Café Collection: Cafe de Nucallacta
I'm a sucker for a beautiful cafe.
In a new city I really enjoy finding a chill space to write or read for a couple, accompanied by a good old iced americano of course. Welcome to a new series called Café Collection where I share some of the best cafes I've come across while traveling.
Cafe de Nucallacta became my second home during my stay in Cuenca, Ecuador. Though pretty low key from the front, something magical lies within. I went back morning after morning not for the strong coffee, nor the very consistent wifi. It was the insane courtyard in the very back of the cafe that I loved so much.
Every time I visited Cafe de Nucallacta I would walk all the way through the cafe, down a set of steps decorated with many a trending green potted plant, and into a small space with four tables. The space is covered, but if you look up you will see a beautiful wooden sky light. And if you look straight ahead you will be looking at the most beautiful courtyard.
After asking the waitress about the space I learnt that the courtyard actually belongs to the tenants of the gorgeous apartments on the floors above. So, a glass partition separates the cafe seating and the main courtyard. But sitting beside it is just as enjoyable. The entire building is my favorite aesthetic: white walls, wood, lots of green plants and huge windows colored blue with sky and allowing the entire space to bask in sunlight.
One of my favorite things about hanging out in a cafe in a new city is that for a moment I can imagine myself living in whatever city I am just passing through. Here, I created this whole fantasy of living in one of the incredible apartments above and sneaking down to the cafe for a Sunday morning coffee.
When in Cuenca, visit here.
* Since writing this post I have been in touch with the owners of the gorgeous building where Café Nucallacta resides. The apartments above are short stay suites called Casa Tierra Cuenca, available to rent for 2 weeks up to 3 months! The suites and the story of how they came to be are both beautiful. Ileana and Craig, decided to relocate with their young children from Portland to Cuenca after falling in love with the tranquil city. Soon after they discovered this building and decided to restore it. Creating a beautiful space for all Cuenca-travelers to enjoy, whether for a morning coffee by the courtyard or a month long stay in the suites above.
Check out their website to read more about their story and Casa Tierra Cuenca.