Learn Spanish in Cuenca: Social Life
Various events are offered by the college on a weekly basis; to enable the students to meet and get to know each other and to learn more about the local culture. The college arranges cooking classes which explores local dishes, regional and Latin American dance classes and special craft workshops. In addition a formal cultural programme is offered, including visits to museums and a range of other activities. Students are also invited to attend various exhibitions, painting, photography and sculpture.
In addition there are various plays, films, concerts, sports and a wealth of activities that students can try. The college bulletin board is the place to catch up with activity announcements.
Every month the college arranges three full day excursions (on Saturday). The most popular options include the day trips to Ingapirca (the most important archaeological ruins in Ecuador, a trip to Cajas National Park (a picturesque mountain area with beautiful lagoons, just 30 km from Cuenca), an excursion to Gualaceo and Chordeleg (a region of craft villages and fabulous local gastronomy) or to Chorro de Girón (where students can hike through mountain jungle). These trips are great opportunities to explore the rich variety of landscapes and the culture of Cuenca and the nearby regions of Ecuador.
Cuenca is Ecuador’s best kept secret, not least because it is rich in history, with a colonial atmosphere that has survived years of all but complete isolation. It is a place of fascinating contrasts, with two universities, museums and art galleries as well as colourful Indian markets rarely visited by foreigners.
The college encourages students to travel in Ecuador, as it is relatively cheap to do so. A weekend trip to most places in the country, including public bus fare, budget accommodation and local food (ask the college staff for assistance, they will be delighted to help and will have plenty of ideas to suggest). The most expensive and obvious travel option is a trip to the famous Galapagos islands for a 3 day/2 night trip (including airfare).
For those who want to explore Cuenca’s night life we recommend the bars and restaurants in the “Parque” area. There are plenty of places around the nearby Cathedral area, which will appeal to younger students, including a number of discos, bars and restaurants. If you want something a little more cultured there are plenty of theatres, cinemas and musical concert centres to choose from. Cuenca is a very safe city and students of all ages have always felt comfortable going out to enjoy sampling the local night life.
Cultural Classes
Culture classes (4 per week)
Visits
Guided tours to museums and monuments (1 per week).
Excursions
Full-day excursions to Ingapirca, Las Cajas, La Cuevas de Chobshi, El Chorro de Girón, etc. (3 per month).
Nightlife
Dance and cooking classes (2 per week)
Cuenca is famed for its huge cathedral, and the smaller Indian cathedral and is a centre for silver and ceramic crafts. Many visitors make a point of visiting Ingapirca, 51 km to the north, the most famous of Ecuador’s Inca ruins built in the 15th century prior to the arrival of the Conquistadors in 1526.
The well-preserved “Old Town” at the centre of the city is a delight, but we suggest you bring sensible shoes as the quaint looking cobblestones are real ankle turners. Many of the large haciendas dating from the boom days are now taking on a new lease of life behind restored facades, as hotels or restaurants.
There is plenty of green space, parks etc and a wonderful view of the city and the surrounding valley can be enjoyed from “Turi”. The “Cuencanos” participate in a range of traditional cultural events and fiestas complete with authentic costumes, museums, art exhibits and concerts.
A city of colourful colonial-modern contrasts, with typically a shopping centre one side of the street complete with Pizza Hut and KFC and a local market the other side where indigenous people sell their wares dressed in traditional village dress. Cuenca is known as the city of flowers, as it has a thriving flower export industry, selling everything from roses to orchids.
