As you drive away from Cuenca, the scenery changes completely. The pastoral countryside is just beautiful, with rolling hills and lots of rivers and lakes. In the last Ice Age, Ecuador was covered by glaciers, so there are underground reserves of fresh water and many, many lakes which are now filled with delicious trout, which actually tastes and is the color of salmon.
The rugged Caja foothills of the Andes flank southern Cuenca. Lakes and rivers dot the area.
Volcan Fansaynan
Ecuador contains 4 distinctly different climate/ecological areas; the rugged Andes spine, the Highlands where Cuenca is, the Oriente (Amazon basin) and the Coast. As you travel south from Cueca, the land begins to drop down to the mighty Amazon on its way to the Pacific.
Viewing the Amazon from the Andes
Dropping down from a 12,000 foot elevation, you finally see the mighty Amazon at sea level.
The Alpacas of Ecuador give up their hair to provide humans with lightweight and warm shawls, sweaters, hats and many other Ecuadorian made goods.
Ear tags keep track of the animals
The government protects these animals from poaching
Mother and Baby enjoy a peaceful life
Many beautiful Haciendas have been converted into resorts and restaurants. This one is in Gualaceo, about an hour drive from Cuenca.
Lobby Area
Lounge in Lobby
Pool Area
Patio for Lunch
Boquete friends Cheryl and Richard Johnson came to spend a month….here we are in Gualaceo at the market.
Cheryl, Richard & Penny at Gualaceo market
Penny In Paradise 
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