – Ruins of the Inca city of Tomebamba.
Museo de las Culturas Aborígenes – Pre-Columbian artifacts from all over Ecuador.
Explore art galleries and artisan shops in San Sebastián.
Take a cooking class or visit the bustling Mercado 10 de Agosto.
Enjoy a coffee or craft beer at a local café near Parque Calderón.
Shop for authentic Panama hats (which actually originate from Cuenca!).
Take a day trip to Cajas National Park – great for hiking and wildlife watching.
Visit Gualaceo & Chordeleg nearby for textiles, jewelry, and traditional Andean culture.
Luxury:
Hotel Cruz del Vado – Elegant and historic.
Mansion Alcazar – Colonial charm with spa.
Mid-range:
Hotel Victoria – Great location and views over the river.
Casa del Aguila – Boutique hotel with character.
Budget:
Pepe’s House – Cozy and social.
Hostal Posada del Angel – Popular among backpackers.
Local dishes to try:
Hornado – Roasted pork.
Cuy asado – Roasted guinea pig, a traditional delicacy.
Tamales and humitas – Steamed corn dough with fillings.
Recommended Restaurants:
Tiesto’s – Legendary for Ecuadorian fusion.
Raymipampa – Longstanding favorite near the cathedral.
El Mercado – Gourmet Ecuadorian cuisine with city views.
Goza Espresso Bar – Great for coffee, breakfast, and people-watching.
Cuenca is Ecuador’s cultural capital with deep Andean and Spanish colonial influences.
Art, music, and literature thrive here — many artists and writers call Cuenca home.
The city is also a UNESCO Creative City of Crafts and Folk Art.
Cuencanos are generally friendly, reserved, and traditional.
Big events:
Semana Santa – Elaborate religious processions.
Cuenca Independence Day (Nov 3) – Parades, crafts fair, fireworks.
Corpus Christi – Seven days of sweets and fireworks in June.