Iglesia de Turi
A hilltop sanctuary offering stunning panoramic views of Cuenca, featuring a beautiful neoclassical church and a unique glass bridge.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Magical city lights glow
Iglesia de Turi
Best Time
Magical city lights glow
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A hilltop sanctuary offering stunning panoramic views of Cuenca, featuring a beautiful neoclassical church and a unique glass bridge.
"The Mirador de Turi offers breathtaking panoramic views that alone are worth the visit. "
🧥 Bring a Warm Layer
Evenings can get chilly at the mirador, so pack a jacket.
🚶♀️ Steep Climb Alert!
The direct path has ~650 steep steps; consider the bus or road.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Mirador de Turi
Hilltop viewpoint
Panoramic city views, especially breathtaking at sunset and night.
Iglesia de Turi
Adjacent to the Mirador
A neoclassical architectural gem with a simple yet attractive design.
Puente de Cristal
Near the Mirador
A unique glass bridge offering a novel perspective of the surroundings.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing Your Visit for the Best Views
Getting to the Mirador
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🧥 Bring a Warm Layer
Evenings can get chilly at the mirador, so pack a jacket.
🚶♀️ Steep Climb Alert!
The direct path has ~650 steep steps; consider the bus or road.
📸 Capture the Cityscape
The panoramic views are perfect for photography, especially at dusk.
🍽️ Dining with a View
Several bars and restaurants are located near the church and mirador.
Tips
from all over the internet
🧥 Bring a Warm Layer
Evenings can get chilly at the mirador, so pack a jacket.
🚶♀️ Steep Climb Alert!
The direct path has ~650 steep steps; consider the bus or road.
📸 Capture the Cityscape
The panoramic views are perfect for photography, especially at dusk.
🍽️ Dining with a View
Several bars and restaurants are located near the church and mirador.
🚌 Easy Access Bus
Utilize the hop-on, hop-off tourist bus for convenient access.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the breathtaking panoramic views of Cuenca from the Mirador de Turi, especially at sunset and night. The neoclassical architecture of the Iglesia de Turi is also a highlight, offering a serene and beautiful atmosphere. While the climb can be steep, the accessible tourist bus makes it a worthwhile destination for most.
"I visited Iglesia Católica Nuestra Señora de La Merced de Turi in Ecuador, and it was an unforgettable experience. The church is perched on a hill, offering breathtaking panoramic views that alone are worth the visit. The architecture is stunning, and the beauty of the church both inside and out is truly captivating. The blend of traditional charm with serene beauty creates an atmosphere that is peaceful and spiritually uplifting, providing the perfect space for reflection and prayer. The well-maintained grounds and the warm welcome from the staff made the visit even more special. Whether you're seeking spiritual solace or simply wish to admire the beauty of this magnificent place, this church is a must-visit!"
Kelly Pastuizaca
"It’s an architectural focal point of Turi mountain, which is a popular vantage point for a panorama on the sprawl of Cuenca.
The building, erected in the early 1920’s, is somewhat a neoclassical edifice, with a similar planar design of the Palacio de Carondelet in Quito.
*Its notable features are the part adobe walls, the wooden columns along the naves, and the wooden arches.
*The ceilings are also made flat wooden planks.
* The ceiling decorations are simple carvings of a rose-like flower. The sides of the ceilings are simple religious drawings.
Like any catholic building, there are idols. Among them are wooden statues at the high altar, which also look wooden and then painted to give the semblance of metal.
It’s a simple yet attractive Modernist architectural design, almost minimalistic in contrast to opulence of Baroque or the garishness of Renaissance buildings.
The enclave has cool ambient temperature, just a good place to relax and cool down from the heat of the Andean sun."
A V (globetrotter)
"The Mirador el Turi have an incredible view of the city of Cuenca. You will fall in love with Cuenca Ecuador 🇪🇨 ♥️ ❤️"
Patricia Pinargote
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
You can walk, but be prepared for a steep climb (around 650 steps) or a longer winding road. The most convenient option is the hop-on, hop-off tourist bus, which stops at the mirador.
Yes, there is a winding road that leads up to the mirador, offering a less strenuous alternative to the stairs.
Many visitors recommend the tourist bus for easy access to the Mirador de Turi, especially for enjoying the city lights at night.
