Paul Bird
From quaint Andean villages and colourful markets to staggering volcanic landscapes and the Amazon Rainforest, Paul has explored the length and breadth of Ecuador.
- 01285 880 980
Cuenca is the third largest city in Ecuador and considered by many to be the most attractive. Founded on the Inca site of Tomebamba, it is a designated UNESCO World Heritage City.
With cobblestone streets, flower filled plazas and many old buildings constructed in the marble quarried nearby, the city retains its traditional and colonial atmosphere
Highlights of any visit to Cuenca should include the old El Sagrario constructed on the foundations of a former Inca site, the newer Catedral de la Inmaculada Concepcion crowned by sky-blue domes and a visit to the flower market on Plaza de las Flores which fills the square with bold colour and fragrance daily.
A short distance from Cuenca lie the historic Inca ruins of Ingapirca (meaning Wall of the Inca). This excavated area displays fine Inca masonry and provides a fascinating insight into this remarkable civilisation.
Tell us what you love doing and we’ll curate a journey that’s perfect for you.
Discover the bustling flower market, brimming with colourful and scented floral displays – the ideal spot for people watching.
Tuck in to delicious, home-made food at one of the popular Cuenca eateries serving hearty maize pancakes with tasty toppings.
Explore the stunning landscape of more than 200 lakes in the National Park that supplies the majority of Cuenca’s drinking water.
Watch the local women weaving iconic Panama hats, take in a birds’ eye view of the city from Mirador de Turi, or simply amble around the historic centre.
Our Ecuador experts have created and curated these holiday ideas to get you started. Take the time to search through them and find something to spark ideas for a unique adventure.
Our Ecuador experts have created and curated these holiday ideas to get you started. Take the time to search through them and find something to spark ideas for a unique adventure.
Some of the wonderful places to stay that we frequently recommended.
A sympathetically restored boutique property, Santa Lucia Hotel is well-placed for discovering the bustling colonial city of Cuenca with its UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity status. Originally built in 1859, a lengthy refurbishment has seen the creation of 20 uniquely ornamented rooms and suites that overlook a central patio, each decorated in red and gold and furnished with antiques and tapestries.
Positioned in central Cuenca, a vibrant UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity town, Mansion Alcazar is a boutique hotel set within a historic 19th-century colonial building. Within ambling distance of architectural marvels, churches and art galleries, the property evokes old-world charm and elegant modernity all at once.
A passion for travel runs right through every one of our experts - meaning they're always ready with first-hand insight about their specialist countries.
From quaint Andean villages and colourful markets to staggering volcanic landscapes and the Amazon Rainforest, Paul has explored the length and breadth of Ecuador.
John rode the railways of Ecuador on the carriage roof before it was outlawed, but still recommends a jaunt along the Devil’s Nose – an engineering marvel that can still be enjoyed from inside a carriage.
My specialist areas are the Americas and polar regions, where I’ve formed lasting connections with both the land and its people. Known for bringing these wild places to life, I design immersive programmes that go beyond the ordinary, helping my clients to connect with nature in a deep and meaningful way.
Send us an enquiry
Complete our enquiry form and start your next journey.
Two hours' drive south from Quito is the Avenue of the Volcanoes, a road that winds its way between Andean foothills dotted…
It is a birders' paradise. Without counting the seemingly endless species of hummingbirds, the list of bird species seen here would rival…
In stark contrast to the cool snowcapped Andes mountains are the humid lowlands known as El Oriente. This is an area of…
Welcome to Darwin’s playground, where a delicate collection of fearless wildlife and idyllic landscapes awaits.
South America’s second highest capital is sprawled along the slopes of the surrounding mountains at an elevation of 9,350 feet.
Guayaquil is Ecuador’s largest city and home to the country’s chief seaport with major industries focused on petroleum refining, shrimp fishing, and…
Otavalo and the surrounding villages are famous for their dazzling textiles and intricate handicrafts, which are on proud display at the famous…
Our knowledge, curiosity and expertise set us apart, driving us to create remarkable holidays and Beautiful Adventures tailored perfectly to you, carefully curated to help protect and conserve our planet.
Are you ready to Discover Extraordinary?