Cuenca ~ Ecuador
 
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Ecuador Cuenca - Andes Mountains
Ecuadorian Andes
uenca, at 8,364 feet above sea level, is the only city in the world crossed by 4 rivers: Tomebamba, Yanuncay, Tarqui and Machangara. The city is suspended in time. Colonial houses and colorful balconies combine with Spanish red tile roofs, cobblestone streets, heavy wood-carved doors and Moorish domes to lend an ancient charm. Founded in 1557, there is much more to the city than history, as Cuenca is a center of handicrafts such as straw hats, silver jewelry and embroidery.