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A Cultural Treasure in the Andes
Ecuadorians consider Cuenca the most charming city, located in a peaceful and relaxing setting. As you enter the city you can notice the outstanding skyline marked by shining church domes. Cuenca’s cobblestone streets, winding rivers, graceful ironwork balconies, and beautiful gardens are part of the pleasant atmosphere of this historical city. The UNESCO declared Cuenca a World Cultural Heritage Site on December 1999.
The city was first called "Guapondelig", which in the Cañari language means "a plain as big as the sky". The Cañaris were the indigenous group that lived in the region before the arrival of the Incas. In the last decades of the XV century, the Incas built the city of "Tumipamba"("Tumi" meaning ridge and "pamba" meaning plain), over this Cañari settlement. This city was located along the Inca highway that joined Cusco with Quito. When the Spanish arrived, they called the city "Tomebamba". Finally, it was baptized as the city of "Santa Ana de los Cuatro Ríos de Cuenca" (Santa Ana of the Four Rivers of Cuenca). Cuenca stands 8.315 feet above sea level, it is the capital of the Azuay province and the third largest city in Ecuador.
The colonial past from the days of the Spanish Empire are ever present in the artistry of the churches, convents and religious treasures. Many of the beautiful houses are found perched along the banks of the four different rivers that run through and around the city (Tarqui, Yanucay, Tomebamba and Machángara).
One of the highlights are the beautiful handicrafts that can be found throughout the city, including embroidered blouses, wool sweaters, gold and silver filigree jewelry and weavings with tie-dyed patterns called ikat. Cuenca is also known for its elegant ceramic dishes and pottery. Crafts and fresh products can be found on sale at the weekly Thursday fair, or the smaller Saturday market, located at the squares titled 9 de Octubre and 10 de Agosto.
A leading industry in Cuenca and its surrounding areas is the manufacture of straw hats. A misconception among many people is the Panama hat. Originally made in Montecristi, on the coast of Ecuador, the hats were sent north to the workers of the Panama Channel and hence the name Panama hat.
INTERESTING SITES
EL BARRANCO
The riverfront of the Tomebamba River is the most symbolic site of Cuenca, and serves as limit between the historical and the modern city. The Classical Republican style of the facades of the constructions that surround the river give a special personality to the city. El Barranco is a residential area, as well as a cultural district. The Pumapungo Ruins, the Central Bank and Remigio Crespo Toral Museums, the "Todos los Santos" vestiges, and other sites along this riverside offer cultural and artistic exhibits.
PUMAPUNGO VESTIGES
Located at the left margin of the Barranco of the Tomebamba River. The Pumapungo ("Puma’s Door") neighborhood was the first development zone of the Inca city of Tumipamba. The architectural elements of the vestiges of this neighborhood show that it was mainly a religious, military, political and administrative center. The vestiges of Pumapungo include walls, channels, cobble stoned corridors, isolated enclosed areas, an enormous channel of 1.050 feet of length with some internal bathrooms, a mausoleum inside a tunnel, etc. All this surrounded by terraces that were used for agriculture. This archeological complex is complemented with gardens of native plants and a small display of birds of the region.
It is part of the Central Bank Museum, located on Huayna Capac Ave. across from Calle Larga.
It also includes an archeological museum, a numismatic museum (coins), and a very didactical and up-to-date ethnographic display. Visiting hours Monday thru Friday 9h00 -17h00. Saturdays 9h00 - 13h00. Entrance fee is $3 for adults and $1.50 for children / students / special groups.
THE RUINS OF TODOS LOS SANTOS
Follow the Todos Los Santos Street down the hill. This site has ruins of Cañari, Incas and colonial Spanish constructions. Here you will find the four Incas stonework niches.
CIDAP ARTES POPULARES DE AMERICA MUSEUM
This museum is devoted to the handicrafts of South America. It contains art, crafts and beautiful folklore pieces on temporary exhibitions. Address: 3 de Noviembre and Hermano Miguel streets. Visiting hours: Monday - Friday: 9h00- 13h00 and 14h30 – 18h00. Saturday 10h00-12h00.