Taxis are generally available in Cuenca and can take you to the base of Turi mountain or directly to the church and mirador, though the bus is often recommended for ease.
While specific public bus routes might be less direct, the dedicated tourist bus service is the most popular and efficient public transport option for reaching the Mirador de Turi.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Access to the Mirador de Turi itself is generally free. However, if you use the hop-on, hop-off tourist bus, you will need to purchase a ticket for the bus service.
The church is typically open during daylight hours for visitors. It's advisable to check locally for specific times, especially if visiting on a holiday.
There is usually no entrance fee to visit the Iglesia de Turi, though donations are often appreciated to help with its upkeep.
Information on specific entry fees for the Puente de Cristal is not widely available, but it's often accessible as part of the general Turi area.
The Mirador de Turi is accessible at most times, but the best experience is often considered to be during sunset and evening for the city lights.
📸 📸 Photography
Sunset and nighttime offer the most dramatic photographic opportunities with the city lights. Golden hour before sunset is also excellent.
Generally, photography is allowed inside and outside the Iglesia de Turi, but it's always respectful to be mindful of ongoing services or prayer.
You can capture stunning panoramic shots of Cuenca, including the city skyline, the cathedral, and the surrounding Andean landscape.
Yes, the Puente de Cristal offers a unique angle for photos, adding a modern element to your shots of the Turi area.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive city views. A tripod can be helpful for low-light photography at night.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, there are several bars and restaurants located around the church and mirador, offering food and drinks with a view.
You can find various options, including local Ecuadorian cuisine and international dishes like ramen, often with the added bonus of great views.
Many visitors enjoy dining in the area for the ambiance and views, though quality can vary. Trying local spots like 'La Esquina Tradicional' is encouraged.
Yes, you can find cafes and snack bars, especially near the main viewpoint area, perfect for a quick bite or a coffee.
Options may be limited, but it's worth asking at local restaurants. Some places might offer vegetable-based dishes.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
While the steep steps might be challenging for very young children, the winding road or the tourist bus provides accessible routes. The Puente de Cristal can also be a fun, albeit brief, point of interest for kids. Remember to pack layers, as the weather can change quickly.
🚶♀️ Active Travelers & Hikers
Alternatively, you can incorporate Turi into a longer hike by exploring the surrounding areas or combining it with other viewpoints. Ensure you wear appropriate footwear and carry water, especially if attempting the climb during warmer parts of the day.
📸 Photographers & View Seekers
Bring your wide-angle lenses to capture the expansive vistas and consider a tripod for stable shots in low light conditions. The Iglesia de Turi itself also presents beautiful architectural details for close-up shots.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Architectural Charm of Iglesia de Turi
The interior is equally captivating with its flat wooden plank ceilings, adorned with simple carvings of rose-like flowers and subtle religious drawings on the sides. The high altar features wooden statues that are painted to resemble metal, adding to the church's unique aesthetic. This Modernist design, almost minimalistic, offers a refreshing contrast to the more opulent styles found elsewhere.
Beyond its architectural merit, the church holds historical significance as a place of worship and a focal point on Turi mountain, which was historically a site of adoration for Inca gods. Its serene ambiance and well-maintained grounds contribute to a peaceful and spiritually uplifting atmosphere, making it a must-visit for both its beauty and its historical context.
Experiencing the Mirador de Turi
To truly appreciate the vista, timing is key. Visiting during sunset allows you to witness the transition from day to night, capturing the warm hues of the sky and the emerging city lights. For those who prefer a dazzling display, a nighttime visit is highly recommended, offering a truly beautiful view of Cuenca illuminated.
While the view is the main draw, the area around the mirador also offers amenities. You'll find several bars and restaurants where you can enjoy a meal or a drink while taking in the scenery. The presence of the Puente de Cristal nearby adds another unique element to the experience, providing a modern touch to the historic hilltop.
Navigating Turi: Transport and Accessibility
A highly recommended and convenient option for visitors is the hop-on, hop-off tourist bus service in Cuenca. This service makes a designated stop at the Mirador de Turi, allowing you to easily access the viewpoint without the physical exertion of climbing. This is particularly beneficial for families or those with mobility concerns.
While taxis can take you to the base of the hill or directly to the church, the tourist bus is often cited as the most practical and enjoyable way to experience Turi, especially for those wanting to visit at night to see the city lights.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit