Panama Hat Did you know that the Panama Hat originated in Ecuador and not Panama? It originated in the mid-1600’s. It wasn’t until 1835 that Ecuador started shipping the hats worldwide and made a fortune. The hats became popular when the US President Theodor Rosevelt wore it during his visit to the building of the Panama […]

The Orchid Farm The Orchid Farm (called Ecuagenera) is more than just a place to buy Orchids; it’s a laboratory, gene bank, and education center. They are one of the worlds largest suppliers of Orchids with over 8,000 species of which over 4,200 come from Ecuador. This small farm participates in orchid shows and lectures around

Cuenca Zoo The Cuenca Zoo or more precisely, the Amaru Zoologico Bioparque is a unique zoo that is both physically challenging but a most wonderful experience. Mountainside Zoo I’ve been to many zoos all over the US including the San Diego and Cincinnati but never to one that is set up like the Cuenca Zoo. This is

Ecuador street food is a staple for many Ecuadorians. I heard and read everything from “it’s so good” to “don’t ever eat it, it will make you sick.” There’s no reason I haven’t had any yet other than the opportunity never presented itself. I’m one that believes eating street food is fine, and I will

Ikat weaving at La Casa de la Makana may be the only place in the world to see how they make handmade Makana shawls with Ikat patterns. Family Business A short drive from Cuenca, Ecuador to the town of Gualaceo is where you will find La Casa de la Makata. The location is a modest

Doce de Abril Doce de Abril (or the 12th of April) is the holiday in Cuenca that celebrates the birth of the city. The Spanish settlement of Cuenca was founded on April 12, 1557. This year marks the 459th anniversary. The celebration occurs for a week that ends on the 12th. Lots of parades, fireworks,

Seven Church Tradition There is a tradition here in Cuenca and around the world in urban Catholic communities to do a seven church visit on the evening of Holy Thursday (the night before Good Friday). The history of this tradition is not clear. The pilgrimage to each church may correspond to the seven stations of

Only in Cuenca can you have world class musicians play Vivaldi at your house concert party for a small donation of appreciation. House Concert We went to a friends house who hosted one of these events, and it was fantastic. Led by Daniel Brito Acosta (Pianist), Violinist and a Cellist, the trio sounded magnificent. They