Posts tagged luxury

My dear travelers and lovers of unusual journeys, welcome to the new series of travelogues on the Mr.M blog. The month of November will be dedicated to an unusual country in the heart of South America, a country known for the highest quality cocoa, bananas and coffee – Ecuador. At the very beginning of today’s travelogue, I would like to thank PRO ECUADOR, the Tourism Foundation of the Municipality of Cuenca, Tour Operator Cuenca BesTours and Hotel Cruz del Vado as well as other local partners who selflessly supported my adventure in South America. With their help, travelogues from Ecuador and fashion stories were created that you will have the opportunity to read this November and December, and I sincerely hope that you will enjoy the new adventure.

If by any chance you missed reading the previous travelogues and fashion stories from Ecuador or you want to remind yourself of some interesting things, take the opportunity to visit the following links:

1. Letters from Ecuador: Quito, a city coloured by the art and architecture of the Baroque… (Travelogue)
2. Sannino Napoli: Discover true Italian craftsmanship with timeless and unique style…(Fashion Story)
3. Letters from Ecuador: Quito, the pearl of South America in the middle of the world… (Travelogue)
4. Brett Johnson: Fashion for the modern man with refined and refined taste… (Fashion Story)

The Tourism Foundation of the Municipality of Cuenca is a state body whose mission is to develop and promote Cuenca as a tourist product-destination in a high-quality way both at the national and international level. This foundation is recognized as an institution at the national level in the management of responsible and sustainable tourism, showing that tourism is a key part of the economic development of Cuenca.

On the other hand, Cuenca BesTours is a leading tour operator and travel agency based in Cuenca. Their team specialises in organising and customising cultural and adventure tours and activities for couples, families and groups in Cuenca and Ecuador. With more than ten years of experience, we have built a reputation for providing personalized and memorable experiences for our guests. The Cuenca BesTours team of local travel experts strives to skilfully bring every detail of every trip to perfection in order to create added value that makes the tourist experience unique and unforgettable.

Cuenca, officially known as Santa Ana de los Ríos de Cuenca is an Ecuadorian city, the capital of the canton of the same name and the capital of the province of Azuay, as well as its largest and most populated city. Tomebamba, Tarki, Yanunkay and Macangara rivers pass through the city. The city is located in the center-south of the inter-Andean region of Ecuador in the bed of the Pauta River, at an altitude of 2550 meters.

This city earned its epithet “Athens of Ecuador” due to its amazing colonial architecture, cultural diversity, contribution to Ecuadorian art, science and literature, as well as being the birthplace of many celebrities in Ecuadorian society. Cuenca has about 400,000 inhabitants, making it the third most populous city in Ecuador, just behind Guayaquil and Quito. The city is the core of the metropolitan area of ​​Cuenca, which also consists of nearby rural towns and parishes. This conglomerate has a population of less than 800,000 inhabitants, and also occupies the third position among the conurbations of Ecuador.

The city was founded by Gil Ramirez Davalos on April 12, 1557, on the ruins of the Inca city of Tomebamba and the Canarian city of Guapondelig, by order of the Viceroy of Peru, Andres Hurtado de Mendoza. During the twentieth century, the city maintained its growth, promoting education and culture, and in 1999, its historic center was declared a cultural heritage of humanity. It is one of the most important administrative, economic, financial and commercial centers of Ecuador. The main activities of the city are trade and industry, while in recent years Cuenca has become an international tourist attraction of exceptional importance.

How did the city get its name? The city was named Santa Ana de los Ríos de Cuenca in honor of the city of Cuenca in Spain, the birthplace of the Spanish viceroy of Peru Andres Hurtado de Mendoza, who sent Mr. Gil Ramirez Davalos to found the city and the fact that this place is very similar in its geographical features to Spain the city. In addition, the name includes the fact that it is crossed by the Tomebamba, Tarki, Januncaj and Macangara rivers. The rest of the name comes from the Spanish tradition of consecrating new cities to a saint of the Catholic Church, in this case Saint Anna (Santa Ana).

What is the historical background of this city and where was it created? According to numerous archaeological and anthropological remains, found in Chobshi and Kubilan, it is known that the first inhabitants of this area date back to 8060 BC, who were nomadic hunters and gatherers. They inhabited the area until about 5580 BC. After that period, human settlements disappear and only in 2000 BC, the repopulation of this area begins. This period is called the Cerro Narrio Culture which lasted from 2000 BC. to 500 B.C., this period is often referred to as Chaullabamba. This culture represents small settlements of the organization corresponding to the formative culture, the initial division of social classes, it is also characterized by the presence of agriculture and the mass production of ceramics.

