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Church of San Blas
The only Cuenca church built in the form of a Latin cross, and one of the citys largest, the Church of San Blas sits at the eastern end of the slightly decrepit Parque San Blas, at the east end of the historical center.
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Cascada de Taxopamba
Just past Casa Mojanda on the road up to Lagunas de Mojanda is the well-signposted trailhead for Cascada de Taxopamba. Its about a half hour walk to these pretty falls and lagoon in a beautifully pristine setting.
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Palacio Arzobispal
On the northeast side of the plaza, this former archbishop’s palace is now a colonnaded row of small shops and restaurants, located between García Moreno and Venezuela. Concerts are often held on the covered patio on weekends.
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Cerro de las Tijeretas
About 1.7km northeast of Puerto Baquerizo Moreno, Cerro de las Tijeretas provides good views and can be reached on a trail. Youll pass a national park information office en route, and theres excellent snorkeling on the ocean side.
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Parque Botánico
Parque Botánico, 3km southeast of central Sucúa, has a brand-new visitor interpretation center, a restaurant, a well-kept orquidiario (orchid farm) and paths through subtropical forest. Taxis from the center of Sucúa charge $1.50.
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Museo del Agua
Built on the lower slopes of Pichincha and at the site of the citys first water distribution tanks, this museum tells the story of the citys relationship to the most vital resource through interactive exhibits good for kids.
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La Casa de la Makana
Visit La Casa de la Makana to see how makanas shawls, are made, and how the different dyes are mixed. These are sought-after items: one makana can take days or even weeks to produce. Quality makanas are on sale for about $40.
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Museo Presley Norton
This museum, featuring an impressive collection of archaeological artifacts, including pottery and figurines made by the original settlers of Ecuador, housed in a beautifully restored mansion. It occasionally stages concerts and screens films.
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Volcán Sangay
The perfect snow-covered cone of Volcán Sangay (5230m), some 40km to the northwest, can be glimpsed on a clear day. It’s Ecuador’s seventh-highest mountain and one of the world’s most active volcanoes; early missionaries construed it as hell.
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Isla Corazon
Bird-watchers shouldnt miss a visit to Isla Corazon, where you can take guided tours through mangroves in search of frigate birds, herons, egrets and other species. Its 7km east of San Vicente, reachable by bus (US$0.50) or taxi (US$5).
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Parque Recreacional Jipiro
North of town this kid-friendly park offers a giant chess board, a skate park, a Chinese pagoda, a pint-size Kremlin, small animal enclosures and a paddleboat pond. Green buses ($0.25) go there from the southeast corner of Eguiguren and Peña.
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Casa de Sucre
A block and a half southeast of La Compañía is the beautifully restored former home of Mariscal Antonio José de Sucre, the hero of Ecuadorian independence, and now a small museum full of early-19th-century furniture. Free guided tours in Spanish.
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Animal Market
You might have little use for screaming piglets, bags of guinea pigs or a lethargic cow, but it’s worth visiting this weekly market for the atmosphere and general chaos. Cross the bridge at the end of Colón and follow the crowds across the Panamericana.
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Galería Tigua
The outstanding Galería Tigua-Chimbacucho and three other art galleries sell paintings and wooden masks at lower prices than those in Quito. If the gallery is closed (which it usually is), poke around and ask for someone to open it (they will, happily).
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Parque Nacional Cajas
Only 30km west of Cuenca, Parque Nacional Cajas encompasses 2854 sq km of golden moor-like páramo dotted with hundreds of chilly lakes that shine like jewels against a bleak, rough countryside. There is no longer any admission feee for entering the park
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Museo Camilo Egas
Inside a restored colonial home, there is a small but iconic collection of work by painter Camilo Egas (1899–1962), Ecuador’s first indigenista (indigenous movement) painter. One of the galleries showcases temporary exhibitions by contemporary painters.
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Centro Visitantes
Inside the park, 9km from Control Caspi, this basic museum explains the natural history of the area. Take a second to have a tea in the cafe or peruse the crafts shop. Theres a small botanic garden, and an 800m trail from here takes you through páramo .
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Museo Arqueológico
For a peek at some of the indigenous artifacts found in the region, visit the privately maintained Museo Arqueológico . Highlights of the small exhibition space include a primitive percussion instrument, giant funereal urns and elaborate carvings in stone.
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Centro Cultural Esmeraldas
This combined museum, library and bookstore contains materials ranging from recent local history to fine ceramics and gold work from the ancient Tolita culture. Some of the exhibit signs and documentary videos are in English, and the staff is very obliging.
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Torre Morisco
Where Calle 10 de Agosto hits the malecón you’ll see this famous 30m-high Moorish-style clock tower, which was completed in in 1931 (the tower also appears in El Telégrafo s masthead). Climb up the narrow spiral staircase for a memorable view over the waterfront.
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