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Cuenca, Ecuador is a beautiful city known for its rich cultural heritage and stunning architecture. As a dental tourist visiting Cuenca for dental services, you will also have the opportunity to explore the city’s vibrant craft markets. These markets offer a unique shopping experience where you can find handmade crafts, textiles, jewelry, and more. In this guide, we will highlight some of the best craft markets in Cuenca that you should visit during your stay.
1. Mercado Artesanal
Mercado Artesanal is one of the most popular craft markets in Cuenca, located near the city center. Here, you will find a wide variety of traditional Ecuadorian crafts, including colorful textiles, pottery, wood carvings, and leather goods. The market is a great place to purchase souvenirs or gifts for friends and family back home.
Opening hours:
Monday-Saturday: 9am-6pm
2. Feria Libre
Feria Libre is a bustling market located in the San Francisco neighborhood of Cuenca. This market is known for its fresh produce, but you can also find a section dedicated to handmade crafts. Here, you can browse through stalls selling handmade jewelry, paintings, and other artisanal products.
Opening hours:
Thursday-Sunday: 7am-5pm
3. Plaza de San Francisco
Plaza de San Francisco is a charming square in the heart of Cuenca that hosts a small craft market on weekends. Here, you can find local artisans selling their handmade goods, such as textiles, ceramics, and artwork. The market is a great place to support local artists and find unique souvenirs.
Opening hours:
Saturday-Sunday: 10am-4pm
4. Mercado 10 de Agosto
Mercado 10 de Agosto is a traditional market in Cuenca that offers a mix of fresh produce, meat, and seafood, as well as a section dedicated to handmade crafts. Here, you can find a variety of artisanal products, including jewelry, clothing, and accessories. The market is a great place to experience the local culture and pick up some unique souvenirs.
Opening hours:
Monday-Saturday: 6am-6pm
5. Mercado de las Flores
Mercado de las Flores is a flower market located in the historic center of Cuenca. In addition to vibrant blooms, the market also offers a selection of handmade crafts, such as woven baskets, hand-painted ceramics, and embroidered textiles. The market is a colorful and lively place to explore and shop for unique treasures.
Opening hours:
Monday-Sunday: 8am-7pm
Conclusion
Exploring Cuenca’s craft markets is a must-do activity for dental tourists looking to experience the city’s rich culture and support local artisans. From traditional textiles to handmade jewelry, you will find a wide variety of unique and beautiful crafts to take home as souvenirs. Make sure to visit Mercado Artesanal, Feria Libre, Plaza de San Francisco, Mercado 10 de Agosto, and Mercado de las Flores during your stay in Cuenca.
FAQs
Q: Are prices negotiable at Cuenca’s craft markets?
A: Yes, prices are often negotiable at Cuenca’s craft markets. It is common practice to haggle with vendors to get the best price for your purchases.
Q: What is the best time to visit Cuenca’s craft markets?
A: The craft markets in Cuenca are typically open throughout the week, but weekends are the best time to visit when the markets are bustling with activity and more vendors are present.
Adam Elliot Altholtz serves as the Administrator & Patient Coordinator of the “Find Health in Ecuador Dental Clinic”, along with his fellow Expats’ beloved ‘Dr. No Pain’, right here in Cuenca, Ecuador, and for purposes of discussing all your Dental needs and questions, is available virtually 24/7 on all 365 days of the year, including holidays. Adam proudly responds to ALL Expat patients from at least 7:00am to 9:00pm Ecuador time, again every single day of the year (and once more even on holidays), when you write to him by email at [email protected] and also by inquiry submitted on the Dental Clinic’s fully detailed website of www.findhealthinecuador.com for you to visit any time, by day or night. Plus, you can reach Adam directly by WhatsApp at +593 98 392 9606 or by his US phone number of 1‐(941)‐227‐0114, and the Dental Clinic’s Ecuador phone number for local Expats residing in Cuenca is 07‐410‐8745. ALWAYS, you will receive your full Dental Service in English (NEVER in Spanish), per you as an Expat either living in or desiring to visit Cuenca by your Dental Vacation, plus also to enjoy all of Ecuador’s wonders that are just waiting for you to come arouse and delight your senses.