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Why Cuenca is a Great City for Sustainable Living
Cuenca’s mild mountain climate, compact historic center, and strong tradition of markets and small-scale commerce make it unusually friendly for green living. As an expat, you’ll find it easy to reduce your environmental footprint here through everyday choices: walking or taking the tranvía, buying produce from neighborhood mercados, and tapping into local networks that already prioritize reuse and repair.
Simple Habits to Start Today
Begin with small, practical changes that quickly add up. These habits are low-cost and work in most Cuenca neighborhoods:
- Carry a reusable bag and a small produce bag for buying fruits and vegetables at mercados—many vendors will appreciate the effort.
- Bring a refillable water bottle. While many expats prefer purified jugs, Cuenca’s treated municipal water is generally safe—ask neighbors or your landlord if a filter is needed.
- Use a reusable coffee cup and straw. Cafés in the centro and barrios are increasingly used to customers bringing their own mugs.
- Switch to LED bulbs and unplug chargers when not in use—Cuenca’s cooler climate makes this especially effective because you won’t be running heavy air conditioning.
Shop Local: Markets, Barrio Tiendas and Secondhand Finds
One of Cuenca’s biggest sustainability advantages is its abundance of local markets and mom-and-pop tiendas. Shopping in these places reduces packaging and supports local farmers and artisans.
Where to buy produce
Head to the neighborhood mercados—Mercado 10 de Agosto and smaller community markets in barrios like El Vergel or San Sebastián are great options. You’ll find seasonal produce with less plastic and lower food miles than supermarket imports. If you’re in the Parque Calderón area, the stalls around the center are convenient for quick buys.
Secondhand and repair culture
Cuenca has lively secondhand markets and a culture of repairing items rather than tossing them. Watch for thrift stores and