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| DESTINATIONS > MAINLAND ECUADOR > THE ANDES > CUENCA ECUADOR |
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| The City of Cuenca Ecuador |
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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.
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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.
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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.
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El Cajas National Park
This national park with astounding scenery is only 40 minutes away from Cuenca. With over 200 lakes and ponds formed by the remains of a glacial valley, the rugged and beautiful El Cajas National Park has a total extension of 28,800 hectares with altitudes ranging from 300 to 4,500m / 984 to 14,764ft above sea level, although most of the park is over the 3,000m/9,843 ft mark. This territory, surrounded by the typical tundra-like environment of the paramo, is home to hummingbirds, partridges, condors, hawks, spectacle bears, white tail deer, tapir, and many other Andean species.
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Ingapirca Incan Ruins
About 1 hour north of Cuenca we find the historical ruins of Ingapirca (Wall of the Inca), the largest archeological ruins in Ecuador. Ingapirca was originally built by the Cañari indians as a temple and observatory and later expanded by the Inca Huayna Capac tu be used as a resting house for Inca messengers and other travelers going through the Inca Trail, a garrison, a resting place for the emperor and a temple. The most noticeable construction is the ellipse-shaped Coricancha (Temple of the Sun) with perfectly fitting green diorite stone. A small archaeological site-museum will provide more in-depth information of daily life and ceremonies held at Ingapirca. |
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Places to Stay in Cuenca
Cuenca has managed to integrate all the modern comforts of today without affecting the small city ambience characterized by its colonial architecture, craftsmanship and cultural traditions. The accommodations here are especially romantic, some of the best hotels were formerly large colonial houses, some built around a central plaza with a fountain, while others look out onto one of the rivers. The following hotels have been carefully chosen by Quasar Expeditions to make our traveler's experience in Cuenca only the very best it can be.
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SANTA LUCIA
Category: Boutique
A restored house from the Republican era, built in 1859, and part of the Historic Heritage of the city. The hotel has 20 rooms, a Spanish central patio, which is perfect to relax and a beautiful restaurant offering excellent Ecuadorian and International cuisine. It is located in the colonial downtown, close to colonial churches, stores and the main cultural attractions of the city. |
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MANSION ALCAZAR
Category: Boutique
A colonial mansion totally restored to satisfy even the most demanding guests, Mansion Alcazar is located in the colonial area of Cuenca, close to museums, art galleries and stores. Its architecture is typical of the city, with an interior patio, and the classic decoration of the late 19th century. |
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HOTEL VICTORIA
Category: First Superior
Located on the shores of the Tomebamba river, it is a beautiful terraced construction that offers first class accommodation and service, a private access garden on the shores of the river, and a great view of the river and the city from most rooms. It is located in the colonial area of the city, close to museums, shops, churches and parks. |
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