Jardin Botanico de Cuenca

At the confluence of the Tarqui and Yanuncay rivers, in the picturesque La Isla district, lies the Cuenca Botanical Garden—one of the most striking natural landmarks in the city of Cuenca. This site is not just a park, but an important center for the conservation and research of the biodiversity for which Ecuador is so famous. Occupying about 5 hectares in its first phase, the garden is eventually expected to span more than 24 hectares, becoming a true "green heart" for the region.

Cuenca Botanical Garden. Иллюстрация. Источник: Kupi.com AI

The garden's uniqueness lies in its ability to recreate eight different ecosystems of southern Ecuador. Here, you can see everything from humid mountain scrub and cloud forests to high-altitude páramos. A walk through the grounds becomes an interactive journey through different climatic zones, where medicinal herbs, Andean tubers, ornamental flowers, and fruit trees grow side by side.

The Botanical Garden is also a masterpiece of modern architecture. Its infrastructure, which includes laboratories, a nursery, an observation deck, and a striking pedestrian bridge, was recognized with a prestigious national award at the Pan-American Architecture Biennale. This place is equally interesting for scientists and students studying ecology as it is for regular tourists seeking solitude in the heart of nature.

To check for current information on events and special exhibitions, we recommend visiting the park's official social media pages. The Botanical Garden maintains an active presence, sharing beautiful photos and updates about its residents. Below are the primary contact details to help you find your way on-site.

The main thing every guest should do is walk along the 1,300-meter serpentine trail. This route is designed so that you progressively encounter all the represented ecosystems. Along the way, you will find information boards that help you understand the characteristics of ritual and medicinal plants, as well as see rare Andean tubers grown in traditional "chakra" zones.

Nature lovers should definitely take time to observe the river inhabitants—ducks can often be seen swimming in the canals or resting on the banks of the Yanuncay. For those who want to enjoy panoramic views, an observation deck is available, offering a magnificent view of the garden's landscape design and the surrounding mountains. The pedestrian bridge over the river is also an excellent spot for striking photos.

The garden's infrastructure allows you to spend your time in maximum comfort. You can stop by the local cafe for a cup of aromatic Ecuadorian coffee or have a picnic in the designated relaxation areas. In the future, there are plans to open courts for active games, such as basketball and the traditional ecuavóley, but for now, the garden remains an ideal place for peaceful walks, meditation, and environmental education.

Finding this green oasis is easy, as it is located in the La Isla district, at the confluence of the Tarqui and Yanuncay rivers. The University of Azuay, located in the immediate vicinity of the park, often serves as a landmark for tourists.

You can reach the garden from the historic center of Cuenca by taxi—the trip takes only about 10–15 minutes. If you prefer public transport, choose buses running along Av. 24 de Mayo or toward Tres Puentes. From there, it is just a short walk to the garden entrance, allowing you to enjoy views of the city's riverbanks.

For those who enjoy walking, the path from the center can be an excellent route along the river. A pedestrian bridge over the Yanuncay River conveniently connects the banks and integrates the garden into the city's pedestrian network. However, keep in mind that parking directly at the entrance is limited, so using public transport or a taxi is a more eco-friendly and convenient solution.

The history of this site began in August 2018 under the leadership of Mayor Marcelo Cabrera. The core idea was not just to create a park, but to establish a research center to preserve the unique biodiversity of the country's south. In the first phase of the project, which covers about 5 hectares, the city invested over $3.2 million.

The official opening of the first zones took place in February 2021. The designers from the Fundación El Barranco set out to restore the public space by the rivers while simultaneously protecting the local flora. At the time of opening, more than 60 native plant species were represented here, accounting for nearly half of all known species in the region.

Notably, the garden's architectural design received high-level recognition: the project was awarded a national prize at the XXIII Pan-American Architecture Biennale in Quito (BAQ). The architects successfully integrated modern laboratory buildings, nurseries, and auditoriums into the natural landscape while preserving several historically significant structures.

In the future, the Cuenca Botanical Garden plans to expand to an impressive 24.65 hectares. The second and third phases of the project's development involve creating new recreational zones and educational spaces along the river, turning the area into a massive green belt contributing to the sustainable development of the Azuay region.

For a leisurely stroll along the main 1,300-meter trail and a quick look at all eight ecosystems, you will need about 1–2 hours. This is enough time to take beautiful photos against the backdrop of the rivers and get to know the main plant collections.

If you plan a deep dive into the world of flora, want to attend lectures in the auditorium, visit the cafe, and have a small picnic in the rest areas, you should set aside half a day for your visit. The Botanical Garden encourages contemplative relaxation, so many visitors prefer to spend 3–4 hours here, enjoying the peace and fresh air away from the city noise.

The Botanical Garden is open to visitors daily, making it easy to include in your travel itinerary. On weekdays (Monday to Friday), the garden gates are open from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM, which is convenient for both early morning walks and afternoon visits.

On weekends, the operating hours are slightly shorter: on Saturday and Sunday, the garden welcomes guests from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Please note that public holidays may affect the schedule, so it is worth checking the information on the park's official page before visiting on such dates.

After a walk among exotic plants, you can continue exploring the local fauna and the city's interesting commercial sites. The area around the garden is actively developing, offering tourists a different perspective on Cuenca—from specialized shops to cozy residential neighborhoods.

Visiting nearby locations will allow you to better feel the atmosphere of this district and perhaps find unusual souvenirs or simply relax in one of the city's recreation areas.