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Cuenca is one of the most beautiful cities in Ecuador and worldwide, I must say. Walking through its streets leads you through a scenic city that fills you with energy and emotion.
The colonial air of its cobbled streets, baroque churches and XVIII and XIX centuries mansions hanging alongside the Tomebamba river are an image that immediately catches travelers eyes for their contrast and natural environment, a common scene of the Ecuadorian Andes. And what about its nice friendly people and its great cultural heritage. All these coming together to place Cuenca as the city chosen by many foreigners to stay and live in.
With so many beautiful iconic features, this world-famous Heritage site also known as the “Athens of Ecuador” has many treasures waiting to be discovered. I could found some very well preserved jewels like the famous Historic Center. There is no better way to explore it than a long walk through its cobbled stone streets to admire its heritage houses, flowered balconies, museums, churches, squares, old and new cathedrals, and traditional cobbled streets that come alive with its inhabitants with traditional clothing and artistic expressions of all kind.
In addition, in the Historic center are located the best themed restaurants and boutique hotels of the city. The owners of these establishments work with passion for their guests taking care of details and high quality standards.
Beyond the heritage site-seeing and culture blending, the Baños parish is the ideal spot to relax at its hot springs, swimming pools, spas and enjoy a volcanic mud treatment. A place that relaxes all your senses, after a long walk or city tour.
Another site of charm is the famous Cajas National Park, which “almost always” dawns covered with snow. The park’s located 20 minutes from the city center, you can visit more than 230 lagoons, trail between the moorland, bird watching and photograph incredible landscapes. The most beautiful photos can be seen from the Tres Cruces and the Mirador sector of La Toreadora Lagoon.
Cuenca is known from its traditional neighborhoods, sites that holds the gastronomic and artistic secrets. In Todos Los Santos, for example, you can observe the whole process of making bread in wood-fired ovens; in El Vado you’ll meet the goldsmiths, painters and potters; in San Joaquin the preparation of the typical gastronomy; in Sayausí the natural wealth and in every corner something unimaginable.
On special dates, Cuenca never sleeps. In the evenings there is always something to do. Outside the historic center of the city, there is a range of entertainment centers ready to welcome young people with the best music. Add to this offer bars, restaurants and modern hotels focused on new markets such as millennials, business owners, business travelers, artists and others.
Now I know why Cuenca is a City to Live It! It is complete, calm, safe, cheerful and above all; A destination to return again and again, because it always has something new to surprise you.
