Hostería Caballo Campana

Rodrigopoulos Wedding

We did it!

Our Wedding

Storytime: Short version:Ecuadorian girl meets Greek-American boy they fall in love.. and the rest ...well... it's history.🔚 Long version: We met at OKCUPID 💖&nbsp;after a couple of swipe rights we found each other. Manny sent me flowers online and this is how everything started, after four months of talking online we finally meet at the intersection of Orchard and Staton (LES) and we became inseparable (kind of 🫣 but after ups and downs, lefts and rights we are still together) after that. After a couple of springs, summers, autumns, and winters together we finally chose a date to celebrate our love with you guys. Thanks for being part of our life, we can't wait to celebrate with you!🍾 FYI: All these photos were taken way before we decided to get married. That means the power of attraction IS THE REAL DEAL, and I'm so glad that Manny didn't freak out for every photo and leave me, lol.

ONE MORE THING...

Let's create memories! Use the hashtag:Queremos inmortalizar el momento. No te olvides de usar el hashtag:#Rodrigopoulos

MANNY & LUGA

Hi all, we currently have availability on hold for the wedding at this location. If you wish to make a booking at this hotel, please contact the bride and groom directly to inquire about the availability and make the necessary arrangements. Caballo Campana is a colonial family-run Hacienda hidden in the flourishing Misicata forests, 15-minutes drive from Cuenca. It offers agro-tourism excursions and a horse riding school with 32 stables.The country-style rooms at Hosteria Caballo Campana feature intricate ornamental headboards and Ecuadorian art pieces. All have cozy fireplaces and a TV.Guests at Caballo Campana can enjoy a horse riding tournament, or participate in the local milk and cheese production in the village of Guillianbado. They can also enjoy a nature trail through Cajas National Park, 23 km away.

In Cuenca (San Sebastián)Stay in one of 69 guestrooms featuring flat-screen televisions. Your bed comes with down comforters and premium bedding. Complimentary wired and wireless internet access keeps you connected, and cable programming provides entertainment. Private bathrooms with showers feature rainfall showerheads and bidets.Located in Cuenca (San Sebastián), Oro Verde Cuenca is within a 5-m

Oro Verde Cuenca

Our elegant Halls and delicate spaces will provide the perfect venue for your wedding to be truly memorable.&nbsp;We look after every detail, from the gourmet Menu, the decoration of our luxurious Suites and Social Rooms to the locations for the photographs or the delightful brunch of the following day.

Mansión Alcázar

Near University of Cuenca's Orchid GardenMake yourself at home in one of the 20 air-conditioned rooms featuring minibars and LCD televisions. Your memory foam bed comes with down comforters and premium bedding. Complimentary wireless Internet access keeps you connected, and cable programming is available for your entertainment. Private bathrooms with shower/tub combinations feature designer toiletries and hair dryers

Hotel Boutique Santa Lucia

In Cuenca (Downtown Cuenca)Stay in one of 45 guestrooms featuring LED televisions. Complimentary wired and wireless internet access keeps you connected, and premium TV channels provides entertainment. Bathrooms feature showers, complimentary toiletries, and hair dryers. Conveniences include phones, as well as safes and desks.With a stay at TRYP by Wyndham Cuenca Zahir, you'll be centrally located 

TRYP by Wyndham Cuenca Zahir

In Cuenca (Downtown Cuenca)Make yourself at home in one of the 67 guestrooms. Complimentary wireless Internet access is available to keep you connected. Bathrooms with showers are provided.

Selina Cuenca

Near Mall del RioMake yourself at home in one of the 120 guestrooms featuring iPod docking stations and flat-screen televisions. Complimentary wireless internet access keeps you connected, and cable programming is available for your entertainment. Private bathrooms with showers feature rainfall showerheads and complimentary toiletries. Conveniences include phones, as well as laptop-compatible safe

Four Points by Sheraton Cuenca

Cuenca’s Mariscal Lamar Airport is a small&nbsp;airport&nbsp;with only a handful of flights each day to Quito and to Guayaquil. Quito and Guayaquil have many international connections outside of Ecuador. So fly there first and then catch a domestic flight to Cuenca the same day.

