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Cuenca

Created: 08/2025
Updated: 08/2025

A beautiful colonial city nestled in southern Ecuador—Cuenca.
Its historic center is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and simply strolling through the streets offers a deeply enjoyable experience.

Like many old towns and historic districts across South America, the cityscape is vibrant and colorful.
Among its landmarks, the Cathedral of Cuenca (Catedral de la Inmaculada Concepción) stands out as a particularly striking sight.

In terms of tourist attractions, Cuenca is a small city with only a handful of major spots.
Yet it’s no exaggeration to say that the city’s charm alone makes it worth the visit.

Cuenca is just a short 1–2 hour flight from Quito or Guayaquil,
making it an ideal stopover when traveling through Ecuador.

Sightseeing Spot

The streetscape of Cuenca

Visiting the historic district, a UNESCO World Heritage Site,
you’ll find yourself captivated by a world that evokes medieval Europe.

Along the cobblestone streets stand rows of colonial buildings,
and among them, the strikingly blue Cathedral of Cuenca (Catedral de la Inmaculada Concepción) draws the eye.

Simply walking through the city lets you soak in an atmosphere rarely experienced in Japan.

The Cathedral of Cuenca stands as a proud symbol of the city.

Its most striking feature is the vivid blue domes that crown its exterior.
Step inside, and you’ll find a serene space adorned with white marble columns and stained glass windows,
gently embracing the hearts of all who enter.

Restaurant

El Mercado

A stylish restaurant located just outside the historic district.

From the atmosphere to the cuisine, everything reflects a high level of quality and refinement.

With its elegant and upscale vibe,
this restaurant is well worth the short trip beyond the city center.

Negroni Cuenca

The food here is excellent, but what truly sets this place apart
is the stunning view of the Cathedral of Cuenca from the restaurant.

I chose this spot because I wanted to photograph the cathedral at night,
and the view from the terrace was absolutely breathtaking!

Raymipampa

This place feels like a long-established restaurant beloved by locals.

I believe I went there for breakfast, and it looked like a great spot to try a variety of Ecuadorian dishes.

With its inviting atmosphere and delicious food—and the fact that it’s open from morning to night—
it’s definitely worth visiting at least once during your stay in Cuenca.

Dos Chorreras

This churro shop has an incredibly eye-catching exterior!

I forgot to take a photo of it... 😅 But trust me—you’ll spot it right away when you’re in Cuenca.

They sell not only churros but also a variety of chocolate-based sweets,
so if you’re craving something sweet in the afternoon, it’s definitely worth a stop.