Cuenca is a cozy city in the Andes, which many call the "Athens of Ecuador" and which is great as a base for traveling around the southern part of the country. Here lives a combination of cultural life, the chamber atmosphere of the historic center and the convenience for day and multi-day trips to the surrounding area.
The historical part of Cuenca is included in the UNESCO World Heritage List: cobbled streets, majestic cathedrals with characteristic domes and neat colonial houses create a special atmosphere. Museums and archaeological sites, including museums telling about indigenous civilizations, as well as workshops where the famous Panamanian hats are made, allow a deeper understanding of the local culture and crafts.
The natural surroundings of the city offer a lot of opportunities for active recreation: Kajas National Park (Parque Nacional Cajas) with high-mountain lakes and hiking trails, mountain passes, bird routes for observing the Andean fauna and the calm banks of the Tomebamba River are all nearby. Fans of photos and trekking will find here impressive views and clean mountain air.
The formats of excursions are diverse: walking in the historical center, road and off-road trips to the mountains, combined programs for several days. Tours in Russian are available for guests, and if you wish, you can book excursions with a Russian-speaking guide, who will help you immerse yourself in local stories, explain cultural nuances and build a route for your interests.
Each walk around Cuenca is a chance to see the combination of antiquity and nature, hear live stories and discover the corners that remain in memory. Book a suitable tour or contact a local guide to make a personal program and go for new experiences.
