Discover the Colonial architecture of Cuenca
Discover Cuenca and its attractions doing an exceptional trip.
Cuenca is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful cities in southern Ecuador. Its colonial architecture is the most representative. Thus, visitors can take a walking tour through the historic center to admire the colonial houses with ornate balconies. In addition, the churches are the main attraction. The city has so many churches that it would take the visitor a month to visit a church every day.
The main attraction is located in Calderon Park where the Cathedral Church, the City Hall, and the Palace of Justice are located. Nearby is the Plaza de las Flores. Undoubtedly, a place full of color and flowers.
“Panama Hat” or toquilla straw hats.
Discover Cuenca visiting the Panama hat store. “Panama Hat” has a story of ancient origin. The inhavitants of the coast knew the elaboration of the toquillla straw hats. Certainly, they did it to protect themselves from the sun. They were very light, resistant and could be used anywhere.
“Panama Hat” has a history of ancient origin. The inhabitants of the coast knew the elaboration of toquilla straw hats. Certainly, they did it to protect themselves from the sun. They were very light, resistant and could be used anywhere.
Cuenca has beautiful and fancy stores of paja toquilla straw hats. In fact, in Ecuador, there are only two places: Cuenca and Montecristi.
There is a museum of toquilla straw hats in the historic center, diagonal to the fruit and food market. Here, travelers can appreciate hats from different eras and designs. In addition, you can observe the process of elaboration and finally the different models to be sold.
Why is called Panama Hat?
It is a mistake to call the Ecuadorian toquilla straw hat “Panama hat”. The confusion started with the construction of the Panama Canal. Well, the thousands of workers who worked in this canal began to use the Panama hat to cover themselves from the intense hours of sun. Certainly, the freshness and delicacy of this hat turned it into a highly valued garment. Thus, there was a great demand, and exports from Guayaquil to Panama became more and more important. Consequently, the hat became internationalized and people began to call it “Panama Hat”.
Discover Cuenca doing a City Tour
Another unique attraction is to see the city on a tour bus. In fact, it is a double-decker bus with a panoramic view of the most important tourist sites of the city. The journey is guided by a bilingual guide (Spanish-English). Most importantly, during this tour, we will learn a lot about the history and traditions of the city.
On the bus, we will be able to observe the balconies, gardens, monuments, churches, and many other attractions of the city. It is very important to go on the second floor to be able to appreciate all the attractions.
Discover The most attractive orchids are in Cuenca.
Certainly, the historical center of the city is not the only attraction. There is also a very special appeal, and they are the orchids. Likewise, the largest orchid garden in South America is located 40 km from the city at an altitude of 2,200 meters. Its temperature varies between 17 and 22 degrees Celsius. Above all, because it is located in a privileged place, it is possible to cultivate orchids from the Coast, Highlands, and Amazon.
In short, this is an orchid paradise. Here you can observe different species, sizes, colors, and aromas. Most importantly, you can observe them in bloom. A guided tour will take us through an impressive orchid landscape with colors that take us into the deepest of beautiful nature.
Cajas National Park.
The National Park of Cajas is located 45 minutes from Cuenca. Undoubtedly, a wonderful place where we can enjoy short and long walks around the lagoons. Certainly, the lagoon called Toreadora is the most attractive and the largest. In addition, there are other attractions such as bird watching, camping, and sport fishing.