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Cuenca
Undoubtedly Ecuador’s most beautiful city and designated by UNESCO as a world heritage site in 1999. Encompassed by fertile valleys, this colonial town is ideal for exploring on foot. Narrow cobbled streets, quiet plaza’s, 19th century architecture and domed churches make it a charming step back in time.
The Inca ruins of Ingapirca, located an hour outside the city are the largest in Ecuador and the most intricate, featuring a sun temple, believed to have had religious and ceremonial purposes, and some of the Inca’s finest stonework including trapezoidal niches and doorways that are hallmarks of Inca construction.
The nearby El Cajas National Park is said to resemble parts of Scotland and has great scope for outdoor activities such as walking and hiking, making the Southern Sierra an unmissable place. THINGS TO SEE AND DO
The town and surrounding area receives few visitors, making it a peaceful retreat. Below are some ideas on what you can see and do, though we can tailor any itinerary to your interests.
Cuenca. The town has numerous attractions, though its highlights include; El Sagrario Cathedral, built in 1885 with magnificent blue domes, the church of El Carmen with its flower market set up in front, the churches of; San Blas, San Francisco, and Santa Domingo. The colourful daily market in Plaza Rotary where pottery, clothes and guinea pigs are all on sale and from the Turi hill you have superb views overlooking the city. The city also contains a wide range of museums. El Cajas National Park. Encompassing 28,000 hectares and over 240 lakes, makes it an ideal area for walking. Situated at a height of between 3,500m and 4,400m, and consisting of paramo vegetation, such as lupin and fern, it is home to an array of flora and the Andean condor. Walks can last from several hours to 3 days depending on your interests.
Ingapirca. Ecuador’s most important and impressive Inca ruins. Situated at 3,230m and built of fine Inca masonry, they contain an Inca chair, which carved into the rock, appears like a throne. There are water channels throughout implying this was a permanent settlement in its time.
Recommended lodges in this area:
Cuenca
Santa Lucia is a hotel unique unto itself in that it is actually one of Cuenca’s most historic antique buildings. Newly renovated with all modern conveniences, the Santa Lucia hotel is a gem in Cuenca
Cuenca
Mansion Alcazar is a lavish boutique hotel in Cuenca. Decorated in a grand colonial style with chandeliers, soft lighting, antique pictures and wooden floorboards this is a place to indulge yourself
Quito
The Plaza Grande is a truly decadent hotel in the centre of Quito’s colonial quarter. What was once an old hotel has been completely transformed into the leading hotel in the city and with a price tag to match.
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