"A CULTURAL TREASURE IN THE SOUTHERN ANDES"

Ecuadorians and foreigners consider Cuenca the most charming city, located in a peaceful and relaxing setting. As you enter the city you can notice yhe outstanding skyline marked by shining church domes. Cuenca´s cobblestone streets, winding rivers, graceful ironwork balconies, and beautiful gardens are part of this historical city. The UNESCO declared Cuenca a World Cultural Heritage Site on December 1999.

Cuenca was baptized as the city of "Santa Ana de los Cuatro Rios de Cuenca". This city stands at 2580 msnm or 8315 feet above sea level, it is the capital of Azuay province and the third largest city in Ecuador.

The colonial past from the days of the Spanish Empire are ever present in the artistry of the churches, convents and religious treasures. Many of the beautiful houses are found perched along the banks of the four different rivers that run through and around the city ( Tarqui, Yanuncay, Tomebamba and Machangara), all of them coming from the Eastern part and going to the Amazonian.

One of the highlights are the beautiful handicrafts that can be found throughout the city and the surroundings, including embroidered blouses, wool sweaters, gold and silver filigree jewelry and weavings with tie-dyed patterns called "ikat". Cuenca is also known for its elegant ceramic dishes and pottery.

A leading industry in cuenca is the manufacture of straw hats. A misconception among many people is the Panama hat. Orinally made in Montecristi, on the cost of Ecuador, the hats were sent north to the workers of the Panama Channel and hence the name of Panama hat.

Beyond Cuenca city and its cultural and architectonic charm, there are many options to visit in its surroundings. Wonderful nature as well as small towns and parishes that seem stuck in time, which remind us of their early inhabitants: the Cañaris and later the Incas.