Overview
Take a trip to Cuenca on your Ecuador Vacation
A UNESCO World Heritage Site and capital city of the Azuay Province, Cuenca is located in the highlands of Ecuador at an elevation of about 2,500 m (8,202.1 ft). The third largest city in Ecuador, Cuenca offers an interesting blend of old and new elements for the visitor on an Ecuador vacation.
While archaeological discoveries in Cuenca date back to around 8060 BC, the first known inhabitants were the Cañari people who built a city around 500 AD. Despite great resistance, these people eventually became part of the Incan Empire in the 15th century, not long before the arrival of the Spanish. The settlement of Cuenca was established in April of 1557 by Spanish explorer Gil Ramírez Dávalos from a commission by the Viceroy of Peru. During the colonial era, the settlement grew steadily and gained independence in 1820 and in the following years, Cuenca was a very important city.
The Old Town of Cuenca was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1999 and is an incredible reminder of the city’s history. Often referred to as “the colonial jewel of the south”, Cuenca’s old town is a mixture of narrow cobblestone streets, plazas and domed churches. While many people come to enjoy the old-world charm of Cuenca, the city is also embracing modernity with art galleries, international restaurants, cafes, bars and more on Ecuador tours.
At a Glance
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If you a looking for a unique experience, then a stay at Mashpi Lodge, Cloud Forest would be perfect. It is a remote high-biodiversity experience which boasts over 600 bird species, unique monkeys, and other fascinating wildlife
Ecuador has incredible biodiversity and varied landscapes, from the wildlife-rich Galapagos Islands to the high-altitude Andes mountains and Amazon rainforest
Tourists often focus on the Galápagos or the Amazon, but the Cloud Forests — mysterious, humming with life, and relatively uncrowded — are a hidden gem.
One local tradition that travelers should absolutely try to experience in Ecuador is "La Diablada de Píllaro", or The Devils of Píllaro, held every January 1–6 in the small Andean town of Píllaro, in the Tungurahua province
Cuenca is always a popular photo opportunity wh...
cuenca vacation packages
cuenca vacation
Cuenca is always a popular destination while on...
Most Popular Time to Travel
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Place
Conditions
Daily max temperatureMonthly rainfall
CuencaOccasional Showers
22°C / 72°F
53mm / 2.1"
Weather data is based on monthly averages.Popularity rating
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