Cuenca, Ecuador

Saturday, July 24, 2010

Patrimonio Cultural de la Humanidad - UNESCO

Collage

Vista Nocturnal

Catedral Nueva

Catedral Nueva - Entrada de Marmol

Catedral Nueva

Vista Aerea

Catedral Nueva

Catedral de la Inmaculada

Parque Central Abdon Calderon - Catedral de la Inmaculada

Catedral Vieja

Catedral Nueva

Catedral

Catedral Nueva - Entrada de Marmol

Museo Municipal de Arte Moderno

Paseo en Carreta - Catedral de la Inmaculada

Casa de Arcos

Arquitectura Colonial

Catedral de la Inmaculada

Arquitectura Colonial

Iglesia

Iglesia de Baños

Iglesia San Sebastian

Indigenas

Indigenas en Otavalo

Limpia Botas

Mercado de Frutas

Mercado de Flores

Mercado de Frutas

Sombreros Panama

Guitarra

Iglesia

Fiesta Septenario

Parque Central Abdon Calderon

Procesion

Desfile Folkclorico

Procesion

Transportacion Publica - Tren

Andes

Transportacion Publica - Taxis

Yatchaks y Shamans

Frutas

Papayas

Agricultores

Doctor

Finca

Caballos

Cuenca

Vista Panoramica

Bienal de Arte de Cuenca - 2009

Vista de Plaza Nocturnal

Vista de Calle Nocturnal

Vista Panoramica

Montañas

Ruinas Inca

Ruinas Cañari

Ruinas Inca

Universidad de Cuenca

El Cuenca Tennis y Golf Club

Parque Nacional Cajas - Laguna Toreadora

Parque Nacional Cajas

Amazon

Avenue of Volcanoes

Guayaquil

Loja Province

Quito

Rivers

Hat Weaving

Manta - Pacific Coast

Mindo Cloud Forest

Galapagos Islands

Mapa de Cuenca - Insight Guides Ecuador & Galapagos

Parroquias en Cuenca

Mapa Sierra Sur - Insight Guides Ecuador & Galapagos

Plano Turistico de Cuenca

Ecuador Basic Map

Ecuador Terrain Map

Ecuador Climate Map

Climas de Ecuador

Mapa de Cuenca

Mapa de Ecuador

Ecuador Driving Times

Mapa de Norte y Sur America

UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site

Cuenca is Ecuador’s third largest city and is considered the country’s culture center. Built around one of South America’s largest cathedrals, the city’s architecture and culture is a colorful exhibition of its indigenous and Spanish heritage.

Cuenca is a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site and is frequently referred to in travel guides as the most European of South American cities.

The city is famous for its artistic tradition and many art, music and crafts festivals. Its Bienal is the largest art exhibit and juried art competition in South America.

In 2008, the German magazine Stern rated Cuenca the best retirement destination in Latin America. In 2009, International Living magazine named Cuenca the top retirement destination in the world and Lonely Planet travel guide included it among the top cities in world for travelers.

At an altitude of 8,200 feet, Cuenca is known for its spring-like weather. The year-round temperature range is 71 F for a high to 50 F for a low. Historically, rainfall averages 28 inches a year.

Just as Otavalo is the indigenous crafts center for the northern Ecuadorian Andes, Cuenca is the crafts center for the southern Andes. The city and surrounding area is known for ceramics, jewelry, leatherwork, textiles, woodwork, musical instruments and, of course, Panama hats.

With a growing population approaching 500,000, Cuenca has attracted several hundred ex-pats and foreign investors in recent years. Best estimates are that there are about 700 North American residents living in the Cuenca area and a recent demographic study predict that the city will be the most popular Ecuadorian destination for expats in the next 25 years.

The World's Number One Retirement Haven

Cuenca is Ecuador’s third-largest city and the economic center of the southern Sierra. It has an intellectual, artistic, and philosophical tradition that matches its colonial architecture.

Because of its history and state of preservation, Cuenca is one of Ecuador’s three UNESCO World Heritage Trust sites (the others are Quito and the Galapagos Islands). In 2006, an international association of urban planners voted Cuenca as one of the two “most livable” cities in Latin America, citing its culture, low crime rate, and “middle class” feel. The city has received high ratings from other sources, including National Geographic and Stern magazine.

In some ways, Cuenca is a city that was left back in time. Founded in 1557, the city was only connected to the rest of Ecuador with a paved road in the early 1960s. On the other hand, Cuenca’s growing expat community appreciates its modern side. The city boasts plenty of supermarkets and malls, handsome condominium projects, and comfortable suburbs.

