The beauty and atmosphere of colonial Cuenca is best experienced on foot. A walk through the Old Town takes you by magnificent churches, beautiful old buildings with wrought iron balconies and carved wooden doors, flower and handicrafts markets, art galleries, workshops and all the wonders that Cuenca offers its visitors. Admire magnificent historic houses perched on cliffs high above the rushing Tomebamba River, which separates the Old and New areas of the city.
After passing through some modern neighborhoods you will be treated to an incredible panoramic view of the city from the vantage point of Turi. Depending on personal preferences, your could visit a ceramic art gallery, a Panama hat factory or an artist’s workshop.
Cuenca is considered the main crafts center in all of Ecuador. You may visit workshops where experts in jewelry, leather, ceramics, iron, wood carvings, and textiles display their old world craftsmanship. Admire South American masterworks in several important art and handicraft galleries exhibiting work by famous artists, painters, and sculptors such as Eduardo Vega (ceramics) and Homero Ortega (Panama hats).
Cajas National Park
This National Park is one of the most beautiful natural sanctuaries in Ecuador, just 30 kilometers from the Colonial City of Cuenca. This protected area has a surface of 28000 hectares and an elevation between 3200 meters to 4450 meters and an average temperature of 10 degrees Celsius.
Due to its beautiful landscapes, endemic flora & fauna, archaeological value and it’s nearly 235 lakes, Cajas was added to UNESCO´s world´s network of biosphere reserves.
You can visit the National Park year-round but from July to January are the months with least rain.