TASTE OF CUENCA

CUENCA USEFUL GUIDE 

UNDERSTAND

Cuenca is the third biggest city in Ecuador and its historical town is a beautifully well-preserved Unesco heritage, interesting not only because of its colonial architecture and history but also of the indigenous people who did not abandon their customs and traditions. As tourists, we immediately felt at ease in cozy accommodations, restaurants and shops. Many ex-pats choose to live in this city thanks to its peaceful ambience and pleasant temperature.

how many days to stay in cuenca

Cuenca historical town is very cosy but rather small. If you are not a passionate about museums or details, even 1 night and 2 days are enough to explore Cuenca. I guess more than 2 nights 3 days can be too much. 

HOW TO MOVE

​Considering the dimensions and uncomplicated layout of the centre, you will enjoy walking everywhere. 
The airport or bus terminals are very close to each other and only 5 min. away from the historical centre. It can be reached by taxi or light railway system or bus for 1-2 USD. The taxi cost around 8 USD.

How to get from/to CUENCA

​​There are frequent domestic flights from/to Quito. The tickets are quite cheap if you purchase in advance or if you are lucky and the flights are not full.
There are frequent and comfortable buses from all other cities. 
We arrived in Cuenca from Tenda, changing buses at the city of Riobamba. During this change, we had an amazing lunch in Riobamba`s atmospheric restaurant El Delirio and had the opportunity to see the centre of this city.​

El Delirio Restaurant in Riobamba

WHAT TO DO 

Cuenca's historical centre is very easy to visit, just wander freely and towards the directions that attract you the most. 
Here below are just the places that you mustn't miss.

• Main Square is called Parque Calderon.
• The New and Old Cathedrals around Parque Calderon. (respectively, Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception and Iglesia del Sagrario)
• Plaza de los Flores 
• Plaza de San Francisco - Cuenca Letters are here. 
• Close to the Plaza de San Francisco there are two marketplaces to visit: Mercado Artesenal and Mercado de 10 de Agosto
• Plaza de San Sebastian
• Puente Roto
• Parque San Blas
• Pumapungo Museum and Park
• Calle Larga

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WHERE TO STAY

There is a better price/quality ratio in Cuenca compared to Quito. You can pick any place you like at the historical centre with a review rate not less than 8/10. Most parts of the historical centre are safe during the night. Avoid the river areas after sunset, follow the crowd and ask your hotel about the area's safety.  ​

where to eat

​There are plenty of cosy places to eat in Cuenca but the food in LaMaría Cocina Libre is a real experience. It is very chic, on the first floor of a colonial building, the first floor is a trendy boutique selling artisanal food and products. (There are good gift ideas although being costly.)The food is inspired by Ecuatorian cuisine with a modern creative feeling and is surprisingly inspirational. 
Moliendo Cafe is a must to have lunch in Cuenca it is an Ecuadorian-Colombian eatery, the food is delicious and cheap. Not to miss the veggie potato soup with bananas to slice inside! Juices are also amazing. 
Negroni: The top floor of the shopping mall is situated at the main square of Cuenca, Negroni has an amazing terrace looking over the cathedral and historical centre. Naturally, it is an expensive option, therefore, you can also think just to take a drink. You need to book first.
Victory Bell: Only for the courageous, ice cream with cheese on top instead of chocolate or whipped cream. The ice cream in Ecuador is differently dense and absolutely worth trying. No comment for cheese addition.
Caffe de la Sucre: Drink coffee and eat humitas (steamed corn cakes) together like the locals.
Drink AGUA DE PITIMAS at the Plaza de Flores in the Historical Centre made by the nuns from the Church of Carmen. "Pitimas" in Quichua language means "a little more" you can find it in red or white colour, made out of herbs, is good for your health to the nerves specifically.