🇪🇨 First Impressions of Cuenca: The Valley of Flowers

The city’s iconic skyline was in my last post—here are some candid snapshots of daily life in this Andean jewel! 🌺 The "Tomebamba" Valley Named "Valley of Flowers" in Quechua, Cuenca sits where three mountain rivers converge. Despite forecasts, rain here is just brief showers—sunshine dominates! 🏡 City Vibes No skyscrapers, just terraced streets, plazas, and parks where locals gather on weekends with dogs, street vendors, and giant party speakers! Old Town’s cobbled lanes are mostly one-way—taxis are cheapest for groups ($1-3 per ride). No Uber—use local apps or hail cabs. Tram tip: Locals ride with discount cards; tourists can buy $1 single tickets at stations. ⛪ Top Spots 1️⃣ Blue-Domed Cathedral (Catedral de la Inmaculada) – The heart of tourist sites. 2️⃣ Chocolatería Dos Chorreras – Famous chocolate shop (worth a peek!). 3️⃣ Cajas National Park (30 mins away) – Hiking trails + a lakeside restaurant (Dos Chorreras) serving: Trout (fried/stewed) + a dessert platter with egg-white "palate cleansers" (like sushi ginger!). 🍽️ Food Adventures Tres Estrellas – Cuy (guinea pig) "Ecuadorian Peking duck" with mashed potatoes. Proa Sabores Del Mar – Crab feasts (hammer included!) and seafood rice. La Herradura Parrilladas – Remigio Romero road’s best grillhouse. Street snacks: $1 buys 3-6 empanadas! #Cuenca #EcuadorTravel #ValleyOfFlowers