Stunning Architecture
As a UNESCO World Heritage site, Cuenca has well preserved colonial architecture, and the sheer scope and detail of the buildings, particularly the churches, are incredible.
Jogging Paths
Four rivers run through Cuenca: the Tomebamba, Yanuncay, Tarqui and Machangara. There are numerous parks throughout the City and whole sections of the rivers have been preserved with walking or jogging paths, often with green space, along the rivers that flow through Cuenca. We found that a great way to find new sites is to strap on our sneakers and go out on a run.
Walking
Streets that are well lighted and feel totally safe at night. We love to walk and this city provides a haven for wandering and taking in the scenery night and day.
Markets
Local markets overflow with fresh produce, meat and seafood, as well as every sort of other inexpensive and quality products.But don’t let the locals in colorful unassuming outfits fool you — negotiate or be prepared to overpay.
Selection of Restaurants
We have found some great local restaurants and have wandered by other restaurants featuring Mediterranean, Italian, American, Swiss and even a Caribbean place we plan to check out.
Admittedly, it’s a little weird that the first time we’ve had Swiss raclette was in South America, but we will be back.
Cleanliness
There is clearly an enormous amount of local pride in the city — everywhere you look there is someone picking up trash and sweeping the streets.
Street Art
It’s everywhere you look, and the artwork speaks for itself. See more in our Street Art Photo Tour post.
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Bakeries and Ice Cream
There is a Panaderia (bakery) full of bread and pasteries on almost every corner, with incredible cakes, tarts, eclairs, and more. The smell of fresh baked bread in the air as you walk by can be maddening.
People
We feel very welcome here and are looking forward to meeting more of the people that live here and about this amazing place.
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Super interesting post – Loved all the photos.
Sean & Jen .. Thanks so much for sharing your travels ! The photos are amazing! Take care.. Eat well .. And enjoy!
Athena
Glad you like the pictures! It really is a beautiful place here.
Thanks for all the photos! Ecuador looks awesome. I never really thought of it as a tourist destination, but it looks incredible.
Can’t wait for your next post. You two have a great time!
This looks so awesome!!!!
The stunning architecture, the interesting street art, the markets and the amount of bakaries would be enough reasons to put me on a plane to Cuenca. Love it!
I love Cuenca. It was a great place to spend a week in, and you have captured it beautifully.
I’d be in serious trouble with bakeries that look that good on every corner but I’d see a lot of the beautiful city walking off the calories, just as well the streets are well lit into the evening.
That does all look quite amazing! I haven’t been to south america at all, now Cuenca is on my wishlist
I missed out so many things in Ecuador because I was too sick to travel. I need to go back! Cuenca is definitely on my list.
Love the traditional architectural details of the colonial style. We’ve heard so many positive things about Cuenca. Thanks for sharing your impressions. 🙂
I love a place with running routes and those views are a delight! We recently cooked our own food on ‘rocks’ too, I enjoy playing with my food!
This is a great list of unexpected things to discover in Cuenca. It’s great that it’s a walkable city. Being New Yorkers, we love walking around to explore. I also appreciate that it’s clean, has great food and the running paths.
Really amazing photos. The place looks peaceful and I love the architecture.
I’d most definitely fall in love with any city that has well preserved colonial architecture and a UNESCO World Heritage site status to boot. Based on these photos, I know I would with Cuenca too!
Great photos – Ecuador looks amazing! Wish I’ll have the chance to visit one day 🙂