Cuenca, Ecuador
South America's best-preserved colonial city, in the heart of the Andes.
A living UNESCO heritage site.
Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1999, Cuenca's historic center is one of the most intact examples of Spanish colonial urban planning in Latin America — 500+ years of architecture layered over a pre-Columbian Inca city.
With a population of around 600,000, Cuenca is Ecuador's third-largest city and widely considered its most livable — mild climate, walkable streets, a thriving cultural scene, and food that reflects both Andean tradition and global influence.
What to Do in Cuenca →Altitude above sea level
Year the city was founded
UNESCO World Heritage designation
Average year-round temperature
The city outside our door
Most of Cuenca's iconic landmarks are within a 10-minute walk of Hotel Italia.
New Cathedral · 200mHistoric Center
Tomebamba River
Cajas National Park · 30km
Local lifeWhat makes Cuenca special
Art, tradition, and contemporary life
Cuenca is Ecuador's cultural capital in all but name — home to some of the country's best universities, a vibrant music and theater scene, excellent museums and a flourishing restaurant and café culture. The artisan traditions (Panama hats, filigree silver, ceramics) are alive and well and easy to find throughout the city.
The Andes on your doorstep
Cuenca is surrounded by dramatic Andean landscape — including Cajas National Park, just 30km away, with over 235 glacial lakes at 3,000–4,400m. The city's altitude gives it an eternal spring climate: days warm and sunny, nights pleasantly cool. It's a city you can both explore on foot and use as a base for Andean adventure.
Cajas Day Trip Guide →Getting here and around
By Air
Cuenca's Mariscal Lamar Airport (CUE) serves direct domestic flights from Quito and Guayaquil. From the airport, taxis to the hotel cost approximately $5.
By Bus
Regular bus services connect Cuenca to Quito (8–9h), Guayaquil (3.5h) and other major cities. The Terminal Terrestre is 2km from the hotel — a $2 taxi ride.
On Foot
The historic center is compact and walkable. Most landmarks are within 10–15 minutes of Hotel Italia. Comfortable shoes are recommended for the cobblestones.
By Taxi
Taxis in Cuenca are metered and inexpensive. A ride anywhere in the city center typically costs $1.50–3. Uber also operates in Cuenca.
Stay in the heart of it all.
Hotel Italia puts you two minutes from the Cathedral, in the UNESCO historic center. Free breakfast included.