A Month that could easily be a life time in Cuenca, Ecuador: Family Activities, Markets, and Hidden Gems.

This summer, our family of five had the incredible opportunity to spend a month in Cuenca, Ecuador. We settled into an apartment near Parque de la Madre, a vibrant park filled with life and activity, perfect for families. This park has it all: soccer and basketball courts, playgrounds, grassy fields perfect for picnics or playing frisbee (especially on Frisbee Fridays), Zumba classes on Tuesday nights, and lots of little restaurants nearby. It quickly became one of our favorite spots to unwind and connect with the local community.

One of the highlights of our stay was exploring Cuenca’s local markets. We had access to many mercados, but our favorites were 10 de Agosto and 27 de Febrero. These markets are filled with fresh produce, meats, and local specialties. If you visit, Hornado (slow-roasted pork) is a must-try! The weekend markets in the city center were also a delight, especially the flower stands where you can buy the most stunning bouquets for just a few dollars. I couldn’t resist a dozen roses with sunflowers for only $5!

We also came across some amazing eateries. Our favorite for Indian cuisine is Paradise Indian Restaurant, which provides a delightful change of flavors. Naturally, we sought out the best pizza and found it at La Pizza de Juanja. And if you’re craving the ultimate street taco, make your way to Morlaco’s Tacos for affordable and scrumptious tastes.

Cuenca is filled with beautiful parks that offer something for everyone. Parque de la Luz was another favorite, hosting many family-friendly activities like a kite festival, which was a major highlight of our trip. Even without a festival, the park is a great spot to spend a relaxing day admiring the views. Meanwhile, Parque El Paraíso features swan boats and a charming little “town” for kids on weekends.

For those seeking adventure, I highly recommend watching the sunset at Yoturi (Turi Sky Park). Although it requires climbing quite a few stairs, the view from the top is well worth it. There are delightful restaurants and picturesque spots for taking stunning photos with the cityscape as a backdrop. Additionally, there are exciting activities such as a cable car ride, a high rope swing, and more..

Justin and I enjoyed several date nights while in Cuenca, which were unforgettable. We particularly loved the food tasting and wine pairing at La Guarida so much that we went twice! The five-course tasting menu was only $25. We also tried Clandestino, another fantastic food-tasting experience for $35, complete with drink pairings. The chefs were incredibly welcoming, sitting with us and making us feel like old friends.

The kids started homeschooling while we were in Cuenca, using a mix of Power Homeschool and enriching activities like museum visits and reading books with real history. A notable visit was to the Ruinas de Pumapungo, an archaeological site that gave us insight into the ancient Cañari and Inca civilizations. The site features well-preserved ruins, beautiful gardens, and an informative museum, which provided an engaging way to learn about Ecuador’s rich cultural heritage.