On Monday, June 17, 2024, the municipality of Cuenca will begin the reconstruction of the "Francisco Sojos Jaramillo". This is the staircase to the history center that is located next to the Parque de la Madre, between Paseo 3 de Noviembre next to the river and Calle Larga in the historic center. The reconstructed staircase will have facilities such as a stair lift and handrails for people with disabilities and older adults. It will also feature an automated bicycle rail and LED lighting. The reconstruction is expected to be completed by mid-October this year.

The front terrace of the San Luis Seminary has been opened to the public as a new tourist attraction. Its restoration took one month.

The Archdiocese of Cuenca waited 20 years to open the front terrace of the "San Luis" Seminary to the public. This space in the heritage property becomes a new attraction of the Historic Center.

The Archdiocese invested resources to restore the balcony due to its privileged location facing Benigno Malo Street. It is approximately 60 meters long by six meters wide with a slight slope in the floor to drain rainwater.

As a visitor you can access the terrace through a narrow spiral wooden staircase. From the terrace you can enjoy a beautiful panoramic view of the urban area. You'll be able to see the domes of the New Cathedral, Parque Calderón, the buildings of the Municipality of Cuenca, and the Azuay Governor's Office.

Hogar de Esperanza in Cuenca has started to offer two economical ways to explore Ecuador:

• Wednesday Escapadas

  Wednesday Escapadas are transportation only. Upon arrival at the destination, you are free to do what you want. Hogar de Esperanza will take you to places you might not otherwise find accessible. Most of these trips are pet-friendly.

• Let’s Vamos!

  These trips are fully organized and all-inclusive.

All proceeds from these trips support the work of the foundation.

Hogar de Esperanza invites you to let them know your suggestions for places to visit.

To view the schedule or make a reservation, you can visit this webpage: https://hogaresperanza.org/en/escapades/

For more information, you can also contact Alejandra Guerrero at events@hogaresperanza.org or +593 9 9094 7611.

To download the program: https://shorturl.at/7pSUq

The newspaper Expreso published  an interview with optical shop La Clínica del Lente in Cuenca:

The medical team of the Lens Clinic, composed of Samantha Sánchez, Pablo Sarmiento, and optometrist Nancy Ortega, clarified some questions related to visual health.

How did the idea of opening your business come about?

This business began as a workshop for frame repairs.

How would you describe the current scope of the business and its evolution?

Our business has evolved from simply providing services. Initially, the business was small and very basic, but over the years we have implemented improvements through constant training and individualized medical attention for timely treatment. We aim to provide optimal recovery for each one of our patients.

What area do you emphasize in your service offerings?

We offer a personalized service, providing high-quality products, technical, and professional advice.

What differentiates your offerings from others in the market?

Our service, especially the quality of our lenses and frames. Our work is guaranteed.

What has been your business's greatest satisfaction?

Seeing our customers satisfied with our service.

What have been the most challenging moments you've faced?

Losing one of the founders who started this business 35 years ago. Despite his passing 2 years and 6 months ago, we have not given up. We remain persistent and stronger, providing high-quality service to those in need.

If you had to indicate what your business's success is due to, what would you mention?

Persistence and the attention to those who need us.

If you compare the beginnings to the present, what has changed?

The location and space in which we attend to our patients have changed. Now we can provide more comfort to those who need our service. Additionally, we have integrated medical services to offer a complete service.

What lessons has the pandemic's difficult moments taught you as a company?

Our service was not interrupted; we worked with all precautions behind closed doors, as our service has stood out due to our good disposition towards the customer.

What are your medium- and long-term plans?

Our long-term plans are to open a complete ophthalmological center. This will cover everything from the most basic to the most complex, including eye surgeries, treatments, and disease prevention.

The Pumapungo Museum and Archaeological Park will temporarily close for renovation work across its museum, theater, and park areas. The project aims to upgrade the infrastructure and enhance the overall visitor experience.

Key improvements include updates to permanent and temporary exhibits, better access, and the integration of new technologies.

The closure began on September 9, 2024, with plans to reopen in early December.

During this period, the Archaeological Site and the Ethnobotanical Park will remain open, offering virtual tours and alternative activities for visitors.

Events like the International Puppet Festival “TitiriCuenca” (September 24–28) and “World Stages” in October will still be held at the Pumapungo Theater as scheduled.

The Municipal Museum of Modern Art is temporarily closed to prepare a new exhibition. It will reopen on January 9, 2025, with the exhibition. The museum hasn’t yet disclosed more information about the new exhibition. 

This hyperrealism art exhibition features the extraordinary work of artist Santiago Guillermo. Despite lacking mobility in his arms, Guillermo creates his artwork using his mouth, demonstrating remarkable talent and an impeccable technique.

The exhibition highlights both the beauty of hyperrealism and the artist's resilience and creativity.

Cuenca’s Historic Center is undergoing a transformation with the installation of new bollards on Mariano Cueva and Bolívar streets. These bollards are part of a larger project to meet international accessibility standards, ensuring safer public spaces for everyone.

The new bollards, which stand 90 cm tall and include reflective bands for visibility, are designed to minimize the risk of tripping and falling. They contrast with the ground and surrounding areas to enhance safety, especially at night. This upgrade is part of a gradual project set to replace around 600 bollards by 2025.

Concerns about the safety of older bollards, especially for older adults and visually impaired individuals, led to this change. Previous bollards, installed during the city’s urban regeneration efforts from 1998 to 2001, were inconsistent in design, height, and material, often measuring only 30 centimeters and increasing the risk of accidents. The lack of clear regulations at the time led to a mix of designs, some with sharp edges and colors that blended into the surroundings, further exacerbating safety issues.

The project also addresses other accessibility concerns, such as the use of narrow sidewalks for outdoor seating, which obstructs mobility. Advocates are pushing for further improvements, including replacing outdated trash grates, to ensure compliance with accessibility regulations.

Key Numbers:

• 600 bollards to be replaced.

• 29,371 people in Azuay have mobility challenges.

• 23,834 residents have visual impairments.

These updates aim to make Cuenca safer and more inclusive for all.

Source: El Mercurio.