Towers more famous than the pyramids of Egypt, Panama hats produced in Ecuador, churches that look French, and a national park where tourists get lost… When I visited Cuenca in early March, I was amazed by the amount of interesting facts about this city in southern Ecuador. Read on and be surprised!
1. Cuenca versus Quito
In rivalry with Quito, the locals of Cueca insist that its leisurely pace, cleaner streets, and more pleasant climate place it above the capital. Cuenca is characterized by spring-like temperatures almost all year round, ranging between 14 and 18 ° C (57°F and 64°F).
2. More famous than the pyramids of Egypt.
The Old Cathedral of Cuenca has a plaque that reads: “Tower more famous than the pyramids of Egypt. Tribute from the France-Amerique Sub-Committee May 1936.” This commemorative plaque ostentatiously refers to the French Geodesic Mission of 1736.
3. A city of partygoers and revelers
Cuenca is the city where the most alcohol is consumed, ahead of Quito, according to official figures. Consumption is especially high in rural areas during religious festivals, events, and concerts, and in Cuenca’s university district, with cane liquor being one of the main alcohlic drinks.
4. UNESCO World Heritage Site
The historic center of Cuenca is considered one of the most beautiful and best preserved in Latin America, with a unique blend of colonial and republican architecture with Spanish and French influences. As a result, it’s historic centre was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1999.
5. Ecuador’s only modern tram
The Cuenca tram is the first and only modern tram system in the country. It runs mainly on electricity, crosses the historic center, and took many years to build. Therefore, it generated quite a bit of political debate before it was inaugurated.
6. Two dates of independence?
Cuenca’s emancipation from the Spanish crown was consolidated on February 21, 1822, but it is celebrated on November 3, 1820, the date on which the patriots led by Tomás Ordóñez took the main square, achieving initial independence and the creation of the “Republic of Cuenca.”
7. Roosevelt and the “Panama Hat”
Although they bear the name Panama, the vast majority of these toquilla straw hats are manufactured in Cuenca and its surroundings (such as Azogues). Roosevelt’s photo: During the construction of the Panama Canal, thousands of these hats were shipped from Ecuador to Panama to protect workers from the intense sun. In 1906, US President Theodore Roosevelt was photographed wearing one of these Ecuadorian straw hats while visiting the Panama Canal. The image popularized the hat under the name “Panama” around the world.
8. A city on top of two others
Before the Spanish founded the city in 1557, there was a Cañari city called Guapondelig, which means “basin as big as the sky.” Then the Incas conquered the area and built another city called Tomebamba, which some chroniclers described as one of the most important cities of the Inca empire in the north. When the Spanish arrived, much of it had already been destroyed. In short: Walking through Cuenca is like stepping into three eras at the same time.
9. The best quality of life in South America
Cuenca has been recognized as having the best quality of life in South America in 2025, standing out for its clean streets, safety, and economic recovery.
10. A church facade without saints
The figures of the saints on either side of the main entrance are missing from the façade of the Church of San Alfonso. According to the guide of my Free Walking Tour, one of the reasons could be lower taxes on unfinished buildings under construction. In addition, there is a superstition that says that a completely finished church would mean the end of the world. Because only God can be perfect.
11. Lost in Cajas National Park
Just 30 minutes from the city, this park features more than 230 glacial lakes. Every year, people get lost while hiking or mountaineering. This is due to several natural characteristics of the place:
- Very dense fog that appears suddenly (visibility can drop to less than 20 meters)
- Very similar landscape of hills and lakes everywhere
- Many trails are not well marked. Although there are official routes, there are also fishermen’s paths and animal trails.
- Much of the park is between 3,200 and 4,400 meters above sea level. At this altitude, visitors often suffer from rapid fatigue, dizziness, and lack of concentration.
- There is no cell phone signal in many areas of the park.
Most people are found or rescued alive by park rangers and firefighters. In 2024, 10 hikers got lost and were rescued unharmed after walking for more than 30 hours. My Austrian friends who live in Cuenca even told me the story of a man who got lost in Cajas and ended up in Guayaquil after five days. However, I couldn’t find any evidence of this in official sources…
12. The New Cathedral and its domes
The Cathedral’s main domes are covered with blue tiles imported from the former Czechoslovakia. According to Juan Stiehle’s German design, the domes were to be taller, but the plans were not feasible due to structural flaws.
13. Flower Square
Plaza del Carmen de la Asunción, or Plaza de las Flores, is internationally famous for its scents and colors, recognized by National Geographic as one of the ten best outdoor flower markets in the world.
14. Many colonial houses have secret courtyards
From the street, many houses in the center appear simple, but inside they often feature large courtyards, interior gardens, columned galleries, and several connected houses. This was typical of Spanish colonial architecture to keep houses cool and ensure privacy.
16. Ecuador’s largest foreign communities
Thousands of expatriats from other countries live in Cuenca, especially retirees from the United States, Canada, and Europe. Many move there for the mild climate, relatively low cost of living, and quality of life in the city.
A final curiosity
Some historians believe that the legendary lost city of gold, El Dorado, may have been inspired by stories about the riches of the Tomebamba region. In fact, the city of Cuenca is a real treasure. So, come and discover this colonial gem and its curiosities. Don’t let others tell you about them – experience Cuenca for yourself!
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