Discover Cuenca 2026

The New Cathedral with its striking blue-and-white domes dominates the skyline of the UNESCO-protected colonial old town and is considered one of Ecuador's most photographed buildings, right on the central Parque Calderón.

The world-famous Panama hat originally comes from Cuenca and the surrounding area, where it is hand-woven from toquilla straw. Museums and workshops in the city still show the traditional, labor-intensive production today.

The river runs through the city and is lined with picturesque promenades, parks and colonial stone bridges, ideal for a relaxed walk amid historic architecture and lush vegetation.

Ecuador's largest preserved Inca excavation site lies about two hours from Cuenca and combines Inca and Cañari architecture into an impressive day trip into Andean history.

Cuenca sits at about 2,550 meters in the southern Andes of Ecuador and is reachable by flight from Quito or Guayaquil in about 30-45 minutes, or by bus over several hours through the mountain region.

The New Cathedral with its striking blue-and-white domes dominates the skyline of the UNESCO-protected colonial old town and is considered one of Ecuador's most photographed buildings, right on the central Parque Calderón.

Yes, the world-famous Panama hat originally comes from Cuenca and the surrounding area, where it is hand-woven from toquilla straw. Museums and workshops in the city still show the traditional, labor-intensive production today.

The river runs through the city and is lined with picturesque promenades, parks and colonial stone bridges, ideal for a relaxed walk amid historic architecture and lush vegetation.