Cuenca Things To Do

by calcaf38, 4 more photos

Cuenca is the world center for what is called, inaccurately, the "Panama Hat."

A few remaining old-fashioned factories offer tours, where you will be told about the famous Montecristi straw; how the straw is boiled;how women weave it and sell the half-finished hats to the manufacturer; how hats are graded in quality, then pressed and whitened.

It is all quite fascinating, in a fast-disappearing way. I imagine the visit is similar to that of a cigar factory in Cuba.

I visited the Barranco workshop (Rafael Paredes e Hijos Cia Ltda). There was no pressure to buy a hat at the end, but you should tip your guide. There is a lovely view of the river from the top of the workshop.

My visit was much more interesting from having read "The Panama Hat Trail" by Tom Miller beforehand.

Directions: Calle Larga, between Padre Aguirre and Torres

Add to Your Trip Planner | Post a Question | Write a Tip

Visiting Cuenca?

Read reviews about Cuenca Hotels

Real Reviews from Real VirtualTourist Members.


	Museao Pumapungo Tip Rating:

Updated By richiecdisc on March 17, 2008

ugly? True but you'll need
some time to explore

by richiecdisc

Museo Pumapungo is not only Cuenca’s main museum but it’s also one of Ecuador’s top ones as well. This natural history museum is extensive and you will need a few hours to properly have a look. Most people come solely to check out the huge ethnology exhibit that takes up an entire floor but there are lots of other interesting displays like dioramas of traditional costumes of Ecuador’s diverse cultural groups. Of course, the kids (and most adults too!) will love the shrunken heads that harrowingly finish up your tour.

It’s three big bucks to get in and while expensive compared to what you pay for a room or food, it’s well money well spent.

Address: Calle Larga near Huayna

Directions: At the far southeast corner of town. It's a bit of a walk but an interesting one.

Add to Your Trip Planner | Post a Question | Write a Tip


	Plaza San Blas Tip Rating:

Updated By richiecdisc on March 16, 2008

the very pleasant Plaza San
Blas

by richiecdisc, 2 more photos

Plaza San Blas is an afterthought for many Cuenca visitors but since we stumbled upon a great fruit salad/shake stand right on the square it became a personal favorite. The church itself was impressive mostly due to size but from afar it did beckon us to have a closer look. Some things are better from a distance and that is the case with this monstrous structure built in the form of a cross. That might be a good shot from a balloon! The plaza itself is quite pleasant and the view of it is best from the fruit stand, sipping on a freshly squeezed orange juice.

Directions: On the eastern edge of the Old Town.

Add to Your Trip Planner | Post a Question | Write a Tip


	Catedral de la Inmaculata Concepción Tip Rating:

Updated By richiecdisc on March 17, 2008

the blue domes on a very blue
day

by richiecdisc, 4 more photos

Parque Calderón’s focal point is Catedral de la Inmaculata Concepción is the newer of the square’s two but its two blue domes have become the city’s hallmark symbol. Ironically, they can barely be seen from the park as they were meant to play second and third fiddle to the proposed bell tower that was not built due to poor architectural planning and are thus at the rear of the structure! This cost the city it having the largest cathedral in South America. At any rate, the massive church whose austere marble interior took nearly 80 years to complete from its 1885 start date has beautiful stained glass windows and is particularly compelling during an evening service.

Directions: On the east side of the famous central square.

Add to Your Trip Planner | Post a Question | Write a Tip


	Shrunken Heads!! Tip Rating:

By namastedc on March 9, 2005

Cuenca Page by namastedc

Real Shrunken Head

by namastedc

To see real shrunken heads, pay a visit to the Museo del Banco Central (Central Bank Museum). To get there, just walk to the river that passes through the city, and head to the left (assuming you are on the side of the river where the central square and the cathedral are located.) Most maps will have this museum on them.

Also there are various print and sculpture arts, and a great archeological dig. Various animals are in cages, and Llamas or alpacas roam freely.

