Cuenca is the third largest city in Ecuador, capital of the Azuay province. It is located in the Sierra, the highlands of Ecuador. The city's cobblestone streets, towering cathedrals, and marble and whitewashed buildings give it a colonial air. Cuencanos, known for their traditional demeanour and conservative cultural values, match their 18th century surroundings. The city's history is well preserved, earning Cuenca the honour of being listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Trust site.

Tourist Offices
You will find the tourist information centre on Mariscal Sucre at Luís Cordero. There is also a kiosk at the bus station.

Around and closeby
Baños is a beautiful spot just outside of Cuenca with large lakes for fishing. (Not to be confused with the Baños further north which is the entrance to the Rainforest.)

Sightseeing
Visit the gigantic cathedral in the centre of town which dates back to the 1500's.

Getting there
There are daily local flights to and from Quito, Guayaquil and to the neighbouring countries. Cuenca lies next to the Panamerican highway. Buses offer connections to almost every city in Ecuador.

Getting around
Cuenca is easy to walk around. Cabs are readily available. The fee should be negotiated before entering the car. City buses are also fairly easy to figure out, particularly if you are going to major destinations such as Baños, the bus terminal or downtown. Most bus stops are marked, but often you can flag the bus down on a corner as well.