There are no other tropical destinations that can stand up to the variety offered by Ecuador. With four different regions which go from the Amazon rainforest high up to the majestic Ecuadorian Andes, down to its golden Pacific beaches to reach the amazing Galapagos Islands, Ecuador has it all.
This geographic arc of biodiversity contains a richness of life that is hard to imagine without experiencing it personally.
Ecuador enjoys a spring-like weather year round. Being crossed by the Equator Line it does not have distinct seasons. However we can say the rainy season goes from December through April and even during those months most days are sunny. The temperature in the Andean region runs between 12°C and 20°C, while on the Coast goes from 22°C to 30°C and in the Jungle runs from 24°C to 30°C.
Cuenca
We start this small travel guide to Ecuador by inviting you to visit CUENCA. Why? Because it is considered the most beautiful colonial city of Ecuador. In December '99, Cuenca was named a World Heritage Site.
Cuenca, Ecuador's third largest city has a special atmosphere that harks back to the Spanish colonial era and that has been preserved through the centuries not only in its religious architecture but its convents and churches. Cuenca's cobblestone streets, graceful wrought-iron balconies, and flowered plazas are really worth seeing.
Today in the city of Cuenca, besides the obvious Spanish influence, there are still hints of the architecture of the Incas and just faint rumors of the work of the Cañaris. Its handicrafts are a testimony to the region's rich indigenous culture.
Located in a lush valley 7755 feet in elevation and ringed by green mountain rivers, Cuenca has a lot to offer. A city tour to colonial Cuenca and its wonderful museums, including a visit to the ceramic and Panama Hat's factories, must be accompanied by a tour to the nearby villages of Gualaceo and Chordeleg.
Gualaceo is a small town that looks and feels a lot like miniature Cuenca. Its Sunday market gives a good opportunity to shop for high quality crafts and offers great photo opportunities.
Chordeleg is a lovely village east of Gualaceo which produces jewelry work and embroidery work on clothes and shawls.
If you want to see a typical local market then Sigsig, 26 kilometers south of Gualaceo is the best spot on Sundays.
El Cajas National Park
Thirty kilometers west of Cuenca lies the 72,000 acre El Cajas, a famous recreation park with over 2000 lakes. The terrain is bleak and rough and the lakes set into the harsh countryside shine like jewels. The highest elevation reaches 4,450 meters so it does not snow, although the wind can make it cold. The main road to El Cajas follows the Tombebamba river up a narrow valley. You will discover some small villages and farms which become less numerous as you approach the reserve.
The park offers great hiking, birding and photography opportunities. Inca Holidays is one of the few operators offering hikes along the INCA TRAIL in the park. Scientists think that they are ruins of an Inca Tambo. If you look carefully at the blocks of stone you will discover carved faces and designs.
There are a few restaurants in the area offering exquisite fresh trout.
Ingapirca
The Pan-American highway north of Cuenca passes through green countryside. In the Caņar Province you will be passing through Azogues, best known as the "town of the pigs" for all the fresh and cooked pigs hanging in roadside stores. If time lets you, stop by the Museum of the Colegio de los Padres Franciscanos where there is an art religious collection. A little afterwards,
in the town of Biblian, we suggest a visit to the Santurario de la Virgen del Rocio, which was built by the Spanish over an Inca worship place. After a healthy walk you will be rewarded by breathtaking views.
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Image courtesy of Inca Holidays
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Going north you will reach the most famous inca site of Ecuador: INGAPIRCA. It is a historical and fascinating place to visit. The ruins are referred to as a fortress. Archeologists think that the main structure was a Temple of the Sun. From above, the outline of Ingapirca forms a Puma, the sacred animal of the Incas.
At Ingapirca there is a very nice museum and gift shop. We suggest you either take a day tour and stay for lunch at lovely Posada de Ingapirca or even better overnight there and enjoy the fantastic views Ingapirca offers.
Hotels in Cuenca
The city offers a nice variety of hotels, however our suggestion is colonial Hotel Crespo with rooms overviewing the river or Hotel Oro Verde/La Laguna which has comfortable rooms facing the lake.
For those looking for economic accommodation, our recommendation is Pinar del Lago and Inca Real.
Questions?
If you want more information about this area you can email the author or check out our South America Insiders page.
