Discover Santa Isabel: Scenic Views, Stairway Art and Tradition

Santa Isabel combines urban culture in the town center with a highland landscape nearby. Las Mil Gradas connects two neighborhoods, while Mirador de Pilancón opens up views of the Valle de Yunguilla and Cerro de Talshapa. Other highlights include the history of the main church and Mapanagua, a drink made with sugarcane liquor that is part of the local cuisine. These different facets give you several themes to consider when planning your trip: landscape, art in the town center and local traditions.

Landscape and Legend at Mirador de Pilancón

Mirador de Pilancón is located at an altitude of 1,800 meters. The climate there is warm and humid, with high-altitude vegetation; Pilancón is a natural formation. From the viewpoint, you can see the Valle de Yunguilla and Cerro de Talshapa. The altitude, vegetation and views of both named landscape features come together in one place. According to a local legend, the Incas buried treasures on Cerro de Talshapa to hide them from the Spanish. The tangible landscape thus sits alongside a local storytelling tradition.

The road to Mirador de Pilancón runs along the Santa Isabel–Shaglli road; the distance from the canton of Santa Isabel is listed as 5 kilometers. If you plan to visit the viewpoint, check the route before setting out. Horseback riding is also listed as an attraction near Pilancón. Check in advance whether the activity is available during your visit.

Stairway Art and History in the Town Center

Las Mil Gradas is in the center of Santa Isabel and connects the neighborhoods of Plazoleta 20 de Enero and Amparito Tamariz. The stairway is more than 100 meters long. Art can be seen on the steps, and murals adorn various sections. Las Mil Gradas therefore connects the neighborhoods in more than just a physical sense: its artistic design makes the stairway itself a distinctive feature of the town center.

The main church also brings together architectural history and local tradition. Its construction took more than 60 years, and it is dedicated to the Virgen de las Mercedes. According to local belief, the Virgen is credited with protecting Santa Isabel from Peruvian bombing during the 1941 war. At the celebration in honor of the Virgen in 2021, musicians gathered in front of the main church after a procession. They waited until the image of the Virgin was placed on a stage for the open-air Mass scheduled for 11 a.m.

Mapanagua and Choosing Where to Stay

Mapanagua, a drink made with sugarcane liquor, is part of Santa Isabel’s cuisine. When choosing a vacation rental, you can weigh up the different locations: Las Mil Gradas and the main church are in the town center, while Mirador de Pilancón is nearby. If you want art and religious history to shape your stay, you can focus your search on the town center; if the landscape is your priority, include a visit to Pilancón in your plans.

Discover more destinations: San Fernando, Chordeleg, Gualaceo, Cuenca, Paute, Baños, San Agustín.

Return to the regional travel overview: Azuay.