ECUADOR -
SOUTHERN HIGHLANDS
Cuenca, a colonial city recently declared by UNESCO as World Heritage Site for its beautiful Spanish colonial architecture: churches, cathedrals, plazas, parks, and museums are perfect examples of the Spanish heritage. Due to its splendid art work, this city is known as the " Cultural capital of the Americas".
Near Cuenca, some towns like Gualaceo, Chordeleg and Sigsig are known for their fine woven handicrafts, embroidered textiles, ceramics, silver and gold jewelry.
The most important archeological complex in Ecuador, Ingapirca, a site where the oval-shaped Temple of the Sun, storage rooms and indigenous plaza were built during the Inca Empire. This temple was an important ceremonial and ritual place for the Cañaris- Inca Empire.
Only 30 kilometers away from Cuenca, the Cajas National Park is an area of over 28 thousand hectares and home to 275 lakes and an abundance of primary forests with its flora and fauna. Several rivers that flow to the Pacific and drain into the Amazon Basin have their source here.
A
wonderful scenery is displayed while you travel through the
avenue of the volcanoes. Small colorful villages, Indian markets,
incredibly high peaks, colonial towns, diversified landscapes,
national parks and ecological reserves create one of the most
interesting areas in Ecuador.
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Chimborazo
is the most important and highest peak in Ecuador (21,900
feet). At its slopes, lies Riobamba, the capital of Chimborazo
province. Its famous for the train station. Traveling inside
the train or over its roof is an opportunity to enjoy the
Andes landscape, Indian cultivating their lands, typical villages,
all kind of farms, streams, rivers, lagoons and ravines.
The
provinces of Cañar and Azuay have a strong essence
of the colonial past. Its history is rich even before the
Spanish conquest.
Gualaceo
and Chordeleg are small beautiful villages close to Cuenca.
They are known for all kinds of handicrafts; specially gold
jewelry.
Thirty
minutes away from Cuenca is Cajas Recreational Area. It's
a complex with more than 100 lagoons and a gorgeous representation
of the bleak plateau (paramo).
Loja
province is well known for the beautiful valley of longevity
known as Vilcabamba. Its green scenery is the home of the
oldest man in Ecuador, some claimed to be over 120 years.
Its wonderful surrounding of pleasant climate is perfect for
a lovely walking.
In
the Southern Highlands the essence of Ecuador's past and present
is wonderfully represented. It's a land where the Andes show
its magnificence.
ATTRACTIONS:
- Ingapirca Ruins.
- Culebrillas lake.
- Cuenca Colonial Centre: The Cathedral, Santo Domingo, San Sebastián, San Blas.
- Museums: Central Bank, Culture house, Conceptas Convent, and Modern art.
- Cajas National park &.Mazan Forest.
- Thermal Hot Springs ( Baños of Cuenca).
- Yunguilla & Vilcabamba Valley.
- City of Loja.
- Podocarpus ecological reserve.
FACILITIES:
- Local Airport.
- First Class and Tourist hotel chains .
- National and International cuisine.
- Hospitals & Banks.
- Cyber cafes.
- Bus Terminals.
- Well maintained roads.
SERVICES TURISVISION OFFERS IN SOUTHERN HIGHLANDS:
- Cultural & Ethnic tours.
- National Parks.
- Art-Museums.
- Photography.
- Honeymoon tours.
- Botany.
- Chauffeur service.
- Hotels/Restaurant bookings.
- Meeting/Incentives/Congresses/Events.
- Emergency response/ Travel Assistance
Take a look at our available tourist
services or find out more about Ecuador.
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