Lifestyle

The biggest commercial development Cuenca has seen in years opens its doors on May 22. Five levels, 140 stores, electric go-karts, and an elevated walkway connecting it to Mall del Río. Mark your calendar.

A 34-year-old film curator has opened a weekly cinema night on the fourth floor of the historic Teatro Cuenca building. The Shining, Body Double, and David Bowie docs on original mid-century seats. Thursdays.

On Tuesday, April 21, trail cameras in the water-recharge zones above Baños parish captured images of a puma concolor — the first time a mountain lion has been recorded in that specific conservation area.

The Universidad de Cuenca has opened registration for online Portuguese courses in partnership with the Brazilian-Ecuadorian Cultural Institute. Seven levels, 40 hours each, taught over Zoom. First level costs $105 plus $59 for required materials.

The Museo Municipal de la Paja Toquilla and Ricaurte's Casa Amiga are running four rounds of free toquilla straw weaving classes through June. Basic and advanced levels, afternoon and Saturday morning slots, spots are limited. Here's the schedule and the email to grab a seat.

It's Good Friday and Cuenca is in full Semana Santa mode. Banks are closed through Sunday, government offices are shut, but supermarkets and restaurants stay open. Here's your complete guide to what's working today, what's not, and the Cathedral's full schedule of services.

Prefer museums to processions? The Catedral Antigua has 30+ works spanning four centuries, including contemporary art by Mikaela Baez. Museo de las Conceptas has a special Passion gallery. $3 entry, open through early May.

Which hospital do you go to in an emergency in Cuenca? How much does the ER cost? A quick reference guide to Cuenca's hospitals, clinics, and emergency services for expats.

How to get around Cuenca, Ecuador without a car — or with one. A complete guide to the tram, city buses, taxis, ride apps, and whether you should bother driving.