My main motivation for moving abroad was that I didn’t want to work until I died.
During COVID we lost a lot of friends and I was afraid I would die in my job, or have to become a Walmart greeter for the rest of my life and I could not see a way to make ends meet retiring in the US. So, money was a motivating factor.
I looked at many videos about cheap living in the US and they all said, “It’s cheap here, but there’s nothing to do and healthcare is awful.” Then I started thinking about overseas and eventually found Amelia And JP’s YouTube Channel and their videos were quite inspiring.
Initially, I was afraid to move because I worried that I wouldn’t be able to acclimate to the elevation in Cuenca, Ecuador. BUT! I figured if I didn’t, we would move to another country.
After watching Amelia and JP, I realized it was ok to travel places until you found a new home.
Our biggest obstacles were selling all of our possessions and learning Spanish. It’s really hard getting rid of things you love. We did use an incredible Estate agent; however, we still had items left. We couldn’t even give some of it away (even to the church!) and made daily trips to the dump with things like china or crystal.
We were unable to sell the house so we still have it, but with have amazing tenants.
I am taking Spanish, and probably will for the rest of my life.
I could never live this amazing life in the States. I am so busy with friends and going out, listening to music, dancing, cooking classes, restaurants, and art. It would be unaffordable to do in the States and is very inexpensive here.
The food is incredible, fresh and not processed, and affordable. 5 avocados for $1.00. 30 eggs for under $4.00.
I’ve made so many great friends in Ecuador. I do have some very good Ecuadorian friends. There is a built in comradery with people who have left their homes and moved abroad and meeting them and becoming friends can become unmanageable with the sheer number of people I meet who I really like.
People who up and move are inherently very interesting. You don’t really talk about your past here, you just are accepted for who you are now. If someone talks about how important they were in their jobs, I generally move onto someone else. I want to hear about the art show you attended, the symphony, a new restaurant – what you are doing now.
I’ve gone on a lot of day trips, to the hot springs, the coast, the Amazon, and also saw whales for the first time.
Healthcare is great. I had a swollen hand today and walked to a pharmacy. They diagnosed it (bugbite) and gave me medicine for under $10.00. Turns out my doctor is between offices, was working in their clinic, took a quick peek and recommended the exact same thing the pharmacist did.
I can get same day Dr visits for $40, and x-rays for under $100 without insurance. The healthcare is similar to what I got in the States, but I can afford it and don’t have to wait. If the doctor or dentist says 10:00 you may wait three minutes. Given the money I save on living here in terms of rent and healthcare, I am able to look forward to an adventuresome future.
Amelia and JP inspired me to make the move, and showed how easy it could be. It was easy. The Move Abroad eCourse showed how to navigate the details and costs. Because of that, I contacted a guy who helps with money management and asked him if I could afford it. I could and I do.
As a bonus, I was completely able to navigate Cuenca when I moved here because of them. I knew where Parque Calderon was and how to branch out from there. I knew which way to get on the Tranvia to get to where I needed to go.
My advice? Move now. I think the younger you are, the more you can enjoy it. I wasn’t interested in doing an exploratory trip after Amelia & JP’s videos and Move Abroad eCourse, but my husband was more hesitant so we did an exploratory trip.
It would be great to have moved at age 50 like some of our friends. Even without much in the way of money.
DISCLOSURE: THIS POST MAY CONTAIN AFFILIATE LINKS, MEANING WE GET A COMMISSION IF YOU DECIDE TO MAKE A PURCHASE THROUGH OUR LINKS. THERE IS NO COST TO YOU AND SOMETIMES YOU'LL EVEN GET A DISCOUNT BY USING OUR LINK. PLEASE READ OUR DISCLOSURE FOR MORE INFO.
https://ameliaandjp.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Kerry-in-Ecuador-FI.jpg7201280JP Stonestreethttps://ameliaandjp.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Amelia-And-JP-Abroad-Logo.pngJP Stonestreet2025-02-14 00:58:522025-02-14 01:00:53Kerry on Leaving the US & Moving to Ecuador
My husband Mike (age 73) and I (age 68) moved from Hudson, Ohio (in northeast Ohio) to Cuenca, Ecuador on May 15, 2024 and we have never regretted our decision.
Due to the nasty politics going on in the U.S., the rising cost of food and healthcare and the hot humid summers and icy cold winters in Ohio, we decided that our final years should be spent someplace more acceptable to us.
