Cuenca Population 2026
Cuenca has a population of 636,996, making it the #3 biggest city in 🇪🇨 Ecuador, located in Azuay. Roughly 3.5% of Ecuador's population lives here. It is about 4.4× smaller than Quito, the country's biggest city.
Population (city proper)
636,996
Rank in Ecuador
#3
Coordinates
2.90°S, 79.00°W
~2,484 m elevation · America/Guayaquil
Distance to capital (Quito)
301 km
187 miles, straight line
Other big cities in Azuay
| City | Population | Rank in Ecuador |
|---|---|---|
| Gualaceo | 17,122 | #63 |
Cities near Cuenca
FAQ
What is the population of Cuenca?
Cuenca has a population of 636,996 (city proper, latest official figure via GeoNames), making it the #3 biggest city in Ecuador.
What region is Cuenca in?
Cuenca is located in Azuay, Ecuador.
Is Cuenca the capital of Ecuador?
No, the capital of Ecuador is Quito, about 301 km away.
Sources & notes
Population refers to the city proper (municipal boundaries), not the metropolitan area. Source: GeoNames (CC BY 4.0), retrieved 2026-07-07. Country data: UN World Population Prospects 2024.
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