Having strayed from my south-bound route in order to visit Charlie in Quito, I had to traverse the country of Ecuador yet again and make my way toward Peru. I’d heard that Cuenca was a beautiful colonial town worth a visit (hmmm, I’ve heard that before) and I figured I’d give myself a break before crossing the border. I had no plans, but I had to stop since I just didn’t think I was up for a near-twenty-hour bus ride.
It’s always a small miracle when a hostel will let you have a bed before check-in time. And luckily, arriving in Cuenca at approximately 7 AM, I was allowed into my empty dorm room to nap all day. Now I know I said near-empty hostel rooms are creepy, but this was an exception. I just wanted to be able to do nothing without anybody thinking I was a weirdo.
Well, maybe do nothing and eat.
To be fair, Cuenca is beautiful. I just had no idea what to do there. And I had no desire to try very hard to find out.
There was a park, a plaza, and a giant church. There were tons of people selling snacks and religious paraphernalia (you know, candles, rosaries, shawls – can you call that “paraphernalia”?) outside the church.
You could arrange for tours to walk to the top of the church and check out the views from the roof, but by the time I decided to get up and do that, I was informed by a hostel-mate that it was too late. So I just strolled in front and eyed the snacks.
There’s also a nice national park – El Cajas – nearby with hiking and strange vegetation, but I didn’t feel like leaving town. I was really lazy.
Instead I wandered the streets, researched restaurant options, and went to book my overnight bus ticket to Peru (border crossing included!) in advance.
I watched all of the street vendors set up their snacks outside of the schools just as the kids were being released. I ate some mango for 50 cents… Spiralized mango to be exact.
I passed by a flower market…
And checked out the European-esque architecture…
And all of the bright colors. And another church.
I ate ice cream, I had Thai food, and I chatted with folks in the hostel. I relaxed.
And then on my second evening in town, when it was time to go, I packed up my stuff, spent the rest of my dollars, and headed out.
Oh yeah, I could’ve done more in Cuenca. It seemed like a very livable Ecuadorian city. Yes, I could’ve stayed longer. But I didn’t. And I’m not sad about it.
On to Peru! It’s about time!
Where I Stayed: Bauhaus Hostel for spacious rooms, nice people, and some of the usual suspects from the Gringo Trail; it came recommended to me by a fellow traveler. Family-style dinners are available and it’s in a great location near the main plaza.
Where I Ate: Fratello Gelato (for gelato, but don’t get sandwiches there – mine was garbage, like we’re talking one of the worst meals of my trip; the cheap pasta isn’t bad though), and Cafe Eucalyptus for a solid attempt at Thai, cheap drinks, and friendly service.
Some beautiful photos in this post! Love those small travel miracles — I was able to check into mine at 7AM last week, too, and it was EVERYTHING. Can’t wait to read about Peru!
Katie recently posted…El Questro, Paradise in the Outback: The Gibb River Road-Kimberley Adventure, Part III
Thanks! Oh, it’s so crucial. Otherwise you’re wandering around a town all tired and miserable or you’re the weirdo trying to sleep in all of the public places in the hostel.
I’ve never seen spiralized mango! And that flower market is so awesome!
Is Thai food that common in S. America?
chewy recently posted…An American’s guide to British English or how to not feel like an idiot in London
Thanks! Loved all the fresh fruit on the street there. And Thai food – no, not common at all! (I guess understandably so.) I could usually only find it in bigger cities (Cuenca is the third largest in Ecuador I think), but I was craving it.