Cuenca - A Haven of Culture and Tradition
Cuenca is Ecuador's third largest city and a place with tremendous history. Originally a Cañari settlement, the Inca's conquered the inhabitants and began to occupy the city. These Inca's stuck to tradition and absorbed the astronomical and agricultural achievements of the Cañari into their own culture. Not long afterwards, the Inca's decided to build an impressive city named Pumapungo - which means the door of the Puma - on the site. According to legends passed down by word of mouth, this city sported magnificent golden temples and other such buildings. However, by the time the Spaniards arrived it had been reduced to little more than ruins. In 1548, a new town was eventually built on the site and the city slowly grew in importance and size. This is the Cuenca we can see and visit today. Because of this well preserved history, Cuenca has been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Trust site.
Modern Cuenca is not very modern at all. It is a sort of time bubble wherein the past is effortlessly preserved in the grandest fashion. As you explore the cobblestone streets you will find gracious cathedrals towering above you or marble buildings with a wonderful colonial air. The people of the city are known for their traditional way of living and unchanged cultural values which compliment this historical town so well. They continue to display a good tradition of intellectual development which can be seen by the many notable writers, poets, artists and philosophers which have originated from here.
So why what could you expect from a Cuenca holiday? Well, besides the wonderful old-style atmosphere that pervades the city, the surrounding landscapes are positively breathtaking. Shopping is best done at the wonderful markets where you will find a variety of local foods and hand crafts for sale. There are many charming plazas where you can spend time relaxing and the architecture is simply captivating. For sight seeing, there are 52 churches and monasteries to visit and to the west of Cuenca is the Cajas National Park. Every Wednesday, Friday and Sunday you will have the opportunity of catching the Devil's Nose Train and taking a ride out to Devil's Nose and Chanchan. There are also quite a few interesting craft markets in the villages surrounding Cuenca which are well worth a visit. The El Cajas tour will take you to the National Ecological Reserve and the Ingapirca tour will allow you to see the best Inca ruins in Ecuador. There are also quite a few festivals held here at certain times of the year so it is a good idea to see if there are any such activities planned for the month you wish to venture to Cuenca.
Cuenca hotels are generally very comfortable but not many could be rated five-star. However, do not let that deter you as the friendly faces and helpful staff will always make you feel welcome in Cuenca.
User Comments & Reviews
2010-02-21 02:24:02
My wife and I visited Cuenca for one moth in August from US. Arizona. After the visit, we decide upon retirement, we would like to live there. Cuenca is an amazing place, great food, great people, the best climate I have ever been in, and very cheap. For those of you that want to live there, you can't go wrong.
2010-02-17 19:24:42
I'm very interested in living in Cuenca. I would like long term rental two bedroom and 2 baths. Would like to be able to walk to Plaza's and Resturants. My target date is May-June 2010. Please email what you have available, thank you in advance, John
2010-02-03 12:26:48
I am looking to retire in ecuador. I would like to correspond with some one in cuenca to establish a connection, preferably a person of knowledge of housing and all the laws that apply to expats. A good friend is all ways good to have. Any one who is a retired person in cuenca your reply will be greatley appreciated, My husband and i are very good people and would like to talk to someone with real experience. Thx.
2010-02-03 05:41:29
Note to Cecilia re: comments copied below: Please email me with additional information. Is the condo available now for a short-term rental? Also interested in 6 months beginning mid-October 2010. What is the rent? THANK YOU! Diane Smit Cecilia Ordonez 2010-01-24 04:25:59 I have a centrally located condominium, two bedrooms, two baths, with famiy room , living room available to rent. Please e-mail if interested. Located one block from the Cathedral & Central Park.
2010-01-30 06:02:25
Cuenca is my favorite city in Ecuador located in the mountians. the weather is a perfect 70F (20c) during the day and in the 50's (15c0 at night. There are many houses, condos and appartments for rent. Most people do not advertise homes for rent or sale so you may have to find an ajent in country to help. You can rent a nice home for about 200 a month and travel anywhere in the city by taxi for $0.50-$3.00. There are several good companies that can help, some located in the US. Have a great trip
2010-01-24 04:25:59
I have a centrally located condominium, two bedrooms, two baths, with famiy room , living room available to rent. Please e-mail if interested. Located one block from the Cathedral & Central Park.
2010-01-11 20:14:19
Hi Carlota. Cuenca it's a very nice and calm place. I loved to know Parque Nacional de Cajas (National Park of Cajas), it's a place with an amazing environment (nature). The food is not expensive and the most deliciours food is called CEVICHE and my favorites are ceviche of shrimp or fish, served with pop corn. Also there is a lot of museums and churches to visit. I've stayed in Hotel Carvallo, which is located near downtown and another one called Hotel Oro Verde (a 3 stars hotel), but this one is not located on downtown, although a taxi to there will take you no more than 3 dolars. Well, this is it! I hope you enjoy Cuenca. I'll arrive there on Thursday 15th. Best regards.
2010-01-09 13:21:52
I will travel to Ecuador on afew months and we would like go to Cuenca, can you advice me tourists places , colonials houses anything would help and also hotels and wonder is the food expensive there? Thanks for your response.
2009-11-20 14:00:55
wife and I are interested in visiting Cuenca early 20l10. Are there apts/houses for rent on a short term basis.
2009-11-06 22:43:54
My wife and i are retired and are interested in renting a furnished apartment or small house for several months in 2010. ¿Anything available?
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