LAS CONCEPTAS MUSEUM
Here you will find a great collection of religious art. It exhibits 64 paintings, more than 200 sculptures, toys, furniture and craftsmanship. Address: 633 Hermano Miguel St. Visiting hours: Monday to Friday: 9h00 -13h00 and 14h30- 18h30 Saturday 10h00-13h00. Admission fee: US$ 2.
MODERN ART MUSEUM
It holds a permanent collection of contemporary art. There are many artistic activities available for children and the Biannual International Painting Competition is held here.
It is located on 1527 Calle Sucre and Coronel Talbot. Visiting hours: Mondays 14h30 - 18h30, Tuesdays thru Fridays, 9h00- 13h00 and 14h30 – 18h30. Saturdays 10h00 - 13h00. Free admission. Phone: 283 1027 / 282 0838.
ESQUELETOLOGÍA MUSEUM
Bolívar 6-57 & Borrero streets. Visiting hours: Monday-Friday: 10h00 -13h00 / 16h00-19h00. Saturday 10h00 - 14h30. Entrance fee is $1,50. Phone: 2821150.
NATIVE CULTURES MUSEUM
This museum was built as homage to the Ecuadorian indigenous cultures and their 15,000 years of existence. It holds archeological pieces from the first indigenous civilizations in Ecuador up to those that lived in the XVI century, in more than 5,000 impressive pieces! Address: Calle Larga 5-24 / Phone: 283 9181. Open Monday- Friday 9h00-18h30 & Saturday 9h00-13h00. Entrance fee: $2.
EDUARDO VEGA’S WORKSHOP AND GALLERY
On the hill of Turi, overviewing the city, 10 minutes by car from downtown Cuenca, we find a beautiful place where the re-known Ecuadorian artist Eduardo Vega has his house, his workshop and gallery. The visitor can admire his latest creations in artistic ceramics, ranging from mugs, plaques, jewelry, and plates up to wonderful murals that show the lushness of Ecuadorian landscape & costumes. You can also find good books, and complimentary coffee and biscuits. Open: Mon-Fri 9h00 -17h30, Sat 9h30- 13h30.
“TOQUILLA STRAW HAT" MUSEUM-WORKSHOP
Belonging to the company “Homero Ortega & Hijos”, this complex includes a factory, a gallery, and a store of the famous “Panama hats”. Take a view from its sightseeing terrace. Call 2809000 to arrange a guided tour. Address: Gil Ramírez Dávalos 3-86.
LA ESQUINA DE LAS ARTES: Is a commercial and cultural center for the promotion of the arts. Distinguished designers, artists and artisans have gathered to reveal the different processes involved in the creation of their products, which include ceramics, wood crafts, textiles, glass, embroidery, jewelry straw hats and fashion accessories. Open Monday thru Saturday from 10h00 thru 19h30, Sunday from 10h00 to 14h00. Address: El Barranco / Av. 12 de Abril y Agustin Cueva. Phone: 099978966
www.laesquinadelasartes.com
CHURCHES OF SPECIAL INTEREST
THE SAGRARIO CHURCH (OLD CATHEDRAL)
It is one of the oldest churches in Latin America (1557). Inca blocks from the Pomango Palace were used in the construction. It has marble floors and a gold-leaf altar. The Geodesic Mission used this place as a reference point to calculate the Earth’s circumference. Address: corner of Mariscal Sucre & Luis Cordero. Phone: 2834636.
CATHEDRAL OF THE IMMACULATE CONCEPTION (NEW CATHEDRAL)
This Cathedral’s construction began in 1880, and is one of the largest of America. The Cathedral is made of alabaster and marble. Its floor is made of pink marble imported from Carrara, Italy. Both Romance and Baroque are prominent in this architecture. Address: corner of Mariscal Sucre & Benigno Malo.
CHURCH AND MONASTERY OF "EL CARMEN DE ASUNCIÓN"
Both have been preserved in the original condition since the XVII century. A remarkable treasury of religious art pieces can be found here. Located near the main square, to the right of the daily flower market.
