Ricaurte Ecuador Donde Queda And Why It Surprises
Ricaurte, Ecuador is a rural parish and town in Cuenca Canton, Azuay Province, in southern Ecuador, not a separate city or region. It sits in the Andean highlands near Cuenca, at roughly 2.87° south latitude and 78.93° west longitude, about 14.3 km² in area.
Where Ricaurte is located
Ricaurte parish belongs to Cuenca Canton, one of the main urban and rural jurisdictions in Azuay Province. It is part of the broader Cuenca metropolitan area, which makes it easy to confuse Ricaurte with Cuenca itself when people ask "where is it?"
The area is in Ecuador's southern Sierra region, where the climate is cooler than on the coast and the terrain is shaped by Andean valleys and hills. Ricaurte is also known for its agricultural character and local community life rather than for being a major tourist city.
Fast facts
| Fact | Details |
|---|---|
| Country | Ecuador |
| Province | Azuay |
| Canton | Cuenca |
| Type | Rural parish and town |
| Coordinates | About 2.867°S, 78.933°W |
| Area | 14.3 km² |
| Population | 14,006 in the 2001 census |
Why travelers search for it
Travel confusion usually happens because Ricaurte is close to Cuenca, a major destination in southern Ecuador. Visitors often see the name on maps, bus routes, or lodging listings and wonder whether it is a neighborhood, a village, or a separate municipality.
Another reason the name attracts attention is that Ricaurte has a place in Ecuador's aviation history. On July 11, 1983, a TAME Boeing 737-200 crashed into Bashún Hill in Ricaurte while approaching Cuenca's Mariscal Lamar International Airport, killing all 119 people on board. That tragedy remains the deadliest aviation accident in Ecuador's history.
How to get there
Road access is the normal way to reach Ricaurte from Cuenca and nearby communities. Public buses, taxis, and private cars connect the parish with the city center and surrounding rural areas.
- Start in Cuenca, since it is the nearest major city and transport hub.
- Use local buses, taxis, or ride services that serve rural parish routes.
- Ask for "Ricaurte, Cuenca" to avoid confusion with other places that share the name Ricaurte in Ecuador.
Local character
Agricultural lands define much of Ricaurte's identity, and the parish is associated with farming and small-community life. This is different from Ecuador's better-known coastal or Amazon destinations, since the pace is slower and the setting is more distinctly Andean.
The parish is also strategically positioned for people exploring Cuenca and the southern highlands. Because it is close to the city, travelers can stay in Cuenca and still experience the nearby rural landscape of Ricaurte without needing a long trip.
Key points to know
- Ricaurte is in Azuay Province, in southern Ecuador.
- It is part of Cuenca Canton, not a separate province.
- It is a rural parish with a modest land area of 14.3 km².
- The 2001 census listed 14,006 residents.
- Its location near Cuenca makes it easy to reach by road.
What makes it notable
Ricaurte's location matters because it sits in one of Ecuador's most visited highland regions, close to Cuenca's historic center and the broader Andean corridor. For many travelers, it is a place they pass through, stay near, or see on a map while navigating the Cuenca area.
"Ricaurte is a town and parish in Cuenca Canton, Azuay Province, Ecuador."
Common questions
Travel takeaway
Best way to understand Ricaurte is to think of it as a rural parish just outside or within the wider Cuenca area in Azuay, Ecuador. If you are traveling in southern Ecuador, the most useful reference point is Cuenca, not Quito or the coast.
Everything you need to know about Ricaurte Ecuador Donde Queda And Why It Surprises
Is Ricaurte a city in Ecuador?
No. Ricaurte is a town and rural parish in Cuenca Canton, Azuay Province, Ecuador. It is part of the Cuenca area rather than a standalone city.
Is Ricaurte near Cuenca?
Yes. Ricaurte is located within Cuenca Canton and is closely tied to the Cuenca metropolitan area, so it is considered nearby and accessible from the city.
Why do people search for Ricaurte Ecuador where it is?
People usually search because the name appears on maps, bus routes, and travel listings, and it is easy to confuse the parish with a larger destination. The location is also notable because of its historical connection to the 1983 TAME crash near Cuenca.
What province is Ricaurte in?
Ricaurte is in Azuay Province, in southern Ecuador. It falls under Cuenca Canton.
Is Ricaurte a tourist destination?
It is better described as a rural parish near a major tourist city than as a major standalone tourist hub. Travelers usually visit it for local access, regional travel, or proximity to Cuenca.