Flying to Cuenca, Ecuador

HOW + WHERE 

On the outskirts of Cuenca is the community with several spas, known as Baños. (Note: this is not to be confused with the more well-known Baños of Ambato, which is several hours away.) This Baños, here in the Azuay province, is a mere 10-minute drive from the center of Cuenca. It boasts natural warm spring waters that are rich in minerals from the thermal activity occurring underground. The Ecuadorian Andes are full of volcanos after all! Always on a lookout for&nbsp;luxury-for-less&nbsp;experiences, our Cuenca spa recommendation is for&nbsp;Piedra de Agua. Their 3-hour “spa circuit” includes eight treatments ranging from Turkish baths to steam baths to subterranean contrast pools. Perhaps most interesting is the volcanic mud exfoliation treatment, involving two different mud baths. The red mud cleans and exfoliates the skin. The blue mud then acts hydrate and moisturize. Together, they leave skin incredibly soft and smooth! Cost: The spa circuit is normally $35 per person. But it’s 2-for-1 with the aforementioned promotion. The cost to access the thermal pools without doing the spa circuit is $12. Prices for additional treatments, like massages, vary. &nbsp;Hours: Monday-Saturday: 6:00 am – 10:00 pm. Sunday: until 9:00. &nbsp;Length of visit: Plan at least three hours for the full spa circuit. Consider additional time to relax in the pools, have some drinks, eat at the onsite restaurants, or get a massage. &nbsp;Location: On the west side of Cuenca. Best to take a taxi, about $5 fare each way. Or try the #12 or #100 bus. Piedra de Agua is&nbsp;<a href="https://goo.gl/maps/zujCRoi5i9q" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">located here</a>.

Unwind in the Warm Volcanic Mineral Water of Baños

A walk thru Callejón de Santa Ana

Walk and Eat at Seminario San Luis

Author Ecuadorian cuisine developed based on local and organic products.

Eat at Dos Sucres Restaurant

FOOD - Trattoria MuranoICE CREAM/DESSERT-Monte BiancoFUSION FOOD-Rooftop Bógoli

Eat at La Casa firenza

Android:&nbsp;<a href="https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=ecu.pnc.map" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Parque Nacional Cajas app</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://trk.mail.ru/c/xuhg85" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Maps.me</a>iPhone:&nbsp;<a href="https://itunes.apple.com/ec/app/parque-nacional-cajas/id1441537293?l=en" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Parque Nacional Cajas app</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://trk.mail.ru/c/vn5pq3" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Maps.me</a>

Explore Cajas National Park

Cost: Free to enter, $2 admission to climb the towers &nbsp;Hours: 8:00 am-7:00 pm &nbsp;Length of visit: 15 minutes + 15-30 minutes if also climbing the New Cathedral towers &nbsp;Location: Right in the center of Cuenca in front of Parque Calderón

