Articles

A new vehicle connection is now open in the Feria Libre sector, meant to reduce congestion around one of Cuenca's busiest market areas. The city says Wednesday traffic can reach about 45,000 vehicles there, but pedestrians are already raising concerns about missing signage and crossing safety.

Ecuador's driving-license grace period ends June 30, 2026. The ANT says people with renewal appointments after that date may use special Saturday service on June 20 and 27 from 08:00 to 16:00, as long as they go to the same agency with their printed appointment and required documents.

Mediateca Alianza Francesa de Cuenca is offering a four-session art history course in July that uses gastronomy as the thread, from ancient Egypt and Ming China to Dutch banquet tables and Warhol’s Factory. The Saturday sessions run July 4, 11, 18 and 25 from 10:00 to 12:00, with a B1 French level recommended.

The Brass Band OSC, a chamber ensemble from the Orquesta Sinfonica de Cuenca, performs today at 15:00 in the hall of Museo Pumapungo. Admission is free, and the program moves through contemporary fanfare, jazz, popular music, Ecuadorian music, tango and cinematic sounds.

Jefferson Gallardo Leon is the new manager of Hospital Jose Carrasco Arteaga, the IESS hospital in Cuenca. The appointment makes him the fifth manager so far this year, raising concern among staff and health observers about continuity inside one of the region’s major public hospitals.

President Daniel Noboa declared a 60-day state of exception that includes Azuay and nine other provinces. For Cuenca residents, the key practical point is that there is no curfew in Azuay, but police and military powers are expanded under the decree.

Older adults and people with disabilities can still request IVA refunds, but the SRI is applying tighter controls in 2026. The monthly maximum for older adults is $144.60, and only specific expense categories now qualify.

Father’s Day is getting a football-heavy push in Cuenca this year, with Ecuador jerseys, surprise breakfasts, customized arrangements and toquilla straw hats among the local options. Prices mentioned by vendors range from $8 small arrangements to $35 fuller breakfast packages, with toquilla hats starting at $15.

Cuenca's Property Registry activated online card payments on June 15, letting users complete registry requests through the virtual window without going to the office. For anyone buying, selling, renting or sorting out property paperwork, this is one of those small digital changes that can save a very real errand.