ABOUT CUENCA

Santa Ana de los Ríos de Cuenca is located on an interandean valley on Southern Ecuador (441 KM south of Quito), at an elevation of 2535 m.a.s.l. It enjoys a typically warm weather, with an average temperature of 17 C. It’s population is of approximately 400.000 inhabitants and its surface area is of 15.730 hectares.

The city of Santa Ana of the 4 Rivers of Cuenca is located between 2.350 to 2.550 meters above sea level, in the Southern area of the Ecuadorian Andean Mountain range. It was built on the ruins of the old Guapdondélig of Cañaris, which means "great valley of the sun". The area is surrounded by a complex of terraces, 4 altogether, which offer a great layout to the city. Most part of the city is located on flat areas, surrounded by mountains. These terraces are bathed by 4 rivers, which give their name to the city. This valley enjoys a great climate, along with a great availability of water, and fertile ground, allowing lots of green vegetation. This is the reason why the Cañaris, Incas and Spaniards took advantage of the area.

A cliff divides the slightly elevated second and third terraces, which constitute one of the most interesting characteristics of the geography of Cuenca and it is the present boundary between the colonial city and the new city.