After this period, a new period known as the Regional Development (500 BC-500 AD) begins, the Tuncahuan cultures develop, as well as the first stages of the Tacalshapa (Azuai) and Cashaloma (Canar) phases, corresponding to Canara Culture. This stage is characterized by societies with division of labor and perfectly hierarchical, they use intensive agriculture and their ceramics have certain anthropomorphic figures. The most representative of this phase is the use of metals such as gold, silver and copper.

In the period of integration (500 AD – 1500 AD), this area is characterized by conquests and alliances, so the nuclear part of the Canary culture will be integrated into a diarchy whose main cities were Shabalula (Sigsig) and Hatun Kanar (Kanar city), while the outer parts the territories of the Canaries remained only confederated with the nuclear part, which is why they were politically independent. The Duma dynasty ruled from the capital Shabalula, but the lineage of the Hatun Kanar rulers is unknown. In the mid-nineteenth century, in the cantons of Gualaceo, Chordeleg and Sigsig, a series of tombs of rulers from Canaris, rich in precious metals and ceramics, were found, unfortunately most of what was found was looted and sold, fortunately Marshall Saville wrote a book about the pieces taken out, the book was called ” The Golden Treasure of Sigsig, Ecuador,” as well as other books about the huacas of Chordelega.

What is now Cuenca was an important state center of the Diarchy of the Canaries, this area was called Guapondelig in the Canarian language, which meant “a wide plain like the sky” and was characterized by agriculture, as the Canary region was not very suitable for this practice, which made Guapondelig one of the most important areas of Kanaris.

Less than half a century before the arrival of the Castilians, the Incas, after a hard fight, conquered the Canaries with massacres and occupied Guapondelig and the surrounding area. The Incas replaced the architecture of the Canaries with their own, suppressing the Canaries and overshadowing their impressive achievements in astronomy and agriculture. As was common for the Incas, they absorbed useful developments into their culture. They changed the name of the town of Guapondelig to Tumipampa or Tomebamba. The city became known as the administrative center of the northern Inca Empire.

Tomebamba is considered a candidate for the mythical city of gold that the Spanish called El Dorado. The Spanish thought that El Dorado was burned by the inhabitants after learning of the Spanish conquests. The destruction of Tomebamba by its inhabitants before the arrival of the Spanish suggests that it may have been what the Spanish called El Dorado.

The civil war won Atahualpa and while he was going to Cuzco to ratify his sovereignty he was captured and killed by Francisco Pizarro in Cajamarca. The Canaries, because of their hatred of Atahualpa and as a reaction to the massacres committed by the Incas during the conquest, allied themselves with the Spanish and helped, with the participation of other ethnic groups, to defeat and conquer the Inca Empire. Sebastián de Benalcazar, persuaded by the Canaries, went to conquer Quito, passed through the ruins of Tomebamba, and received more reinforcements there. Thus, with the help of 11,000 canaries, Benalcazar defeated Ruminhahui and conquered Quito.

The Canarians, due to the mortality caused by Atahualpa and European diseases, as well as the fact that they fought for years in favor of the conquerors, caused that by 1547, when the chronicler Pedro Ciesa de Leon passed through Tomebamba, there was one man for every fifteen women. Likewise, Sieza confirmed that the Kanjars were Christianized. When he passed through the city and the province he saw the ruins of many Inca temples and palaces.

In the current city of Cuenca, you can see remnants of its Inca past, such as the Pumapungo Palace.

What does the Cuenca we know today look like? By the year 2000, the city had more than 270,000 inhabitants across the canton and during the decade began the process of recovering its heritage, especially in the old part of the city, and also started the process of modernization. Remittances sent by immigrants also had a strong impact, both positive and negative in the city, especially in the rural area.

During the following years, Cuenca also consolidated itself as an international tourist attraction. In addition, in January 2011, the National Assembly of Ecuador declared Cuenca as the best university city.

The Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception (Spanish: Catedral de la Inmaculada Concepcion), commonly called the New Cathedral of Cuenca (Spanish: Nueva Catedral de Cuenca) is the cathedral church of Cuenca. It is located in front of Parque Calderón.

