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Cuenca, Ecuador is a hidden gem located in the Andean Mountains that offers a fusion of modern amenities and traditional culture. Famous for its colonial architecture, cobblestone streets, and beautiful scenery, this city should be at the top of your Ecuador itinerary! In this blog post, we will discuss the history of Cuenca, things to see and do while you’re there, the cuisine, where to stay, and tips for visiting.
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History of Cuenca
Cuenca’s full name is Santa Ana de los Ríos de Cuenca. Located in the central region of Ecuador, this city has a rich history dating back to pre-Columbian times. The Cañari people were the original inhabitants of the area. They thrived in the area through the use of irrigation systems to grow crops such as corn, potatoes, and beans. They ruled the area until the Spanish came and conquered them in the 16th century.
The city of Cuenca was established in 1557 by the Spanish conquistadors. Some of Cuenca’s most iconic buildings were built during that time, which can be seen in the distinguished colonial architecture. The discovery of gold and silver mines allowed Cuenca to prosper and keep its buildings well-maintained. Due to its rich history and the preservation of its architecture, Cuenca was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1999. Today, visitors come to Cuenca from around the world to experience its unique culture.
Things to See and Do
While there is plenty to see and do in Cuenca, here are our recommended top 5!
Visit the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception
This beautiful cathedral is one of the most iconic landmarks in Cuenca. Known for its intricate architecture and beautiful stained glass windows, it is one of the largest churches in South America! Visitors can also enter the building and enjoy its intricate interior design.
Explore the Old Town
Cuenca’s Old Town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is home to many beautiful colonial-era buildings and cobblestone streets. Visitors can take a walk through the historical district and admire the traditional architecture and colorful buildings. Stop by El Parque Calderón to get a good view of some of the most iconic buildings!
Visit the Parque de la Madre
Located in the center of Cuenca, this park is a great place to relax after walking around all day. You can sit by the Tomebamba and enjoy a snack, or you can exercise with some of the workout machines available. The park also features a large statue of the Virgin Mary, which is a popular spot for visitors to take photos.
Check out Mercado 10 de Agosto
This market is close to the historical center of the city. You can find cheap produce and fruit juices for a fraction of the price that you would get them in nearby restaurants! If you enjoy visiting indigenous markets, you should definitely stop by. Just be sure to be respectful and ask permission before taking any photos.
Experience the Mirador de Turi
The Mirador de Turi is an observation point that provides panoramic views of Cuenca. This is a perfect opportunity to appreciate the natural beauty of the region. You can choose to hike there, or you can take a taxi up to it. There are also tour packages available that take you around Cuenca and to the Mirador!
Cuisine of Cuenca
The cuisine of Cuenca is a mix of indigenous, European, and African influences. Here are the top 3 foods you should try!
Cuy (Guinea Pig)
This will either get you excited or gross you out. Cuy, or guinea pig, has been consumed in the region for hundreds and possibly thousands of years. I ate some cuy that was cooked with a flamethrower. It became so hard, that the chef got a hammer and smashed it into pieces on my plate. While actually a rodent, I thought it tasted similar to bacon.
Hornado
This is pig that has been roasted whole. Usually cooked over firewood, it is accompanied by different sauces and vegetables. You will usually find hornado and cuy served at the same locations.
Llapingachos
Here is a vegetarian option for you. Llapingachos are fried potato pancakes that are served with peanut sauce. The potatoes are stuffed with cheese while they cook. This is a popular street food in Cuenca and often served with hornado.
Where to Stay
If possible, I would recommend staying in the historic center of Cuenca. There are plenty of accommodation options and it is likely where you will spend most of your time.
Low Budget
There are hostel dorms available in the city center for around $10 USD/night. Some hostels go for as low as $7/night. Make sure to read the reviews before booking the cheapest place!
Medium Budget
If you want a little more privacy, you can book a private room at some of these hostels for about $25-$35/night. If you use AirBnB, I found some hotels offering private rooms for about $15-$20/night.
High Budget
If you have money to burn, most 4-star hotels cost between $70-80/night, while 5-star hotels cost over $100/night.
Tips for Visiting
Before your trip to Cuenca, here are 5 tips to ensure your visit goes smoothly.
- Learn at least some Spanish. While English will be widely understood at hotels and restaurants that cater to tourists, you will have a much more enjoyable time if you know at least a little Spanish. You’ll be able to interact with the locals much better by knowing Spanish.
- Break out of the expat/tourist community. Cuenca has a lot of foreigners. If you are staying at a hostel, chances are you might just end up hanging out with other travelers. However, Cuenca has much more to offer by engaging with the locals and learning about their culture.
- Bring good walking shoes. This city is located in the Andes mountains and very hilly. You’ll be walking around a lot to explore all of the sights.
- The best time to visit is from July to September. The temperature is pretty stable throughout the year, but the least amount of rainfall occurs from July to September.
- Cuenca is a safe city, but keep your eyes open. Try not to draw too much attention to yourself with jewelry or a fancy watch. You will likely not encounter any problems, but you should always be cautious.
