Cuenca is the third largest city in Ecuador, with a current population of 417,632. It is located in the sierra of the Andes in the southern part of Ecuador. It is situated between 2,350 to 2,550 meters above sea level. As with all of Ecuador, Cuenca has a mild climate, with an average temperature of 14.6 C. It has two seasons, rainy and dry. The dry season is June – December, while the rainy season is Jan – May. So, Cuenca travel is very popular especially because of the climate involved.
How to Get to Cuenca
Cuenca is a popular tourist destination, so you will need to know how to get here. You can arrive by plane from Quito, Guayaquil and neighboring countries. TAME and Aero Gal serves Cuenca. If you are arriving by car, this town is located on the Pan-American Highway. Buses also run to Cuenca. Loja has connections to Vilcabamba and regional buses leave from the bus terminal. So for Cuenca travel, you will be well covered for any transportation issues.
Cajas National Park
Cajas National Park is west of Cuenca. The park is located on 28,544 hectares and was created in 1977. It is administered by the Cajas National Park Municipal Corporation. There are several activities including birding, fishing and photography. Some of the things that you will see include ferns, quinua trees valerian, orchids and sarar Animals and birds include deer, fox, puma, tigrillo, cuchuchos, Andean condor, azulejo, picaflor, and trogon. One hotel of note is the Hotel Crespo located at Calle Larga No 793 Luis Cordero, Cuenca. So if you are looking for Cuenca travel, this is a place to be.
Monastery of El Carmen de Asuncion
Cuenca is a wonderful place to look at architecture and the Monastery of El Carmen de Asuncion is one of the best to look at. Travelers who Cuenca travel in this area go here specifically for this particular monastery. This church and monastery was founded in 1682. With a stone facade and golden altar as well as tombs from the 18th century as well as religious art, this is a cultural dream to explore. A good restaurant of note in Cuenca is the Balcón Quiteño located at Sangurima 6-49 and Borrero. This fine restaurant serves Ecuadorian food. A hotel of note is the Santa Lucia located at Antonio Borrero - 8-44 Y Sucre.
Nightlife in Cuenca
When travelling to Cuenca, you are sure to want to check out the nightlife that is offered here. For starters, the IV y 20 is known for its international and Latin music. It is located at 12 de Abril and Galapagos. Another place of note is the Piccadilly Pub, located at Borrero 7-46 and Pres. Cordova. A few restaurants of note include the El Tunel located at Gral Torres 8-60, and the Cafecito, located at Honorato Vasquez 7-36 and Luis Cordero. So when thinking about Cuenca travel, you‘ll know where to go to have the best time while in Cuenca.
Panama Hat Factory
When going to Cuenca, you may want to check out this Panama hat factory. This factory is located at Avenida Gil Ramirez Davalos. This factory gives tours weekdays from 9 – 12 and 3 – 6. This factory was opened in 1836 and by 1845 Don Bartolome Serrano sped things up drastically. There are currently several different vendors of Panama hats in Cuenca. Homero Ortega P. & Hijos located at Av. Gil Ramirez Davalo 3-86 and K. Dorfzaun, located at Av. Gil Ramirez Cavalos 4-34., are two of the more well known vendors. These hats vary in price and quality. Cuenca travel to this and other places of interest are well worth your while.
Museo de Arte Moderno
If you have a passion for modern art and are travelling to Cuenca, then the Museo de Arte Moderno is right up your alley. Located at Sucre 15-27 and Coronel Talbot, this wonderful modern art museum was originally known as the Drunk House, before being turned into a museum of art. It also contains areas such as the Room of Great Teachers, National Hall Sculptures and also includes a library. Cuenca travel to this landmark is another way to explore the region of Cuenca. Cuenca travel is a very good way to explore the city’s many wonders.