Cuenca news today, written for expats

The Cuenca-Girón-Pasaje road is still closed after major slides, and officials now say a controlled reopening could take three to four weeks. A full rehabilitation is a much longer project, with bidding expected later in 2026 and construction estimated at 18 to 24 months.

Parque Miraflores is one of northern Cuenca’s major recreation areas, but neighbors say broken sports facilities, damaged playground equipment, poor lighting, and safety worries are making it harder to use. Residents are asking authorities for maintenance and stronger control.

Three legal voices are split on whether suspended mayor Cristian Zamora can return to office after his six-month sanction. The issue now turns on how Cuenca’s council, the Commission of Mesa, and possibly the Procuraduría interpret the legal gap.

Cuenca has a packed two-day cultural calendar for June 25 and 26, with artisan exhibitions, free concerts, workshops and Fiesta de la Musica events around the city. Here are the practical details to keep handy.

Universidad del Azuay has opened enrollment for the August-December 2026 academic period. Medicine applicants have a July 4 exam, while the university recommends completing enrollment by July 20 before classes begin August 24.

La figura compleja del Rey is open at Sala Proceso in Cuenca through July 17. The exhibition combines art, testimony and neuroscience research, with free entry during weekday hours.