The city sits in the fertile Paucarbamba Valley, where four small rivers converge. One, the Tomebamba, runs through the center of town, dividing the historic section to the north and the newer suburbs to the south.

Cuenca enjoys beautiful weather, with an abundance of fresh fruits and vegetables available all year. It’s a city of almost half a million people, so you have everything you need for comfortable, all-year living. There’s a new, modern shopping mall on the edge of town, theater, orchestra, and lots of good restaurants and cafés. The expat community is thriving and content.

International Living Report

City of Flowers and Athens of the Andes

Considered to be the most attractive of Ecuador's cities, Cuenca is the third largest city in the country, but retains the feel and relaxed pace of a smaller town.

Founded in 1557, partly on an existing Inca settlement, Cuenca maintains its historical colonial buildings and architecture, with its churches and cathedrals very fine examples.

It is on UNESCO's list of World Heritage sites and considered the cultural capital of Ecuador. There are a number of Spanish language schools in the area that attract an international student body.

Called the Athens of the Andes, or Atenas del Ecuador, Cuenca is the site of four universities, many museums, research and cultural organizations.

Located as it is in the central Andean range, Cuenca enjoys a year round spring-like climate. The temperate climate is ideal for raising the flowers and orchids exported internationally. Cuenca's year round pleasant climate makes it an all season destination. Check today's weather.

Festivities Include:

1) Cuenca's Independence Day on November 3.

2) Christmas Eve or Corpus Christi

3) Founding of Cuenca, April 10-13

4) Carnaval if you like fun and water fights

5) New Year's Eve

Things to do and See:

1) Museo del Banco Central has historical photos of Cuenca, ancient musical instruments and changing exhibitions of local art.

2) Museo de las Culturas Aborígenes displays items of archaeological interest, particularly pre-Columbian art.

3) Museo de Artes Populares displays tradtional crafts, including musical instruments and clothing.

4) Museo de las Conceptas displays religious art and artefacts in a 17th century convent.

5) Parque Calderón is the site of the new cathedral with the blue domes, looking somewhat out of place opposite the old cathedral, El Sagrario.

6) Plazoleta del Carmen is the site of a colonial church and flower market.

7) Plaza de San Sebastián contains a mural of children's art. The Museo de Arte Moderno and the church of San Sebastián are here.

8) Stroll along Avenida 3 de Noviembre along the Río Tomebamba to people watch, see the colonial buildings and get a feel for the city. You might even see some women dressed in traditional clothing doing their laundry in the traditional manner.

9) Rent a bicycle, hike or trek to explore the area.

10) Visit the communities of Chordeleg, Gualaceo, and Bulcay for folk art.

11) Explore the tropical forest of El Cajas and the wildlife preserve at Mazán.

Practical Tips and Suggestions:

1) Browse this list of hotels for availability, rates, amenities, location, activities and other specific information.

2) Most of the restaurants and nightlife are centered around Gran Columbia.

3) Market days are Thursday and Saturdays, with markets near the church of San Francisco and elsewhere. They are not necessarily tourist markets, but you'll want to see the flower market photo. Beware of pickpockets.

Information from: About.com: South America Travel

Saving Money is Easy in Cuenca - Dena Haines

International Living Postcards—your daily escape
Wednesday, Aug. 18, 2010

Dear International Living Reader,

Last year Dena moved to Ecuador from Canada with her husband and young daughter. (She credits IL with helping them make the decision.)

They considered several places in Belize, Mexico, and the Dominican Republic, too…but Cuenca won them over in the end thanks to its safety and climate.

Of course, another big draw was the low prices—take a look at some of the costs Dena details below.

Saving Money is Easy in Cuenca, Ecuador - By Dena Haines

Cuenca, Ecuador is a jewel nestled in amongst the amazing beauty of the Andes Mountains…and is rated as one of the best places in the world to retire. After living here for the past year I can understand why.

The climate is temperate year-round. The medical facilities are excellent, and the atmosphere is that of a quaint European town. The cost of living is significantly lower than in the U.S. or Canada.

Your grocery bill will be about a third of what you pay back home. We currently rent a new three-bedroom, two bath apartment (with an amazing view of the surrounding mountains) for just $180 a month.

The electric bill is around $20 per month, and the water bill is $1.80 per month. The hot water, kitchen stove, and clothes dryer run on propane—$2 per tank.

For 25 cents the bus system gets you anywhere you want to go. If you need a taxi, you’ll pay $1.50 for a short trip or up to $5 for a ride clear across the city.

The latest movies—$3. You can treat a friend to a coffee and snack for less than $3. A typical 3-course lunch costs between $2 and $4.

