Have a comprehensive but leisurely tour (mainly walking) of the colonial city of Cuenca. The tour includes the Plaza of San Sebastián, a colourful artisans' market, and the Museum of Modern Art, which features an excellent collection of contemporary fine art. The original building was the 'House of Temperance' where alcoholics were once shut inside its thick walls in an effort to cure them.
A stop is made at Plaza San Francisco, where the exquisitely embroidered skirts of the 'cholas' (local women) are for sale.
Next is a visit to the flower market at the small plaza in front of the carved stone entrance to the church of El Carmen de la Asunción. From here take a stroll to the main square, which is surrounded by the imposing Blue-Domed Cathedral, the Court of Justice, the Municipal Palace, the Governor’s Palace and the Church of El Sagrario.
In the afternoon, drive up to the hill of Turi to admire the city and have an explanation of Cuenca's geography and history.
Later, visit the Museum of the Central Bank, and its very interesting ethnographic museum featuring life-size figures of the many different Indian groups that inhabit Ecuador.
The last visit is at a workshop where Panama straw hats of the best quality are made.