Cuenca

Having landed in Guayaquil at 3:45pm from our flight from The Galapagos, we raced to the bus terminal, determined to catch the 4.00pm bus to Cuenca - well, at least Sam was sure we had a chance of catching it. With a lot of running, dragging of bags and E-J losing her temper with the lack of communication between the guards at the bus gate and us, we eventually boarded the bus and were on our way!

The journey was interesting, climbing and descending mountains, precariously missing the edge of the cliff each time we turned a bend. With our ears popping due to being 2000 metres above sea level we eventually arrived four hours later. After a few circles round the block from our lost taxi driver, we found our hostel. It was basic, but did the job.

On arriving we bumped into this lovely couple, called Tobias and Louise. They had also been on the same bus as us. We decided to head out together for a meal.

The next morning we headed to Cuenca's bus terminal to take another two-hour bus ride up to Ingapirca to see some Inca ruins. The ruins were interesting, but not worth four hours in a bus.

After a local tried to sell us a ceramic pot, we headed back. Compared to what we are hoping to see in Machu Picchu, we wouldn't really recommend it.

Cuenca is the third biggest city in Ecuador, but didn't have roads until 1964. We became very fond of it, with its slow pace of life and friendly locals. The cobblestone streets and old colonial architecture is very beautiful and we felt it looked very European.

We wandered around for the rest of the afternoon, stopping in a recommended coffee house called Cafe Austria for a decent cup of coffee. That evening, knowing that we were going to be on the road for the next couple of days we decided to return to the same restaurant called Eucalyptus. We enjoyed a couple of cocktails, vodka tonics and beers along with a great meal, all on the special deal of ladies night!

The next day after a good cup of coffee at a great Italian coffee shop called Bajo Cero we said our goodbyes to Tobias and Louise. As we sat ready to leave for Guayaquil, a legless beggar was lifted into the bus and preceded to move about asking passengers for money.

Sam's Comments: A relaxed city, well worth seeing; however after accidentally breaking the hostel loo I knew it was time to leave!

E-J's Comments: I found Cuenca a very chilled out place. I just need to learn to keep calm and not have a tantrum, when we come across slight hiccups or confusions along the way.