The former Inca town of Cuenca (situated at about 2500 metres in the southern part of the Andes) was conquered by the Spanish in 1533 and founded in 1557. With a population of about 350 000 people it is Ecuador’s third largest city.
Cuenca is unarguably the centre of culture and art of Ecuador.
For its charming historical center, the churches, the small cobbled streets and colonial houses with noble facades, prim balustrades, wrought iron balconies and red tiled roofs, it was declared as World Heritage Site by the UNESCO in 1999.
The impressive churches in the old center are dating back to the 16th to 17th century and if you believe it, or not, this is the city of churches with 52 churches, one for every Sunday! Being in the historical center, you might get the impression that time has stood still.
Cuenca is an ideal place for al travellers who are fed up with the bustling, noisy life of Quito. The inhabitants of Cuenca are more conservative and in this tranquil city traditions and customs are connected to modern life in a very harmonic way. You won´t find many skyscrapers here!
For everyone who is interested in history and culture Cuenca is the town to visit. Being a meeting point for many different cultures has had a strong influence on arts and traditions.
Cuenca boasts a huge variety of museums and art galleries and is the most important center of Artesania in Ecuador. There you can buy unique souvenirs of high quality, such as Panama Hats, leather jackets, ceramics, embroideries, gold jewellery and clothing, which are produced around Cuenca.
Cuenca is a stop on the on the Learn Spanish and Travel exciting Ecuador, Participants will experience four destinations, two in the highlands: Quito, the capital city of Ecuador and the beautiful city of Cuenca, both Cultural Heritage Sites; and two in the coastal region: the picturesque beach town of Montanita and the beach city of Manta. Spending one week on each location to experience different activities and varied adventure opportunities while continuing their studies with the same quality standards and academic follow up.
