Mall del Alto Opens May 21 — H&M, Calvin Klein, and an Electric Go-Kart Track Are Coming to Cuenca

The Big Picture

Cuenca is getting a major new shopping center. Mall del Alto opens on May 21, 2026 on the Cuenca-Azogues highway, and it's bringing brands that haven't existed in southern Ecuador before.

The mall will be physically connected to the existing Mall del Río by a 48-meter pedestrian bridge — effectively creating a massive retail complex on Cuenca's east side.

What's Inside

This isn't a small addition. Mall del Alto is a 100,000-square-meter development with over 250 brands, including several making their first appearance in Cuenca:

International brands confirmed:

• H&M — 3,000 square meter flagship store (the biggest retail anchor)
• Calvin Klein
• Tommy Hilfiger
• GAP
• Old Navy

Entertainment:

• 260-meter electric go-kart track — the first indoor karting venue in the region
• Augmented reality bowling
• Additional entertainment and dining options still being announced

The project represents a $50+ million investment, and developers report 98% of commercial spaces are already leased — a strong indicator of retailer confidence in Cuenca's market.

Why Expats Care

If you've been doing online shopping or bringing clothes back from trips to the US because Cuenca lacked international retail options — that's about to change. H&M alone fills a gap that a lot of expats (and Cuencanos) have complained about for years.

The pedestrian bridge connecting to Mall del Río is also significant. Mall del Río is already Cuenca's biggest shopping center and home to the city's main movie theater (Multicines), Supermaxi, and a food court. Connecting the two malls creates a shopping destination that rivals anything in Quito or Guayaquil.

Road Closures Right Now

If you drive the Cuenca-Azogues highway (Autopista), pay attention: nightly road closures are in effect through March 23 for the pedestrian bridge construction.

• Closure times: 10:00 PM to 5:00 AM
• Affected area: The stretch near Mall del Río on the Autopista
• Alternative: Plan extra time or avoid the Autopista late at night this week

The Bigger Trend

Mall del Alto is part of a broader wave of commercial development in Cuenca. The city's population is growing — both from internal migration and the steady influx of expats and retirees — and retail is catching up. Combined with the Monay-IESS interchange being built nearby, the east side of Cuenca is positioning itself as the city's new commercial hub.

Opening date: May 21, 2026. Mark your calendar.

Sources: The Cuenca Dispatch, CuencaHighLife