Community

Remember when we told you they were going to try? They did it. On Valentine's Day, 30 chefs prepared 1,723 kilograms of mote pata at Plaza San Francisco, earning Cuenca an official Guinness World Record and feeding 9,500 people for free.

ETAPA just graduated 350 community forest brigaders trained to defend the páramos and watersheds that supply every drop of Cuenca's tap water. After last year's fires scorched thousands of hectares, this volunteer army could be the difference between clean water and crisis.

If you see people in teal blue uniforms patrolling El Centro and don't recognize them — relax, it's still the Guardia Ciudadana. Cuenca's municipal security force ditched the old red look for a full rebrand in 2026. Here's what changed and what they actually do.

For years, the 35 rangers protecting Parque Nacional Cajas and Cuenca's critical watersheds fought wildfires with inadequate gear. ETAPA just changed that with a $215,000 equipment delivery — helmets, fire suits, chainsaws, and portable pumps. After 11,000 hectares burned in 2024, it was overdue.

Ramón Pucha spends days alone in the jungle collecting seeds from endangered trees. His wife plants them. His son gives tours. The government calls their farm a 'living laboratory' — but won't fund it. Their story says a lot about Ecuador right now.

A trove of nearly 800 letters, photographs, notebooks, and musical scores spanning three centuries has been discovered in Cordero Crespo's former home in El Centro. Researchers are now conserving and digitizing the collection for public access.

Cuenca's biggest commercial development is three months out. The Go Corp project brings the city's first H&M, Gap, Old Navy, and Banana Republic, plus entertainment venues. Here's what we know.

A 'Be Voter Ready for 2026 Midterms' event is happening today, February 6, at La Yunta Tienda y Cocina from 11 AM to 1:30 PM. Get help with absentee ballot requests and voter registration.