Cuenca

Yes, I braved las carreteras (highways) again and took a tour to

the mountain town of Cuenca.  Why would I face 2 1/2 hours (each way) of horrific traffic, hidden potholes, unmarked speed bumps, vendors, animals (and sometimes children) in the middle of the highway, hairpin curves, cars without lights or with lights permanently on high-beam, tolls, poor signage, and excessive charges for additional kilometers?  Good questions. 

Well, Cuenca itself is historic, quaint, and, once you get inside the city-center, very walkable.  The food is great and cheap and I had tour-guides thanks to my friend, Cristian, whose brother lives in the city with his girlfriend. 

And I got away from the heat, humidity and mosquitoes of Guayaquil for a day!

 

crop duster spraying bananas

 

sell baby sell!





famous old church





 



Mmmm, lunch!



At the Mirador (scenic view)

Bridge over river Guayas, with Guayaquil in the blurry background