A high-altitude, remote Andean canton: Pucará is a canton in the southwestern part of the Azuay province, known for its high-altitude terrain, rugged landscapes, and remote, rural character.
Named for its ancient fortresses: The name "Pucará" is a Quechua word meaning "fortress." The region was historically a strategic, elevated location for the Cañari and Inca peoples, and the name reflects this ancient military significance.
A land of cloud forests and "páramo": The canton has a diverse and challenging geography, ranging from high-altitude grasslands ("páramo") to lush, often misty cloud forests on its western slopes as it descends towards the coast.
An economy based on agriculture and dairy: Life in Pucará is overwhelmingly rural, with the local economy dependent on agriculture, cattle ranching, and dairy farming. It is a major producer of milk and cheese in the region.
Known as the "Branch Office of Heaven": Locals have nicknamed it the "Sucursal del Cielo" due to its high altitude, dramatic cloud-filled vistas, and the sense of being above the rest of the world.