Cuenca is a center of education so you can find all the latest medical facilities here, and get the care you need or want at a fraction of the cost you might expect. Some people travel here because of the savings on certain procedures, especially dental and cosmetic.

It’s never too hot or too cold; warm during the day and cool at night. The growing season has no end, so a wide variety of fresh fruit and vegetables are always available. The climate is also easy on the wardrobe—with a pair of jeans, t-shirt, and light jacket you’re set to get out and explore this beautiful city.

The four rivers that run through Cuenca provide a lot of beautiful green space. It’s very peaceful to walk along their eucalyptus lined banks, or pack a picnic and relax with friends while listening to the soft babbling as the river flows by. The city has a definite European feel, with its colonial architecture and cobblestone streets. The parks, quaint cafes and restaurants all over the city add to its small-town feel.

Until recently, bad roads made Cuenca difficult to reach, keeping it somewhat isolated. As a result Cuenca has retained a strong culture and cosmetic beauty that people are falling in love with. The expat community is steadily growing so if you are thinking about making a move, now is the time to join us.

Article from International Living Reader

Museos en Cuenca

Museo del Banco Central
Calle Larga and Huayna Capac; Tel: 831225
Monday - Friday 09h00 to 18h00; Saturday 09h00 to 13h00

Museo de Los Metales
Av. Solano 11-83; Tel: 811302
Monday - Friday 09h00 to 12h00, 16h00 A 19h00

Museo de Las Culturas Aborigenes
Av.10 de Agosto 4-70 and Rafael Torres; Tel: 880010, 888461
Monday - Friday 09h00 to 18h00

Museo Artes Populares (Cidap)
Hno. Miguel 3-23. and Calle Larga; Tel: 829451, 840919
Monday - Friday 09h30 to 13h00, 14h30 to 18h00, Saturday 10h00 to 13h00

Museo Remigio Crespo Toral
Calle Larga 7-07 and Borrero; Tel: 833208
Monday - Friday 08h30 to 13h00, 15h00 A 18h30; Saturday and Sunday 09h00 to 13h00

Museo de Arte Moderno
Sucre 15-27 and Coronel Talbot; Tel: 831027
Monday - Friday 08h30 to 18h30; Saturday and Sunday 09h00 to 15h00

Museo Agustín Landivar (Ruinas de Todos Santos)
Calle Larga 223 and Los Molinos; Tel: 832639
Monday - Friday 09h00 to 13h00, 15h00 to 18h00

Casa de La Cultura Benjamin Carrión
Benigno Malo and Sucre
Monday - Saturday 09h00 to 13h00, 15h00 to 18h00

Museo de Las Conceptas
Hno. Miguel 6-33 and Juan Jaramillo; Tel: 830625
Monday - Friday 09h00 to 13h00, 14h30 to 17h30; Saturdays 09h00 to 13h00

Instituyo Azuayo del Folklore
Luis Cordero 7-22, 3rd Piso; Tel: 830016
Monday - Friday 08h30 to 12h00,14h30 to 17h30

Museo Arqueológico Universidad Estatal de Cuenca
Av. 12 de Abril; Tel: 831698
Monday - Friday 09h00 to 12h00, 14h00 to 18h00

Museo Colegio Benigno Malo
Av. Solano 2-58; Tel: 836763
Monday - Friday 09h00 to 13h00

Museo de La Medicina
Av. 12 de Abril Y Solano; Tel: 830667
Monday - Friday 09h00 to 12h00; 14h30 to 16h00

Museo de La Comunidad de Chordeleg
23 de Enero 4-21, Frente Al Parque Central de Chordeleg; Tel: 259316
Monday - Saturday 08h30 to 17h00; Sunday 08h30 to 14h00

Museo Artesanal de Gualaceo
Av del Parador and Loja; Tel: 255261
Tueday - Saturday 09h00 to 12h00, 14h00 to 17h00; Sunday 08h00 to 13h00

Casa de Los Tratados
Corner of Bolivar and Córdova Giron
Tuesday - Sunday 09h00 to 12h00, 14h00 to 17h00

Museo de Sitio de Ingapirca
Highway from Cañar to Azoguez Central de Ingapirca
Tuesday - Sunday 09h00 to 17h00

Ecuador's Festivals

As Ecuadorian culture has strong roots in the Roman Catholic Church, it is little surprise that virtually all Ecuadorians celebrate Carnaval, the precursor and antithesis to the 40 days of abstinence that precede the religious holiday Semana Santa (Easter week). Known for their animated parties and celebrations, Ecuadorians use Carnaval to wear out their carnal desires before embarking on the arduous journey of discretion that leads up to the holy week.

