Azogues

About

Less than an hour from Cuenca, the provincial capital of Azogues feels like a big city without the pressure. It’s famous for producing Panama hats, many of which wind up for sale in Cuentes, and hat houses can be found throughout the city, many of which are happy to give visitors a glimpse into the production process of these Ecuadorian icons. Azogues’ main attraction is the colorful San Francisco de la Virgen de las Nubes Church perched on a hill overlooking the city. Along with beautiful stained glass windows and an opulent altar, the church offers fantastic views of the countryside. Surprisingly, the church is also a great place to shop, with numerous stalls offering handicrafts and even small animals - the nuns have one of their own, selling embroidery, knitting and other hand-crafted items.