Photos: Ecuador’s most beautiful city
With lush hillsides, jungle rivers, city skylines, white sand beaches and cloud forests — I personally think it´s difficult to declare one place the winner of beauty in the small, yet diverse country of Ecuador. But nestled in the south of the nation´s illustrious landscape is certainly a contender for the prize — Cuenca. It´s a small city of 400,000 people, and deservedly known as Ecuador´s gem.
Cuenca from atop the Inca ruins that overlook the valley.
Cuenca is in a valley near a rapid river lined with old colonial houses, many of which are now protected as UNESCO World Heritage Trust Sites. Surrounding the city are three other rivers, all of which are part of the Amazon River watershed. Overlooking the valley and closest river are Inca ruins once storied to be the second Inca Capital after Cusco, Peru.
The river.
Nora and I.
One of the many colonial houses in the area.
Cuenca was a relaxing wrap up to my three-week tour of Ecuador, a country I truly hope to call home some day. I´ve loved (almost) everything from the many beautiful landscapes to delicious food to friendly people (I could continue describing all this in detail, but I´ll save you the love letter). Basically, I am convinced Ecuador is one of the best places on Earth and mark my words: I´ll be back some day soon.
-JDF
Me in Cuenca
