Mall del Alto's First Week Brought Big Crowds and Parking Fines
Cuenca Expat Staff
Mall del Alto is open, and the first-week traffic story is just as important as the shopping story.
El Mercurio reports that Mall del Alto opened on May 21, 2026 and that its administration described the first week as stronger than expected.
The First-Week Numbers
Juan Fernando Cordero, administrator of the complex, told El Mercurio that during the first four days the mall received an average of 45,000 people.
He also said about 10,000 vehicles entered the shopping center during the first days.
The mall opened with 97% of its leased brands operating, according to the report.
Parking And Access
El Mercurio reports that the mall enabled four free shuttle vans to move visitors from more distant parking platforms.
One parking platform had not yet been paved, but Cordero said work had restarted and was expected to be finished in 15 days.
Once that work is complete, Mall del Alto is expected to have more than 2,000 parking spaces. El Mercurio also reports that the 1,500 parking spaces at Mall del Rio are being used by visitors.
The Fine To Know
The crowd created problems on the Cuenca-Azogues autopista and nearby residential streets, where some drivers parked in prohibited spots.
El Mercurio reports that EMOV EP agents sanctioned 96 drivers for bad parking. Each fine is $96.
For expats, the lesson is simple: if you are going soon, plan for traffic, use official parking, and do not assume the side streets are fair game. EMOV says controls will continue while people fail to respect traffic rules and public spaces around Mall del Alto and Mall del Rio.
Coming Openings
El Mercurio reports that Siete and Victoria's Secret are among the upcoming openings, with Victoria's Secret expected on June 11.
Source: El Mercurio
