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South AmericaEcuadorAzuay

Cuenca

Azuay, Ecuador · South America

About Cuenca

Cuenca is worth a stop: 10 minutes from Ricaurte, 27km from Cajas National Park.

Cuenca is a city located in Azuay, Ecuador. With a population of 636,996, it is an important destination in South America.

On a road trip, Cuenca sits in Ecuador, where you drive on the right. It's in the America/Guayaquil time zone. Below you'll find where to stay, things to do nearby, and everything you need to add Cuenca to your route.

About Cuenca

The Sagrario Church (Shrine Church) - also known as the Old Cathedral of Cuenca is a temple whose construction began in the mid-16th century, and was considered the main Spanish place of worship during the time of Spanish colonization in Cuenca (Ecuador). Today it functions as the Museum of Religious Art, known for

Read more its wide variety of altars and the history it offers. It is located in the center of the city of Cuenca, and one of its most emblematic museums, which is located in Parque Calderón, in front of the New Cathedral. It is part of the Historic Center, the same one that was named a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1999, making it one of the most emblematic places in Cuenca as it is the only church that has a bellows organ, which is It is located inside at the back of the building. It was used as a musical accompaniment to the choirs. However, it is now out of service.

Read more on Wikipedia

Where to Stay in Cuenca

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Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best things to do in Cuenca?

Cuenca offers many attractions including tourist sites, museums, parks, and local restaurants. Explore famous landmarks, scenic roads, and natural wonders on our interactive map and plan your visit.

How do I plan a road trip to Cuenca?

Plan your road trip to Cuenca with Plan Your Road Trips! Add Cuenca as a destination, and we'll help you find the best route and discover more amazing places along the way.

Where is Cuenca located?

Cuenca is located in Azuay, Ecuador, South America. The coordinates are -2.8953 latitude, -78.9963 longitude.

What is the population of Cuenca?

Cuenca has a population of approximately 636,996 people, making it a city in Ecuador.

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Quick Information

Population
636,996
Continent
South America
Country
Ecuador
Region
Azuay
Timezone
America/Guayaquil
Coordinates
-2.8953, -78.9963

Emergency & Services

Essential numbers in Ecuador

Police
911
Ambulance
911
Fire
911
Driving side
right
Full driving guide for Ecuador

Tags

South AmericaEcuadorAzuayCity

Worth the detour from Cuenca

2 notable places within an hour's drive.

national park

Cajas National Park

A hauntingly beautiful highland park near Cuenca with over 200 glacial lakes, páramo grasslands, and quinoa trees at 4,000 meters.

27 km · about 30 min drive

ancient ruins

Ingapirca

Ecuador's most important Inca archaeological site featuring the Temple of the Sun, a perfectly fitted stone structure built without mortar.

41 km · about 45 min drive

Driving roads near Cuenca

  • 73 kmMirador Nariz del DiabloA viewpoint at Pistishi over the Devil's Nose, the near-vertical rock face the Guayaquil-Quito railway descends by a zig-zag of switchbacks cut into the cliff in 1902.

When to drive here

Year-round

Tropical latitude: plan around the wet season rather than temperature.

Nearby Destinations

Other places to explore near Cuenca.

Ricaurte

🇪🇨 Ecuador

5 km away

Sinincay

🇪🇨 Ecuador

5 km away

Paccha

🇪🇨 Ecuador

7 km away

Chiquintad

🇪🇨 Ecuador

9 km away

Llacao

🇪🇨 Ecuador

13 km awayPop. 4,501

Déleg

🇪🇨 Ecuador

16 km away

Nulti

🇪🇨 Ecuador

16 km awayPop. 4,589

Biblián

🇪🇨 Ecuador

23 km away

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Data sources:GeoNames (CC BY 4.0)•Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA)•Mapbox•Photography: George Lawrence