Discover Cuenca: The Most Livable City in Ecuador

Cuenca, located in southern Ecuador, is renowned not only for its wonderful climate but also for its stunning architecture, friendly locals, and clean, modern infrastructure. Recognized by the World Tourism Organization as the must-visit city in South America for 2026, Cuenca is truly a destination not to be missed. During my journey through Peru and Ecuador, I spent three weeks here immersing myself in Spanish and savoring every delightful moment this city has to offer.

Getting to Cuenca

Cuenca is conveniently situated along the breathtaking Volcano Avenue, making it an easy stop for those crossing over from Peru. Here are the travel times from major cities to Cuenca:

• From Quito: 10 hours
• From Mancora: 8 hours
• From Montanita: 6 hours
• From Cotopaxi: 7 hours 15 minutes

Vietnamese travelers should note that there are currently no direct flights from Vietnam to Ecuador. However, you can fly from Ho Chi Minh City (SGN) to major cities like Quito or Lima and then continue your journey to Cuenca. Ticket prices from SGN to Quito typically range from 20 million to 30 million VND, depending on the time of booking and airline.

Helpful Information for Vietnamese Travelers

Vietnam does not have a visa exemption agreement with Ecuador, so you'll need to apply for a visa before your trip. The visa processing time is about 2-3 weeks. Ecuador uses the US dollar, with the current exchange rate around 23,000 VND to 1 USD. The cost of living in Cuenca is quite reasonable; a meal at a casual restaurant costs about 100,000 VND.

Accommodation in Cuenca

Cuenca offers a wide range of accommodations from hostels to boutique hotels:

• Hostal $1840: Located in the heart of the historic center, featuring a rooftop and a friendly community vibe.
• Boutique Hotel Casa Montalvo: A cozy little villa with a tranquil garden.
• Hostal Restaurant La Cigale: An affordable hotel with a lively atmosphere and a restaurant serving delicious food.

Must-Do Experiences in Cuenca

The Cuenca Cathedral, also known as the New Cathedral, stands out with its ultramarine blue domes, making it unique compared to any church I have seen before. Although the towers may not seem very tall, this has been explained as a limitation of the building's structure. Inside, the cathedral is exquisitely decorated and large enough to accommodate all the residents of Cuenca.

Adjacent to the cathedral is Plaza Calderon, a popular spot where locals often sit to read newspapers and play chess. Don’t miss the Old Cathedral, which is now an art museum featuring mysterious tombs below.

Explore Cuenca with a Free Walking Tour

Led by an experienced local guide, this free walking tour takes you through Cuenca's main highlights, including the El Vado area, the Tomebamba River gorge, and several intriguing markets. At the end of the tour, you can contribute a donation based on your perception of the tour's value.

Mirador Turi is a viewpoint you cannot miss. From here, you’ll get a panoramic view of the city with its red rooftops and surrounding mountains. It takes about an hour to walk from the city center, or you can take a taxi for no more than 5 USD.

The Río Tomebamba is a beautiful river flowing through Cuenca, lined with colonial buildings housing bars, cafes, and art galleries. Every Saturday, the riverside hosts a pop-up market where you can find many unique local products.

Pumapungo Ruins offer a glimpse into Cuenca's past, once inhabited by the Canari people before being conquered by the Incas. The Pumapungo archaeological park preserves remnants of pre-Columbian civilization and features a lush botanical garden.

Cuenca, with its blend of history, culture, and modernity, is sure to provide you with unforgettable experiences. If you get the chance, be sure to visit this city and feel its unique charm!

Reference and edited from: Indie Traveller