Cuenca - 8 things you should see
SOLEQMASTER
Are you visiting the Latin American country of Ecuador? Then it is definitely recommended to plan some days in the great city Cuenca. These following eight activities are a must-do and should not be missed.
1. The great market in Cuenca - Feria Libre
If you go to the Feria Libre, you’ll experience everyday Ecuadorian life up close and personal. Surrounded by countless fruit and vegetable stands, you can buy regional food at a reasonable price. No matter what you are looking for, you will find it at this market. There are also stalls selling fresh fish and meat. Furthermore, at the Feria Libre you can get everything from sportswear to the typical Ecuadorian alpaca sweaters. You can reach the market on foot or by taking the “Tranvia de Cuenca” streetcar, which costs one dollar.
A tip is to bargain down the prices at the market, because especially with tourists the selling prices are set higher.
2. The cathedral of Cuenca
The “Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception” is one of the main sights of Cuenca and in any case worth a visit. You can admire the new, magnificent cathedral from the inside as well as, for only about 2 dollars, enjoy the view over Cuenca from above. Not only during the day is this cathedral an absolute eye-catcher, but also at night it shines in a breathtaking shade of blue and illuminates Cuenca.
3. Nightlife
The best way to end a day in Latin America is with a good dinner or some salsa. Of course, one does not exclude the other. For example, for a typical Ecuadorian meal, choose soup, ceviche or empanada and a fruity juice to go with it. A bar that offers a salsa night should also be easy to find. Bars like “La Mesa disco lounge” (Calle Larga 8-15) welcome both national, international, and local visitors. “La Mesa” is located in the center of Cuenca and is within walking distance. The entrance fee is about 5-10 dollars.
4. National park "El Cajas"
Many mountains, lagoons, untouched nature. In summary: A breathtaking view and an unforgettable experience. If you don’t want to miss this, and really nobody should, you should go to the National Park “El Cajas” of Cuenca. Many different hiking routes, lasting from one hour to whole day trips, are possible. Overnight stays in mountain huts or on a signposted camping meadow are also among the highlights of the national park. Since “El Cajas” is located at an altitude of 3800 meters, long, warm, water and wind resistant clothing is recommended. An layering look is best, so you can take off clothes if necessary. From the center, El Cajas can be reached by car or bus within an hour. The cost of the bus ride is about $4 per person.
5. Cuenca - The downtown
Both the mountains and the downtown are worth a visit. In the city center there are many small stores selling sweets, pretzels, ice cream or chocolate. Especially the Chocolateria “Dos Chorreras” (Simón Bolívar 10-09) is a popular place to indulge in sweet treats. Strolling through the city center, one also encounters clothing stores, churches, and squares such as the “Plaza de Armas” that embellish the ambiance of Cuenca.
6. Canopying over the canyons of Cuenca
Are you in the mood for some action and want to canopying over the canyons of Cuenca? Then canopying is just the thing for you. There you can go from one tree to another with experienced guides and look forward to a safe and at the same time exciting experience. “Cuenca Canopying” is located in the mountains (Via a Bibin) and can be reached by car. The cost of canopying is $10 per person, and you can ride five lanes. After the experience, there is the possibility to have freshly cooked food and watch the videos made by you during the canopying, for an extra charge.
7. Museum Pumapungo
Immerse yourself in the world of the indigenous people of Cuenca. Pumapungo offers with its museum historical Background knowledge from the time before the colonization to the change through the colonization. The Inca site is very well preserved and accessible free of charge. An old building, other structures and the walls give a deep insight into the knowledge and life of the Incas at that time.
8. "Museo Del Sombrero De Paja Toquilla"
Sombreros are an integral part of South America. You can get an insight into the process of making sombreros at that time in the hat museum “Museo Del Sombrero De Paja Toquilla” (Calle Larga 10-41 y). The museum is free to enter and contains machines used at that time and many pictures, as well as a hat store, so that you can still equip yourself with a typical sombrero afterwards. By the way, did you know that the famous “Panama hat” has its origin in Ecuador?
Besides the city of Cuenca, there are other great places in the Andean region of Ecuador. Get to know the diverse country of Ecuador on private or group tours! Discover volcanoes, mountains, and cities as well as the Amazon rainforest, the coast and the unique Galapagos Islands! Feel free to contact us for more information!
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