Plaza de las Flores
Cuenca's vibrant open-air flower market, a National Geographic-recognized gem bursting with color and affordable blooms.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Freshest blooms and best light
Plaza de las Flores
Best Time
Freshest blooms and best light
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Cuenca's vibrant open-air flower market, a National Geographic-recognized gem bursting with color and affordable blooms.
"Discover dazzling floral assortments at incredibly reasonable prices, a true feast for the senses!"
🎯 Flower Bargains
Look for discounts after 4 PM, especially on weekends, right before closing time! :moneybag:
💧 Try the Convent Infusion
Sample 'agua de pitimas' for a unique floral taste experience. :droplet:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
A Symphony of Flowers
Central Cuenca
A dazzling array of fresh cut flowers and plants, bursting with color and fragrance. A true feast for the senses.
Agua de Pítimas
Flower stalls
Sample the unique convent infusion, a traditional floral water with a long history and a taste that's both intriguing and refreshing.
Affordable Bouquets
Flower stalls
Discover incredibly affordable and beautiful bouquets, offering exceptional value for stunning floral arrangements.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Blooms
Taste of Tradition
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Flower Bargains
Look for discounts after 4 PM, especially on weekends, right before closing time! :moneybag:
💧 Try the Convent Infusion
Sample 'agua de pitimas' for a unique floral taste experience. :droplet:
📸 Capture the Colors
The vibrant floral displays make for stunning photos. :camerawithflash:
📍 Location Clarity
It's near Iglesia de Carmen Asunción, not the main Cuenca Cathedral. :round_pushpin:
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Flower Bargains
Look for discounts after 4 PM, especially on weekends, right before closing time! :moneybag:
💧 Try the Convent Infusion
Sample 'agua de pitimas' for a unique floral taste experience. :droplet:
📸 Capture the Colors
The vibrant floral displays make for stunning photos. :camerawithflash:
📍 Location Clarity
It's near Iglesia de Carmen Asunción, not the main Cuenca Cathedral. :round_pushpin:
💐 Amazing Value
Bouquets are incredibly affordable, often more generous than expected. :gift:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Plaza de las Flores for its stunning visual appeal, vibrant colors, and incredibly affordable flower prices. The unique 'agua de pitimas' is a popular, albeit sometimes polarizing, local beverage to try. Some find the flower infusion too strong, but many appreciate its traditional value and refreshing taste.
"Really nice place, with colorful flowers you can get really affordable nice bouquet!
While you there try the convent infusion ( didn’t like it, found it too flowery, but my friends liked it) it’s apparently very good for your body and could make miracles"
Camille Fournet
"This place has every kind of flower, plant and other dirts whatever you need to build a perfect garden!
However here's a tip!
Go there after four and get a great discount right before they close around 4.
Especially on Saturday or Sunday!"
Rebecca Sangine
"Central Cuenca’s flower market on a small square in front of the Iglesia de Carmen Asunción, which cannot / must not be mistaken for the larger Cuenca Cathedral with the blue domes.
— Many of photos posted here are for the cathedral and must be deleted.
The flower square is a Cuenca institution. It’s radiant floral colors brighten the square even in cloudy/ rainy day.😎😎😎. The fragrance of roses are very distinctly pleasant👏👏👏.
This is simply a great small place to just admire all the flowers and be immersed in the colors!!!"
A V (globetrotter)
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Plaza de las Flores is centrally located in Cuenca, Ecuador. Many visitors arrive by foot if staying nearby, or by taxi/rideshare. The local streetcar system also provides convenient access to the downtown area, from where it's a short walk. +1
Yes, it's a well-known landmark in central Cuenca, situated in a small square in front of the Iglesia de Carmen Asunción.
Parking in central Cuenca can be challenging. It's often easier to use public transport or taxis. If driving, look for public parking garages nearby.
Walking is ideal to soak in the atmosphere. You can also take a panoramic tour or explore nearby iconic streets like Calle Santa Ana. +1
The square itself is generally flat and accessible. However, cobblestone streets in the surrounding areas might pose challenges.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Plaza de las Flores is an open-air market and public square, so there is no admission fee to enter.
The flower market is typically open daily from morning until late afternoon. It's advisable to visit earlier for the best selection, though discounts may be available closer to closing.
Travelers suggest visiting after 4 PM, especially on Saturdays and Sundays, for potential discounts as vendors prepare to close.
Yes, Plaza de las Flores offers a wide variety of flowers year-round, reflecting Ecuador's status as a flower-producing country.
While primarily a flower market, the vibrant atmosphere of the plaza often makes it a focal point for local life and spontaneous gatherings.
📸 📸 Photography
The sheer abundance and vibrant colors of the flowers provide endless photo opportunities. Capture close-ups of individual blooms, wide shots of the bustling market, and candid moments of vendors and shoppers. +1
Mornings offer soft, natural light and the freshest flowers. Late afternoons can also be beautiful with golden hour light, and you might capture interesting scenes as vendors pack up.
The entire square is a photographer's dream. Look for colorful bouquets, unique floral arrangements, and the backdrop of the Iglesia de Carmen Asunción.
It's always polite to ask permission before taking close-up photos of individuals. Most vendors are friendly and may be happy to oblige.
Any camera or smartphone with good color reproduction will work well. The natural beauty of the flowers will shine through regardless of the equipment.
🍽️ 💧 Food & Drink
A must-try is the 'agua de pitimas,' a traditional convent infusion made from flowers. It's a unique local beverage with a distinct floral taste. +1
You can purchase this traditional drink directly from some of the flower vendors at the plaza. It's often sold in small glasses for a very reasonable price. +1
This infusion is made from various flowers and has been prepared for decades by Carmelite Mothers, offering a taste of local tradition.
While the plaza is primarily a flower market, the surrounding streets in central Cuenca offer numerous cafes and restaurants serving local and international cuisine.
Some vendors might offer small local snacks, but the main focus is on flowers. For a full meal, explore the nearby dining options. 
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
While the plaza itself is accessible, navigating the surrounding streets might require extra attention with strollers due to cobblestones. Trying the 'agua de pitimas' can be a fun, novel experience for older children, though its strong floral taste might not appeal to all. Overall, it's a pleasant and colorful stop that adds a unique dimension to a family's visit to Cuenca.
💰 Budget Travelers
Visiting in the late afternoon can lead to even greater savings as vendors offer discounts before closing.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Heart of Cuenca's Floral Culture
The market offers an incredible variety, from roses and lilies to more exotic blooms, all at remarkably reasonable prices. Many visitors are surprised by the value, noting that bouquets are often more generous than expected. This affordability makes it a popular spot for locals to brighten their homes and for tourists to pick up a beautiful, inexpensive souvenir. The sheer visual spectacle, especially on a sunny day, is a photographer's delight, with every corner offering a new, colorful composition.
Beyond the visual appeal, Plaza de las Flores offers a taste of local tradition. The unique 'agua de pitimas,' a floral infusion prepared by Carmelite Mothers for decades, is a must-try beverage available from some vendors. It's a sensory experience that complements the floral surroundings, offering a refreshing and authentic taste of Cuenca.
Navigating the Blooms: Tips for Visitors
When purchasing flowers, be prepared for pleasant surprises. Many visitors report receiving more blooms than expected for the price, making it an excellent value proposition.
Remember that the 'flower square' is distinct from the larger Cuenca Cathedral. It's a smaller, more intimate space that truly captures the essence of Cuenca's floral heritage.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit