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Escalinata Murals

4.4
·25 reviews·Cuenca, Ecuador

Cuenca's vibrant Escalinata Murals: a dynamic staircase transformed into an open-air art gallery with stunning barranco views.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, better photos

CrowdLow
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Scalinata dal ponte

Escalinata Murals

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, better photos

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Cuenca's vibrant Escalinata Murals: a dynamic staircase transformed into an open-air art gallery with stunning barranco views.

4.4
(25 reviews)

"This is probably the most remarkably dynamic and lovely public stairway in central Cuenca."

Vertical photo
TIP

📸 Capture the Art

The murals change, so every visit is unique! :iphone: Bring your camera for stunning urban art photos.

🚶‍♀️ Wear Comfortable Shoes

With 88 steps, comfortable footwear is a must for exploring the entire staircase. :athletic_shoe:

Third hero image

Quick Facts

Rating

4.4 · 25 reviews

Type

Tourist Attraction

👶 Good for kids

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Vibrant Street Art Murals

Vibrant Street Art Murals

Along the staircase walls

Constantly evolving murals transform the steps into an open-air art gallery, showcasing local talent and creativity.

Dama de las Hoyas Mural

Dama de las Hoyas Mural

Spruced-up older mural

A beautifully restored classic mural, 'Lady of Leaves,' adds historical depth to the modern art.

Barranco Views

Barranco Views

Bottom of the steps, near the bridge

Enjoy picturesque views of the Tomebamba River and the historic barranco from the base of the stairs.

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Planning Your Visit

Timing Your Visit to Avoid Crowds

The Escalinata Murals are a popular spot, especially during peak hours. To enjoy the vibrant street art and lively atmosphere with fewer people, aim for early mornings or late afternoons. Weekdays are generally less crowded than weekends.

Accessibility and Recent Renovations

Recent renovations have improved accessibility with new handrails and wheelchair lifts, though their operation can be inconsistent. Ramps for bikes and scooters are also available. Check local information for current accessibility services.

Best Times

When
Weekday mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, better photos
Crowd
Low
When
Late afternoons
Why
Golden hour light
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Estamos en la ciudad de Cuenca en San Juan Jaramillo 10 20 Aguirre 15 dedos referencia botica San Francisco #sonyangels #china #kawaii #sony #labubu @JENNY❤️🖤
@15.dedos.bazar
28.9K likes • 581.9K views

📸 Capture the Art

The murals change, so every visit is unique! :iphone: Bring your camera for stunning urban art photos.

🚶‍♀️ Wear Comfortable Shoes

With 88 steps, comfortable footwear is a must for exploring the entire staircase. :athletic_shoe:

🛍️ Browse Local Crafts

You might find local artisans selling crafts on the landings. :moneybag:

🚲 Bike/Scooter Ramps

New ramps make it easier to bring bikes and scooters up or down. 🛵

Tips

from all over the internet

📸 Capture the Art

The murals change, so every visit is unique! :iphone: Bring your camera for stunning urban art photos.

🚶‍♀️ Wear Comfortable Shoes

With 88 steps, comfortable footwear is a must for exploring the entire staircase. :athletic_shoe:

🛍️ Browse Local Crafts

You might find local artisans selling crafts on the landings. :moneybag:

🚲 Bike/Scooter Ramps

New ramps make it easier to bring bikes and scooters up or down. 🛵

What Travellers Say

4.4
(25 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors rave about the Escalinata Murals, calling them a 'must-see' and a 'true treasure' of Cuenca. The vibrant, ever-changing street art is a major highlight, complemented by beautiful views of the barranco and the Tomebamba River. Recent renovations have improved accessibility, though some features are still being optimized.

"UPDATE March 2025 (more than 12 months from original post)

This is the most popular and probably most utilized of Cuenca’s Escalinatas (staircase) in the Barranco.

Built around the 1930s, it connects upper Central Historical District with the lower neighborhoods of the city on the other side of Rio Tomebamba.

As of March 2025, it has just undergone a big facelift at a publicized big budget.

- missing and cracked stones on the steps replaced
- new handrails installed
- new wheelchair chair lifts installed (although I have yet to see one in operation
- new walk-in ramps for bicycles installed

- there’s now additional wall mural
- the older mural “Dama de las Hoyas” (Lady of Leaves) has been spruced up.