In addition to Carnaval and Semana Santa, the Andeas Highland’s most important festivals are the Mama Negra celebration in Latacunga (November), a pagan celebration dating back to the Spanish conquest during which men dress up as black women (really!), and the Otavalo celebrations of Inti Raymi (June) and Yamor (early September). Inti Raymi and Yamor both display a rich combination of indigenous cosmovision and Roman Catholicism.

Bullfights and important soccer games, though not technically festivals, serve as worthy substitutes in times of need. Pseudo bullfights (the bull isn't killed and everyone is allowed to enter the ring in a comical display of machismo) are held throughout the year in various pueblos in the Andes. The December bullfights in Quito, however, are world-class, attracting some of the most famous fighters on the planet.

Though celebrations peak during holidays and festivals, Ecuador is fun year round. One would be hard pressed to distinguish a Friday or Saturday night in Ecuador from New Years Eve anywhere else. Join the fun!

From EcuadorExplorer.com

Ecuador Facts and Statistics

Basics

Name: Republic of Ecuador

Independence: May 24, 1822 (from Spain)

Type of government: Democratic Republic

Area: 256,370 sq. kilometers

Population: 13,927,650

Capital City: Quito (population 1.2 million)

Principal cities: Guayaquil, Quito, and Cuenca

Official language: Spanish

Currency: U.S. Dollar

People

Population: 13,927,650 (July 2008 est.)

0-14 years: 32.1% (male 2,274,986/female 2,189,437)

15-64 years: 62.7% (male 4,355,909/female 4,381,141)

65 years and over: 5.2% (male 340,861/female 385,316) (2008 est.)

Population density: 47.7 people per sq. km (one of the highest in South America)

Population growth rate: 0.935% (2008 est.)

Birth rate: 21.54 births/1,000 population (2008 est.)

Death rate: 4.21 deaths/1,000 population (2008 est.)

Ethnic Division:

Mestizo (mixed Indigenous and White) 65%

Indigenous: 25%

Spanish and other European: 7%

Black: 3%

Indigenous groups:

over 40 indigenous nations including the Quichua, Huaorani, Shuar (Jivaro), Achuar, Cofan, Siona, Secoya, Otavaleño, Tchatchilas (Colorados), Zaparo, Salasacas, Canaris, Saraguro & Chachi

Languages:

Spanish (official), numerous indigenous tongues. Quichua, the language of the Incas, is the most widely spoken indigenous language. English is commonly spoken among professionals and tourism providers.

Religion:

95% Roman Catholic (however most mestizos and indigenous converts combine Catholicism with animistic practices and beliefs)

5% Other.

Social Welfare

Net migration rate: -7.98 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2008 est.)

Infant mortality rate: 21.35 deaths/1,000 live births

Life expectancy at birth: 76.81 (male: 73.94; female: 79.84)

Total fertility rate: 2.59 children born/woman (2008 est.)

HIV/AIDS (adult prevelence rate): 0.3% (2003 est.)

Poverty (% of population below national poverty line): 38.3% (2006).

Child malnutrition (% of children under 5): 45% (2001)

Access to improved water source: 70% (2001)

Literacy: 91% of the population over 15 years of age (male: 92.3%; female: 89.7%)

Geography

Location: north western South America, bordering the Pacific Ocean at the Equator, between Colombia and Peru

Border countries: Colombia 590 km, Peru 1,420 km

Area: 256,370 sq. km.- roughly the size of the U.S. State of Colorado

Coastline: 2,237 kilometers

Elevation extremes:

Lowest point: Pacific Ocean, 0 meters

Highest point: Chimborazo Volcano, 6,310 meters

(note: Cotopaxi Volcano in the Andes is the highest active volcano in world)

Climate: tropical along the coast and in the Amazon region, and cooler in the highlands

Terrain: coastal plain (Costa), inter-Andean highlands (Sierra), rolling eastern rainforest plain (Oriente) & the Galapagos Island Archipelago

Natural resources: oil, fish, timber, and various minerals

Land use:

Arable land: 6%

Permanent crops: 5%

Permanent pastures: 18%

Forests and woodlands: 56%

Other: 15% (2001)

Natural hazards: frequent earthquakes, landslides, volcanic activity, and periodic droughts

Volcanic history: Ecuador has many active volcanoes, as well as one of the greatest densities of volcanoes in the world. Active volcanoes include Cotopaxi, Sangay, Reventador, Tungurahua & Guagua Pichincha.