TODOS LOS SANTOS CHURCH
This is one of the oldest churches in Cuenca. It is also where the first Catholic mass was celebrated after the Spaniards arrived. The statue of Santa Ana, patron saint of the city, is found here.
During the end of the XIX century the church that is currently found there replaced it. Address: corner of Calle Larga and Bajada de Todos Los Santos.
CHURCH AND MONASTERY OF THE CONCEPTAS
The entrance of the church contains 17th century tombstones. The monastery was constructed in the 16th century and later became a museum of religious art. They are located on the corner of Presidente Cordova and Presidente Borrero Streets.
Museum open Monday thru Friday from 9h - 18h30 and Saturdays from 10h- 13h00. Admission fee: $2.50 adults, $1.50 children. Phone: 2830625.
HANDICRAFTS ROUTE
POTTERY
A place where potters still get together to work is the “Convención del 45”, located at the west side of the city, on the outskirts of the colonial cask area.
JEWELRY
is a very important handicraft in this area because Cuenca is located close to gold and silver mines. Jewelry shops are located along the “Gran Colombia” street.
WEAVINGS
Several artisans in Cuenca are dedicated to manufacture traditional clothing such as ponchos, skirts, flannels, dresses, embroidered blouses, wool sweaters and weavings with tie-dyed patterns called “ikat”.
BASKET SEWING
Baskets and other utilitarian products are elaborated mainly in the San Joaquin Parish.
SMITHY
The workers keep alive the tradition of working the iron directly with fire. The smithy neighborhood is a recommended place to visit.
TINSMITH’S
On the way up to the “Vado” area some tinsmith’s workshops are found. The products have designs that tell of the blend of cultures that characterizes Cuenca.
TOQUILLA STRAW HATS
Most of the “cholas cuencanas” that live in Cuenca and its surroundings still wear these hats with a black hatband. Toquilla Straw hats workshops can be found on the way up the “Vado” area.
CUENCA’S SURROUNDINGS
Beyond Cuenca City and its cultural and architectonic charm, there are many options to visit in its surroundings. Wonderful nature as well as small towns and parishes that seem stuck in time, which remind us of their early inhabitants: the Cañaris and later the Incas.
CAJAS NATIONAL PARK
Cajas is located 19 miles northwest of Cuenca, at an altitude of 9.000 to 13.000 feet above the sea level. This is a place for those who love the great out-doors. Some of the many things to do and see are camping, fishing or hiking miles of trails to choose from through a scenic preserve, and more than 230 lagoons of glacial origin. A guided tour of the area allows one to admire a breathtaking landscape and unique fauna and flora. Warm clothing is recommended due to the low temperatures (32°F - 47°F).
COJITAMBO
Approximately 30 miles from the city of Cuenca, surrounded by an extraordinary landscape, are the ruins of Cojitambo. These constructions belonged to the Cañari indigenous group, which lived in the area before the arrival of the Incas. They lay at approximately 10,000 ft of height.
BAÑOS
Only 5 miles East from Cuenca, you can find soothing hot spring waters. These thermal waters of volcanic origin reach the surface with a temperature of 158°F and cool down to 95°F -104°F.
GUALACEO
This is a subtropical valley, approximately 22 miles away from Cuenca in direction to the Azogues town. At “El Descanso” take your right to reach Gualaceo. This town is known for its handicrafts, folklore and a beautiful river where you can go for a swim.
CHORDELEG
Located 10 minutes from Gualaceo, it is a pre-Incan town where important archeological objects can be found. This brilliant culture inhabited the area between the years 500 and 1500 BC. The artisans offer Ikat ponchos, pottery straw hats and jewelry. This is the place to buy the finest gold and silver filigree at a very reasonable price. There is also an excellent ethnographic museum on the square in an old courtyard house, where you can see weavers at work and find good shawls, scarves, belts and embroidery to buy.
NABÓN
This little town is located an hour and a half south of Cuenca; it is located in a charming valley. Colorful fields welcome visitors to a place where people are always polite and joyful. Nabón is part of the Ministry of Tourism’s project as a new tourism spot since Cañari Ruins are located close by; they are called the Duma-Para. This was the place where the Cañari Chief Duma was defeated by the Incas, who then ruled this land.
