Mercado de Artesanias Rotary — Attraction in Cuenca

Absolutely fantastic way to spend an afternoon pottering around looking for finds that are handmade. From metal to wood to clay. Wrought iron lamps to baby furniture you'll find most of it.

We went looking for clay pots for our indoor plants and found what we wanted. You can haggle, but I find it embarrassing to haggle over something that's 5 dollars.

If you don't speak Spanish, you will struggle, so take a friend who does.

Everyone is in close quarters, so if you are concerned about social distancing, maybe visit when the pandemic is over. Bring your own sanitizer. The vendors spray down money when you hand it to them.

Allow ample time to get there, with the 'una vias' and traffic. Street parking is available - good luck finding a spot! Best to take the tram or taxi, if you going to window shop or buy little bits and bobs.

Take small change!

If you're comfortable bartering in Spanish and you're interested in high quality hand made items this is the place for you. I recently bought several hard wood pieces that are gorgeous. Between my husband and my self we were able to get quite a deal! After you acquire your items they help you take it to the curb where other person's are waiting with trucks to assist you. From the market to the Diez de agosto area I have been charged between $7 and $8. They load and unload but tend to not take pieces up the stairs.

This is a great indigenous market in the center of city.

If looking for some inexpensive furniture it is a good place to come and to support the local craftsmen.

There are local delivery trucks adjacent, that you can pay $5 to have your purchases delivered to your house/apartment.

Bonus: There are local shamans at the entrance that will beat you with herbs and spit on you if you come to them for treatments. Don't worry that's a good thing. :-)