Azogues capital of the brave Cañari

Azogues is the capital of the province of Cañar in Ecuador. The population of Azogues is 27,866. Azogues is known for its "Panama hat" - Toquilla straw hats industry, which are produced primarily for export.

On the hill of the city, is the church San Francisco de la Virgen de las Nubes. The church is built of hand-carved stone and is quite impressive, also admirable is the symetrical structure of the staircase and access to the temple. It took 52 years to build. Below the church chickens and other small animals are sold. Off the main plaza, beside the church there is a small handicraft shop run by nuns who sell local embroidery, knitting, etc. Around the plaza the older buildings still preserve their beautiful traditional colonial painted ceilings and styles.