Cuenca
El Parque Calderón
Cuenca is the third largest city in Ecuador, capital of the Azuay province. It is located in the Sierra, the highlands of Ecuador at about 2500m (8200 ft) above sea level. Its full name is Santa Ana de los cuatro ríos de Cuenca. The city's cobblestone streets, towering cathedrals, and marble and whitewashed buildings give it a colonial air. Cuencanos, known for their traditional demeanor and conservative cultural values, match their 18th century surroundings. The city's history is well preserved , earning Cuenca the honor of being listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Trust site.
Population
The present population is around 400,000 people. The economic development is based on industry and agricultural development. Cuenca has a long lasting reputation for being a university city. It hosts eight universities, the oldest and best known one being University of Cuenca (Universidad de Cuenca), a public university with about 12,000 students.
Cuenca geography & location
Cuenca geography & location of the 4 Rivers of Cuenca, is located between the 2,350 and 2,550 meters above sea level, in the Southern sector of the Ecuadorian Andean Mountain range, built on the ruins of the old Guapdondélig of Cañaris and Tomebamba inca ruins, which means "great valley of the sun". The area is surrounded by a complex of terraces, 4 altogether, which offers a great relief to the city. The majority of the city is located on flat areas, surrounded by mountains. These terraces are bathed by 4 rivers, which give their name to the city: the Machangara (to the north), Tomebamba that splits the city in 2, the Yanuncay and the Tarqui (to the south) and come together in the Tomebamba river. A cliff, divides the slightly elevated second and third terraces, which constitute one of the most interesting characteristics of Cuenca geography and is the present limit between the colonial city and new city.
Climate
Like the rest of the Ecuadorian Andes, Cuenca enjoys a mild climate year-round. Days are generally warm and nights are cool enough that sweaters or jackets are needed. The average daily temperature is 14.6 C. There are 2 noticeable seasons. The dry season, which affects Cuenca between June and September. During the rest of the year it is variable rainy, with heaviest rains coming during the months from October through December, and March through May. During the rainy season, mornings are typically sunny and afternoons cloudy with light, periodic showers.