TripAdvisor names Cuenca in top 10 list of up-and-coming travel destinations in South America

Cuenca can add another prize to its growing list of tourism acalades.

Cuenca earns another tourism distinction. (El Tiempo)

On Tuesday, the international travel website TripAdvisor recognized the city as one of the 10 best emerging destinations in South America. Other cities on the list include Curitiba, Brazil, La Paz, Bolivia, Medellín, Colombia, Salta, Argentina, Asunción, Paraguay, and Guayaquil.

TripAdvisor cites Cuenca’s historic charm and attraction as a regional arts center as the reason for its inclusion on the list. “Cafes and art galleries crowd the historic district’s cobblestoned streets and the city’s spectacular setting in the Andes mountains adds to its considerable appeal,” says the website, which has been recognized as the world’s top travel information resource. “The city, which is the center of Panama hat production, has long been a mecca for Latin American artists and is host to one of the most respected art bienalles in the Western Hemisphere.”

On its website, TripAdvisor includes more than 7,000 photos of Cuenca taken by travelers, lists 150 hotels and hostals, 450 restaurants and 174 tours options.