Mall del Alto Opens Late April — H&M, Calvin Klein, Go-Karts, and 250 Stores Coming to Cuenca
Chip Moreno
Cuenca's Shopping Scene Is About to Change
If you've been driving past that massive construction site on the Cuenca-Azogues highway wondering when it'll be done — you're about two months away.
Mall del Alto opens the last week of April 2026, and it's bringing international retail brands that Cuenca has never had.
This is the biggest commercial project to hit the city in years, and with 98% of commercial spaces already leased, it's clear that retailers are betting big on Cuenca's growing consumer market.
The Numbers
| Detail | |
|---|---|
| Investment | $50+ million |
| Retail space | 100,000 square meters |
| Number of stores | 250+ |
| Spaces leased | 98% |
| Jobs created | ~1,500 direct |
| Location | Cuenca-Azogues highway (across from Mall del Río) |
| Opening | Last week of April 2026 |
The Brands
This is what everyone's talking about. Mall del Alto is bringing international fashion brands that currently require a trip to Quito or Guayaquil — or an international flight:
- H&M — 3,000 square meters, the largest store in the mall
- Calvin Klein
- Tommy Hilfiger
- GAP
- Old Navy
That H&M flagship alone is a statement. At 3,000 square meters, it's comparable to their major locations in larger Latin American capitals.
Beyond Shopping
Mall del Alto isn't just retail. The entertainment lineup includes:
- Electric go-kart track — 260 meters long, indoor
- Immersive bowling — augmented reality with lights and sound effects
- Adult and children's playground — mixed-age entertainment zone
- Food court — details on specific restaurants haven't been announced yet
The go-kart track is particularly notable — nothing like it exists in Cuenca currently.
Location and Access
Mall del Alto sits on the Cuenca-Azogues highway, directly across from the existing Mall del Río. This means the area is becoming Cuenca's de facto retail corridor, which could also mean more traffic congestion on the autopista — something to plan for once it opens.
The location is accessible by car and bus, and parking capacity should be substantial given the scale of the project.
What This Means for Cuenca
The good:
- No more flying to Quito for international brands
- 1,500 new jobs in a city that needs them
- Entertainment options beyond restaurants and parks
- Competition that could improve service at existing malls
The practical:
- Expect heavy traffic on the autopista during the first few weeks
- Prices at international brands will likely include Ecuador-typical markups over US prices
- Not all brands will carry full international collections (Ecuador store inventories tend to be smaller)
The cultural question:
- Some Cuencanos worry about the impact on small local businesses and artisanal shops
- Others see it as overdue modernization that keeps spending local instead of flowing to Quito or Guayaquil
Opening Week
No specific opening date has been announced beyond "last week of April." Expect a formal announcement with date, events, and promotions in the coming weeks.
We'll update this article when the exact date drops.
Sources: Vistazo, El Mercurio, Primicias
