Cuenca, The Athens of Ecuador
Not the end of a trip but the beginning of a new life
There are several rivers that cross Cuenca, among them: Tarqui, Tomebamba, Yanuncay and Machángara, in the center-south of the inter-Andean region of Ecuador, in the Paute river basin, at an altitude of 2550 meters above sea level and with an Andean climate of 15°C on average.
It is named for its colonial architecture forged in the foundations of the largest buildings that cover the entire city founded in 1555, which have been participants of great cultural events for the Ecuadorian history, among them the birth of the most recognized Ecuadorian figures of an illustrious selection that have done great works for the country.
National Patrimony of Humanity
In 1999, was recognized as a National Patrimony of Humanity, merit granted by UNESCO precisely because of the conservation of its Historical Center, and in this way, it became one of the most acclaimed international tourist resorts of the time; and until today, the Athens of Ecuador continues to be a city sought after by national and foreign tourists for their vacations.
And it is that the peaceful atmosphere that combines the air of security merges to make this beautiful city the first selection, especially for families who want to have a good time, to this, is added the quality of its people who have been responsible for enhancing the complex.
Cultures that habit in this city:
While it is true, Cuenca was founded in a period of conquest between Spaniards towards Ecuadorians; most of the population currently residing has indigenous roots.
Among them, the following stand out:
Cañaris:
Group of indigenous people belonging to the provinces of Cañar and part of Azogues, this ethnic group is considered the father of the current cultures of the city, because according to data, it is argued that they were the first settlers in settling lifestyles that even today are maintained.
Agriculture was part of their life. Their language was Cañari, a variation of Quichua, which unfortunately over the years has disappeared and today is considered a dead language.
Chola Cuencana:
It is the name given to the peasant woman of the canton of Cuenca and its region, in southern Ecuador, the result of biological and cultural miscegenation between Native Americans and Spanish conquistadors. She is an emblematic figure of the local society.
Its clothing is from the time of the conquest, because according to history, orders from the high command dictated even the form of clothing that should present the inhabitants, especially women.
Today the cholas cuencanas, are considered as part of Ecuadorian history. There is even a pasacalle dedicated to these women, which in its lyrics contemplates details such as the sweetness, the delicacy that these women present.
What to do in this city?
What to visit here?
After knowing the abundant history that Cuenca has, we present in the following video 20 things you can do in the city of Cuenca.
After watching this video you will surely want to pack your bags and schedule a trip to this magical city. As a curious fact it is worth mentioning that it is one of the few cities that has a fast transportation service, this being the railroad whose stops cross the streets of the city.