Explore Cuenca’s New Cathedral

Ecuador, not Panama, is the origin and production center to what is well-known around the world as the “Panama Hat.” The reason for this confusing name is because these Ecuadorian hats were being exported to Panama while the Panama Canal was being built in the early 1900s. Then US President Roosevelt visited the construction site and was photographed wearing the hat in Panama. Hence the name “Panama Hat” has stuck ever since. But make no mistake,&nbsp;this is purely an Ecuadorian product. The town of Montecristi lays claim to the birthplace of Panama hats. Yet it is Cuenca and the surrounding area that has become the largest producer of these hats, which are also known locally as&nbsp;sombreros de paja toquilla. Two of these Panama Hat museum/factories are:Museo Sombrero De Paja ToquillaHomero Ortega MuseumMuseo Sombeweo de Paja Toquilla. Within Cuenca’s historic center, it’s easy to get to the&nbsp;Museo Sombrero De Paja Toquilla. It’s more of a shop than a true “museum,” despite having a few very basic exhibits. Yet it’s still definitely worth going into, to see the fine craftsmanship and possibly purchase a hat. There’s also a very pleasant café in the back, overlooking the Tomebamba River. Homero Ortega Museum. A more complete look into these famous Ecuadorian hats can be found at the Homero Ortega Museum. This is more of an actual museum, where a guide accompanies visitors on a free 30-minute tour. During this tour, you’ll learn about the history of this Ecuadorian tradition while taking a look directly into the hat-making process. Cost: Both museums are free. &nbsp;Price of Panama Hats in Cuenca: Expect to spend somewhere between $40-$100 for a good quality hat. They range in price, starting at about $20 for cheaper looser-woven hats that take only a day or two to make. Meanwhile,&nbsp;superfinos&nbsp;can cost as much as $1,500 which takes nearly a half year to produce. &nbsp;Hours: Museo Sombrero De Paja Toquilla: Weekdays 8:30-6:30, Sat: 9:30-5:00, Sun 9:30-1:30.Homero Ortega Museum: Weekdays: 8:00-12:30 &amp; 2:30-6:00, Sat: 8:30-12:30, closed on Sundays. &nbsp;Length of visit: 30-60 minutes at Homero Ortega Museum. Less time at Museo Sombrero De Paja Toquilla.

Learn About Cuenca’s Production of Panama Hats

The&nbsp;Mirador de Turi&nbsp;is a lookout point perched high above the city, with spectacular views down below. Many of Cuenca’s churches and avenues can be easily seen from this high point located on the southern fringes of the city. It makes for a fantastic place for photos, whether attempting to capture the cityscape or to snap a few Cuenca selfies. Adjacent to the lookout is also the&nbsp;Parque Extreme Turi, a small adventure park. It’s well worth the $1 admission fee and the short stair climb to reach what we believe is an even better view than the initial&nbsp;mirador. Daredevils can further enjoy some thrills, for an additional yet nominal cost ($1-$3 each). The extreme activities include ziplines, swing bridges, high-flying swings, and a “crazy ball” that launches any takers into the air. Cost: Mirador is free, Parque Extreme Turi is $1 &nbsp;Hours: Best to go during daylight hours. But also consider evenings to see Cuenca light up. &nbsp;Length of visit: Plan 15 minutes if only going to the Mirador. Plan an hour or so if entering the adventure park. &nbsp;Location: On the south side of Cuenca,&nbsp;<a href="https://goo.gl/maps/uAXahR7Rvxo" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">located here</a>. Take a taxi ($2-$5, each way). Or use the hop-on-hop-off bus ($8 roundtrip).

Take in Cuenca’s Sweeping Views from the Turi Viewpoint

In the back of the Pumapungo Museum, there are doors to the outside that lead to what is left of an ancient ruin site known as&nbsp;Parque Arqueologico del Pumapungo. The ruins found here are believed to be a part of the ancient city of Tomebamba that was first inhabited by the Cañari people before the Incas overtook it for use as a fort. Cost: Free &nbsp;Hours: Tues-Fri: 8:00-5:30, Weekends: 10:00-4:00. Closed Mondays. &nbsp;Length of visit: About an hour &nbsp;Location: Behind the Pumapungo Museum,&nbsp;<a href="https://goo.gl/maps/kY3u9koUuKt" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">located here</a>.

 Explore Cuenca’s Inca Ruins from Right Within the City: Pumapungo Archaeological Park

