Colleen’s Adventures

September 27, 2023.

Today I took a trip to Turi. It is located on the southside of Cuenca, about 500 feet above the city proper. I was told there was a spectacular view of the city to be had from this viewpoint, so off we go! I grabbed my bus pass, loaded the Moovit bus app onto my phone and entered my destination. Yup, the bus takes you there! The app is very extensive. It told me my route options, time & place to board, transfer point, and ETA. You can even track the bus in real time while you’re riding! The bus stop was a whole 30 meters from my apartment – how convenient!

25 minutes later I debarked at Mirador de Turi.

I understand weekends this place can be crazy busy, but being a Wednesday morning, it wasn’t at all crowded at the lookout. From the observation deck you get a 180 degree view of the city and surrounding area.

A Catholic church is directly across the street from the observation area. The Iglesia Nuestra de la Merced de Turi (Church of Our Lady of Mercy of Turi) was built in the 1930’s and serves as a focal point for the Turi neghborhood.

You will also find lots of coffee shops, restaurants, little tiendas, and many small gift shops to explore if you are so inclined (I was not). I wandered the several square block tourist area, watched a family being immortalized by a caricature artist (he was quite good!) and just hung out at a bench soaking in the view. As noon approached, the clouds dissipated and the sun shone down in all it’s equatorial intensity…. Yowsa! that sun is hot! Muy caliente! A few minutes later I went off in search of a cold drink and settled at a shaded table outside a small tienda with an iced cappuccino and 25 minutes to relax before my bus arrived to whisk me back to my castle (too much hyperbole? ha ha ha!)

Actually, it was such a nice day, I decided to walk home from the bus transfer point. I stopped along the river for a few minutes to relax and cool down a bit before walking the rest of the way back to my apt – the bus was really hot, and between the heat and the elevation, I needed to cool down and drink my water before finishing my walk – a steady uphill climb.

There 4 rivers that flow west to east through Cuenca – Tomebamba, Yanuncay, Tarqui, and Machángara. At different points along the banks of the Tomebamba are grassy spots wide enough to be maintained by the city as mini parks. I often see students and business people alike relaxing and enjoying the green space amid the bustling city around them.

After a short break to cool down and rehydrate, I (slowly!) strolled back to my apartment and ate lunch on the patio by the river. Hate to break it to you, but that was my excitement for the day. The rest of the afternoon was all about Spanish lessons, reading, and a little siesta (again, on the patio!).

Overall, another great day in Cuenca.