Cuenca

Cuenca is Ecuador's third-largest city, with cobblestone streets and beautiful colonial architecture that earned it UNESCO World Heritage status in 1999. The historic center is packed with stunning buildings from the 16th and 17th centuries, including the iconic blue-domed New Cathedral which took almost 100 years to complete.

Known as the "Athens of Ecuador" for its rich cultural scene, Cuenca sits at an elevation of about 8,400 feet in a valley surrounded by the Andes mountains. The city is split by four rivers, with the Tomebamba River being the most prominent. These waterways give the city its name, as "cuenca" means basin or valley.

The local people, called Cuencanos, are known for their craftsmanship, especially the famous Panama hats which, despite their name, have always been made in Ecuador. You can visit the Panama Hat Museum to learn about this tradition. The food scene blends traditional Ecuadorian cuisine with international influences, featuring dishes like locro de papa (potato soup) and cuy (guinea pig), which is considered a delicacy. With spring-like weather year-round and a relatively low cost of living, Cuenca has also become a popular destination for expats and retirees looking for a high quality of life.