The heart of the Yunguilla Valley: Santa Isabel is the largest town and the cantonal seat of the Yunguilla Valley, a popular warm-weather region located southwest of Cuenca.
Cuenca's favorite weekend retreat: The primary identity of Santa Isabel and the surrounding valley is as a weekend and holiday haven for Cuencanos.
A warm, dry, and sunny climate: Situated at a much lower elevation than Cuenca, the area enjoys a consistently warmer and drier climate. It offers a welcome escape from the cool, often rainy weather of the highlands.
An important agricultural center: The fertile valley is a major agricultural zone, famous for its vast sugarcane plantations. Roadside stands selling fresh sugarcane juice ("guarapo") and local spirits are a common sight.
Home to natural attractions: The canton is known for natural spots like the Carachula waterfall and for the Jubones River, which carves a dramatic desert-like landscape through parts of the valley.
A hub for country homes and recreation: The area is filled with "hosterías" (country inns), residential developments of vacation homes, and numerous private properties with swimming pools, making it a center for leisure and relaxation.