Cuenca Ecuador
When it comes to colonial charm, Cuenca arguably reigns supreme in Ecuador. Its narrow cobblestone streets and whitewashed red-tiled buildings, handsome plazas and domed churches, and its setting above the grassy banks of the Río Tomebamba, where women still wash and dry clothes in the sun, all add up to a city that’s definitely one of Ecuador’s highlights.
Ecuador’s third-largest city, Cuenca has a strong intellectual tradition, boasting three major universities and several smaller ones. With its large student population and popularity with foreigners, the city also has a modern edge, with international restaurants art galleries, cool cafes and welcoming bars all tucked into its colonial architecture. Cuenca’s location in one of the country’s most traditional regions also bestows the city with a very strong indigenous presence.
Cuenca is an important crafts outlet and stands at the center of the panama hat trade, so the shopping is excellent. It’s also a good base for visiting nearby Parque Nacional Cajas, local hot springs, villages and markets, and the Inca ruins of Ingapirca. Try not to miss the place, and allow yourself at least a couple days for some leisurely exploration.
Main tourist attractions in Cuenca
Cuenca Churches
Four blocks east of Museo de las Conceptas, is where colonial Cuenca’s boundary used to lie, marked by the Church and Plaza of San Blas. Originally built in the late 16th century, the small colonial church has since been replaced by an early 20th – century building. The modern church is one of the city’s largest and is the only one in Cuenca built in the form of a Latin cross.
The republican Church of San Cenáculo, looks very bare in contrast to the opulent churches of Quito. After San Cenáculo, head north for one block and continue into the center along Gran Colombia, the main handicraft and shopping street in Cuenca. Soon, you pass the Church of Santo Domingo on your left, which has some fine carve wooden doors and colonial paintings inside. Although it looks older, the church was built in the early 20th century. In the next few blocks, you pass several stores selling a variety of handicrafts. The Calderon Park is only few blocks to the south.
Inca Ruins
Walking down Calle Larga along the river you come to some small Inca ruins beside the Tomebamba river. There are some fine niches and walls, but most of the stonework was destroyed to build colonial buildings. There are a few explanatory signs in Spanish. On the Calle Larga side of the ruins is a small museum, which costs a few cents to visit.
Cajas National Park
Only 19 miles from Cuenca rests one of the most beautiful national parks in Ecuador, Cajas National Park. Ranging from 9,000 to 13,000 ft, there are ample opportunities for camping, fishing and hiking. There are over 230 glacial lagoons an substantial flora - Only 19 miles from Cuenca rests one of the most beautiful national parks in Ecuador.
Chordeleg
This town has many stores selling crafts – it is known as a jewelry center throughout Ecuador. If you’re shopping for souvenirs or gifts, you can choose from gold and silver filigree jewelry, as well as a small selection of wood carvings, pottery, textiles, panama hats and embroidered clothing.
