Cuenca is the third largest city in Ecuador, capital of the Azuay province. It is located in the Sierra, the highlands of Ecuador at about 2500m (8200 ft) above sea level. Its full name is Santa Ana de los cuatro ríos de Cuenca. The city's cobblestone streets, towering cathedrals, and marble and whitewashed buildings give it a colonial air. Cuencanos, known for their traditional demeanor and conservative cultural values, match their 18th century surroundings. The city's history is well preserved , earning Cuenca the honor of being listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Trust site.

Surroundings

• Chordeleg

Less than 50 kilometers from Cuenca, town of Cañari origin, known for its weavers, embroiderers and potters. In the same area there is a stone corridor in snake form, built in pre-Inca time, known for gold and silver smiths and local jewelrey.

• Cajas

A place where the rivers, streams and lagoons seem to unite, to create a temple of nature, in which the altitude varies from the 3500 to the 4200 m.a.s.l. It is a place for bird watchers and trout fishermen.

• Azogues

It is the capital of the county of the Cañar plantation. 29 kilometers separate it from Cuenca. In this city of colonial atmosphere, one of the highlights is San Francisco's convent, built in the summit of a huaca (sacred mountain) of the prehispanic residents.

• Cañar plantation

Their coloring market and the near ruins of Ingapirca (wall of Inca stone), are their biggest attractions. Cañar plantation is located 65 kilometers from Cuenca and it is usually the starting point for the trips to the famous ruins that, according to the experts, were used to control the native Cañaris. Stores, bathrooms, a tambo for the Inca, a temple dedicated to the sun, they are part of Ingapirca that was built in the XV century by orders of Huayna Capac.