Be an Expert in Cuenca Additional Information to the Webinar All You Need Is Ecuador
Total Page:16
File Type:pdf, Size:1020Kb
BE AN EXPERT IN CUENCA ADDITIONAL INFORMATION TO THE WEBINAR ALL YOU NEED IS ECUADOR 1 GENERAL CONTENTS 1. The City of Cuenca Location Essential information The city, Origins & history City recognitions 2. Cuenca Tourist Areas Old town El Barranco & Calle Larga (long street) San Sebastián neighborhood Other areas within the city 3. Cuenca for Special Interests Culture and art Squares & Parks Shopping in Cuenca Traditions Nightlife & events Archaeology Adventure Congresses & Conventions 4. Infrastructure & Services in the City Accommodation Gastronomy Transportation 5. Cuenca and Surroundings Baños Gualaceo & Chordeleg Ingapirca El Cajas National Park Cojitambo Cuenca in 3 days 6. From Guayaquil to other destinations within Ecuador Loja & Vilcabamba Guayaquil & Galápagos Amazonía Quito 2 THE CITY OF CUENCA LOCATION IN ECUADOR Santa Ana de los Ríos de Cuenca is located in the Inter-Andean valley and crossed by 4 rivers: Yanuncay, Machángara, Tarqui and Tomebamba ESSENTIAL INFORMATION Third most important city in Ecuador Population: +500,000 Altitude: 2535 MASL Mild climate with average temperature of 17 °C (62.6 °F). CUENCA, ITS ORIGINS & HISTORY First Inhabitants (10,000A.C-1,470D.C) In the area of the present-day city, in the Chobsi and Cubilán sites 8060 BC, archaeological and anthropological traces have been found, passing through Cerro Narrío culture (2000 BC – 500 AD.) to the flowering of the Tuncahuán culture, as well as the early phases of Tacalshapa culture (Azuay) and Cashaloma (Cañar) 500 BC – 500 AD that kicked off the Cañari era extending until 1500 AD. 3 Inca Period (1470-1528) To 1470 AD, the Cañaris were conquered by the Incas in the area now known as Tomebamba, birthplace to Huayna Capac, father of Huascar (Cuzco) and Atahualpa (Quito), who upon their father death in 1528 started a civil war for the succession of the throne. Spanish Conquest (1538-1547) Atahualpa wins the war so the Cañari people allied to the newcomers from Spain to capture and murder Atahualpa in Cajamarca, which makes things easy to Sebastián de Benalcázar to defeat Rumiñahui and ended up conquering Quito Colonial period (1557-1820) In 1538, a settlement was formed at Paucarpamba, until 1557 when the Viceroy of Lima ordered the founding of a new city, thus, on the 12 of april 1557 the Captain Gil Ramirez Dávalos, re-founds over the Tomebamba ruins, the city of Santa Ana de los Ríos de Cuenca, as part of the Royal Audience of Quito, gaining its independence on the 3rd of November 1820 Republican era until 20th. Century After the separation of the Republic of Quito from the Great Colombia in 1830, Cuenca became the capital city of Azuay province. Cuenca then developed the production of Toquilla Straw hats, which became part of the attire of the indigenous people in this area, especially to the women known as “Cholas Cuencanas”. The city enters into an important phase of urban growth during the 60’s. Current City While the people in Cuenca live the conflict between modernization and preservation of its architectural and urbanistic heritage that earned to the city the declaration as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO; outside the old town, broad avenues, modern -several floors- buildings, big parks, industrial areas and shopping centers, among others turn this city in a mix between the ancient and the modern times, giving to the city the benefits of both parties. Parque Calderón - foto antigua Parque Calderón actual 4 CITY RECOGNITIONS The city’s rich heritage, its traditional and geographic features, and the lifestyle of its people have made Cuenca worthy of national and international recognitions, which include among others: World Heritage Site, UNESCO 1999 Best Place in the World to Retire. International Living 2009-2010-2011-2013 Best Places to retire. CNN Money USA 2012 The best small city in terms of cost effectiveness. Foreign Direct Investment 2013- 2014 #1 Outdoor Flower Market. National Geographic 2014 Best Adventure Hub. Outside Travel Magazine, 2014 Travel Awards CUENCA TOURIST AREAS The Historic Center of Cuenca and the surroundings of Tomebamba River have a high concentration of highlights Old town El Barranco & Calle Larga (Long Street) San Sebastián neighborhood 5 THE OLDTOWN Cuenca’s daily life concentrates in this area rich in religious architecture with more than 8 important churches; this is the ideal place to stroll on cobble-stone streets while admiring the houses with colonial balconies that will transport you into the past to feel the city’s heritage through its traditions and culture, and above all, through its colonial architecture which emphasizes the use of pink marble. Among many of this area’s interesting places to visit are: PARQUE CALDERON Located in the heart of Cuenca, this park was the axis for the construction of the city in checkboard