🇪🇨 Cuenca: A Jewel in the Andes

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🗺 The Vibe

Hey there nomad! Kevin from Nomad for Less here, writing to you live from New York City. For this week's newsletter, we're taking a trip down to the South American nomad hotspot of Cuenca, Ecuador.

When you first arrive in Cuenca, you'll instantly be captivated by the city's positive vibes. Combining old-world charm with modernity, Cuenca has long been popular with retirees who appreciate the laid-back lifestyle and low cost of living. Among its attractions is a well-preserved historic district declared a UNESCO World Heritage site. Here you can walk down cobblestone streets and appreciate colonial architecture that dates back to the 16th century. After a walk in the old town, you can enjoy some fresh ceviche or empanadas.

The Parque de la Madre is a short walk from the historic center if you prefer peace and tranquility. Here, you can escape the hustle and bustle of city life and enjoy the afternoon next to the Tomebamba River. On a short trip outside the city, nature lovers can enjoy the views of the Andes and Cajas National Park.

In Cuenca, Old World meets the new. It is a fairly small city, with a population of 400,000, and has a small-town feel with the modern conveniences you would expect in a larger city. Here, you can find modern amenities like supermarkets, high-speed internet, affordable health care, and a few good coworking spaces.

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🎟 To Do

Cuenca offers a rich cultural and natural experience with its historic sites, charming streets, and beautiful surrounding landscapes. For the more adventurous types, there are plenty of outdoor activities like hiking, horseback riding, and mountain climbing.

Here are some popular things to do in Cuenca:

1. Explore the Historic Center - Declared a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1999, the historic district is one of Cuenca's most popular attractions. Take a leisurely stroll through the narrow streets, and visit iconic landmarks like the Catedral de la Inmaculada Concepcion and the Iglesia de San Francisco.

2. Take an afternoon stroll by the Tomebamba River - Running through the middle of the city is the Tomebamba River. Enjoy the parks, picnic, or enjoy the beautiful views. You can also cross the river using the picturesque footbridges connecting different city parts.

3. Visit the Orchidarium - This unique botanical garden is dedicated to orchids, which are abundant in Ecuador. It's a great place to learn about these beautiful flowers and see various species in their natural habitat.

4. Experience the Local Markets - Cuenca has vibrant markets where you can immerse yourself in the local culture. Visit the Mercado 10 de Agosto, which is full of fresh produce, meats, and local snacks. If arts and crafts are your things, visit the Feria Libre, which has local textiles and handicrafts.

🎢 Top Attractions

There's no shortage of activities in and around Cuenca. It is full of everything from local cuisine to colonial architecture. Nature lovers will appreciate a short trip outside the city to enjoy the many lakes, mountain peaks, and picturesque scenery.

1. Cajas National Park - Located about 30 kilometers outside Cuenca, Cajas National Park is a stunning natural reserve known for its high-altitude lakes, rugged landscapes, hiking trails, and unique flora and fauna. It's the perfect destination for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers.

2. La Catedral de la Inmaculada Concepcion - Perhaps the most iconic building in Cuenca. This is truly a must-see.

3. Museums and Galleries - Cuenca is known for its vibrant art and cultural scene. Here you can visit the the Pumapungo Museum or the Museum of Indigenous Cultures. Also, don't miss the local crafts, traditional textiles, and contemporary artwork.

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🍽 To Eat & Drink

Cuenca is known for its rich culinary heritage, and there are a variety of delicious dishes you must try when you are there. Here are some popular of the most popular dishes the city has to offer:

1. Hornado - This dish consists of roasted pork served with corn, potatoes, and avocado. The pork is marinated in achiote paste and garlic before being cooked for several hours until it is tender and juicy.

2. Trucha - Trout are abundant in the rivers and lakes surrounding Cuenca, and you can find them at numerous restaurants throughout the city. They are usually grilled and served whole, with rice, vegetables, and a flavorful sauce.

3. Street Food - Latin America is famous for its street food, and Cuenca is no exception. For the adventurous urban explorers, enjoy delicious tamales, sanduche de pernil (chicken sandwich), empanadas, and traditional beverages like morocho and coconut juice.

🎉 Where to dine, wine, and party

Cuenca is more known for its rich cultural heritage and laid-back atmosphere, and the nightlife may not be as lively as in some larger cities. However, there are some places where you can enjoy a night out in Cuenca, such as:

1. Calle Larga - Passing through the historic district is the Calle Larga. Popular with locals and tourists alike, you find everything like traditional Ecuadorian cuisine, craft beers, and discotecas (dance clubs).

2. Zona Rosa - Located near the Tomebamba River, the Zona Rosa is another hotspot with bars, clubs, and restaurants. Here, you can enjoy live music and dance the night away.

3. Tiestos - Located in the heart of Cuenca's historic district, Tiestos is a popular spot serving traditional Ecuadorian cuisine like llapingachos (potato pancakes) and seco de chivo (braised goat).

4. Raymipampa - Known for its delicious Ecuadorian and Andean cuisine, Raymipampa offers a variety of dishes, including roasted pork, fritada (deep-fried pork), ceviche, and vegetarian options.

🏡 To Stay

There are plenty of places to stay in Cuenca in the historic district or nearby. Being a smaller city, you can find some affordable places that are a short trip away. Likewise, many places have all the modern amenities you would expect in the US or Europe, including fiber optic internet.

🏘 Links to best stays in the area

• 1 bedroom studio for $742/month

• Luxury 2 bedroom penthouse in the historic district for $1128/month

• 3 bedroom apartment just outside the historic district for $441/month

✈️ To Fly

While Cuenca has an airport, it only services domestic routes. You’ll have to fly into Guayaquil or Quito and catch a local flight. Alternatively, Cuenca is easily accessible by bus from those locations, with the trip taking about 4 hours or 7 hours, respectively, and costs between $10-$15.

Most of the lowest cost flights fly out of Florida, but you can find your city here and see when it’s cheapest to fly there for you.

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