New 'Plaza Viva' Wellness Space Opens at Mercado 12 de Abril

What's New

The Mercado 12 de Abril — one of Cuenca's traditional neighborhood markets — just got a public wellness space called "Plaza Viva" that opened on March 20.

The new space features:

• Urban furniture — benches and seating areas where you can actually sit and enjoy the space
• Green areas with plants and landscaping
• Children's play equipment — a small but welcome addition for families
• Murals by local artists adding color to the market's exterior
• Free health screenings at the inauguration event, including glucose testing, blood pressure checks, and nutrition consultations

The health screenings were a one-time inauguration event, but the municipality has indicated that periodic wellness events will continue at the plaza.

Why This Market Is Worth Knowing About

If you've been in Cuenca for a while, you probably know the big markets — Feria Libre (the massive Saturday market), Mercado 10 de Agosto (the tourist-friendly one with the famous hornado stalls), and Mercado 9 de Octubre (another large traditional market).

The Mercado 12 de Abril is smaller and more neighborhood-focused, which is exactly why some expats prefer it. It's located on Avenida 12 de Abril near the Tomebamba River, and it's known for:

• Cheap almuerzos (set lunches) — typically $2.50-3.50 for a full meal with soup, main course, juice, and dessert
• Fresh produce at local prices without the weekend crowds of Feria Libre
• A more relaxed atmosphere than the bigger, busier markets

The Bigger Trend

Plaza Viva fits into a broader pattern of the municipality investing in Cuenca's traditional markets. These markets are the backbone of the city's food system — most Cuencanos still do their primary grocery shopping at markets rather than supermarkets — and keeping them attractive and functional matters.

For expats, traditional markets can be intimidating at first. You might not know what everything is, vendors might not speak English, and the pace is different from a Coral or Supermaxi. But the food is fresher, the prices are dramatically lower, and the experience connects you to the city in a way that a supermarket never will.

Plaza Viva makes the Mercado 12 de Abril a bit more approachable. The new seating means you can grab an almuerzo and eat comfortably. The green space means it's a pleasant place to hang out, not just a quick in-and-out errand.

Getting There

The market is on Avenida 12 de Abril, between Calle Solano and the river. If you're coming from El Centro, it's a straight shot south across the Tomebamba — about a 10-minute walk from Parque Calderón or a quick tram ride.

Open daily, with the best selection in the mornings. Go for lunch — the almuerzos are a legitimate bargain and a good way to practice your Spanish with the señoras running the food stalls.

Source: El Mercurio