Around 2021, we began talking about which state to move to that would at least have better weather but the few states that we both liked weren’t really motivating us to undergo the stress of packing up and moving our lives.
Then I saw and article in a travel magazine talking about all the expats that had decided to leave the U.S. for foreign countries and after reading the article, it started sparking some interest with us.
However, after reading dozens of articles about these countries, someone posted an answer indicating that “Amelia & JP” had some videos on YouTube that might help. We found their videos online and watched everything we could.
We were absolutely fascinated by all the information they provided so I started writing everything down from their favorite restaurants or bakeries, to hotels they stayed in and local customs that they found interesting and different.
While deciding where to move, we also talked earnestly about any fears we had about such a lifestyle change. We had one big factor in our favor which was other than my husband’s sister, we really had no other immediate family.
However, there were many other factors we were concerned about, such as learning Spanish, would we find someplace to live that was affordable and safe, could we bring our pets, but mostly, HOW do we do this type of a move?
I had no idea what a Visa was but learned we needed to have one to stay in the country longer than our passport allowed!
We read as many books, articles and watched as many YouTube videos as we could find, and finally decided we needed to take an exploratory trip to Cuenca to ensure that we could tolerate the altitude. The city we lived in was only about 300 feet above sea level and Cuenca is around 8,400 feet above sea level!
At this point, I saw a post about an Ecuador Relocation eCourse offered by Amelia and JP and I bought it. After reading thru it the first time, I was a little confused by all the items on the move abroad checklist that comes with the course…I had moved many times over the years and never did half of these tasks!
However, I soon came to realize how invaluable this checklist was, and that I really did need to do all of these things! Amelia and JP had done all these things and were now living in Ecuador, so I figured I would just do what they did!
We started out by scheduling a 3 week exploratory trip to Cuenca and within a day or two of landing in Cuenca, we knew we were home…and which lead to us absolutely hating to leave when the 3 weeks were up!
During this trip, we made the decision what day to move to Cuenca and it gave us exactly 5 months from the date we returned to Ohio, to sell our house, sell our car, sell 90% of our belongings, and decide how to do everything needed in Ohio and everything needed to do in Ecuador. Once we had a “move to Cuenca date” (May 15th), the move began in earnest and that checklist was never far away from me for 5 months.
Because I had been reading the local expat newspapers and online articles for the past year, I was able to see names of people and companies who were “recommended” by other expats for the services they provided. Along with my notes and the local news sources in Cuenca, we decided that due to everything we needed to do at home to prepare, that we were going to “farm out” a lot of the tasks that, given enough time, you can also do yourself. But for us, we decided it was best to hire companies who would handle these tasks.
These tasks can ALL be done on your own, however, I do suggest you realize that all the forms you need to complete will be in Spanish. Everything was handled perfectly, pets arrived when expected, our belongings arrived and were cleared through customs, and our lives just fell back into place.
We stayed at Apartamentos Otorongo for 3 weeks on our exploratory trip and loved the place. Since they allowed pets, we booked them for a month when we moved here with our pets. While there, we met a wonderful Canadian couple who moved here 2 years earlier and are still renters at the hotel. I have made several new friends and seem to meet new people every week.
We have spent a lot less money living here than in the US, we eat better and my husband lost over 50 lbs in 6 months because of all the walking that we do. We take taxis most everywhere, but most of our rides cost $3.00 which also includes a tip.
My husband had to have a pacemaker inserted last month and while we had to pay for the procedure in full since his prior heart condition made it a Pre-Existing issue, it was amazingly inexpensive and he received incredibly great care at the hospital.
We started working twice a week with a Spanish teacher and we are improving each month. We found a beautiful to rent within 2 weeks of moving here and I started selling my homemade greeting cards at the local Feria (fair) once a month, and even though there is no postal system in this country, people seem to want cards!
We eat out when we want, we attend various meetings to learn about new things available to do in the city, attend plays and in a few weeks, we are starting acting lessons at the local theater, something we never thought we would be doing in our lives!
If you have concerns about moving overseas, other than family issues, be sure and get a copy of the Amelia and JPs Checklist, it is invaluable. And just know that there are wonderful companies available to help you, by Ecuadorians who speak English and have done their jobs successfully for years.
Remember to do your own research rather than just reading what people post on Facebook, but for Mike and I, our move to Ecuador is a dream. It took me about 2 months living here and thinking I was just on a vacation, before I realized, I did not have to go home…I was home.
