Alfonso VIII Hotel, Cuenca

Advantages: Probably the most pleasant city in South America ?
Disadvantages: Road from north is very poor

...Cuenca is Ecuador’s most attractive city and easily the most enjoyable place in which to wander as a tourist. The city is packed full of churches, museums, convents, open squares, colonial buildings and colourful markets. It is divided by the very scenic Tomebamba River and offers a more peaceful and relaxed atmosphere than either Quito or Guayaquil. The city has plenty of moderately sized attractions that can be strung together to make your visit as busy or relaxed as you wish. The streets of the old colonial centre of Cuenca are paved with rectangular cobblestones and the main streets are the Calle Gran Colombia and Calle Mariscal Sucre. This area contains the main city square of Plaza Abdon Calderon which is dominated by the enormous Catedral de la Immaculada (or New Cathedral). This cathedral was started in 1885... Read review

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Advantages: unique lodging
Disadvantages: none

...Queridos Amigos! Dear Friends! When travelling in Spain you might have passed some plain signposts with the word "Parador" on it and always wanted to figure out where it leads to. Well, you are advised to give it a try if you have ever had the desire to bed your worn body not in a standard hotel room, but ? for a change - in a former monk´s cell, in an elegant mansion of a proud Andalusian count, in a knight´s chamber of a castle or even in a dormitory of a magnificent moorish palace. Since 1928 some 82 former palaces, castles and mansions in the most interesting towns all over Spain - from Aiguablava on the Costa Brava to Ayamonte on the Costa de la Luz, from Ferrol in Galicia to the Morroccan enclave Ceuta just across Gibraltar - have been restored and modernized to meet the the high demands of today´s pretentious travellers. Don... Read review

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Advantages: Wonderful insight into South America all in one small country.
Disadvantages: Poverty and associated social impacts.

...not worth mentioning only worth a visit for the Devils Nose train journey. Leaves at 6am but you must buy tickets the night before, its $11. Get there early (5am) if you want a rooftop seat. Tagua nut carvings are the specialty here and are much cheaper than elswhere. We bought 10 for $27! Chifa Peking does a great sweet and sour chicken. 2 meals and beer is $8. Cuenca- lovely colonial city. Very relaxed, nice buildings, churches and museums. Easy to visit Ingapirca the Inca ruins. Use the local bus from the bus station for a couple of dollars rather than a trip for $20 from your hotel. Stayed in lovely colonial house called La Chordeleg for $22, its a mid range hotel & includes continental breakfast. Food in Cuenca is laughably cheap. Rumpipampa in the main plaza is excellent value. Easy to eat for under $10 for 2 three course meals. Nice... Read review

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