City of the south of Ecuador, capital of the county of Azuay, is in a valley of the mountain range of you Walk them to 2.581 m of altitude. The city gives good part of the quinine taken place in Ecuador, as well as the famous hats of Straw Shawl. Also bill with plants refinadoras of sugar, factories of wool fabrics, skin and ceramic, and it produces cereals, potatoes (potatoes) and cheeses. Been founded in 1557, it is headquarters of a bishopric and of two universities. Cuenca conserves its colonial and picturesque aspect, mainly old large houses whose walls exhibit inscriptions with Hispanic proverbs. Population (2001), 276.964 inhabitants.
TOURIST AREAS OF THE SECTOR:
Azuay is one of the most tourist counties in the serranías of
the Ecuador. Their capital, Cuenca, was he/she declares Cultural Patrimony of
the Humanity for the UNESCO due to the extraordinary colonial architecture that
possesses. Inside the county we also find one of the most beautiful parks
national, as well as good examples in their cultural expression as crafts and
traditional parties. The climate of Azuay is generally temperate and quite
pleasant with temperatures that vary between the 13 and the 20° C.
Cuenca was founded by the Spaniards in 1557, near the Inca town of
Tomebamba. The city presents a fabulous scenario: surrounded of mountains,
valleys, crossed by four rivers (Tomebamba, Yanuncay, Machangara and Tarqui) and
with an architecture that dates of the XVI and XVII centuries. Their churches,
neighborhoods, museums of religious art, large houses with wrought iron
balconies and squares conform this architectural group for which this city has
become an indispensable tourist destination.
Among the attractions that
it should visit in their journey for the historical center they are the Park
Calderón; the two cathedrals, the new of architecture románica and the old one
that possesses colonial beautiful works of art; The Carmen's Monasteries and the
Conceptas; the Municipal Palacio of beautiful marble facade; the Cloister of the
Conceptas; the Museum of Modern Art; the Museum Frizzy Remigio Toral; the Museum
Central Bank; the House of the Culture; the Museum of Popular Arts and the
Museum of the Native Cultures.
Another of the sectors that you/they
highlight for their constructions is the Ravine, a built neighborhood on the
north part of the river Tomebamba and one of the most important historical
places in Cuenca. It leaves of their fame he/she is due to the discoveries that
he/she made the archaeologist Max Uhle in the sector of Pumapungo, where they
were vestiges of the old City of Tomebamba. This city was an important Incan
establishment in the north part of the territory of the Tahuantinsuyo, according
to the chronicles it was destroyed by the Inca Atahualpa like punishment to its
residents for the support that these (the Cañari) they lent to the Inca Huáscar
during the dispute that both siblings sustained for the throne of the Empire.
At the present time he/she will be able to enjoy calm walks under
enormous Sallows while the rumor of the river accompanies its incursion in the
past of this town. Before leaving makes sure of to visit some of the handmade
markets and to acquire some of the beautiful crafts like hats of straw shawl,
ceramic, wool fabrics, delicate jewels of gold and silver or some of the
exquisite wicker baskets.
But the surroundings of Cuenca still hide more
reasons to be in love with this county. The Archaeological Place of Ingapirca is
to some 45 minutes of the capital of the county, this impressive one complex
archaeological he/she had an origin Cañari he/she stops then to open the way to
the Inca constructions, serving like religious, administrative and military
center. In him he/she will be able to visit the Temple of the Sun, the
Ceremonial Square, the external rooms of the temple, the cellar, the shops, the
ritual bathrooms, some streets and the Museum of Place that it has detailed
information of the place.
To about 33 kms to the northeast of Cuenca is
the National Park The Boxes, a reserved area that has 235 lagoons of origin
glacier. The area of the park reaches the 28,808 hectares and it is to a height
of 3,500 msnm. The flora of the area is quite diverse and the fauna is conformed
by Deer of Line Blanca (Odocoileus virginianus), Bears of Glasses (Tremarctos
ornatus), Pumas (Puma concolor), Deer of Moor (Odocoileus peruvianus ustus),
Tapir of Montaña (Tapirus pinchaque), Condors (Vultur Griphus), Caracaras
(Daptrius sp. ), Toucans of you Walk them (Andigena hypoglauca) and Ducks of
Glasses (Ells specularis), among other species.
Inside the area of the
park encuentrará also an important called archaeological place Tambo of Walls
(Molleturo) that was connected with the city of Tomebamba by means of one of the
tracts of the Cápac Ñac (I Walk Inca).
Another of the towns of the
county that will be very interesting to visit is that of Gualacero, recognized
by the quality of their crafts. On Sundays they are carried out popular fairs
where he/she will have the opportunity to admire the best products like shawls
of fine wool and beautiful factory, multicolored ponchos, chompas, belts, shoes
made to hands, leather articles, ceramic and an infinity of other products that
you/they will catch their attention per hours.
If it is interested in
buying some jewels of gold or silver gives a turn for the town of Chordeleg,
there it will appreciate the most beautiful goldwork works and to the best
prices in the county.