DISCLOSURE: THIS POST MAY CONTAIN AFFILIATE LINKS, MEANING WE GET A COMMISSION IF YOU DECIDE TO MAKE A PURCHASE THROUGH OUR LINKS. THERE IS NO COST TO YOU AND SOMETIMES YOU'LL EVEN GET A DISCOUNT BY USING OUR LINK. PLEASE READ OUR DISCLOSURE FOR MORE INFO.
https://ameliaandjp.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Kim-and-Mike-Fiore-FI.jpg7201280JP Stonestreethttps://ameliaandjp.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Amelia-And-JP-Abroad-Logo.pngJP Stonestreet2025-02-14 00:04:032025-02-14 00:04:03Kim and Mike in Ecuador
We’re often asked, “Do single women live in Ecuador?” Yes, they do, and we’re excited to share Kristen’s story because she is a single retired woman living in Cuenca, Ecuador.
We met Kristen through Amelia’s belly dancing studio when we lived in Cuenca. She is one of those people who lights up a room when she enters it. She never meets a stranger and makes everyone feel welcome.
If you’re a single woman considering a move to Ecuador, you’re certain to appreciate Kristen’s perspective. Here’s her story…
You’re Moving Where?
In 2014, my dear friends, David & Juan, moved to Cuenca, Ecuador and opened a business called “Cuenca Car Share”.
Why, Cuenca?”, I asked David.
He said, “You need to come down and see for yourself.”
So I did.
In 2015, my sister Kelly and I flew to Quito, Ecuador and then on to Cuenca for our first visit. We stayed ten days and in that time I lost my heart to Cuenca and the surrounding Andes Mountains.
I told my friends, “I think I could retire here!”
Six months later, David and Juan called and asked me if I was serious? It was completely out of the blue.
They said they would be willing to pay my round trip flight, I would have eight weeks to be alone in Cuenca and really see if that’s where I wanted to live.
I just had to house and pet sit, and run their business. How could I refuse?
I was certain I would be bored out of my mind, but I was delightfully busy!
I went on walks every day along the Yanuncay River with the dog. I went to Bingo on Wednesday afternoons. I met a lot of expats through Cuenca Car Share and some of them I developed personal friendships with that have lasted to this day. I played volleyball in Parque Paraiso; which I still do every Sunday.
I started reading Gringo Post every day to see what’s happening around town. I wandered around El Centro and checked stuff out.
Cuenca is a beautiful, clean, tranquil city and my love for it grew deeper. I went to free symphonies! Who wouldn’t love that? I explored the cathedrals, domes, shops and mercados.
Two months went by in a blink and it was time to go home. I returned to LAX and was waiting about ten minutes at the curb with my luggage; the plane and city fumes began to fill my lungs and by the time my ride showed-up I got in the car and said to my neighbor, “I’m moving to Ecuador!”
She said, “You’re moving where?”
I said, “Cuenca, Ecuador!”
“When?” she asked.
“I’m going to take a year and get rid of everything, retire, start collecting my social security and then go in March 2017,” I told her.
And I did exactly that.
Eight Weeks Told Me All I Needed to Know
Unlike so many people who move to Ecuador, I did very little research.
I mean, I did a little research for the purpose of allaying the fears of my relatives and friends who all thought I was crazy!
Cuenca, Ecuador was in the top ten places in the world to retire. The currency is the US American Dollar. The language is Spanish. And at the time I moved here I thought I spoke pretty fair Spanish! Ha!
In Cuenca, the weather is mild. I would honestly say that the weather here is like all the seasons, every day! It doesn’t snow here, so for me coming from Southern California that’s perfect!
Usually it is sunny in the morning and then in the afternoon around 3 or 4PM comes what I like to call, “The Witching Hour,” when it often rains.
Of course, it could rain at any time, even when the sun is shining! Which is why I learned to always to carry an umbrella in my bag. It doesn’t necessarily get cold when it rains, so the umbrella is a real lifesaver and I’m never without it.
The biggest thing I had to learn (besides actually how to speak Spanish) was how to slow down.
I opened fifty-three restaurants around the world during my career and I was the Food and Beverage Director for CBS Studios for twelve years.
I only had one speed: Fast!
In the eight weeks of living in Cuenca on my own, I was busy all the time, but never rushing everywhere until I passed out at night from exhaustion.
The pace of life here is so much more laid back. Granted, being retired makes it a whole lot easier, but I still had to work long and hard to change from constantly “doing” to “being”. It made a huge difference in my ability to not get fidgety and impatient in lines at a bank, for example.
