ecuador cuenca

Cuenca is an exceptionally beautiful city, and its colonial whitewashed buildings, magnificent cathedrals and colourful plazas more than justify its status as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Pretty gardens and fountains fill the plazas, lined by narrow cobbled streets. Cuenca has retained its traditional, formal atmosphere, and its people are proud of the artistic beauty that has inspired many artists, poets and philosophers. Visit the majestic Inmaculada cathedral, the old El Sagrario cathedral dating back to 1557, and the Plaza de las Flores, which is full of striking colour from its daily flower market. Explore the Inca ruins at Ingapirca, only a short journey north of the city, where you can discover examples of the architectural remains of this legendary civilisation.

The cultural heart of Ecuador, Cuenca is an essential place to visit for anyone looking for thriving traditional values in a place of historic beauty.