The striking city of Cuenca was founded in 1557 on the site of an old Inca settlement and is considered Ecuador's most charming city. Cuenca’s historic centre has cobble stoned streets, flower-filled plazas and churches dating from the 16th and 17th centuries. Home of the Panama hat, the city retains much of its old colonial atmosphere.
La Cajas National Park is located 19 miles to the northwest of the city where visitors can hike or fish in breathtaking landscapes. The numerous glacial lakes are set amongst stunning scenery at 10,000 feet, and it is excellent area for walking and birdwatching. Visitors to the region can travel overland via Cajas to Guayaquil, to the country's principal coastal port city, in just a day, making Cuenca the perfect stepping stone across to the Galapagos Islands after exploring mainland Ecuador, as all flights to the islands go via Guayaquil.
Mansión Alcázar
Restored to its original splendour, this beautiful 19th century colonial house is located in the heart of historic Cuenca. It has just 11 rooms and three suites, each individually and tastefully decorated with antique furniture and artworks. Many rooms overlook the hotel’s lush gardens. The Casa Alonso restaurant serves typical Ecuadorian cuisine and the elegant Le Bar is a pleasant venue for cock...
Santa Lucia
Santa Lucia is a unique hotel and is actually one of Cuenca´s most historic antique buildings. It is centrally located in an elegantly restored colonial house with 20 rooms around a beautiful patio which was the background for a famous Ecuadorian movie. In 1999 they started the renovation of the hotel with all modern conveniences. The Santa Lucia hotel is a gem in Cuenca's antique build...
Ecuador Explorer
Itinerary Highlights
- Colonial Quito & Cuenca
- Snow-capped Cotopaxi
- Avenue of the Volcanoes
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