Benable — create shareable lists of things you recommend!
E.g., products you love, local businesses, travel recs - you can add anything to a Benable list!
Must-Visit Places in Cuenca, Ecuador: Markets, Shops & Historic Spots
16
items Cuenca is a city that invites you to slow down and look closely. As I explored its streets, markets, and artisan workshops, I kept meeting people who carry the city’s traditions with such pride. This list brings together the places where I felt that most —...https://plann.in/bmbnGK
Map
Sections
3
Markets & Local Vendor Spots
Artisan Shops & Craft Workshops
Historic Streets, Plazas & Colonial Landmarks
Markets & Local Vendor Spots
Such a beautiful rows of fresh roses and bright blooms. Perfect for a quick walk-through and great photos.
Plaza de Flores (Flower Market)
A traditional herbal drink made by the Carmelite nuns. Locals line up for it and it was fun to try while exploring the historic center.
Agua de Pitima
A lively Sunday market filled with local growers selling fresh produce and handmade goods. Great place to see Cuenca’s everyday life up close.
Sunday Growers’ Market (Historic Center)
Great spot to browse local textiles and handcrafted goods while taking in the view of Cuenca’s historic center.
Vendor Stalls at Plaza San Francisco
Artisan Shops & Craft Workshops
One of Cuenca’s top hat makers and a great place to see how Panama hats are woven and finished.
Homero Ortega Panama Hat Factory
A chance to see Panama hats woven the traditional way inside local homes. It’s fascinating to watch the straw work up close.
Panama Hat Home Weavers (Traditional Weaving Houses)
I got to see José’s black ceramics process up close and even tried the pottery wheel myself. Such an interesting way to learn his ancestral craft.
José Encalada Black Ceramics Workshop
I learned how Marco shapes and weaves copper by hand and even made a copper rose with him. Such an interesting look at his craft.
Marco Machado Copper Workshop
I loved meeting José Yuya Garry and watching him handcraft his guitars. Choosing one for my son made this visit feel really special.
The Yuya Garry family Guitar Workshop (San Bartolomé)
I watch the filigree artists shape silver by hand and picked out a pair of orchid earrings. The craftsmanship here is beautiful to see up close.
Silver Filigree Jewelry Workshops & Shops
Historic Streets, Plazas & Colonial Landmarks
This monastery caught my eye for its simple white exterior and classic colonial details. It’s one of those buildings that quietly shows Cuenca’s history as you walk by.
Monasterio Del Carmen de San José
I spent time here wandering past the vendor stalls with the cathedral domes in the background. It’s one of those plazas where you feel the rhythm of daily life in Cuenca.
Plaza San Francisco
The church’s bright white facade and classic colonial lines is admirable. It stands out beautifully against the sky and adds so much character to this part of Cuenca.
San Francisco Church
The blue domes of this cathedral became a constant backdrop during my time in Cuenca. I loved spotting them from different parts of the city, especially at night when they glow against the sky.
New Cathedral / Immaculate Conception Cathedral
I loved how it still follows Cuenca’s original street layout. It is a charming little passage lined with history.
Santa Ana Street
I enjoyed taking in Cuenca from these viewpoints, especially along the river. The mix of historic buildings, green spaces, and mountain views really shows off the beauty of the city.
Historic Center & Riverfront Viewpoints