DESTINATIONS > MAINLAND ECUADOR > THE ANDES > CUENCA

Founded in 1557, Cuenca is considered to be one of the most beautiful cities of Ecuador; surrounded by low hills and crossed by 4 rivers, this city maintains its historical colonial buildings and architecture, with its churches and cathedrals as very fine examples of a colonial Andean city.

A UNESCO site since 1999, Cuenca is considered the cultural capital of Ecuador. Its 300.000 inhabitants are known for their traditional values; a society that has produced many composers, writers and poets, Cuenca has managed to integrate all the modern comforts without affecting the small city ambience with its colonial architecture, craftsmanship and cultural traditions.

	Cuenca City Tour Walking through Cuenca's cobblestone streets, we will visit La Merced church and the flower market, San Sebastian colonial neighborhood, Calderon Park, the blue domed Cathedral, the cañari Ruins of Pumapungo, the beautiful Inca Gardens by the river side with an extraordinary sample of local plants both medicinal and edible, of course the romantic El Barranco with its peaceful river, gardens and “hanging houses” is a must. We will finish the tour with a visit to the Conceptas cloister / museum with its wonderful collection of religious art and finally drive to Turi Hill for a panoramic view of the city.
	Museum Visits Being a community with a very high regard for the arts and a strong tradition of culture, it is not a surprise to find a total of 13 museums in this small city, with permanent exhibitions of archaeology, ethnography, paintings, sculpture, numismatic, religious and daily use artifacts. Ranging from Inca gardens, to religious art, to 16th century handcrafts, and to contemporary art, Cuenca's museums have something for everyone's tastes.