As we proceeded down through the country our travels took us into Cuenca who’s first inhabitants date back to 8060 BC. It has been modernized a bit since then and is a tourist delight. Relatively small at about 580,000 people it has a quaint easiness about it. It is know for its textile making along with the infamous Panama hats which are made here in Ecuador, not Panama.
The city has a wonderful spanish architectural influence, hosts some of the best coffee cafes in Ecuador and is the cultural centre for the country. Artisans of music, arts, theatre have gravitated to Cuenca, all of which are worth taking in. It hosts the largest celebration of El Carnaval, three days prior to Ash Wednesday where families gather in the parks and celebrate by wetting friends and random people (like me) with water and Carioca, a nonstaining foam.
The city is also a gastronomic delight with both international and traditional dishes.
Things to do:
Take a city tour. Try Viator. They have great english speaking guides.
Shop in Plaza San Francisco
Visit Museo Municipal Casa del Sombrero, Museo de Arte Moderno and others
Buy a Panama hat. We toured the Homero Ortega factory where you can see how they are made and purchase one at half of what it will cost back home.
Where to stay;
There is plenty of choice but why not treat yourself. I recommend staying in the city centre. It is very safe and you have walking access to town squares and restaurants. Be sure to go for a stroll along in the river bank park. It is lovely.
Hotel Santa Lucia
Hotel Vitoria
Hotel Carvallo