Mercado 10 de Agosto is a municipal public-service market in Cuenca’s historic center, at the corner of Calle Larga and General Torres. You can browse fresh fruit and traditional food, and see murals depicting vendors’ lives and Cuenca’s past.
- Location: Calle Larga and General Torres, in the historic center.
- Typical opening pattern: Open daily
- Traditional limpia rituals: Tuesdays and Thursdays.
What to expect at Mercado 10 de Agosto
Mercado 10 de Agosto combines everyday shopping and local food with a look at Cuenca’s history. Cuenca’s tourism site calls it “Mercado Galería” and describes eight murals depicting vendors’ daily lives and Cuenca’s traditions in the past.
The municipality identifies the market as a public-service facility with commercial and service activities. That working-market role is part of what sets it apart from a gallery: shoppers come for goods and services, while the murals add a cultural layer to the visit. A visit can fit into a central Cuenca itinerary from a four-star hotel in Cuenca.
Food stalls and everyday market shopping
You can find fresh fruit and traditional food at the market. The municipality also describes Mercado 10 de Agosto as a place to buy fresh products, handicrafts, textiles and household goods.
Traditional limpia rituals using medicinal plants and herbs take place here on Tuesdays and Thursdays, according to Cuenca’s tourism site. If you want to see this practice, plan your visit for one of those days; the rituals are part of the market’s regular activity.
How do you get to Mercado 10 de Agosto?
Mercado 10 de Agosto is at Calle Larga and General Torres in Cuenca’s historic center.
For a wider walk through the area, the one-day walk through Cuenca’s Historic Centre pairs naturally with a market visit.
Hours can change, so check the official site before you go.
Opening hours
- Monday, Wednesday and Saturday: 6:00–18:45
- Tuesday: 6:00–18:30
- Thursday: 6:00–18:15
- Friday: 7:00–18:15
- Sunday: 7:30–15:30
Last checked November 2026. Hours can change on holidays and for special events.
You can also plan a journey involving the Cuenca tram.
Other central market options
Mercado 9 de Octubre offers another market circuit in central Cuenca. The municipality says the circuit includes Centro de Compras 9 de Octubre and Plaza Rotary, with more than 600 traders across the circuit.
The market is at Calle Mariscal Lamar between Hermano Miguel and Mariano Cueva. Cuenca’s tourism site gives its usual hours as Monday through Sunday, 07:00–17:00. The building was originally built to serve as the Municipal Library before becoming a market to meet the city’s need for commercial space.
FAQs
What is Mercado 10 de Agosto known for?
It is a working market known for fresh fruit, traditional food and eight murals about vendors’ lives and Cuenca’s past.
When do limpia rituals take place?
Traditional limpia rituals using medicinal plants and herbs take place on Tuesdays and Thursdays.
Where is Mercado 9 de Octubre?
It is on Calle Mariscal Lamar between Hermano Miguel and Mariano Cueva, and its circuit includes Centro de Compras 9 de Octubre and Plaza Rotary.