The plan of the cathedral was drawn up by Juan Bautista Stiehle, a friar of German origin who arrived in Cuenca from Alsace in 1873, at the suggestion of Bishop Leon Garrido. The cathedral took over the function of the nearby Old Cathedral, which had become too small. Construction works began in 1885 and lasted almost a century. This building combines many architectural styles, but the Romanesque Revival prevails. The cathedral is surmounted by three giant domes covered with striking blue and white glazed tiles from Czechoslovakia. Its stained glass windows were made by the Spanish artist Guillermo Larrazabal.

Its towers were shortened due to an error in the architect’s calculation. If they were raised to the planned height, the foundation of this church would not be able to withstand the weight. Despite the architect’s huge mistake, the outline of his domes became a symbol of the city. Its facade is made of alabaster and local marble, while the floor is covered with pink marble brought from Italy. When the cathedral was first built, 9,000 of the total 10,000 inhabitants of Cuenca could fit in this religious building.

The crypt of the cathedral is located under the central nave and has three entrances: one through Calle Aguirre, the second through the Sacristy and the third in Calle Mariscal Sucre. The shape of this crypt is that of a long alley with funerary vaults on each side.

Some of the famous people of the city of Cuenca are buried in the crypt, such as: Remigio Crespo Toral, Grail. Antonio Vega, Fray Vicente Solano; as well as the bishops of the city: Miguel Leon, Manuel Maria Politika, Daniel Hermida, Monsignor Manuel Serrano Abad and the builder of the cathedral: Luis Antonio Chicaiza. The crypt has 11 small mausoleums, 192 vaults and 210 urns for remains.

The cathedral in Cuenca has six domes located on the chancel and the central nave. They are divided into three ascents and three lowest levels that are intertwined in their location. All turrets have a flashlight inside. Three high domes and one low one are covered with tiles, while the others maintain a brick structure. The high domes have a Renaissance style, are the largest on the Cruiser and have an internal diameter of 12 meters and a height of 53 meters.

Now I will introduce you to a charming street that captures the essence of this historic Ecuadorian city. As you stroll down this picturesque street, you’ll experience time travel and travel back in time, surrounded by colonial architecture, vibrant local culture and a palpable sense of history.

Santa Ana Street is not just a tourist attraction, it is a real experience just waiting to be discovered. Whether you’re a lover of history, architecture or just a curious traveler, this street has something to offer everyone. This alley holds many legendary secrets of the past to today’s modern appeal, there is much to learn and explore.

Located in the heart of Cuenca, Santa Ana Street is steeped in history dating back to the colonial era. Originally planned by Spanish settlers, this charming street has witnessed many significant events and transformations in this historic city in Ecuador over the centuries.

The street’s history dates back to the mid-16th century when Spanish settlers carefully planned the look of Cuenca. This era marked the beginning of Santa Ana Street’s journey through history, a journey that would see it as a vital part of the city’s cultural and architectural heritage.

Santa Ana Street was established in 1557, following urban planning guidelines issued by King Charles V of Spain. The street was part of an effort to create a well-organized colonial city in the New World. An orthogonal grid pattern, a hallmark of Renaissance urban planning, was used to ensure orderly development.

During the colonial period, Santa Ana Street became a busy thoroughfare, lined with colonial-style buildings that displayed the architectural prowess of the time. Many of these buildings are still present today, as faithful witnesses of history. Notable buildings from this period include the Old Cathedral and the Governor’s House, both of which are superb examples of colonial architecture.

How can you visit the sights in Cuenca as a tourist? To get around Cuenca, you can use public transportation, a taxi, or you can even visit the sights on foot in the central part of the city. Cuenca is a city very suitable for cyclists. There are great bike paths along the Rio Tomebamba, and on Thursday evenings a two-hour bike ride through the city that leaves at 8pm from Parque de la Madre. Bicycles can easily be rented at the Mallki Hostel or at the Casa do Brasil Cafe.

If you want to get to know the heart of Cuenca, you should visit Parque Abdón Calderón, better known as Abdón Calderón Major Park, and formerly also known as Plaza Republica or Plaza de Armas. Around the park is the Church of El Sagrario, better known as the Old Cathedral and the Church of the Immaculate Conception or the New Cathedral. There are also the buildings of the Government, the Municipality, the Old Seminary and the Palace of the Provincial Court of Justice. It is located between the streets of Benigno Malo, Mariscal Sucre, Luisa Cordero and Simón Bolívar. The government of Eloy Alfaro named the park Plaza Luis Vargas Torres, but later in 1920 it was changed to Abdón Calderón.

