On Earth, feel long before the arrival of the Incas, with a difference of twenty-three years, almost five hundred years ago, the Spaniards founded two cities. The first of them-Riobamba, became in principle-the first Spanish city in present-day Ecuador and is now one of the most important trading hubs. Second Cuenca became the third largest and now the unofficial title of cultural capital.
Reportage prepared specifically for our friends Enjourney.ru.
These colonial city based with a small temporary differences, in addition to strategic advantages, today give Ecuador a distinct look. They knocked out of the total number of cities, but at the same time complement the image of the country, balancing architectural brilliance of Quito.
Small (by today's standards) Riobamba-gift towards a stranger. Moderate rhythm, beautiful architecture, good luck residents, the availability of delicious food and fertile valley surrounded by beautiful products nature and national parks, of which the town grandly look snow-covered peaks (all three can be seen from the observation deck near the Riobamba Cathedral). Actually the Wayfarer before entering remains only make a sunny, clear weather. Sun definitely decorates this place and is a promise of plenty to admire the main of three peaks-the volcano Chimborazo.
For anyone who travels by bus, it is here that you can see how the railway of Ecuador and the most Gringo-tourism. The train station is located in the heart of the town, pass when walking it is difficult. Stands in the distance seem composition, roads overlap forward short trains motoèskort appears. The composition of the guards on motorcycles duplicate traffic lights and barriers at intersections, two more motovsadnikov follow directly next to the train. Moto-guard accompanies the train all four hours from Quito to Riobamba, there are no exceptions, even if the whole train just one tourist.
Cuenca at times more of Riobamba. For centuries at the time of the preinkskoj culture of Cañari here was large and rich. Place empty during the colonial wars, but winning the Spaniards, was rebuilt over the ruins of the magnificent city. Nowadays, almost the entire history of Cuenca is open, at a glance for anyone interested-most museums are free to visit, and the historic center-instead of parks-adorn the ancient ruins, which, like 500 years ago, walks every day Rainbow. Just Cuenca is not only in the broad Valley, but also at a height at the same time, it generates a special climate-rainfall rarely stretched the whole day, always shows the Sun and, with it, a rainbow appear over the city.
Cuenca is a city of students, city theatres, city of Spanish heritage, art exhibitions and art city antiques, and concerts-all combine attracts many people. Here is incredibly a lot of expats from North America, and seems no less stray artists from the South. Some fill restaurants and concert halls, some junctions and streets with their stunts and guest rooms. Everything is seasoned with an abundance of tourists who come not for long. Sami kuènken′os (residents), are quite happy with the situation, they are friendly and helpful, and even drivers on the roads, politely let pedestrians.
Description of the city the "city of spring"-quite common in Latin America for many cities. But as ever, this description fits Cuenca. Here really dominates spring most of the year. And she is beautiful. It makes walking the cobbled streets until complete exhaustion. It does not sit in one place and calls to explore this amazing and beautiful town, with its churches and Basilicas of pink stone, spacious squares and shady small squares, observation platforms and bakeries. And the surrounding mountains give the possibility to admire the sunset on a gold scattering of lights.
