Cuenca

Attractions of Cuenca

Panama Hat Factory
As any self-respecting Ecuador traveler knows, Panama hats are not made in Panama, they are made in Ecuador.

Church of Santo Domingo
The second largest church in the city, it boasts twin 40-meter high brick towers and a beautiful facade. It's located at Gran Colombia and Padre Aguirre.

Church of San Blas
One of the largest churches in the city and the only one built in the form of a Latin cross. The original church, built in the 16th century, was replaced with a new one in the beginning of the 20th century.

Church of Todos Santos
The first church built in Cuenca. Next to it is one of the four crosses that marked the city's original limits. The church is located on the descent of Todos Santos off of Calle Larga near the river.

Plazoleta del Carmen
A block from Parque Calderón, at the corner of Sucre and Aguirre is the church of El Carmen de la Asunción. Few people come to visit the church, it's seldom open, but many come to take a look at the daily flower market in the church's plaza.

Museo de las Culturas Aborígenes
A new museum that houses a private collection of 5,000 archeological pieces representing over 20 pre-Columbian cultures of Ecuador. It's at least as good as the Banco Central's collection.

Inca Ruins
Ruins may be found along Calle Larga, Avenida Todos los Santos, and along the river. Though the Spanish destroyed all the complete structures when they built Cuenca, some interesting walls and stonework remain along this stretch. If you're interested in Inca ruins, you should also take a day-trip to Ingapirca, Ecuador's most important Inca ruin. It's about 70 kilometers north of Cuenca on the Pan-American Highway. Buses for Ingapirca leave frequently from the Terminal Terrestre.