I tend to walk a lot more than anywhere in the States, especially Los Angeles where you drive everywhere and the only walking you do is going back to your car. Since I opted to not have a car here, I either walk or take a taxi.
I keep pretty good records of my spending and would say on average unless I have something big, like a trip to Guayaquil when I hire a van or a private driver, my average monthly transportation expenses are usually under one hundred dollars.
There’s a plethora of activities for anyone interested in participating. You can always find a class to take and I’ve taken quite a few. Things I’d always been interested in learning but never had the time.
Just recently I took a stained-glass class and loved the process and was delighted with my piece, which now hangs in my living room!
I found a place called “Cuenca Soup Kitchen” run by some wonderful people: Des, Bill and Smith. With my background in food I thought it would be a great fit for me to volunteer.
It was one of the best things I’ve done since I’ve been here. They feed 175 families every week! I’ve helped fill food bags and sort donated clothing and I can tell you there’s nothing better than doing something for those unable to do for themselves. I’ve met so many friends there because they’re like minded people interested in giving back to the community we live in.
Beyond that, the clever Directors started “Abuela’s.” It’s a group of men and women who are willing to get a cake and gift for a child who otherwise would not have a birthday cake. I signed up immediately and can only tell you that every cake I make is a love letter. There’s very little that beats the random photograph we receive of our designated child smiling holding their cake and gift bag!
Also, I joined another offshoot called “Heart-Strings” where we knit or crochet hats, scarves, blankets and the like for when the temperatures drop here in Cuenca. Again, it warms you in a way you can’t imagine.
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In the five years I’ve lived in Cuenca, I’ve managed to take full advantage of how much this country has to offer.
I’ve never felt scared or afraid for my well being. This could be because I don’t walk along the rivers alone at night or because I lived in Venice Beach, CA. where gunshots were a common sound at night. I’m groomed to be aware of my surroundings at all times; wherever I am.
My sister Kelly and I went on an eight-day trip to the Galapagos Islands, which was unimaginably wonderful! We also took a bus to Peru! We took a gorgeous train ride train to Cusco, Machu-Picchu and Sacred Valley.
My friend Rocco and I took a trip to The Amazon for New Year’s! We experienced The Amazon river up close and personal! However, I would suggest going at another time of year.
When we woke up on New Year’s Day, we realized the river had dried up and we had to walk 100 yards in deep mud to get to our boat! The following day it was 200 yards. Beyond that, it was magical!
The Amazon is like nowhere else in the world. From pink dolphins, red-eyed Caiman, blue, green and yellow Military McCaw’s, many types of monkeys, anacondas, piranha, spiders that look like sticks, spiders that look like spiders, and so much more, the Amazon is a world unto itself. We spent four days there and learned how little we knew about living without the outside world and technology.
We’ve gone to Ingapirca, Loja, Cajas, Cotopaxi, Izhcayluma, Vilcabamba, Biblian and plenty more.
We’ve been to and adore the coast: Guayaquil, Montañita, Olón and Puerto Lopez.
The capital city of Quito is rich in history and has lots of things to do and see.
One of my personal favorite adventures was to Mashpi Lodge, which is one of the 10 Most Amazing hotels in the World! I highly recommend a trip there if you can swing it! The price is high, but they often offer discounts and you can call and negotiate with them.
Rocco and I went for one night that seemed a lot longer. We were picked up in Quito and driven the three hours to the cloud forest. The last hour of the ride was so bumpy that when we stopped, I said a prayer of thanks before exiting the van!
After I stepped out of the van, the past hour vanished in the beauty of the grounds. We went inside and were treated to carefully prepared refreshments. This hotel lives up to its reputation for being amazing! All meals are included and we had a wonderful buffet lunch and three desserts to share!
We were taken to our room on the second floor and our guide told us about the room and said, “Let me turn on the TV for you.”
She pushed a button and the blinds that covered the windows began to rise. The ceiling to floor windows revealed the heart of the cloud forest and we both whispered, “Wow!”
We freshened up and joined our naturalists to choose our afternoon activity. It was pouring rain, but we still elected to visit the hummingbird sanctuary. They took us in a van and by the time we arrived the rain had decreased to almost a fine mist.
There were 10 huge hummingbird feeders and plenty of hummingbirds bouncing between the feeders. None of them seemed concerned with us.
The guides brought out bananas and peeled them and stuffed the fruit into large cracks in logs stationed about six feet off the ground. Very soon all types of birds appeared for lunch. It was amazing!
