Cuenca Guide

Cuenca, Ecuador, is a charming city where modern shopping centers meet traditional markets, offering something for every taste and budget.

Traditional Markets

For a true taste of local culture, head to Cuenca's vibrant traditional markets. Here, you'll find an array of goods, from fresh fruits and vegetables to artisan products. The markets are a great place to immerse yourself in the city's rhythm and discover the authentic flavors and crafts of the region.

Mercado 10 de Agosto

Located in the heart of the city, Mercado 10 de Agosto is one of the most popular spots for both locals and visitors. The market offers a wide variety of fresh produce, meats, dairy products, and typical Ecuadorian foods. It's the best market for purchasing meat.

Shopping Malls

For a more modern shopping experience, Cuenca has several shopping malls offering everything from international brands to local fashion. These malls are perfect for a day of shopping, dining, and entertainment.

Mall del Río

The Mall del Río is Cuenca's largest shopping mall. It offers a variety of shops, including popular international brands, a Coral superstore, a large food court, and a cinema. It's a great option for those seeking a more contemporary shopping experience.

Wayra Plaza

Wayra Plaza is a new shopping mall with all the popular stores from Corporación Favorita, the owner of the supermarket chain Supermaxi. This mall does not have a food court or a cinema.

Boutique Shops and Local Designers

Cuenca is home to many boutique shops and local designers, offering a more personalized shopping experience. These smaller shops often feature one-of-a-kind clothing, accessories, and artwork, perfect for those looking for something unique. Most of these shops are located in the historic district.

Souvenirs and Handicrafts

Cuenca is renowned for its artisan work, and the city’s handicrafts make perfect souvenirs. From Panama hats (which actually originate in Ecuador) to intricate jewelry, there’s no shortage of locally crafted items to bring back home.

Panama Hats

While they’re commonly associated with Panama, Panama hats actually come from the rural areas of Ecuador, particularly Cuenca. These hats are handwoven from toquilla straw and come in various styles and sizes. They make for an excellent gift or keepsake, and you can find them at numerous stores around the city.

Pottery and Textiles

Another great souvenir to pick up in Cuenca is the region’s famous pottery. Traditional hand-painted ceramics, such as plates, mugs, and vases, are widely available at local markets and specialty stores. Additionally, the region’s textile artisans produce high-quality woven fabrics that make for unique home decor or personal accessories.

Centro Municipal Artesanal CEMUART is a small shopping center in a historic building that specializes in locally made products. Plaza Rotary is a market for handmade products. On Plaza de los Hippies (at the corner of Calle Benigno Malo and Calle Mariscal Lamar), there is a daily handicraft market where you can find small souvenirs.

Grocery Shopping

For everyday shopping, Cuenca has several well-stocked supermarkets where you can find both local and international products. These are great for stocking up on essentials or getting familiar with Ecuadorian ingredients.

• Supermaxi and Megamaxi: Supermaxi is one of the largest supermarket chains in Ecuador, and it has several locations in Cuenca. The store offers a wide selection of local and imported goods, including fresh produce, meats, dairy, and packaged foods. Supermaxi is a reliable option for all your grocery needs. Megamaxi is the superstore variant of Supermaxi. Cuenca has one Megamaxi store located in Wayra Plaza. Online shopping at Supermaxi and Megamaxi is possible via the Tipti app.
• Coral Hipermercados: Coral Hipermercados is a nationwide chain of hypermarkets that originally started its operations in Cuenca. You can find several Coral hypermarkets in Cuenca. The largest is located in the Mall del Río. You can shop online at Coral Hipermercados on its website.
• Tía: Tía is known for its affordable prices. It offers only basic groceries and local Ecuadorian products. The stores are much smaller than Supermaxi supermarkets.
• Tuti: This is Ecuador's variant of budget stores like Aldi in North America and Europe. Tuti recently opened its first store in Cuenca.
• Tienda del Sur: Tienda del Sur is a small, local supermarket chain. It has several stores in and around Cuenca.

Shopping Tips

• Bargaining: While bargaining is not common in larger stores or malls, it’s more accepted in traditional markets. Don’t be afraid to negotiate prices, especially when buying crafts, souvenirs, or electronics.
• Currency: Ecuador uses the U.S. dollar as its official currency, so there’s no need to worry about currency exchange. However, keep small bills on hand, as not all vendors may be able to provide change for larger denominations.
• Sundays: Many shops in Cuenca are closed on Sundays, so plan your shopping trips accordingly. However, the malls are open on Sundays.
• Tax: There is a 15% VAT (Value Added Tax) applied to most purchases in Ecuador. However, this tax is usually included in the price, so you won’t need to worry about it at checkout.
• Transportation: When you buy larger items, you can order a cargo taxi via the AzuTaxi app. Some stores offer transportation options as well.