I have never been a big fan of the altitude, but since my husband and I were exploring my home country of Ecuador we decided to embark on a trip to Cuenca, 2.5 hours from Guayaquil, we drove through the cordillera to the city where the "panama" hats were born...
Our first stop was the natural reserve of Cajas, you can stop in the park and enjoy the view of beautiful lagoons, be careful though cause at over 3,000 ft above sea level, it can get tricky for people that tempt to get dizzy or light headed.
The weather is also a little cold in January, a sweater and a rain coat would be enough to keep you warm! In the same route you can find lots of bed and breakfasts were you can fish for trout, which can be cooked for you to enjoy instantly!
In town we stayed at the Mansion Alcazar Hotel, very pretty establishment, rebuilt colonial mansion, gorgeous! internal courtyard, the patio was gorgeous! Their restaurant is superb as well, you can sit and enjoy a private dinner in their glassed pergola overlooking the moon! very romantic!
Strolling down the crowded streets of Cuenca, you will ran into beautiful architectural masterpieces on every corner! From colonial churches and cathedrals to antique mansions and municipal buildings. The historic center of the city is heavily guarded by municipal guards, very safe for tourists, my favorite area of town is the flower market next to the Old Cathedral and the 10 de Agosto market, love to stroll around with blossoms of roses, enjoying freshly made empanadas, and enjoying this amazing town!
Most of the art pieces in the churches are original from the colonial era, everything has been preserved and restored between the Ecuadorian and Spanish government on their attempt to make Cuenca a patrimony of humanity.
We visited a home that has been standing in the streets of Cuenca for over 200 years, it is now considered a museum, the owners still live inside and the bottom is now an antique store. Very cute and interesting, you don't see this every day!
The interior balcony, a masterpiece in the building!
Hand carved door... breath taking!
We were lucky enough to be in town for the kids' parade to the 3 wise men, handmade costumes and typical dances were some of my favorite times of this amazing weekend!
Inside the Old Cathedral ... I have no words to describe it's beauty!
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