Mercado 27 de Febrero - Image 1
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Mercado 27 de Febrero

4.2
·1k reviews·Cuenca, Ecuador

A vibrant local market on Cuenca's outskirts, famous for authentic hornado, fresh produce, and affordable goods.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Mornings

Freshest produce & lively atmosphere

CrowdMedium
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Mercado 27 de Febrero - Image 1

Mercado 27 de Febrero

Best Time

Mornings

Freshest produce & lively atmosphere

CrowdMedium
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A vibrant local market on Cuenca's outskirts, famous for authentic hornado, fresh produce, and affordable goods.

4.2
(1k reviews)

"Great place. Great prices. And if you are in the outskirts of Cuenca, and you don't have to go to the centro tonget mercado stuff"

Vertical photo
TIP

Taste the Hornado!

Don't leave without trying the famous hornado, especially from Mami Lolita's stall.

Bring Cash

Most vendors prefer cash, so have some small bills handy for easy transactions.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Authentic Hornado

Authentic Hornado

Food stalls

Savor slow-roasted pork, a Cuenca specialty, bursting with flavor. A must-try for any food lover!

Fresh Produce Galore

Fresh Produce Galore

Fruit and vegetable stalls

Discover a vibrant array of local fruits, vegetables, and herbs, showcasing Ecuador's agricultural richness.

Local Crafts and Goods

Local Crafts and Goods

Non-food stalls

Browse unique handmade crafts, textiles, and everyday items, perfect for souvenirs or gifts.

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Planning Your Visit

Embrace the Local Vibe

Experience authentic Cuenca life at Mercado 27 de Febrero. It's a bustling hub for fresh produce, local crafts, and delicious, affordable food. Come hungry and ready to explore!

Best Bites & Bargains

This market is a foodie paradise with incredible prices on traditional Ecuadorian dishes like hornado. Don't miss the chance to try local specialties and find unique souvenirs.

Best Times

When
Mornings
Why
Freshest produce & lively atmosphere
Crowd
Medium
When
Lunchtime
Why
Best time for delicious food
Crowd
High

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Retratando a mamá de seguidro en la feria libre. #cuencaenbici #ecuador #streetphotography #cuenca #humans #retratos #migrante #mom #mercado
@retratosdemitierra.ec
162K likes • 1.7M views

Taste the Hornado!

Don't leave without trying the famous hornado, especially from Mami Lolita's stall. TikTokInstagram

Bring Cash

Most vendors prefer cash, so have some small bills handy for easy transactions. Reddit

Mercado 27 de febrero #cuenca_ecuador🇪🇨❤
@luisamgonzalezec
28.5K likes • 184.7K views
Hola #foodies visitamos el mercado 27 de febrero en #cuenca probamos el hornado de mami Lolita @mamilolis27 lleno de sabor y frescura Te lo recomendamos #saboresecuatorianos #ecuador #cuenca #food #foodies #comida #viral #recomendacion #paradaobrigatoria #mercado #quecomer
clam_foodies
11 likes • 623 views

Explore Beyond Food

Beyond delicious food, find unique local crafts and everyday items. TikTok

Clean and Organized

You'll be impressed by the market's cleanliness and organization. Reddit

¡Gracias a todos por su cariño! En esta ocasión visitamos el Mercado 27 de febrero ✨ #mercado #cuenca #azuay #fyp
lucapallanca
11 likes • 247 views

Tips

from all over the internet

Taste the Hornado!

Don't leave without trying the famous hornado, especially from Mami Lolita's stall. TikTokInstagram

Bring Cash

Most vendors prefer cash, so have some small bills handy for easy transactions. Reddit

Explore Beyond Food

Beyond delicious food, find unique local crafts and everyday items. TikTok

Clean and Organized

You'll be impressed by the market's cleanliness and organization. Reddit

Affordable Eats

Enjoy a hearty meal for just a few dollars. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.2
(1k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors rave about Mercado 27 de Febrero for its authentic Ecuadorian food, especially the hornado, and its incredibly affordable prices. The market is praised for its cleanliness, organization, and the wide variety of goods available, from fresh produce to local crafts. While some might find it a bit out of the city center, the overall experience is highly recommended for a taste of local life.

"This is a medium size open air mercado typical of the kind one finds around Cuenca selling fresh fruits and vegetables. They also have stalls selling just about any non food products you can imagine. In addition there are numerous stalls selling prepared food at very affordable prices. Have shopped here many times."

William Morphis

"Great place. Great prices. And if you are in the outskirts of Cuenca, and you don't have to go to the centro tonget mercado stuff"

Josue Lopez

"Great pizza great attention good prices recomended"

RAFAEL CONDE

What People Like

Delicious and affordable hornado
Fresh produce and local goods
Clean and organized atmosphere

What People Dislike

Slightly out of city center

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Mercado 27 de Febrero is located on the outskirts of Cuenca, making it convenient if you're in that area. Many locals use bicycles to get there.TikTok You can also reach it by taxi or local bus routes serving the surrounding neighborhoods.

While specific parking details aren't widely shared, being on the outskirts suggests it might be easier to find parking than in the city center. Consider local advice if you're driving.

Yes, local bus routes likely serve the area around the market, providing an affordable way to get there for those not staying in the immediate vicinity.

