Cuenca, Ecuador: Where Art & History Collide

Nestled in the Andean highlands, Cuenca—Ecuador’s third-largest city—is a bohemian jewel of cobblestone alleys, colonial churches, and artisan workshops. If Quito is like Beijing and Guayaquil like Shanghai, Cuenca is Ecuador’s Yunnan—a laid-back, artsy escape waiting to be explored. ⛪ Must-See Sights 1️⃣ New Cathedral of Cuenca A Gothic-Moorish marvel and one of Ecuador’s largest cathedrals. 2️⃣ Old Cathedral (El Sagrario) A UNESCO-listed Baroque gem with a rose-marble facade. 3️⃣ Church of Santo Domingo Gold-leaf altars and a serene cloister. 4️⃣ Plaza de las Flores 🌸 A fragrant square brimming with flower stalls—perfect for people-watching. 🌿 Beyond the City 5️⃣ Incapirca Ruins Ecuador’s best-preserved Inca site, with sun temples and trapezoidal doorways. 6️⃣ El Cajas National Park 🏞️ A highland wonderland of 250 glacial lakes (3,152–4,445m altitude). 7️⃣ Gualaceo ("Azuayo Garden") A colonial charmer 45 mins away, famed for orchids and handicrafts. 8️⃣ Chordeleg 💎 Jewelry lover’s paradise! 100+ shops selling gold, silver, and tagua (ivory nut) carvings. ✨ Why Visit? ✔️ Affordable luxury—gourmet meals cost under $10! ✔️ Slow travel vibes—sip canelazo (cinnamon cocktail) in hidden plazas. ✔️ Textile workshops where artisans weave ikat fabrics. #Cuenca #Ecuador #HiddenGems