History of Cuenca 

        The former Inca town of Cuenca situated at about 2500 meters in the southern part of the Andres was conquered by the Spanish in 1533 and founded in 1557. With a population of about 35,000 people it is Ecuador's third largest city. Cuenca is unarguably the centre of culture and art of Ecuador. Cuenca has charming historical centers, the churches, the small cobbled streets and colonial houses with noble facades, prim balustrades, wrought iron baloncies and red titled roofs, it was declared as World Heritage Site by the UNESCO, The United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization, in 1999. Cuenca is an ideal place for all travelers to learn and discover more about the Ecuadorian culture.

                                   

Landmarks of Cuenca 

Old and New Cathedral of Cuenca 

         The Old Cathedral of Cuenca, or El Sagrario, was constructed in the same year that the town of  Cuenca was founded,1557. Its location is on ancient Inca ruins and it was built for the religious followers of Cuenca. The town eventually grew into a city but it has not lost its memories. As in many growing towns, religion played a very important role in the daily lives of the local communities and this cathedral was built to accommodate this need. Later on throughout the years the cathedral became too small to cater for the increasing population and so a new cathedral was built directly opposite the Old Cathedral of Cuenca. The New Cathedral, also known as Catedral de la Inmaculada Concepción.  The Cathedral took over the function of the nearby Old Cathedral that had become too small. Construction workers started in 1885 and lasted for almost a century. The cathedral was funded from private donation therefore it is still standing today as a museum. Both the New and Old Cathedrals of Cuenca are worthy attractions in Ecuador and everyone can appreciate the beauty and splendor of these buildings. 

 

Cajas National Park 

        Cajas National Park, with over 250 lakes is located 29 km west of Cuenca. This national park became very famous since the appearance of the Virgin (Virgen del Cajas). Many people like to go there to ask for miracles and pray. Approximately 125 species of birds have been found here. The highest point is the 4,450 m high. About 270 lakes and lagoons can be found in the Páramo of Cajas. Luspa is the largest of these lakes. Like the other lakes it is of glacial origin and glaciation shaped the landscape of Cajas leaving U-shaped valleys and ravines. 

Typical and Traditional Cuisine 

Arroz con Pollo (or camarones) 

           Arroz con Pollo (rice with chicken) and Arroz con Camarones (rice with shrimp) are both traditional dishes found throughout Latin America.

Ceviche 

        Ceviche is a mix of raw seafood and shellfish “cooked” in citric juices, especially lime juice. Common ingredients include:  white fish, shrimp, crab, clams, squid (calamari), and onions.

Pan de Yuca 

        Pan de Yuca is a soft bread made with flour from the yuca root, cheese, butter, and eggs. It’s common throughout Latin America, and often goes by different names depending on the country. It is served warm, it makes a wonderful appetizer or snack.

Encebollado

      One of our favorite dishes is Encebollado. Encebollado is a fish soup made with tuna fish, yuca, cilantro and pickled onions. It is a family favorite.

Traditional Ecuador Food Near Cuenca's 

Raymipampa 

       Raymipampa is a nice traditional restaurant just off of Parque Calderon in Cuenca Ecuador. The restaurant looks out onto the park so the view is nice.

Panesa Cafe Bakery 

      Breakfast here is very inexpensive for a very filling amount. The bread is straight out the oven with either coffee or a healthy fruit juice. 

Cuenca Ecuadorian People 

          The Indigenous women carry their babies in a wool blanket made into a hammock on their back, some of them carry them on the front too. Ecuadorian women do not smoke. 99% of the women have long hair, which is usually tied back in a pony tail. 99% of the men have short hair, which many like to style with gel. 

                                             

                                      Works Cited 

• "Cuenca Ecuador." Cuenca, Ecuador. N.p., n.d. Web. 22 Oct.

"Cuenca Ecuador." <i>Cuenca, Ecuador</i>. N.p., n.d. Web. 22 Oct. 2015.

• "Top 10 Cuenca Landmarks on TripAdvisor: Check out Cuenca Sights to See." Top 10 Cuenca Landmarks on TripAdvisor: Check out Cuenca Sights to See. N.p., n.d. Web. 22 Oct. 2015

http://www.tripadvisor.com/Attractions-g294309-Activities-c47-Cuenca_Azuay_Province.html

• "Ecuadorian Food - Typical & Traditional Cuisine." Go Backpacking. N.p., n.d. Web. 22 Oct. 2015.http://gobackpacking.com/travel-guides/ecuador/ecuadorian-food-typical-traditional/

• "Cuenca Ecuador." Cuenca, Ecuador. N.p., n.d. Web. 22 Oct. 2015.

http://www.ecuadorexplorer.com/html/cuenca.html