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, Mercado 27 de Febrero is a public market, and there is no admission fee to enter. You can freely explore all sections of the market. Reddit

The market is typically open daily, with mornings and lunchtime being the busiest periods for fresh produce and prepared foods. It's best to visit during daylight hours to experience the full vibrancy. TikTok

There is no separate entrance fee for the food court area within Mercado 27 de Febrero. You pay for the food you order directly from the vendors.

While official tours aren't widely advertised, you can experience the market like a local by simply wandering through and interacting with vendors. Some local guides might offer market visits as part of a broader Cuenca tour.

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

The absolute must-try is the hornado (roasted pork), with Mami Lolita's stall being a popular recommendation.TikTokInstagram You can also find other traditional Ecuadorian dishes, fresh fruits, and local snacks.

Food prices are very affordable, with many meals costing just a few dollars. It's a great place for budget-friendly and authentic dining experiences. Reddit

While the market is known for its meat dishes like hornado, you can often find stalls selling fresh fruits, vegetables, and possibly some simpler preparations that cater to vegetarians.

Yes, surprisingly, some reviews mention great pizza and good attention at the market, indicating diverse food offerings beyond traditional Ecuadorian fare. Reddit

The market is generally described as clean and well-maintained,Reddit and the food is prepared fresh. As with any market, it's always good practice to choose busy stalls with high turnover.

🎫 🛍️ Shopping & Souvenirs

You can find a wide variety of non-food products, including housewares, clothing, textiles, and local crafts. It's a great place to pick up unique souvenirs. TikTok

For food items, prices are generally fixed. For crafts and non-food items, there might be some room for negotiation, especially if you're buying multiple items.

Explore the various stalls selling handmade goods. Look for items made from local materials or featuring traditional Ecuadorian designs.

📸 📸 Photography

Yes, photography is generally allowed, and many visitors capture the vibrant scenes. However, it's always polite to ask for permission before taking close-up photos of individuals, especially vendors. TikTok

Mornings offer good natural light and a lively atmosphere as vendors set up and customers arrive. Lunchtime is also great for capturing people enjoying their meals. TikTok

Focus on the colorful produce, the bustling food stalls, the interactions between vendors and customers, and the unique local crafts. Portraits of vendors can also be very compelling. TikTok

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Mercado 27 de Febrero offers a fun and educational outing for families. Kids will be fascinated by the colorful array of fruits and vegetables, and the bustling activity of the market. The affordable food court is perfect for a family meal, with options that can please even picky eaters. It's a great opportunity to introduce children to local culture and diverse foods in a casual setting. Remember to keep an eye on little ones in crowded areas and consider bringing cash for easy purchases.

💰 Budget Travelers

This market is a dream for budget travelers. You can enjoy incredibly affordable and delicious meals, with many dishes costing just a few dollars.Reddit Beyond food, you can find inexpensive souvenirs and everyday items. It's a fantastic place to experience authentic Cuenca life without spending a lot of money. Bring cash, as many vendors may not accept cards.

📸 Photographers

For photographers, Mercado 27 de Febrero is a goldmine of vibrant scenes. Capture the colorful produce, the lively interactions between vendors and customers, and the preparation of traditional dishes like hornado.TikTok+1 Mornings offer great natural light, while lunchtime buzzes with activity. Remember to be respectful and ask permission before taking close-up portraits of individuals.

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Culinary Heart: Hornado and More

Mercado 27 de Febrero is a celebrated spot for hornado, a traditional Ecuadorian slow-roasted pork dish. Many visitors specifically seek out this delicacy, with stalls like 'Mami Lolita' receiving high praise for their flavorful and tender preparations.TikTokInstagram The pork is often seasoned with local spices and cooked to perfection, resulting in crispy skin and succulent meat. Beyond hornado, the market offers a diverse range of prepared foods, from hearty stews to fresh seafood and even surprisingly good pizza, all at incredibly affordable prices.Reddit This makes it a fantastic destination for experiencing authentic Ecuadorian cuisine without breaking the bank.

Exploring the food stalls is an adventure in itself. You'll find vendors preparing dishes right before your eyes, adding to the sensory experience. The atmosphere is lively, with locals and visitors alike gathering to enjoy a delicious and inexpensive meal. It’s a place where you can truly taste the local culture, with each bite telling a story of tradition and flavor. Don't hesitate to ask vendors for recommendations or try something new – that's part of the market's charm.TikTok

A Hub for Local Life and Goods

More than just a food destination, Mercado 27 de Febrero is a vibrant community hub where locals shop for their daily needs. You'll find an impressive array of fresh fruits, vegetables, and herbs, showcasing the agricultural bounty of the region.TikTok The produce stalls are a riot of color and aroma, offering a glimpse into the local diet and farming practices. Beyond edibles, the market is a treasure trove for non-food items. Stalls sell everything from clothing and housewares to handmade crafts and souvenirs.TikTok This makes it an excellent spot to find unique gifts or mementos of your trip to Cuenca.

The market's reputation for cleanliness and organization is frequently highlighted by visitors,Reddit setting it apart from some other traditional markets. This pleasant environment enhances the shopping and dining experience. Whether you're looking for fresh ingredients for a home-cooked meal, a unique piece of local art, or simply want to soak in the authentic atmosphere of Cuenca, Mercado 27 de Febrero offers a rich and rewarding experience for every visitor.

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