In the park there is a roundabout, a monument to Abdón Calderón which was inaugurated on May 24, 1931 and has four semi-circles. Today, the park has become the center of various events of importance to the city, such as Corpus Christi or the commemoration of Cuenca’s independence.

What should you visit in this charming city? There are numerous sights in Cuenca that every tourist should visit, some of them are located in the city itself, while some important sights are located outside the city.

Ingapirca – The most significant northern ruins of the former Inca Empire located on the UNESCO World Heritage List in Ecuador, combining the Inca and Canarian cultures. This is my suggestion for a fantastic day trip that you can organize with Cuenca BesTours. I had the opportunity to visit these ruins, but I will write more about them in a future blog post.

Baños – A beautiful place not far from Cuenca, this place should not be confused with Baños located in the province of Tungurahua, a town located at the very entrance to the rainforest. In this place not far from Cuenca there are thermal baths available in a hotel complex that includes several hot pools at 36 degrees Celsius and Turkish baths. Many people come here to relax in the hot saunas, swim in the hot or cold pool water and relax with family and friends. The newest addition to the thermal resorts is the beautiful Piedra de Agua. Only 40 minutes away from the center of Cuenca.

Turi – An excellent vantage point from which you can enjoy the view of Cuenca, located south of the city. It has a great view of the city both day and night.

Barranco – The Tomebamba River (one of Cuenca’s four rivers) flows through the heart of the city, creating the river area known as Barranco. The walk itself is beautiful, with paved paths on either side connected by numerous bridges. Stairs lead up steep banks into the older part of town on the north side, connecting to the restaurants and clubs of Calle Larga. Puente Roto, literally ‘Broken Bridge’, is also on the north side and is a popular gathering place. Various clubs, bars, shopping center and Parque de la Madre are lined along the south side.

El Sagrario (“the old cathedral”) – The construction of this religious building was started in 1557. Today it is no longer used as a church and has been turned into a museum. A restoration project was recently completed and the original paint and old murals can now be seen in certain areas.

Museo del Banco Central and Pumapungo – Great museum with ethnographic sections (especially interesting section on the Shuar tribe and shrunken heads) and old Ecuadorian money with a good explanation of the history, albeit only in Spanish. Pumapungo is an old site just behind the museum that requires a bit of imagination.

Amaru Zoo – A zoo and also a place where rescued animals stay, as well as those undergoing rehabilitation. This is a very fun place with a huge number of animals from Ecuador, South America and America. Their team rescued animals like lions, pheasants and crocodiles. It is very green and you can fill your time in a quality and interesting way because it looks like you are hiking along the mountain in a large eucalyptus grove.

If you have extra time, I highly recommend you to visit the museum of famous “Panama” hats – Museo del Sombrero de Paja Toquilla. Panama hats do not trace their true original origins to Panama, they are Ecuadorian hats. I believe that then the question arises for all of us, how did they get this name? One legend has it that the Panama hat got its name in the early 1900s when workers in the Panama Canal wore these hats while working on the construction of the canal.

These hats are made from a natural fiber called Paia Tokuilla, a palm-like plant that can only grow at high altitudes, the natives of the Andes have worn these hats for thousands of years. In addition to Paia Tocuillo, Andeans use Carludovica Palmata, another type of Andean straw for their Panama hats.

The first Panama hat factory was opened in Cuenca in 1836 when demand for these hats increased. These lightweight brimmed hats are great for protecting your eyes and face from the sun. A few years later, in 1855 to be precise, Panama hats attracted the attention of the world when they appeared at the World Fair in Paris. The event that transformed this hat and made it legendary was the moment President Roosevelt wore it while inspecting the Panama Canal in 1904, finally becoming famous and officially on the list of valuable Ecuadorian export goods.

Casa Paredes Roldan is a house located on the Tomebamba River and today is the location of the Panama Hat Museum – Museo del Sombrero de Paja Toquilla. It is also where the Barranco Hat Factory was founded in 1942.

Hats are still made by hand today. A live hat-making demonstration is available at the museum. You can buy the hat shown in the store or order a custom panama hat. There are different types of hat quality from basic cheap versions that are good as souvenirs to semi-fine quality hats and deluxe fine. The price of these hats can vary from about 40 US dollars for the cheapest hat to several hundred to several thousand US dollars if you want to have a really special and high-quality Panama hat in your hat collection.

When you have finished your visit to this interesting hat museum, I strongly advise you to go to the nearby market where you will enjoy a rich and varied offer of exotic fruits and vegetables that we do not have the opportunity to see in Europe.

