Baños is famous for its sulfur baths. Locaded 5 km southwest of Cuenca. The place bath's water temperatures are measured at 76°C. There are many complexes, among them are: Marchán, Rodas, Familiar and Durán. The Durán complex is the largest and best maintained. Several hot pools and steam baths around the area though crowded at weekends. The surrounding areas above the village offer very delightful landscapes.

Accommodation

Hostería Durán.- Restaurant, swimming pools, steam baths, tennis courts, camping, etc. Location: Km 8 Vía Baños. Reservations: Tel. 892485, Fax: 892488.

Transport

Bus

Buses leave to and from Cuenca every 5 to 10 minutes. The ticket costs around US$0,30.

Taxi

To Baños costs between US$2,00 and $3,00

Gualaceo is a modern small town located east of Cuenca nestled and carved out inside charming landscapes. In town there is a very nice new church with decorative modern etched glass. On the main street close to the bus station there is a good selection of woolen items for sale. Well priced shoes are also made in town.

There are two main weaving communities around Gualaceo that are worth visiting such as: the Bulzhun (10 minutes from Gualaceo) and the Bulcay. Both make good "macanas" (Ikat dyed shawls).

Accommodation and Restaurants

Parador Turístico.- Modern chalets & rooms, swimming pool, a small handicrafts museum, restaurant, etc. Location: Outside of town. Reservations: Tel. 255110.

Residencial Carlos Andrés.- Located 3 blocks north of the main plaza. Reservations: Tel. 255379.

Residencial Gualaceo.- Located on Gran Colombia street. Reservations: Tel. 255006.

Molina.- Located on the same street as Parador Turístico, further down the hill. Reservations: Tel. 255048.

Borin Cuba.- (restaurant) Set meals. Located on Av. Jaime Roldós.

Don Q.- (restaurant) Varied menu and a good service

The largest hydroelectric plant in Ecuador is in Paute on the Río Palma, North of Gualaceo.

Accommodation

Hostería Huertos de Uzhpud.- Set in the beautiful Paute valley with very nice views, sauna, horses, swimming pool, gardens with nice orchids, etc. Mail: Casilla 01-01-1268, Uzhupud, Paute. Reservations: Tel. 250339. In Cuenca Tel. 806521.

This village is interesting for craft hunters and tourists, which offers an array of talents usinng such materials as silver, Panama hats, pottery, gold Filigree and wood crafts, it is located south from Gualaceo and 1 hour from Cuenca.

©Picture by Isabel de Wuth. 02-2282841.

This village has a plethora of tourists daily visiting and shopping. However, it is always advisable to watch out for fake higher priced items such as Jewelry. Ceramics also are well promoted in various shops as well as lovely local rustic gifts. Shop around for some alternatives on Juan B. Cobos and Eloy Alfaro street.

The village also boasts a small museum Museo de Comunidad with absorbing local straw work, ceramics and textiles some of which you may buy at fair prices.

Sigsig is another small town located south of Gualaceo, 83 km from Cuenca. It has a market on Sundays and only one "residencial" to spend the night if you wish to stay. The "Turista" restaurant in this town is good for local dishes.

Aguacate is a village of 70 people with basic accommodation for if you wish to stay. This is a nice area for trekking. Horses can be hired in town.