Ecology and Environment

Overview: In the Ecuadorian Amazon, which represents just two percent of the whole basin, live one-third of all the bird species in the entire Amazon region, and 10 percent of all the tree species on earth. Over 24 tropical life zones are found in Ecuador (according to the Holdridge Life Zone system) including: mangrove swamp, dry tropical forest, tropical cloud forest, paramo, and tropical lowland rainforest. Due to its great variety of life zones, Ecuador boasts one the highest levels of bio-diversity in the world. For example one hectare of lowland rainforest can contain as many frog species as in all of North America; one tree can contain more ant species than in all of the British Isles combined; and of the world's known bird species (about 9,000), pint-sized Ecuador is home to over 1,500. Ecuador also has one of the greatest levels of endemism anywhere in the world.

Species:

mammals: 302

plants: 18,250

birds: 1,559

reptiles: 374

amphibians: 402

freshwater fish: 706

Threatened species:

mammals: 20

plants: 375

birds: 50

reptiles: 12

amphibians: 0

freshwater fish: 0

% of habitat remaining:

forests: 96.3

grasslands: 75.9

wetlands: no data

Total area protected (ha): 11,114 (2001)

% of land area protected: 39.3 (2001)

No. of areas protected over 100,000 ha in size: 46.7 (2001)

No. of areas protected over 1 million ha in size: 6.7 (2001)

Current environmental issues:

deforestation; soil erosion; desertification; water pollution; pollution from oil production wastes in ecologically sensitive areas of the Amazon Basin and Galapagos Islands

International environmental agreements:

Antarctic-Environmental Protocol, Antarctic Treaty, Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Tropical Timber 83, Tropical Timber 94, Wetlands

Government

Type of government: Democratic Republic

Capital: Quito

Current President: President Rafael Correa Delgado (since 15 January 2007)

Vice President: Lenin Moreno Garces (since 15 January 2007)

Administrative division: 24 provinces: Azuay, Bolivar, Canar, Carchi, Chimborazo, Cotopaxi, El Oro, Esmeraldas, Galapagos, Guayas, Imbabura, Loja, Los Rios, Manabi, Morona-Santiago, Napo, Orellana, Pastaza, Pichincha, Santa Elena, Santo Domingo de los Tsachilas, Sucumbios, Tungurahua, Zamora-Chinchipe

Suffrage: 18 years of age, universal, compulsory for literate people ages 18-65

Infrastructure

Internet Service Providers: 31

Internet dial-up accounts: 39,700 (2001)

Internet users per 100: 1.7 (2001 est.)

PC ownership: 20.3 per 1,000 (2001 est.)

Cable TV subscribers: 78,200 (2001)

Main phones lines: 1,426,200; Per 100: 11 (2001 est.)

Cellphone subscribers: 1,560,900; Per 100: 7.1 (2001 est.)

Roads paved: 18.9% (2000)

Economy (USD billions unless otherwise noted)

Overview:

Ecuador has substantial oil resources and rich agricultural areas. Because the country exports primary products such as oil, bananas, and shrimp, fluctuations in world market prices can have a substantial domestic impact.

GDP: 41.7

GDP real growth rate: 3.3%

GDP per capita: USD $3,100

Gross domestic investment/GDP: 12.2 (1999)

Exports of goods and services/GDP: 37.3 (1999)

Gross domestic savings/GDP: 24.9 (1999)

Gross national savings/GDP: 24.8 (1999)

TradeCurrent account balance/GDP: 5.0 (1999)

Interest payments/GDP: 3.6 (1999)

Debt - external 14.4

GDP composition by sector (2001):

Agriculture: 11%

Industry: 33%

Services: 56%

Economic Aid - recipient: 120 million

Labor force: 3.7 million

Population distribution by occupation:

Agriculture: 30%

Industry: 25%

Services and other activities: 45% (2001 est.)

Inflation rate: 6.1% (yearend 2003 est.)

Unemployment rate: 7.7% with widespread underemployment (2001)

Poverty (% of population below national poverty line): 65%

Main industries: oil, mining, food processing, textiles, metal work, paper products, wood products, chemical production, plastics, fishing, lumber, tourism

Main agriculture products: bananas, coffee, cacao, rice, potatoes, manioc, plantains, sugarcane, cattle, sheep, pigs, beef, pork, dairy, balsa wood, fish, shrimp

Trade (USD billion)

Total exports: 4.9

Export commodities: petroleum, bananas, shrimp, coffee, cocoa, cut flowers, fish

Total imports: 6.0

Import commodities: machinery and equipment, chemicals, raw materials, fuels; consumer goods

From EcuadorExplore.co

Sources: World Resources Institute, the Economist Intelligence Unit, The World Fact Book, and the World Bank Group.