Cuenca is the capital and largest city of Azuay Province in southern Ecuador, and the country's third-largest city. It sits in the Andean highlands of South America, and its full official name, Santa Ana de los Ríos de Cuenca, is also sometimes given as Kunka.
The city is known for its well-preserved colonial architecture, which earned it UNESCO World Heritage status. Walking through the historic centre is the main reason many visitors come: streets of older buildings, churches and public squares give the place a settled, unhurried character. It is also a major cultural centre for the country, so the visit tends to be as much about the city's life as about its buildings.
What to expect
- A historic centre of colonial architecture, recognised by UNESCO
- A cultural city, with the atmosphere of a regional capital
- Ecuador's third-largest city, offering more to see than a small town
- Its location in the Andes, which shapes both the setting and the pace of a stay
Planning a visit
Cuenca suits travellers who want to explore a heritage city on foot and spend time in its streets and squares. Because it is a major cultural centre, a stay of a day or more allows time to move between its historic core and the wider city. The surrounding Azuay Province, of which Cuenca is the capital, adds further places to consider when deciding how long to stay.