Open Monday to Friday. 9:00am - 6:00pm, and Saturdays from 9:00am - 1:00pm

Address: Calle Larga and Huayna Capac

Phone: 2831225

Add to Your Trip Planner | Post a Question | Write a Tip

Visiting Cuenca?

Read reviews about Cuenca Hotels

Real Reviews from Real VirtualTourist Members.


	Parque Calderón Tip Rating:

By richiecdisc on March 16, 2008

Parque Calderón, a nice place
to relax

by richiecdisc

As with most Spanish influenced colonial cities, Cuenca is dominated by plazas or squares, the most impressive of which is Parque Calderón. This lovely park is not as meticulously landscaped as some and has a certain natural aura about it with some large pine trees sprouting wildly in the middle. Don’t get me wrong, this is no wild jungle and is a city park through and through but for a showpiece park it’s not as tame as most. What is nice about it compared to Cusco or to a lesser degree even Quito, no one bothers you if you sit down to soak up the scenery. No shoe shine boys in this park and personally I found that kind of relaxing like I was on vacation rather than guard.

Address: Bolivar & Benigno Malo

Directions: This IS the center of the center. If you miss this, you have a very bad sense of direction.

Add to Your Trip Planner | Post a Question | Write a Tip


	Museo de las Culturas Aborigenes Tip Rating:

Updated By calcaf38 on October 14, 2007

by calcaf38, 4 more photos

This is a comprehensive museum, organized on a manageable scale, and which covers all the local civilizations up to the Incas. Unless you are interested in archeology, it might appear a bit dry, but it will help you understand that the Incas didn't just appear out of the blue - only to be defeated by the conquistadores in less than 100 years. Many civilizations preceded the Incas, and combined or fragmented to form or oppose the Inca empire.

The staff will lend you a booklet of explanations in your language.

Address: Calle Larga 5-24 Open 9 to 6 Mon. thru Sat.

Add to Your Trip Planner | Post a Question | Write a Tip


	The Church of El Carmen de la Asunción Tip Rating:

Updated By richiecdisc on March 17, 2008

at least the top wasn't under
construction!

by richiecdisc

The Church of El Carmen de la Asunción was founded in 1652 and looks to be one of Cuenca’s more serene and beautiful sights under normal circumstances but while we were visiting there was some major construction going on which I hope does not permanently mar its obvious reserved natural aura. We missed its ornate interior and I was lucky to snap a picture of its pretty towers above the barricade that surrounded it.

Address: Mariscal Surcre, near Padre Aquire

Directions: Again, very close to the main square.

Add to Your Trip Planner | Post a Question | Write a Tip


	Museo de Arte Moderno Tip Rating:

By calcaf38 on October 13, 2007

by calcaf38, 3 more photos

Situated on Plaza San Sebastián, this museum has a great collection of contemporary Ecuadorian art.

Some of the pieces are derivative, but not exploitatively so. Some others are just too funny, like the sculpture with the googly eyes.

Cuenca is a tiring place to visit, with lots of walking, traffic, emotions, and the altitude. The Museo is a perfect spot to catch your breath.

Add to Your Trip Planner | Post a Question | Write a Tip


	The New Cathedral Tip Rating:

Updated By calcaf38 on October 14, 2007

Parque Calderón

by calcaf38, 4 more photos

The New Cathedral (de la Inmaculata Concepción), also on Parque Calderón, is a very intriguing edifice. Construction began in 1885, and an engineering error prevented the bell towers from reaching their intended height.

The first impression is rather stark, until you notice the two gorgeous white and blue domes, which contrast with the dominant brick construction.

The way the Cathedral is situated, you can see clearly the façade, or you can see the domes (from sideways). The whole structure constitutes an architectural tease, reminiscent of XVIII Century dresses which concealed almost everything, but showed off pushed-up women's breasts.

Inside, the New Cathedral is imposing, and very active.