At Nabón one also finds the typical Ecuadorian Tequila or Chahuarmishqui, a very tasteful alcoholic drink that is produced in an artisanal way by locals. Another attraction at this site are fine handicrafts made of reed.
To visit these ruins and its surroundings you can contact Tania Aguirre Rivas from the Municipality of Nabón: 081023439,
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or Verde País expeditions: 093824170 This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .
OÑA
Oña is located 103 km south west of Cuenca, 7870 ft above sea level. May is a special month at this site as the San Felipe festivity takes place on the 3rd and the celebration of the town’s establishment takes place on the 10th.
One of Oña's highlights is the parish of Susudel where people are mostly dedicated to agriculture and handicrafts. There is a gallery where skillful ladies exhibit clothes and other handicrafts made of recycled materials and natural textiles. Susudel also has a XVIII Century church, as well as a colonial house that is a Cultural Center where children learn informatics and have access to internet, called the “House of Paris” after its last owner who was French.
INTERESTING PLACES IN CUENCA’S SURROUNDINGS
CAJAS NATIONAL PARK
Cajas is located 19 miles northwest of Cuenca, at an altitude of 9.000 to 13.000 feet above the sea level. This is a place for those who love the great out-doors. Some of the many things to do and see are camping, fishing or hiking miles of trails to choose from through a scenic preserve, and more than 230 lagoons of glacial origin. A guided tour of the area allows one to admire a breathtaking landscape and unique fauna and flora. Warm clothing is recommended due to the low temperatures (32°F - 47°F ).
COJITAMBO
Approximately 30 miles from the city of Cuenca, surrounded by an extraordinary landscape, are the ruins of Cojitambo. These constructions belonged to the Cañari indigenous group, which lived in the area before the arrival of the Incas. They lay at approximately 10,000 ft of height.
BAÑOS
Only 5 miles East from Cuenca, you can find soothing hot spring waters. These thermal waters of volcanic origin reach the surface with a temperature of 158°F and cool down to 95°F -104° F.
GUALACEO
This is a subtropical valley, approximately 22 miles away from Cuenca in direction to the Azogues town. At "El Descanso" take your right to reach Gualaceo. This town is known for its handicrafts, folklore and a beautiful river where you can go for a swim.
CHORDELEG
Located 10 minutes from Gualaceo, it is a pre-Incan town where important archeological objects can be found. This brilliant culture inhabited the area between the years 500 and 1500 BC.
The artisans offer Ikat ponchos, pottery straw hats and jewelry. This is the place to buy the finest gold and silver filigree at a very reasonable price. There is also an excellent ethnographic museum on the square in an old courtyard house, where you can see weavers at work and find good shawls, scarves, belts and embroidery to buy.
HANDICRAFTS ROUTE POTTERY
A place where potters still get together to work is the “Convención del 45”, located at the west side of the city, on the outskirts of the colonial cask area.
JEWELRY
is a very important handicraft in this area because Cuenca is located close to gold and silver mines. Jewelry shops are located along the “Gran Colombia” street.
WEAVINGS
Several artisans in Cuenca are dedicated to manufacture traditional clothing such as ponchos, skirts, flannels, dresses, embroidered blouses, wool sweaters and weavings with tie-dyed patterns called “ikat”.
BASKET SEWING
Baskets and other utilitarian products are elaborated mainly in the San Joaquin Parish.
SMITHY
The workers keep alive the tradition of working the iron directly with fire. The smithy neighborhood is a recommended place to visit.
TINSMITH’S
On the way up to the “Vado” area some tinsmith’s workshops are found. The products have designs that tell of the blend of cultures that characterizes Cuenca.
TOQUILLA STRAW HATS
Most of the “cholas cuencanas” that live in Cuenca and its surroundings still wear these hats with a black hatband. Toquilla Straw hats workshops can be found on the way up the “Vado” area. Photos: Corporación Cuencana de Turismo & Ministerio de Turismo.
