The city of Cuenca in Ecuador is a beautiful city with a great cultural heritage that has much to offer those who visit it. Here are some suggestions of places you could visit in this city that was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1978:
Tabla de contenidos
The Historical Center
Here you can find important historical buildings, churches, squares and parks, such as the New Cathedral, the Old Cathedral, the Plaza de las Flores and the Parque Calderón.
Let us remember that due to its heritage value, the historic center of Cuenca is a site declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1999.
Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception
This cathedral is one of the largest and most beautiful churches in the city and was built in the 19th century in the neo-Gothic style, and is one of the most popular attractions in Cuenca.
The cathedral has an imposing façade, with three portals carved in stone that rise to a height of 40 meters. In the center of the façade there is a large rose window representing the Virgin Mary surrounded by angels.
The interior of the cathedral is equally impressive, with three naves and numerous side chapels. The main altar is decorated with beautiful paintings and sculptures, and the ceiling of the central nave is decorated with a series of frescoes.
One of the highlights of the cathedral is its clock tower, which rises to a height of 52 meters and offers stunning panoramic views of Cuenca and the surrounding area.
Museum of Aboriginal Cultures
This museum offers an impressive collection of artifacts and objects from the pre-Hispanic cultures of the region.
Calderon Park
Officially it is called Parque Mayor Abdón Calderón and it was what was known as Plaza República.
Surrounding it is, as we already mentioned, the Church of El Sagrario or Old Cathedral, and that of the Inmaculada or New Cathedral and the buildings of the Government, the Municipality, the old seminary and the Palace of the Provincial Court of Justice.
Flower Square
It is a charming and picturesque place in the historic center of the city. It is located on the street of the same name and is a small square, surrounded by historic buildings full of life.
The square is known for its flower and plant stalls, which are located in the center of the square and in the surrounding area. Vendors offer a wide variety of fresh flowers and plants of different sizes and colors, creating a pleasant and colorful atmosphere. In addition to the flower stalls, the Plaza de las Flores has several bars and restaurants that offer typical food from the region and refreshing drinks.
It is an ideal place to stop and enjoy a coffee or beer while watching the bustle of the flower and plant market.
Viewpoints
The city of Cuenca has several viewpoints that offer impressive views of the city and its surroundings. Some of the most popular viewpoints include Mirador de Turi, Mirador de la Catedral Nueva, and Mirador de San Ana.
August 10 Market
If you want to experience local culture and food, Mercado 10 de Agosto is a place you must visit. Here you can find a large amount of fresh products, typical foods of the region and local crafts.
Tomebamba River
It crosses the city of Cuenca and is one of the main tributaries of the Machángara River and forms an important part of the landscape and identity of the city.
The river has crystal clear waters and its bed is surrounded by vegetation and green areas, which makes it an attractive place for residents and tourists. Along its route, you can find picturesque bridges that cross the river, such as the Puente Roto, Puente del Vado and Puente de Todos los Santos, which are important architectural and cultural elements of the city.
The river banks are adorned with trails and parks, where people can enjoy outdoor activities such as walking, running or simply relaxing by the water. In addition, in some sections there are small waterfalls and rapids that add scenic beauty to the river. The Tomebamba River is also a place of historical importance, since along its banks there are several archaeological remains and colonial structures. These historical and cultural sites, combined with the natural beauty of the river, make the Tomebamba River an emblematic place in the city of Cuenca.
Cajas National Park
This beautiful national park is located just a few miles from the city and features plenty of hiking trails and stunning natural beauty. The Cajas National Park in Ecuador is known for its impressive landscapes of high mountains, glaciers and numerous lagoons. It is located in the province of Azuay in the south of the country, it is part of the National System of Protected Areas of Ecuador.
FAQs
How safe is the city of Cuenca?
Along with Ambato and Quito, Cuenca is considered in the ranking of the safest cities in Latin America.
Cuenca in Ecuador is a place worth visiting for its beautiful colonial architecture, its impressive nature, its rich culture and gastronomy and for the warmth of its people.
