Cuenca-Ecuador - Saturday, 5 July 2008

The Region

The Andes rise from the Pacific, forming a land of spectacular geographical and cultural contrasts. Ecuador is famous for its tropical coast, beautiful beaches, the snow-capped mountain ranges and the lush Amazon rainforest.

Located high in a valley in Ecuador's southern Andes, Cuenca is a city of more than 300,000 people and is the third largest city in the country. Nourished by mountain rivers, Cuenca enjoys spring-like temperatures year round.

The modern city was founded in 1557 upon the site of the Inca city of Tomebamba. Cuenca preserves its pre-Columbian as well as its Spanish heritage. The colonial architecture and Inca ruins make Cuenca one of the most interesting cities in Ecuador.

Because of its tradition of achievement in scholarship and the arts, Cuenca has been called the Athens of the Andes. Today Cuenca is the site of four universities, many museums, research and cultural organizations. The Centro de Estudios Interamericanos is situated in the beautiful colonial heart of Cuenca on Calle Tarqui, six blocks from the central plaza, Parque Calderón.

Neighboring villages such as Chordeleg, Gualaceo, and Bulcay are recognized internationally for their folk art. And nearby parks such as El Cajas, the tropical forest and wildlife preserve Mazán, and the Inca fortress of Ingapirca provide some of the most dramatic opportunities for camping, hiking, climbing, and exploring in the Andes.

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