Hotels in Cuenca

Cuenca: Colonial Capital of the Southern Andes

Cuenca, Ecuador's third-largest city, sits at 2,550 metres in the southern Andes and holds UNESCO World Heritage status granted in 1999 for its intact Spanish colonial core. The historic centre — El Centro Histórico — clusters around Parque Calderón, flanked by the New Cathedral (construction began 1885, its blue domes visible across the city) and the smaller El Sagrario church. The Tomebamba River runs along the southern edge of the old town, separating colonial streets from the Barranco district, where painted facades overhang the riverbank.

Where to Stay

Most hotels concentrate within four blocks of Parque Calderón, putting the Museo del Banco Central (Pumapungo) — built over Inca palace ruins — within a 10-minute walk. The San Sebastián neighbourhood, west of the centre, offers quieter guesthouses. Cuenca is the production hub for genuine toquilla straw hats (internationally mis-labelled as Panama hats); the Homero Ortega factory on Gil Ramírez Dávalos street offers free tours on weekdays.

Practical Tips

• Altitude: At 2,550 m, allow one full day to acclimatise before strenuous walks.
• Getting there: Mariscal Lamar Airport sits 2 km northeast of the centre; taxis take under 10 minutes.
• Climate: Temperatures stay between 7 °C and 19 °C year-round; carry a layer for evenings.
• Currency: Ecuador uses the US dollar; ATMs are available on Calle Benigno Malo.