The Southern Andes: Cuenca, Loja & Surroundings

Cuenca: 268 miles (432 km) south of Quito is the scenic gathering of four vigorously Andean rivers and a “World Heritage” colonial center, Cuenca. Let its cobblestone streets, graceful wrought-iron balconies, and flower-filled plazas captivate you.This city is home to the famous Panama hats and to very talented people who will proudly show you their best work.

The best archaeological exhibits are at the Museo del Banco Central, which also displays old photos and has changing art and other shows. The Museo de Las Conceptas is housed in the Convent of the Immaculate Conception and is Cuenca's most famous religious art museum.

What to bring: The weather is very much like that of Quito, therefore we suggest you dress the same for Cuenca.

Ingapirca Ruins: About 1 hour 45 minutes from Cuenca, Ingapirca, “Wall of the Inca” is the most important archaeological site in Ecuador standing as evidence of the undeniable influence of Incan presence in the country. It was built at the end of the fifteenth century in an area that was occupied by the Cañaris.The main structure is known as the Temple of the Sun, and it was used for ceremonial and religious purposes.Next to this archaeological site there is a museum that displays Inca and Cañari ceramics and other artifacts.

Gualaceo: About 22 miles (36km) from Cuenca, Gualaceo known as “Garden of Azuay” is located.The valley of Gualaceo is crossed by the Santa Ana River, creating a beautiful riverfront scenery. It’s one of the most important fruit growing centers in the area. Its Sunday market features three separated markets: fruits and vegetables, craft and clothes, and produce and household goods blend perfectly into one.

Chordeleg: At 10 minutes from Gualaceo. It’s a pre-Incan town full of archaeological treasures. It’s famous for its jewelry in gold and silver. This town also produces embroidery, pottery, ceramics, textiles, and panama hats.

El Cajas National Park: Located on the west of Cuenca at 18 miles (30 km). The Park has an area of 28,544 hectares, the lowest altitude is 3,150 meters and the highest is 4450 meters above sea level. This area is known for its beautiful landscapes and at least 200 lakes, like the famous La Toreadora. It’s the perfect place for birdwatchers and nature lovers. You can also fish trout, camp or hike.There’s also a small forest of Polylepis tree, and you can see the Ecuadorian national flower “chuquiragua”

Loja: Located at about 128 miles (207 km) from Cuenca. It’s one of Ecuador’s oldest cities and a modern town with a rich cultural heritage; it has preserved some eighteenth and nineteenth century buildings. The major of Loja has worked hard in a garbage recycling program and it’s won several international prizes. It’s also one of the most cultured cities and its gardens and parks are well taken care of, giving a charming look to this city close to the Peruvian border.

Vilcabamba: 25 miles (40 km) south of Loja. It’s a small town known as the “Sacred Valley” and famed for the longevity of its people who are over 100 years old.Some of the reasons of its longevity are: the spring like weather, healthy diet, and water and air purity. Vilcabamba offers access to areas of the Podocarpus National Park.

Podocarpus National Park: This national park is located in the provinces of Zamora Chinchipe and Loja. It has more than 100 lagoons, and the best-known is the Lagunas del Compadre. It’s a paradise for nature and bird lovers. It takes its name from having the country’s largest contingent of the Podocarpus or romerillo tree. The importance of this park is because of its biodiversity - up to 90 different tree species have been recorded.