It ends up on the Puente Mariano Moreno, which has now been renamed Puente Vivas Nos Queremos.

======
ORIGINAL REVIEW

This is probably the most remarkably dynamic and lovely public stairway in central Cuenca. There’s quite a bit of activity on the stair landings: some selling their crafts, others playing instruments.

The most remarkable is the painting on the wall. It’s different every time I come to Cuenca. It’s truly a beautiful urban art (a mural)😎😎😎.

At the bottom, by the bridge on Rio Tomemba is a view of the barranco."

A V (globetrotter)

"Newly renovated staircase. It's now accessible for wheelchairs or people with reduced mobility (although they don't specify who to call to use the service). They've also installed a system for loading and unloading bicycles and scooters, making the climb much easier. Hopefully, they'll install escalators in the next renovation."

Rubén Rodríguez

"A must-see in Cuenca!

The Francisco Sojos Steps are a true treasure of the city. Architecture, history, and natural beauty come together in this magical place.

I loved walking the steps, enjoying the sun and breeze, and taking incredible photos of the city. It's a perfect place to relax, reflect, and connect with the essence of Cuenca.

Don't miss the opportunity to visit this iconic place! 5 stars well deserved.

Rating: 5/5 stars"

Foxlider1

What People Like

Vibrant and dynamic street art
Beautiful barranco views
Free and accessible attraction

What People Dislike

Inconsistent wheelchair lift operation

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The Escalinata Murals are located in the Barranco area of Cuenca, connecting the upper Central Historical District to the lower neighborhoods. They are easily accessible on foot from the city center. Taxis are also readily available to drop you near the top or bottom of the stairs. TikTok

Yes, several bus routes pass through the central historical district, allowing you to walk to the Escalinata. The area is well-served by local buses, making it convenient to reach. Reddit

Parking in the historic center can be challenging. It's often easier to park in a designated lot and walk or take a short taxi ride to the murals. Reddit

You can start from either the top or the bottom. Starting from the top near the Central Historical District allows you to descend, while starting from the bottom near the Tomebamba River lets you ascend. Reddit

Yes, the murals end at the Puente Vivas Nos Queremos (formerly Puente Mariano Moreno) and are close to the Tomebamba River and Parque de la Madre. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, the Escalinata Murals are a public space and are free to visit. You can enjoy the art and the views without any admission fee. Reddit

The murals are accessible at all hours as it's an outdoor public staircase. However, for the best experience and safety, it's recommended to visit during daylight hours. Reddit

There is no entrance fee. The Escalinata Murals are a vibrant part of Cuenca's public art scene and are open to everyone. Reddit

While technically accessible, visiting at night is not recommended due to safety concerns and reduced visibility of the art. Daylight hours offer the best experience. Reddit

As a public space, general rules of public conduct apply. Please be respectful of the art and other visitors. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

Early mornings or late afternoons offer the best light for photography, minimizing harsh shadows and crowds. The 'golden hour' before sunset can create beautiful atmospheric shots. TikTok

You can capture vibrant street art, panoramic views of the barranco, and candid shots of local life. The dynamic nature of the murals means there's always something new to photograph. Reddit

Drone usage in urban areas like Cuenca's historic center is often restricted. It's best to check local regulations before flying a drone. Reddit

It's polite to ask for permission before photographing individuals, especially if they are selling their work. Reddit

To capture the full length of the 88 steps and the murals, try photographing from the bottom looking up, or from a slightly elevated position if available. Reddit

🎫 🚶‍♀️ Onsite Experience

Walking the 88 steps and appreciating the murals can take anywhere from 30 minutes to an hour, depending on how long you stop to admire the art and take photos. Reddit

The landings between sections of the stairs offer some space to rest. The recent renovations may have added more seating areas. Reddit

The steps have been renovated, with missing stones replaced and new handrails installed. The overall condition is good, making the climb safer. Reddit

Yes, children can enjoy the colorful art and the walk. However, keep a close eye on them, especially on the steps. Reddit

Expect a lively atmosphere with vibrant street art, often with local musicians or artisans present. It's a dynamic and engaging public space. Reddit

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