Santa Ana de los Ríos de Cuenca
Ecuador · Sierra · 2560 m
Description
Santa Ana de los Ríos de Cuenca, commonly known simply as “Cuenca”, is a historic city in southern Ecuador and is widely regarded as one of South America's most beautiful colonial cities. Situated at an altitude of around 2,500 metres (8,200 ft) in the Andes, Cuenca is renowned for its remarkably well-preserved old town, featuring cobbled streets, historic churches, colonial mansions and the striking blue-and-white domes of the New Cathedral. Its historic centre was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1999. Cuenca combines colonial heritage with a vibrant cultural scene, traditional handicrafts and a relaxed atmosphere. The city is also famous as the birthplace of the Panama hat, which is still handwoven from toquilla straw in workshops around the region. The Tomebamba River, the Inca ruins of Pumapungo and nearby Cajas National Park, with its glacial lakes and high-altitude páramo landscape, make Cuenca one of Ecuador's most rewarding destinations.
Length of stay
Recommended length of stay: 2 to 4 days (optimal 3 days)
Travel season
Best time to visit: July – August
- Jan
- Feb
- Mar
- Apr
- May
- Jun
- Jul
- Aug
- Sep
- Oct
- Nov
- Dec
Highlights
- Historic Center of Cuenca (UNESCO)
- New Cathedral of Cuenca
- Pumapungo Archaeological Park and Museum
- Cajas National Park(Day trip)
- Old Cathedral
- Calderón Park
- Ingapirca Archaeological Complex(Day trip)
- Church of El Sagrario
- Church of Santo Domingo
- Church of San Francisco
- Church of Todos Santos
- Puente Roto
- Tomebamba River Walk
- Gualaceo(Day trip)
- Chordeleg(Day trip)
- Barranco District
- Flower Market
- 10 de Agosto Market
- San Francisco Market
- Panama Hat Museum
- Homero Ortega Panama Hat Factory
- Cajas Hiking Trails(Day trip)
- El Cajas Lakes(Day trip)
- CIDAP Museum
- Museum of Modern Art
- Museo de las Culturas Aborígenes
- Museum of Religious Art
- Mirador de Turi
- Church of Turi(Day trip)
Getting there
- Airports:
- CUE