Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Cuenca & the
Southern
Highlands
E
cuador's topography under-
goes a drastic change in the
short distance between the coast
and Cuenca. Humid tropical low-
lands and hazy banana planta-
tions give way to cool mists,
jagged peaks and fertile valleys.
Travel in the Southern High-
lands is slow, as the elements cre-
ate constant erosion and
eternally battle against human
efforts to maintain the highways
and byways. If you have a strong
stomach for heights, the intermittent openings in the clouds offer
breathtaking views.
IN THIS CHAPTER
History
201
Flora & Fauna
202
Getting Here &
Getting Around
202
Visitor Information
203
Touring & Sightseeing
205
Adventures
216
Eco-Travel
220
Where to Stay
224
Where to Eat
230
Entertainment &
Shopping
232
South of Riobamba are the provinces of Cañar, Loja and Azuay, with
Cuenca - the capital of the latter - retaining by far the most colonial
charm of any city of its size. Just over an hour north of Cuenca are the
ruins of
Ingapirca
- which actually pre-date the arrival of the great-
est ancient empire in the Americas - with
Azogues
, the provincial
capital of Cañar, in-between. West of Cuenca is the expansive land-
scape of
El Cajas National Park
. Quite a bit farther south is the re-
mote capital of
Loja
, an even smaller, quainter colonial city, with
Vilcabamba
and the
Valley of Longevity
just beyond. To the
southeast is
Podocarpus National Park
, spanning from the tips of
the Andes down deep into the Oriente.
The land is truly beautiful in this part of Ecuador, with a pleasant cli-
mate and fertile valleys due to lower elevations. Still relatively un-
touched, it has charming colonial architecture and the people are
genuine. You are now in southern Ecuador, one of the least visited
and most underrated regions of the country.
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