Cuenca Overview

By Christopher Minster

If you measure a city on size or population alone, Cuenca ranks third in Ecuador. If you consider charm, beauty and the opinion of all Ecuadorians, however, Cuenca leaps into first place. It is a lost colonial jewel, a neat, orderly city set in the picturesque rolling hills of southern Ecuador. 

Like Quito, Cuenca has a centuries-old colonial center full of stunning architecture, venerable churches and well-kept parks. Unlike Quito, however, the colonial center is still the heart of the city: a place to be enjoyed by all cuencanos, day or night. As you wander around the center, notice the finely carved wooden doors - they’re quite striking. The best hotels and restaurants are to be found there, as well as ice cream parlors, cafes, shops and more.  Quiteños have abandoned the colonial heart of their city, at least at night: cuencanos still cherish theirs. They are immensely proud of the fact that their colonial downtown was named a UNESCO World Heritage Cultural site in 1999.

Cuenca is an ancient city, older than even the Spanish occupation. Before it was Cuenca, it was Guapondelig, a Cañari settlement. When the Incas came, they conquered the Cañari and changed its name to Tumipamba. The Spanish continued the tradition, building on the city of the vanquished Inca: then named it "Santa Ana de los Cuatro Ríos de Cuenca," or "Saint Anne of the Four Rivers of Cuenca." Four rivers do indeed flow through and around Cuenca, the most visible being the Río Tomebamba, which is overlooked by the southern edge of the old city.

Cuenca has a lot to offer the visitor: see our comprehensive Cuenca Activities page for details. Apart from the obvious architecture and colonial churches – they say that Cuenca has 52 churches, one for every Sunday of the year – Cuenca is close to the breathtaking El Cajas national park and reserve as well as Ecuador’s most significant Inca ruins, Ingapirca. 

Cuenca is surrounded by quaint villages, each of which is worth a visit: Gualaceo is a small town with colonial roots and a pleasant river park.  Chordeleg is known for the numerous silver shops that line the main street and park. Sigsig is a bit far off, but a good place to see Panama hats being made in the traditional way. Bulcay is the last place to see the dying art of ikat weaving: there are less than 30 weavers who still practice it today. Girón boasts colonial architecture and the nearby waterfall of El Chorro. Jima is known for hiking.

You a shopper? Great news! Cuenca is known for handicrafts. The most famous Cuenca handicraft is the Panama hat, which is, of course, made in Ecuador and not Panama. The hats are handwoven out of a special sort of straw – paja turquilla – that is native to the region. Many families and individuals weave Panama hats as a full-time job or as a way to make extra money. A simple Panama hat can be woven in about two days and might fetch five to ten dollars for the weaver, whereas a finely woven one can take weeks and can cost up to $500. Your best bet to see Panama hats being woven is in the town of Sigsig or at the Homero Ortega factory.   

Cuenca is also known for pottery and ceramics. Check out the Vega gallery near the Turi overlook, or browse the shops near the center of town. If you’re more a fan of textiles, arrange a tour to the town of Bulcay, where you can see the last of the ikat weavers. Silver is also worked in Chordeleg: you can’t miss all the jewelry stores.  

The hotels in Cuenca are a great value for any budget level. The best hotels are the converted colonial homes in the center of town, such as the Santa Lucía, Mansión Alcázar or Hotel Crespo, but there is the elegant Oro Verde outside of town for those well-heeled guests who don’t want to be in the center of town. There are also any number of mid-range hotels and budget options.

The restaurants in Cuenca offer a great value and memorable dining experiences. Cuencanos love food (particularly ice cream and other sweets) and there are many excellent restaurants in town. Regional fare is similar to the rest of Ecuador: a lot of pork, rice and potatoes, but it’s very well done and there are always options, even vegetarian ones. Even backpackers on a tight budget may want to splurge in Cuenca: an entrée at an elegant, converted colonial restaurant generally costs under $9. 

If Cuenca is lacking in anything, it’s nightlife: it’s just not a party town. Still, there are places where you can go out and have a good time: check out Wunderbar or some of the other bars and cafés by the river.

Come for a visit and you’ll see why Ecuadorians agree that Cuenca is one of the most beautiful cities in their country.