Cuenca: Ecuador's Most Beautiful Colonial City
Cuenca — a UNESCO World Heritage city at 2,550m in the southern Andes — is widely considered Ecuador's most beautiful city; the twin cathedrals on the main plaza, the cobblestone streets, and the Tomebamba River gorge create a colonial landscape of extraordinary harmony
- 1
New cathedral domes
The New Cathedral (Catedral de la Inmaculada Concepción) – with its iconic blue-tiled domes visible from across the city – was begun in 1885 but took 100 years to complete; the domes dominate the skyline and the stained glass and marble floors of the interior are exceptional
- 2
El Sagrario (Old Cathedral)
The old cathedral (El Sagrario, 1557) is located directly in front of the new cathedral — the two buildings, separated by four centuries, create a unique architectural contrast in Parque Calderón; the old cathedral is now an art museum and the oldest preserved building in Cuenca
- 3
Parque Calderón
Parque Calderón – Cuenca's main square, framed by the two cathedrals, the municipal palace and colonial mansions – is the finest colonial square in Ecuador; the park's gardens, surrounding architecture and daily social life make it the unbeatable center of the city
- 4
Tomebamba River Gorge
The Río Tomebamba carves a gorge below the historic center - the Barranco (cliff) neighborhood along the edge of the gorge has colonial houses set dramatically above the river; the view from river level looking up at the colonial houses is one of Ecuador's most beautiful cityscapes
- 5
El Barranco Neighborhood
El Barranco – the neighborhood along Tomebamba's cliff edge – has restored colonial houses, craft workshops and the famous staircase leading down to the river; the art galleries, cafes and sunset views from the cliff make it Cuenca's most atmospheric area
- 6
Cobblestone Streets
Cuenca's historic center has extensive cobbled streets – the irregular paving, the carved doorways and the whitewashed or colored colonial facades create a streetscape of remarkable beauty; walking the calles (streets) downtown is the quintessential Cuenca experience