Articles

Cuenca's water supply is at the center of a mining standoff. The government revoked Loma Larga's environmental license, the vice minister of mines resigned — but the mining concession itself hasn't been canceled. Here's what expats living in Cuenca need to know about the fight over Quimsacocha.

Heavy weekend rains caused a stream to overflow in Ucubamba, flooding more than a dozen homes and forcing evacuations. INAMHI warns intense rainfall will continue through February 5.

No more Quito layovers — LATAM Airlines just announced twice-weekly direct flights from Cuenca to the Galapagos starting March 31, 2026. Round-trip fares start at $310. Here's the schedule, how to book, and what this means for Cuenca-based travelers.

Graduating students from the University of Cuenca's Musical Arts program are performing their final recitals February 5-9. Piano, viola, double bass, clarinet, and bassoon—all free and open to the public.

If you've lived in Cuenca for any length of time, you've seen them: rows of roasted guinea pigs turning golden on spits. Now, that distinctly Azuayan flavor is making its way to dinner tables in New York City.

Cuenca's first rural municipal hospital opens February 1 in El Valle parish. The $8.2 million facility brings 31 medical specialties, two operating rooms, and round-the-clock emergency services to the southern parishes.

The first Mercado de las Industrias Escénicas del Ecuador brings 38 international festival programmers to Cuenca this week. Theater, dance, circus, puppetry, and music showcases open to the public.

Numbeo's mid-year safety index ranks Cuenca as the safest major city in South America, with a safety score of 54.05—great news for expats considering the move.

The XVII Bienal de Cuenca wraps up February 1 with "Game Over" finale activities. Don't miss the public voting for best artwork, gaming tournaments, and final exhibitions across the city.