UNESCO World Heritage Site

Cuenca’s historical downtown is a UNESCO-listed site and the kind of place you could spend a lot longer than you planned. A classic example of a Spanish Colonial town, Cuenca was laid out on a grid and is awash with fetching colonial features, including quaint cobblestone streets, historic churches, tranquil courtyards and flower-filled balconies.

Among the most notable buildings in town are the Monastery of El Carmen de Asunción, which was founded in 1682 and bears an intricately sculpted façade, and the Monastery of Museum de La Concepción, a repository for splendid religious art. For a rare physical reminder of the pre-Spanish inhabitants, stop by the ruins of Todos Los Santos, with feature Cañari-era remnants as well as four Inca trapezoidal structures. As you stroll around the pleasantly quiet city learning about the three cultures that left their mark here, you’ll stumble across many plazas, parks and public areas that are perfect for a sit-down or a spot of people-watching.

Want to experience the colonial ambiance of Cuenca for yourself? Book your personalized trip to Ecuador today.