🇪🇨 How to Explore Cuenca, Ecuador’s Most Charming City?

If you skip the surrounding mountains, Cuenca’s historic center is compact—you can cover the highlights in just 2 hours (see map in last photo!). Here’s how to make the most of it: ⛪ Must-Sees 1️⃣ Catedral de la Inmaculada Concepción The iconic blue-domed cathedral. Climb up for panoramic city views! 2️⃣ Calderon Park + Plaza de las Flores A lively flower market and craft stalls (perfect for souvenirs). 3️⃣ Mercado 10 de Agosto 🍽️ Local food heaven! Try lechón (roast pork) and encebollado (fish stew). Budget-friendly: $1 breakfast, $4-5 meals. 4️⃣ Riverside Relaxation Stroll to Puente Roto bridge—ideal for a 20-minute nature recharge. 🌿 5️⃣ Museum of Aboriginal Cultures Fascinating 15,000-year-old artifacts, including rare Ecuadorian shells. 🍽️ Splurge-Worthy Dining 6️⃣ Tiesto’s Café Restaurant 💎 Cuenca’s best dining experience ($20-30/person): Artistic desserts: The owner hand-paints plates with fruit jam! 6 bread dips paired with shrimp soup (staff guide you through flavors). Hibiscus tea cocktail infused with local botanicals. #CuencaEcuador #TravelSmart #FoodieParadise