Cuenca – Cajas National Park – Ingapirca

Highlights: City of Cuenca, Cajas National Park, Gualaceo, Chordeleg, Sigsig, the Ruins of Ingapirca north of Cuenca Climate: Temperate and dry Temperature: Average between 13C and 20C, Noon 25C Altitude: 2535m Cuenca Location: Cuenca is located 441km south of Quito, 250 km top the south east of Guayaquil. Cuenca was founded by the spaniards on April 12 of 1557, near the Inca's settlement of Tomebamba. Cuenca is definitely the most charming city in Ecuador and with its 350'000 inhabitants the third largest city of Ecuador. The UNESCO declared Cuenca a World Cultural Heritage Site, because of its cobblestone streets, graceful ironwork balconies, beautiful gardens and winding rivers Tomebamba, Yanuncay, Machangara and Tarqui. The colonial past from the days of the Spanish Empire are ever present in the artistry of all its churches, religious treasures and convents. The attractions you can visit are: The Sagrario Church, Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, Church and Monastery of El Carmen de Asuncion, Todos los Santos Church, Church and Monastery of the Conceptas, Central Bank Museum, Remigio Crespo Toral Museum, Artes Populares de America Museum (CIDAP), Las Conceptas Museum, Modern Art Museum, Esqueletologia Museum, Native Cultures Museum. The Ruins of Ingapirca are about one hour and 45 minutes away from Cuenca, Ingapirca was both a religious and administrative center, as well as a fortress.

The vast archeological complex includes a castle, possibly the Temple of the Sun. A museum is also open at the site. El Cajas National Park is located 33km (19 miles) northwest of Cuenca, at an altitude of 9000 to 13000 feet above the sea level. This great park is home to mammals such as the white-tailed deer, spectacle bear, puma, paramo deer, rabbit, and the Andean tapir as well as important bird species: condor, caracara, Andean toucan, and spectacle duck. The Park also features some archeological Inca sites in the area of Molleturo. Gualaceo is specially known for its handicrafts and folklore. On Sunday there is a market where you will find piles of fine hand-woven shawls called macanas, colorful belts, shoe manufacturing, leather goods and many other items can be found. Chordeleg is the place for buying the finest gold and silver at very reasonable prices. Sigsig has a beautiful architecture within a picturesque town. In the River of Santa Barbara local people wash clothes and swin in the river.