At 2,538 meters above sea level, Cuenca, the provincial capital of Azuay in the south of Ecuador, is situated in a lovely valley surrounded by Andean mountains. It is unquestionably one of the most stunning cities in the entirety of South America, with one of the best preserved historic centers in the world, which led to its designation as an Ecuadorian cultural heritage on March 29, 1982. A magnificent city established in 1557 in accordance with the strict urban regulations ordered by the Spanish King Carlos V thirty years earlier. The eastern zone of this lovely city, which has a total area of almost 16,000 hectares, is located in the Andes Mountain range, while the western zone is on the coast. The temperature in this city is typically constant between 14 and 18 degrees Celsius. Do you want to discover a little more about this lovely city?

A unique historical center in the world.

On January 1st, 1999, the impressive Historic Centre of Cuenca, which covers 224 hectares, was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, taking into account the presence of pre-Hispanic cultures and the Cañari people in the Tomebamba Valley, the authenticity and uniqueness of the colonial and republican architectural monuments, a beautiful place to visit where the richness of its colonial art, modern art, and contemporary art predominate.

The Plaza Central and the Parque Calderón, where visitors can see examples of Spanish churches built in the colonial style, such as San Sebastián, San Francisco, Santo Domingo, Cristo Rey, and many others, are worth a visit.

Due to the abundance of handicraft shops, the historic center is the perfect place for tourists looking for handmade items or souvenirs. Here you can find true artisans and artists…

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