Exploring Cuenca, Ecuador

Home to the volcanic Galapagos Islands teeming with strange and fascinating wildlife, impressive Andean peaks, and the lush Amazon rainforest, Ecuador is a country whose natural wonders attract travelers from around the globe. However, natural wonders aren’t its only treasure.

Ecuador’s three largest cities, Guayaquil, Quito and Cuenca offer an astounding variety of art, culturally rich traditions, monumental architectural gems and exceptional cuisine.

While Guayaquil and Quito have more residents, Cuenca measures up in all the other categories. Founded in 1557 by the Viceroy of Peru, Mr. Andrés Hurtado de Mendoza, Cuenca’s notable assets include its Spanish Colonial architecture, delectable cuisine and welcoming residents. Let’s explore this fascinating city.

Exploring Nature in the City Center

There’s nothing like jumping on a bike for the first time in five years in an unfamiliar city to get your heart rate up—especially when the altitude tops 8,300 feet. This was my introduction to Cuenca. Crossed by four rivers and situated in an Andean valley in the South Ecuadorian mountain region, nature makes its home in the city center. Fortunately, bike paths lined the banks of the Tomebam River which runs through the city’s heart.

Between my rusty biking skills and the erratic driving of the city’s residents, the bike paths saved the day … and possibly my limbs. Combating the altitude required sheer determination. Stopping to catch my breath now and then along the route gave me ample opportunities to enjoy the capuli and walnut trees, eucalyptus, willows, and numerous species of birds along the way. And I’ll admit, I used the excuse of checking out the botanicals more than once to justify my breaks.

Explore Generations of Arts & Crafts

Preservation of the arts, customs and cultural traditions of Cuenca contributed to its declaration as the Cultural Patrimony of Humanity. Using knowledge transferred through generations, artisans and craftsmen continue the creation of iconic treasures.

Among the favorites is the Panama Hat which originated in Cuenca despite its name.
Learn more about the history of this classic accessory at the Panama Hat Museum. Comprised of three rooms, museum exhibits delve into the history of the straw hat and the craft of hat making. Interactive experiences are available too. And when your museum explorations are complete, do as I did. Find the right Panama to take home.

Explore Stunning Churches & Religious Art

With 52 churches in Cuenca, you’re covered, religion wise, for every week of the year. As the largest and most important monument to the Catholic faith in Cuenca, the Immaculada Concepcion Cathedral reigns supreme. Construction began on the cathedral in 1885 and continued for almost one hundred years. This colossal structure combines several architectural elements including gothic, romantic and the renaissance style, which is represented by three large blue domes covered in tiles brought from the Czech Republic. Don’t miss the chance to view this architectural masterpiece even if church isn’t your thing.

In contrast, the Carmen de la Asuncion provides the city with one of just a few samples of colonial religious architecture. Built in 1730, the picturesque church occupies an idyllic spot next to a colorful flower market. Stop and smell the flowers but don’t miss the chance to step inside this antique church. Perhaps more intriguing than the décor, the church is home to a group of cloistered nuns who sell wine and bread for donations from behind a rotary door.

Exploring Cuenca’s Food Scene

There is a saying in Cuenca, “Tell me what you are celebrating, and I will tell you what you would eat.” In other words, food is abundant all year long in Cuenca and always celebrated. This is true for traditional dishes like locro de papa (potato soup), making an appearance at almost every meal.

With an abundance of delicious restaurants from which to choose and talented chefs throughout the city, deciding on where to eat isn’t easy. But one of my favorite meals was at Tiestos. Located in the heart of the city, Tiestos serves entrees in traditional clay pots. Dessert arrives on plates hand-painted by the chef in minutes using chocolate sauce and fresh fruit. Now that’s delicious edible art!