Cuenca, a cultural hotspot

When visiting Ecuador, this city should not be missed, especially if you are interested in culture. Fabulously beautiful colonial buildings, each facade more ornate and each street prettier than the other. It is no wonder that the Old Town is a UNESCO World Heritage site. There is a great variety of churches, including two cathedrals, one baroque and the other more eclectic. The former is probably the most authentic one we have seen in South America so far and it contains an original baroque organ from the 18th century. Unfortunately, the condition of this organ, like many other organs we have seen here, is not good and it is quite heartbreaking. Furthermore, you can educate yourself in interesting museums or relax by the river. Numerous restaurants and bars invite you to linger, even one for true Lord of the Rings fans: the inn the Prancing Pony.