At 8000 feet (2500 meters), Cuenca sits at the end of Ecuador's southern Andes. The compact area that comprises Cuenca's colonial area is situated on a cliff, with the park that traces the Rio Tomebamba stretched out below. The university area and modern Cuenca lie across the river.
Sights
The blue domes of the New Cathedral come into view again and again as you walk around the city. Glance up and find yet another view of Cuenca's iconic building.
On Thursday mornings, indigenous Andean people arrive for the weekly market, the women dressed in their full skirts and the men in their short trousers, both wearing the hats unique to their village.
Visit the Pumapungo ruins behind the Central Bank Museum. Part of them are perched on the hill overlooking the river, the rest are spread out below. The gardens are replicas of Inca gardens and display native plants.
The Inca-Cañari ruins at Ingapirca are the largest Inca ruins in Ecuador and can be visited in a day trip.
Several villages around the city specialize in handicrafts. Each has its own market day. Chordeleg is the most prominent.
Activities
Make day trips to hike in Cajas National Park. Specialized trips with guides, for activities such as birding, can be booked at one of the many travel agents near the square.
Shop for a Panama hat. The Panama hat was invented in Cuenca, and they are still made by hand in the rural areas.
Courses
The old colonial city is popular with foreign students studying English.
Cautions
In the Cuenca version of the 'dirty shoe' scam, bright yellow mustard is smeared on the victims clothing. Immediately several English-speaking men appear, tissues and handkerchiefs in hand. The thieves then very kindly offer to hold your belongings while you clean up. Decline, and if they don't go away, start screaming at them.
Places to Stay
There are several budget hotels in the colonial area near the river.
It's common to find room prices set according to the number of people staying there. It can cost the same to get two rooms as to share, a boon if you'd like a break from your traveling companion.
Getting Around
Walk as much as possible. The main part of the city is very compact. Some taxi drivers don't know the old city well, and don't seem to be able to read maps.
Getting There
Buses in Ecuador run down the spine of the Andes, from Quito to Cuenca and Guayaquil frequently. The bus from Guayaquil at sea level to Cuenca is spectacular, makes no stops, and can be totally empty. | 
