Markets Cuenca

The Cuenca region is famous for its large production of flowers of many varieties. Behind the new cathedral, in front of the church El Carmen de la Asunción, there is a colourful market every day - the Mercado de las Flores - which is fragrant in the sun. Cholas cuencanas in traditional costumes sit on small stools behind their resplendent stalls. It is a great attraction for visitors and this market has become one of the symbols of Cuenca. There are also beautiful potted plants. Worth a visit.

This is one of the main markets in the city centre. It is held in a large hall on two levels and you can find everything. From traditional spices brought by indigenous families working in the fields to clothing imported from the Far East, this is a market for locals more than tourists and that's a big part of its charm. You will also find an area reserved for the feria de la comida type of meal where you can taste the most typical dishes and buy food. A joyful atmosphere

You will find everything and anything in this big market: electronic equipment, animals, fruits and vegetables, other food products, clothes, various souvenirs, trinkets... It is a meeting place where all strata of the population mingle. Many farmers from the region sell their produce there. It is on Thursday that the market is the most important, and thus gathers the most people. Be careful, not everything you find here comes from Ecuador and the sellers will only tell you if you ask them...

If you don't pass by Otavalo, the biggest handicraft market of the country, nothing is lost to find the products with the shimmering colors that the craftsmen of the country produce. Here, on the plaza San Francisco, where recently you can even take a picture of yourself in front of the giant letters that form the name of the city, you will discover a hundred stands often held by charming Andean women covered with necklaces and golden bracelets who will offer you clothes and souvenirs.

Installed under a large hall, the population of Cuenca supplies itself with agricultural products of the area. A nice colorful walk, in the middle of very beautiful displays of flowers, spices, exotic fruits, vegetables, corn of all kinds. You can also buy chocolate, produced with Ecuadorian cocoa. You will also find here several stands where you can taste typical almuerzos with the locals, on the floor of the market.