Frequently described as the "Athens of Ecuador" by visitors, Cuenca is widely considered the culture and education capital of Ecuador and is certainly known as its "colonial heart". Throughout its quaint cobblestone streets, wonderfully preserved colonial plazas, churches and buildings, Cuenca's historic center is a treasure trove of boutique shopping, fine dining, galleries, museums and more. Even though the city is at an altitude of 8200 feet, the city center is flat. So exploring Cuenca on foot is often compared to walking around the Village in New York City or areas of London or Amsterdam. In fact, time and time again, travel journals state the same thing, "It seems more like a European city than a Latin American city." From its colonial treasures to its modern amenities, Cuenca offers the best of both worlds--the comforts of today tucked inside the beauty of yesterday.