Ciudad Encantada
Not an "Enchanted City" as its name implies, Ciudad Encantada—situated 35 km (22 miles) north of Cuenca—is a series of large, fantastic mushroomlike rock formations erupting in a landscape of pines. It was formed over thousands of years by the forces of water and wind on limestone rocks, and you can see it in under two hours. See if you can spot formations named Cara (face), Puente (bridge), Amantes (lovers), and Olas en el Mar (waves in the sea). Rent a car to get here, or arrange a visit with Ecotourism Cuenca ( www.ecoturismocuenca.com, 64/569–4393).
