Cuenca

Cuenca has been called “the Athens of Ecuador” by some writers on the internet.  I think that is a very good introduction to those of you who are thinking of coming to Ecuador. It is the third largest city in Ecuador.

Cuenca is our place of residence here in Ecuador.  The city is a must see for anyone touring Ecuador.  It is located in the southern half of the country and is known as the economic and cultural centre and the capital of the province of Azuay.

It was recognized as a UNESCO world heritage site in 1999. The population is around 400,000 and the city is approximately 8200 ft above sea level.  This city is a blend of old colonial and also modern-day facilities.

Four rivers wind through the town.  There are many beautiful homes perched along the rivers Yanucay, Tomebama, Machangara and Tarqui.  It is a daily activity for local women to do their washing in the rivers.

Our apartment overlooks the Tomebamba river and at times the river runs so rapidly it sounds like the ocean. 

Cuenca has many beautiful churches, and the city is adorned with homes decorated with ironwork balconies and the streets are cobblestones.  Cuecanos are very family orientated, culturally conservative, promoters of the arts, and many cultural and artistic events can be found at any time in the city.

Cuenca has eight universities and the most prestigious is the Universidad de Cuenca (University of Cuenca) a state school of about 12,000 students. This is the home to poets, writers, artists and philosophers.

As the Cuencanos are family-orientated and live a leisurely pace it is not uncommon to find businesses and public offices closed between 1-3 p.m. being the lunchtime hours. Most employees can go home and have lunch with family and friends. You can always find a restaurant which will serve the “Menu del Dias” anywhere between $2.00 - $3.85 for soup, main course, small salad and dessert. Click here to see our favorite restaurants in Cuenca.

A brief search on Cuenca’s history shows that it has been named various times throughout its history, depending on whose control it was under. The first settlers, the Canaris indigenous group, named it Guapondelig, (“land as big as the sky”). City was renamed Tumipamba (“plain of the ridge”) after the Inca conquest.

The Spanish explorer Gil Ramirez Davalos founded the city in 1557 and called it Tomebamba. The Spanish then renamed the town “Santa Ana de los Cuatro Rios de Cuenca (Santa Ana of the Four Rivers of Cuenca). So it has become and remains this day as Cuenca.

Cuenca regained its independence from the Spanish on November 3^rd 1820. We have just celebrated the “Nacional Day” with a three day celebration and processions, outdoor dancing and displays by Artisans from throughout Ecuador.

What to see in Cuenca.

There are over 50 churches and monstaries and many musesums in Cuenca.

Times can sometimes change for visiting hours so please check before hand.

Old Cathederal (El Sagrario)

Corner of Mariscal Sucre and Luis Cordero.

New Cathedral (Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception)

Easily recognized by its blue and white domes it found on the corner of Mariscal Sucre and Benigno Malo.

All Saints Church (Iglesia de Todos los Santos)

One of the oldest churches in Cuenca.  Located at the junction of Calle Larga and Bajada de Todos los Santos.

El Carmen de Asunción Church and Monastery

Near the main square and also the daily flower markets.  This is a must see unchanged from its original condition in the seventeenth century.

Central Bank Museum

Here you will find Ecuador’s history of currency.  Also a display of some Inca ruins.  Located at Hayna Capac Ave across from Calle Larga.  Hours are 9 a.m. – 6 p.m. Mon – Fri and 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. Saturdays.  The last time I checked fees were $3 for adults and $1.50 for children.

Modern Art Museum

Located at the corner of Calle Sucre and Coronel Talbot, this museum is open on Mondays to Fridays from 8 am – 1pm and 3 pm – 6.30 pm.

Museum of Indigenous Cultures

Located in Calle Larga 5 -34 and open Mon – Frid – 8.30 a.m. – 6.30 p.m.

Sarueday 9 a.m. – 1 p..m.

Municipal Musuem Remigio Crespo Toral

Named after the famous poet, Remigio Crespo Toral, this museum displays an interesting collection of gold objects from the Chordeleg and Cañari cultures. For those wanting to know more about the history of the city, you can also learn about the city’s foundation and independence from the Spaniards. The museum also has an assortment of colonial paintings and religious art. Visiting hours are 8:30 am – 1 pm and 3 pm –6.30 Monday to Friday, and 10 am to 1 pm on Saturdays.

Weekly Market

Market day is Thursday. Find fresh produce, meat, fish, and poultry, as well as gold and silver filigree jewelry, wool sweaters, leather goods, ceramics, and traditional weavings. If you can’t attend the Thursday fair, come out to the smaller Saturday market for some good deals. Location: main squares 9 de octubre and 10 de agosto.