Volunteer in Cuenca, Ecuador

Summary
Experience a blend of the old and new in the city often called the "cultural mecca" of Ecuador.

Programs

   • Orphanage Volunteering in Ecuador
   • Teaching in Ecuador
   • Medical Internships in Ecuador

Location
Cuenca, in southern Ecuador, is the country's third largest city. It is the capital of the Azuay Province, in a valley of the Andes Mountains. Cuenca is on UNESCO's list of World Heritage sites and considered the cultural capital of Ecuador. You can either fly directly into Cuenca from home, or you can land in Quito then take a 10-hour bus ride to Cuenca.

Transportation
Volunteers can often walk from their host family to the their volunteer job. For longer commutes, there are frequent public buses available at all hours, as well as Yellow taxi’s that cost about $1 for a 20 minute ride. Volunteers are responsible for their daily transportation around Cuenca.

Climate/Weather
Cuenca has a year-round mild climate with an average daily temperature of 60 F (16 C). The rainy season, meaning afternoons with periodic showers, generally lasts from mid-October until early May.

Sightseeing & Activities
Cuenca is one of Ecuador’s most elegant and beautiful cities: it is considered a UNESCO World Heritage Cultural site, a fact of which the locals are immeasurably proud. You can spend several hours strolling and exploring the historic downtown, marveling at the architecture in and around the well-kept main park.

Cuenca’s most famous cathedral is La Inmaculada, a massive stone-and-brick structure on the eastern side of the central square. It is instantly recognizable by the blue domes that dominate Cuenca’s skyline. There are 52 churches in Cuenca, one for every Sunday of the year. It is impossible to wander far in any direction in Cuenca without running into a colonial church.

Another place for visitors is the Plaza Rotary, a large open-air market featuring an assortment of "stuff" – from hats of straw shawl, metal art work, jeweler's, ceramic, clothes and leather clothes.

Since Cuenca is known as the home of the World famous Panama hat, visitors can also check out the Homero Ortega Panama hat factory (Ramírez Dávalos 3-86). There are several factories (and individuals) in and around Cuenca who make Panama hats. The Homero Ortega factory is the only one which is open to the public.