We decided to stop at the bar before dinner and I was treated to the best, most painstakingly prepared, Bloody Mary I’ve ever had! It took the bartender 15 minutes to craft this drink!
Then, on to dinner in the elegant dining room. Rocco is a professional photographer and he marveled at the lighting in this room. It was extraordinary! We made our dinner selections and once again, our meal didn’t disappoint.
Before heading to our room, we decided to see if we could book a trip for the next morning on the Dragonfly, which is an aerial gondola taking you above the canopy of the cloud forest.
After a delightful night’s sleep and a wonderful buffet breakfast we took our ride on The Dragonfly. The gondola seats six with three rows of benches.
Our guide sat in the last row and gave us more history on how this hotel came to be built, which is an amazing story! He told us what we were looking at as we traveled over the cloud forest answering all our questions.
Then, after about 45 minutes he said, “Okay, I’m going to let the cloud forest tell you the rest of the story.” He never said another word for the remainder of the trip which was about another 45 minutes. Crazy amazing!
Every year that I live here, I fall more in love with this country and its people. It may not be for everyone, but for me: It’s the smartest decision I’ve ever made to come here and I’m so thankful for this beautiful life!
https://ameliaandjp.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Kristen-Crawford-Mashpi-Lodge-Shaman-Ecuador.jpg7201280Kristen Crawfordhttps://ameliaandjp.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Amelia-And-JP-Abroad-Logo.pngKristen Crawford2023-05-09 08:00:212023-05-29 15:53:38Kristen Shares Her Story About Living In Ecuador as a Single Woman from the United States
Cuenca Ecuador has several neighborhoods that are popular with expats.
We lived in El Vergel, which was more popular with Ecuadorians at the time, but now has become more popular with expats, as well.
In this article, you’ll learn about the inner and outer neighborhoods of Cuenca Ecuador that are most popular with expats.
Cuenca’s Outer Neighborhoods
Then we worked our way east to Challuabamba before looping back to the north to Cebollar and finally west to San Joaquín.
The east side of Cuenca where Challuabamba is located is about 1,000 feet (305 m) lower in elevation, which means it’s also warmer, sunnier, and drier than El Centro and the western neighborhoods.
San Joaquín is about 1,000 feet higher in elevation than El Centro and near the base of El Cajas National Park so it can be quite cool, especially at night. It also rains a lot more in that area and it’s cloudier.
Cuenca Outer Neighborhoods Map Legend
Turi
Ciudadela de los Ingenieros
Machangara
Challuabamba
Colinas de Challuabamba
Cebollar
San Joaquín
Watch a Video About the Outer Neighborhoods of Cuenca Ecuador
Xavier Montezuma owns and operates Apartamentos Otorongo, which I like to call the “Expat Landing Zone” because it’s so popular with new expats. He is a Cuenca native and offers neighborhood tours like the one in this video, as well as more adventurous hiking and mountain biking tours.
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Most new expats choose to live in the inner neighborhoods of Cuenca Ecuador. Unlike the outer neighborhoods, you’ll able to walk most places and easily find taxis and buses, which means you won’t need a car.
The most popular areas are El Centro, San Sebas, El Vergel and Gringolandia, which is a bit of a misnomer. While there are a lot of expats living in Gringolandia, they account for less than 5% of the population in that area. It was given that name mainly because it has western-style housing and highrises.
If you’re considering a move to Cuenca, we recommend checking out the inner neighborhoods first so you can get around easily without a car.
After living in Cuenca for awhile, some expats choose to move further out from El Centro where the rents tend to be less expensive and the neighborhoods are quieter. However, they usually buy a car to make transportation easier.
DISCLOSURE: THIS POST MAY CONTAIN AFFILIATE LINKS, MEANING WE GET A COMMISSION IF YOU DECIDE TO MAKE A PURCHASE THROUGH OUR LINKS. THERE IS NO COST TO YOU AND SOMETIMES YOU'LL EVEN GET A DISCOUNT BY USING OUR LINK. PLEASE READ OUR DISCLOSURE FOR MORE INFO.
Cuenca is a popular expat destination in Ecuador. It’s a beautiful city with a colonial center and friendly people. Cuenca’s healthcare is high quality and affordable. The cost of living is also relatively low. But, there is another side to Cuenca that is not so pretty.
