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Polaroid of the Week: Cuenca's Timeless Colonial Charm in Ecuador

Polaroid of the Week: Cuenca s Timeless Colonial Charm in Ecuador

After tallying over 100 mosquito bites and hearing my laptop's fan scream in protest against the relentless heat, I knew it was time to escape the beaches. Both my irritated skin and overheating device deserved a break. I headed to Cuenca, elevated at 8,370 feet (2,550 meters)—high enough to deter mosquitoes and cool enough to keep tech in check.

A top expat haven with around 5,000 North American residents, Cuenca captivates for good reason: affordable, serene living amid mountains, a walkable center, 52 churches, and Ecuador's finest preserved colonial architecture. Its historic core earned UNESCO World Heritage status. I instantly adored it—the first such spark during my Ecuador journey.

With few blockbuster landmarks, I settled into Cuenca's relaxed rhythm: morning runs along the river, café breakfasts, focused work sessions, then aimless wanders revealing stunning colonial facades, cozy plazas, and global eats like Thai, Indian, Middle Eastern, and authentic Italian—including pizza that satisfied even this discerning critic.

My sole regret? Postponing climbs to the bell towers of Catedral de la Inmaculada Concepción, Cuenca's 1887 landmark with iconic sky-blue Czech-tiled domes (as in this Polaroid), visible across town. The vistas are legendary, but persistent clouds dashed plans, along with a trip to Turi for sweeping views of red-tiled rooftops.

Yet I thrived in local mode, embracing the chill pace and vibe before Baños, Ecuador's adventure hub packed with thrills.


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