What to Do in GualaceoKnown as the&nbsp;Garden of Azuay, Gualaceo is the closest of the artisan towns to Cuenca and hence makes a logical first stop. It’s also the largest. Here are some things to do in Gualaceo:Wander the historic center: Be sure to find the Central Church of Gualaceo and the broad plaza that lays at its doorstep, both of which anchor Gualaceo’s historic center.Eat Hornado: Gualaceo is known for its hornado (pork) and there are dozens of vendors eager for you to try theirs by offering hearty samples and compliments. Find them on the second level of&nbsp;<a href="https://goo.gl/maps/CAveZAGDjmA2" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Mercado 25 de Junio</a>. ($3-$5, priced by size of plate.)Stroll along the riverfront: During the weekends the&nbsp;Rio Santa Barbara&nbsp;comes alive with locals picnicking along the rivers grassy shoreline, which makes for a nice place to soak in the local vibes. Walk along both sides of the banks.Walk over the covered bridge: This is the only covered bridge we’ve ever seen in Ecuador, making it a novelty to check-out while visiting Gualaceo.Go for a boat ride:&nbsp;On weekends a small boat offers boat rides up the Santa Barbara river.Shop for artisan goods: While Chordeleg provides for a better place to shop, there are some new stalls set up in Gualaceo’s main plaza selling various local handicrafts. Local artisan wares could also be found&nbsp;<a href="https://goo.gl/maps/c3S7Njo8ZNK2" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">here</a>. What to Do in ChordelegJust a few kilometers south of Gualaceo is Chordeleg. We found this quaint town perched up in the mountains to have the best tourism infrastructure and the best shopping opportunities of the three artisan towns. Chordeleg is particularity known for its jewelry. If only visiting one of the three artisan towns, Chordeleg is our recommendation. Here are some things to do in Chordeleg:Shop for artisan goods: We counted over a dozen dedicated artisan shops scattered all around Chordeleg that are easy to stumble upon.&nbsp;<a href="https://goo.gl/maps/hNqWvDGXZWn" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Galeria Huellas en la Tierra</a>&nbsp;is a particularly recommended boutique. Also, don’t miss the&nbsp;<a href="https://goo.gl/maps/KoPuUq7G9VL2" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Plaza Artesanal</a>&nbsp;if visiting during the weekend.Check-out the Church &amp; Plaza: As with any fine Ecuadorian town, take a look around its central plaza and church. Many shops surround this one. Note: Chordeleg’s plaza was undergoing renovation during our last visit in early 2019.Visit the Chordeleg Museum: Located on the central plaza, this small, free museum provides a glimpse into Chordeleg’s history, culture, and the textiles it produces.See the Llaber Inca Ruins: This archaeological site better serves as a mirador (viewpoint). You have to search really hard to find some of the crumbled remnants of stone. But the views are spectacular! Find the unmarked trailhead&nbsp;<a href="https://goo.gl/maps/441Fy9aY3WC2" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">here</a>&nbsp;and walk uphill about 500 meters.

Visit Azuay’s Artisan Towns: Gualaceo and Chordeleg

Ingapirca is said to be the&nbsp;most important, best preserved, and largest Inca ruin site in Ecuador. As such, it makes for a great day of exploration from Cuenca to the neighboring province of Cañar to see these famous ruins. Cost: $2 entrance fee, includes a guided tour of ruins. &nbsp;Hours: 8:00 am – 6:00 pm. &nbsp;How To Get From Cuenca To Ingapirca by Bus: Those comfortable with independent travel can reach Ingapirca by public bus, departing from&nbsp;<a href="https://goo.gl/maps/ov5bkcLvm7y" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Terminal Terrestre</a>&nbsp;at 9:00 am. Tickets are $7 roundtrip and are purchased at the booth for Cañar with a picture of the ruins in front. Depart through the gate marked&nbsp;Turno 1&nbsp;and look for the Ingapirca-bound bus. It’s a 2-2.5 hour trip to the ruins. The same bus departs Ingapirca back to Cuenca at 1:00 pm, giving visitors nearly two hours at the Ingapirca ruin site. &nbsp;Tour of Ingapirca Ruins: A tour to Ingapirca makes a day trip to the ruins easy and seamless. This&nbsp;<a href="http://shrsl.com/2265s" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">8-hour day tour&nbsp;</a>of Ingapirca includes some other interesting stops along the way for a more complete day trip from Cuenca to Ingapirca.&nbsp;<a href="http://shrsl.com/2265s" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Check prices &amp; availability</a>.

Explore the Ancient Inca Ruins of Ingapirca

<a href="https://www.travelocity.com/Things-To-Do-In-Cuenca.d932.Travel-Guide-Activities" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.travelocity.com/Things-To-Do-In-Cuenca.d932.Travel-Guide-Activities</a>

Luz & Menelaos

Luz & Menelaos

L&M

We did it!