Cuenca in Ecuador, the charm of the Andes
Santa Ana de los Ríos de Cuenca is undoubtedly a unique city.
It combines the past and the present by merging them through an extraordinary road along the Tomebamba River which crosses the city from West to East and divides it between old and modern neighborhoods.
Cuenca has always been a city of contrasts that mixes the three cultures, Cañari, Inca and Spanish, which makes a stroll through the city so charming. It is for the implementation of the principles of urban planning within the process of the renaissance of the Americas, the mixture of cultures and other unique qualities, that UNESCO declared Cuenca a Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 1999.
Nature and adventure in the Andes
Nature in Cuenca: the city and its surroundings
Cuenca is a privileged city surrounded by natural beauty spots with great biodiversity. In the heart of the city, picturesque gardens follow the course of the four rivers that cross it. In the surroundings, there are subtropical valleys, mountain forests, páramos and desert landscapes.
The most remarkable is the Cajas National Park, an hour from the city. It is a protected area made up of a glacial lake system with more than 230 lagoons and numerous ecosystems. In 2013, UNESCO declared the Park and the entire massif a World Biosphere Reserve.
The fauna is rich and diverse: dozens of species of mammals including the white-tailed deer, the spectacled bear, the puma, the tapir, as well as the emblematic llama and the alpaca.
Not to mention some 150 species of birds…
In terms of activities, there is something for everyone: sport fishing, climbing, hiking, bird watching, etc.
There are 13 recreational areas in the Park, 5 with easy hikes and 8 with trekking for experienced travelers!
In addition to the Park, there is the Bio-tourism Corridor of the Yanuncay River for lovers of nature and culture. The village of San Joaquin, a stone’s throw from Cuenca, is the starting point. In addition to its many fields of crops, the village is distinguished by its crafts, especially basketwork. From there, we follow the river bank to observe several specimens of Andean flora and fauna. A paradise for hikers…
Adventure in Cuenca
The Cuenca region has become one of the most popular destinations in Ecuador for adventure tourism with numerous national competitions, some of which have international repercussions. The perfect equation is found here thanks to a great diversity of landscapes and ecosystems that is added to the quality of the services offered, which allows for the safe practice of all types of extreme sports.
Cycling through the Andean páramos or forests, riding a horse in the moonlight or climbing the rock faces of a sacred mountain are some of the unforgettable experiences that enrich the memorable one of discovering a city classified as a World Heritage Site.
Among the most remarkable activities of adventure tourism:
Canopy: towards Bibin, in the municipality of Ricaurte, about thirty kilometers from Cuenca, in the middle of eucalyptus trees with precipices from 50 to 85 meters deep and 160 to 360 meters long. With 10 years of experience, Cuenca Canopy offers an infrastructure with all international safety standards. Adrenaline guaranteed with the different zip lines and specialized guides for maximum safety.
Climbing: mainly Cojitambo, a volcanic rock peak located 25 kilometers northeast of Cuenca that offers many climbing opportunities, and the Cajas National Park with majestic peaks in a spectacular landscape.
Horse: for those who want to live a different experience with rides of a few hours or several days to follow ancestral routes in the middle of ever-changing landscapes. The best thing is to ride a horse at night with the full moon!