One of the best things to do in Cuenca is to visit a traditional Ecuadorian market. One of the most authentic markets in the whole city is the Mercado 10 de Agosto. This bustling Cuenca market is a destination for hosts from the surrounding villages, and Cuenca locals love to buy fresh vegetables and fruits from the fields, meat from their favourite local butcher, or to buy beautiful flowers. Not only are there amazing stalls with products, but there are also some unusual services to be found here.

People in Ecuador firmly believe in folk herbal medicine and in the markets you can find women who professionally deal with healing using plants and it is a real experience to see and witness the healing process in the market where women in later years gently touch the part of the body where you have a problem with plants. In addition, they have numerous tinctures, herbal mixtures and teas that can treat various medical problems. This is a truly special experience and I must admit that I have not had the opportunity to see it in other parts of the world. Out of respect for the people who came to a public place for treatment because of their problem and personal privacy, I did not want to take pictures or record the healing process at the numerous herbalists in this famous market.

In addition to the rich and excellent offer of fruits, vegetables, plants, meat and flowers, you can also find cocoa and sweets made in Ecuador at this unusual market. I have to admit that sweets in Ecuador are healthier because most of them are handmade and local products are used. Just try to imagine that you can buy chocolate balls that are hand made from high-quality 70% cocoa. The prices are really affordable for this type of product and average between 6 and 8 US dollars for a package from 500g to 1kg.

After 10 years of working on the Mr.M blog, I had the opportunity to visit various parts of the world and get to know many cultures. I am always fascinated again when I expand my horizons and realize how lucky and rich a person I am at heart who has managed to realize the beauty of different cultures. This experience in Cuenca, as well as in Ecuador in general, is really impressive and amazing to me.

Cuenca is truly an unusual and charming town that impresses tourists with its architecture and exciting history. The locals are extremely warm and friendly, no one did not offer me to try their products and you can only feel such warmth of welcome and true hospitality in South America.

El Cajas National Park is a national park in the highlands of Ecuador, located about 30 km west of Cuenca. The area of ​​285.44 km2 located between 3100m and 4450m above sea level is characterized by paramo vegetation on a jagged landscape of hills and valleys. It was declared a national park on November 5, 1996.

How did this national park get its name? The name “Cajas” comes from the Quichua word “cassa”, which means “gateway to the snowy mountains” or “caka” (Quichua: cold). It is also related to the Spanish word “cajas” (boxes).

The park is known for its rugged relief terrain that features landscapes characterized by valleys nestled between mountains and hills. The park is located at an altitude of over 3100 m, which results in tundra vegetation that covers this area.

Tundra vegetation is the dominant type of flora; however, there is the presence of cloud forests and perennial high mountain forests that follow rivers at lower elevations. The Polylepis tree, also called the Paper Tree, is an evergreen with short, thick leaves, and is one of the types of flora for which this national park is famous.

Lakes and lagoons are scattered throughout the park boundaries, making them common encounters for visitors exploring the national park. Luspa is a glacial lake and is the largest of almost 700 bodies of water distributed among the valleys.

The park straddles the continental divide, meaning two rivers flow west to the Pacific Ocean and two east to the Amazon River and into the river. Mixed habitats give way to a variety of wildlife.

Popular species of wild animals such as mountain wolf, fox, ferret, deer, llama and others can be seen here. The park is also known for being home to endangered endemic bird species. The South American condor and the Curicuinga are two large raptors that are vulnerable to extinction from Ecuador. The Giant Hummingbird is another hopeful bird sighting.

Dos Chorreras was born from the inspiration of nature, the passion for hospitality and the harmony between nature and respect for the preservation of the environment. A complex of rustic bungalows, designed for comfort and well-being, is located just 4 km from the heart of the Cajas National Park. Dos Choreras is a stable, efficient, safe company committed to sustainability and community. Their dedicated team strives to meet the expectations of their guests to make their stay unforgettable.

Featuring a restaurant, bar and garden, Hacienda Hosteria Dos Chorreras offers accommodation with panoramic mountain views and free Wi-Fi. The historic center of Cuenca is a 30-minute drive away.

Hacienda Hosteria Dos Chorreras has rooms and bungalows with private bathroom, LCD satellite TV and seating area. There is a 24-hour front desk that can arrange laundry services and bicycle rental. Guests can enjoy activities in the surroundings, including fishing, canoeing and horse riding.

What delighted me in this complex is the Chocolateria, which is located within the Dos Chorreras inn complex, is a magical place that allows you to refresh not only the body but also the soul. Everything from their menu seems quite tasty, the service is very good, and the establishment itself is packed with guests because this place is so popular.

