Cuenca is the third largest city in Ecuador and probably one of the most attractive, sitting as it does in the Sierra, the highlands of Ecuador at about 2500m (8200 ft) above sea level.
It is a great place to stay for a few nights as part of tailor-made itinerary in Ecuador. There are cobblestone streets, ironwork balconies, towering cathedrals and churches (dating back to the 16th and 17th centuries), marble, whitewashed buildings and red-tiled roofs, give it its colonial air. Cuencanos are known for their traditional demeanour and conservative cultural values. They have a proud intellectual tradition that has produced many writers, poets, artists, and philosophers. It is the cultural Mecca of Ecuador. Within an hour of Cuenca there are some pleasant villages such as Gualaceo and Chordeleg which are noted for their silver and goldsmiths and there are also excellent hiking and bird-watching opportunties in the nearby El Cajas National Park.
Visit Cuenca as part of our itineraries:
Ecuador Highlights, 19 days from £4,500 pp including international flights. Find out more...
Contact us to design a holiday that visits Cuenca on 0207 622 1116 or at info@imaginelatinamerica.co.uk
Cuenca enjoys a year round mild climate. Days are generally warm and nights are cool enough that a fleece is recommended. The average daily temperature is 14.6 degrees Celsius. There are two seasons: rainy and dry. The dry season, with some variation, falls between June and December. The rainy season, which is characterized by bright sunny mornings and afternoon showers, falls between January and May. The heaviest rains come in the invierno of March, April and May.
A few hours north of Cuenca and an easy day trip by road are the Ingapirca ruins, Ecuador’s most important Inca site. More…
Mansion Alcazar is an elegant oasis in the heart of Cuenca, a meticulously renovated 1870s house that once belonged to the president of Ecuador. Just steps away from the main square and behind a large gate, you will enter into a world of old colonial living. A beautifully tiled enclosed courtyard with a fountain leads to plush accommodations on two floors. More…
Hotel Santa Lucia is an enchanting 1859 house with underwent a two year renovation programme in 2002 and won the award of ‘best restoration of an historical building’ by the city of Cuenca. There are 20 rooms and in both the decor and the service, you can expect meticulous attention to detail. More…