style in the early years of the spanish city. In its surroundings important buildings are found, such as the Cathedral, the City hall and Cuenca Tourism offices. In the middle of the park rises the statue in honor to Abdón Calderón, known as the hero kid, who is surrounded by 8 pine trees brought from Chile and planted by President Luis Cordero himself. Parque Calderón 6 CATEDRAL NUEVA (New Cathedral) The Cathedral of “Inmaculada Concepción” or New Cathedral represents the largest and most important monument to the faith of Catholicism in Cuenca. This colossal temple began its construction in 1885 and lasted for almost one hundred years. Catedral Nueva CATEDRAL VIEJA (Old Cathedral) The church of the Tabernacle (El Sagrario) or Old Cathedral was built using carved stones brought from the Tomebamba ruins. The Major Church as it was known, becomes Cathedral at the end of the 18th century. Today, the church maintains its colonial basic structure and inside it hosts a display of religious art in the “Old Cathedral Museum”. Catedral Vieja FLOWERS MARKET The traditional market is located next to the New Cathedral and in front of the temple of El Carmen. Here you will find a variety of flowers, plants and colorful bouquets; you can even quench your thirst with a glass of flowers juice, also known as “pitimás water”. This market is a great attraction for visitors and has become a symbol of the city. Mercado de las Flores 7 SANTO DOMINGO This is the second largest church in Cuenca and is characterized by the imposing 37 meters high twin towers that rise in its façade. This church began its construction during the second decade of the 19th century. Santo Domingo CUENCA AS A WORLD HERITAGE According to the UNESCO, Cuenca is recognized by “the beauty of its historical centre featuring a particular type of Republican architecture” and keeping harmony with its geographical environment” as the city has 26 buildings of monumental value, 602 of architectural value and 830 of environmental value. Edificio Alcaldía de Cuenca Corte Superior de Justica 8 EL BARRANCO & CALLE LARGA (Long Street) The area that comprises “El Barranco” and La Calle Larga (long street) allows different activities on both banks of the Tomebamba river, it features different areas ranging from historical-cultural, scenic and urban- architectural to entertainment activities, shopping and nightlife; among its highlights are: Paseo el Barranco El Barranco Boulevard, pedestrian ways, cycling paths and green spaces next to the river. Plaza de la Cruz del Vado, Squares, religion & traditions mix in a friendly city Stores & Museums, handcrafts & Markets Calle Larga (long street), remarkable examples of colonial architecture 9 In this area there are also other interesting places to visit, among them: Museum of the Aboriginal Cultures The museum boasts some 5,000 pieces on display to the public, which correspond to all the periods of the Aboriginal history in Ecuador, thus becoming the most complete archaeological museum in the city of Cuenca and the region. Sala Museo Museum Shop of the Hat– El Barranco It is a space in which it has been recreated a composure workshop, displaying the tools used for the transformation of the “toquilla” straw. Additionally in the hat factory you can see the process of the hats elaboration. Museo del Sombrero Calle Larga Puente Roto Built in 1840, this great architectural structure used to link the historic Cuenca with the bottom of the city until it was destroyed in 1950 by a flood of the river, leaving standing only the half. Today this place is an icon of the city. Puente Roto 10 Parque de la Madre Space for recreation and the practice of sports. It also features green spaces and playgrounds as well as a path for athletes. The municipal Planetarium of great interest is a great attraction especially for children. SAN SEBASTIAN & SURROUNDINGS 11 The District of San Sebastián and its surroundings, located at the western edge of the historic center of the city offers architecture, art, public spaces and quality of life, in many of its interesting places; among others: San Sebastian Church and Square This is the ideal place to enjoy the quiet life of a traditional neighborhood of Cuenca, at the sides of this square is the building of the Museum of modern art in one end and the Church of San Sebastian to another; at its Center rises the statue of the poet from Cuenca: Miguel Moreno. Iglesia San Sebastián Museo de Arte Moderno This museum is housed in the premises of the former House of temperance, which was restored between 1976 and 1981. It has permanent exhibits as well as temporary exhibitions of modern and contemporary art. Patio interior Museo de Arte Moderno Plaza del Otorongo It is located downstairs from the plaza de San Sebastian. In this place there are musical performances, art exhibitions, or outdoor informational activities. In one of its sides a gallery Cafe is located with excellent offer of local crafts.