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This bustling town is the capital of Cañar Province and an important
producer of Panama hats, although these are finished and sold in
Cuenca. Saturday is market day. Azogues lies about 35km north of
Cuenca on the Ecuadorian Panamericana.
 Guaranda
is a quiet, dignified, provincial town surrounded by pretty hills in
the mountains of Bolivar Province. Although it's the capital of this
agricultural province, it's nevertheless a small town. Seven hills
surround Guaranda, which inspires locals to call their town 'the Rome
of the Andes'. It certainly can't be described as exciting, and the
main reasons to visit are probably the bus rides, to walk the streets,
relax and perhaps explore the surrounding countryside.
Carnaval is very popular - people stream in from all over the province
and beyond for such rural festivities as water fights, dances and
parades. Groups of local amateur musicians stroll from house to house
playing music and getting invited in for a drink or snack.
 Latacunga
is the capital of Cotopaxi Province. Although not an exciting town, it
has an interesting history and is a good base for several excellent
excursions.
The drive from Quito to Latacunga is magnificent in clear weather.
Like a mammoth ice-cream cone, Cotopaxi looms to the left of the
Panamericana as you travel south, and the two Ilinizas, also
snowcapped, are on your right. Several other peaks are visible during
the 90km drive, including distant Chimborazo if you are lucky. On
exceptionally clear days, nine of Ecuador's 10 highest peaks can be
seen.
 This
large city is the capital of Manabi Province and is important for
coffee, cattie and fishing. Founded on March 12, 1535, it is one of
the oldest cities in Ecuador and is the sixth largest.
Portoviejo has
a thriving agricultural-processing industry and is an important
commercial center, with good road connections to Quito and Guayaquil. continues... |
