Cuenca is, like Braga in Portugal, the third city of Ecuador and is capital of the Province of Azuay. Located more than 2500 meters above the sea level, its full name is Santa Ana de los Ríos de Cuenca.

The city was founded in the sixteenth century by Spanish colonizers, despite having several vestiges of a pre-Columbian existence. With 400 thousand inhabitants, it is considered the main university city of Ecuador with four institutions of Higher Education. The oldest one is the University of Cuenca, dated of 1867.

Cuenca is also known for its textile industry, being, in particular, one of the two host cities of the famous panama hats, which exports to the whole world. It also has one of the largest industrial parks in the country with more than 220 companies from different branches, such as appliances, ceramics or food.

One of the most dynamic sectors of the city is tourism, as well as beautiful natural landscapes; it also has a very rich heritage. The historical center is UNESCO World Heritage since 1999. Cuenca has the Mariscal Lamar International Airport.