Azuay (Spanish pronunciation: [aˈswaj]), Province of Azuay is a province of Ecuador, created on 25 June 1824. It encompasses an area of 8,309.58 square kilometres (3,208.35 sq mi). Its capital is Cuenca. It is located in the south center of Ecuador in the highlands. Its mountains reach 4,500 m (14,800 ft) above sea level in the national park of El Cajas. Azuay is located on the Panamerican Highway. Cuenca is connected by national flights from Quito and Guayaquil. It has the largest hydroelectric plant of the country, situated on the river Paute.