Here you can buy many interesting souvenirs, sweets, coffee, cured meats and cheeses. The prices are adapted to the tourist area and during my visit this complex was extremely visited and there was a lot of crowd. I like the service of their restaurant, the service is good and fast, and the food was delicious.

To end this travelogue, I would like to give you an honest recommendation and review for a hotel to stay in Cuenca. During the trip, the hotel where we stay is very important to all of us, because the hotel is our home in the new destination and therefore it is very important to choose a good hotel in each destination. During my stay in Cuenca, my hotel Cruz del Vado was my home, decorated with style, comfort and a beautiful atmosphere in the old heart of Cuenca.

Hotel Cruz del Vado has always been a building full of history, art and culture. Located in one of the city’s first districts in the immediate vicinity of the Cruz del Vado monument, the eponymous hotel was painstakingly intervened with a combination of traditional and modern construction techniques, preserving the essence and history of this cultural heritage. The facade of the hotel is completely clad in pink marble imported from Italy, an undeniable symbol of the luxurious lifestyle of the period in which it was built.

The interior of the hotel is also full of unique details due to its republican style and the influence of French architecture. Originally, this property was home to Cuenca’s first El Mercurio newspaper and was previously known as “Palacio de El Mercurio”. On the facade, above the main entrance, there is a plaque in honor of the celebrated journalist from Cuenca, Federico Proaño, who is still considered the best from Ecuador, an ultraconservative and champion of liberalism in the region who was exiled by President García Moreno.

In 2014, hotel management contracted with the Lloret family of architects, known for renovating and restoring patrimonial properties in Cuenca, Art Hotels Ecuador contracted to begin planning for a rehabilitation project to make the property, which has since been converted into a rental property, they are used for the operation of a top boutique hotel.

This hotel offers a rich content of services and 26 rooms are a true reflection of luxurious hospitality. The facility offers all the services expected from a boutique hotel of this category. All the way to the top floor where there is a rooftop restaurant and bar known for having the best views of the city and excellent cuisine. The Hotel Cruz del Vado team has remained true to the brand concept, as well as their motivation to find and restore buildings of historical importance, drawing attention to and reactivating the iconic sites and traditional settlements of Ecuador.

Hotel Cruz del Vado‘s rooms maintain the traditional Cuenca construction technique with bahrecua walls and are decorated with elements selected from a sublime collection of exclusive works of art that are perfectly paired with fine details such as hand-carved headboards made by skilled craftsmen. I had the opportunity to stay in a luxury apartment with a balcony and a jacuzzi.

All the spacious luxury rooms of Hotel Cruz del Vado have access to a privileged view of the Tomebamba River and the modern part of the city. The high ceilings are filled with high brick walls, which form part of the exclusive decor that can be admired while bathing in the jacuzzi, the perfect detail for any stay. All bed types consist of a plush pillow-top mattress developed by Simmons exclusively for Art Hotels Ecuador. AromaVida’s exclusive Ecuadorian organic line of bath products help rejuvenate body and soul. In this hotel, you can always count on a modern en-suite bathroom with a walk-in shower and a rain shower in which you have bathrobes and slippers that simply tempt you to relax.

Each guest room also includes iHome dual charging (quick charging dock and USB port), alarm clock/radio and access to many international channels via DIRECTV with crystal clear picture quality on 40” TVs for perfect hospitality, saving 30% more energy than conventional televisions. There is a safe in the closet, and the most important thing to know is that Wi-Fi is always free in any Art Hotels Ecuador hotel group.

I would like to give a special thanks to the staff of Hotel Cruz del Vado for their warm welcome and hosting me in their hotel. The stay in their hotel was exceptional, a unique experience that I will remember!

In the next post, I will write about other interesting localities located in the immediate vicinity of Cuenca that you should visit, if you decide to spend some time in this part of Ecuador. My dear adventurers, we have come to the end of this third special travelogue in the series of travelogues about Ecuador where we had the opportunity to enjoy the beauty of this unusual country in South America. Today’s travelogue would not be possible without the selfless help of PRO ECUADOR, the Tourism Foundation of the Municipality of Cuenca, Tour Operator Cuenca BesTours and Hotel Cruz del Vado in collaboration with local partners who allowed me to feel the spirit and beauty of Ecuadorian culture and tradition. Of course, as always, I tried my best to convey to you my impressions of this unusual experience from Ecuador.