The cloudy, rainy weather during some periods of the year is a lot to handle. Panhandlers, a steady rise in crime, noise, high elevation, pollution, and heavy traffic when it rains are other negative aspects of Cuenca.
If you’re considering relocating to Cuenca, you’ll find the information below helpful.
This post details the cons of Cuenca that expats wishing to relocate should know.
The Rainy, Cloudy Cuenca, Ecuador Weather
It is often cold and rainy in Cuenca throughout the year, but it is also sunny and beautiful some of the time.
The nights can be chilly, and the days dark, cloudy and windy. Daytime, on the other hand, can be very hot and windy, with UVs reaching a high of 11.
It can be damp and cold when the temperatures dip into the low 40s F / 5 C and feel much more like Seattle. The weather changes are also drastic. It could be super hot, and then, in just half an hour, it’s raining!
Cuenca has had more rain recently, causing floods in parts of town and on the outskirts. There are also mudslides in Cajas, making it difficult to drive along the windy road.
Four rivers run through Cuenca, and they can get inundated with water. There were flash floods in May 2021. Rivers and streams overflowed, and river Tarqui broke its banks and completely changed its course.
The 8,400-foot Cuenca Elevation
Cuenca is a high-elevation city. Mind you, we’re referring to the city’s elevation and not altitude. Sometimes elevation and altitude are interchangeable terms, but altitude refers to the height of an object above the Earth’s surface, while elevation is the height of a place above sea level.
The high elevation means high exposure to UV rays, which can go above 11 on the UV index scale. Always wear your sunscreen and a hat to avoid sunburns.
The air is thinner in high-elevation areas like Cuenca compared to lower regions. The higher the elevation, the less air there is per unit volume.
Additionally, in high-elevation zones, the air pressure is much higher than at lower locations, so the air is less able to hold gasses and particles.
High elevation makes breathing more challenging and may lead to breathing problems. You’ll get headaches (lightheadedness), fatigue, and even altitude sickness. Unfortunately, you’ll only know you have altitude sickness when you get there.
The best way to deal with the effects of high elevation is to acclimate yourself gradually. Start by spending a few days in locations with high elevation, then gradually increase your time there. You can also take a cup of Mate de Coca, which relieves altitude sickness symptoms quickly.
More Crime in Cuenca
This one’s a bummer because the tranquil, beautiful Cuenca was once one of the safest cities to live in. The crime rate was very low. And it’s still down according to this Crime Index, but it would be naive to think crime does not happen, especially after the pandemic.
Petty theft and pickpocketing made for the highest criminal activities. However, current figures from the police show there is an increase in criminal activities, and they link it to more drug trafficking activities in the area.
The police listed five unsafe areas, asking everyone to be vigilant. The crime hotspots are La Merced, Feria Libre, Mercado Nueve de Octubre, Cayambe, and the bus station.
Occasionally, a petty thief would grab your backpack. Sometimes they’d slash it open in a bus when you are not looking or mislead you to put it in the overhead bin as you travel, only to find your valuables missing.
Some will make you think you dropped something and run off with your bag when you face the other direction.
The thieves are primarily after the valuables and, in most cases, won’t harm you if you hand them over without a fight. Electronics are a target because they are more expensive in Ecuador.
It’s NOISY in Cuenca Ecuador
Noise is a significant problem in Cuenca, Ecuador. There are many buses, cars, and motorcycles on the road, and they can be loud. The delivery guys use dirt bikes which have annoyingly loud engines.
They’ll go by every ten to fifteen minutes if you live in a busy neighborhood. The noise from those delivery dirt bikes is so loud that it rattles the windows.
Some people like to take their Zumba dance class at 6: 30 in the morning, which will impact peace and tranquility if you want to sleep longer.
Also, Cuenca lies directly below the airport’s flight path. Planes frequently land and take off over the city, which can be pretty noisy.
Folks in Ecuador also have giant speakers on stands in their houses and they blast loud music at night. Every once in a while, there is a party or karaoke, which can be quite annoying if you like peaceful evenings.
There is also the dog-barking and roosters that go off all night from 3:00 am. A sound machine helps to drown out the noise while you’re sleeping.
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When there is no wind, exhaust fumes from buses, diesel trucks, delivery trucks, motorcycles, and odor from trash trucks pollute the air. There are also some old smog buses that go through the historical city. The government is slowly phasing them out with low-emission diesel ones.
Fortunately, the Tranvía has started taking some passengers, and air pollution is decreasing. Some residential areas do not experience as much air pollution.
Additionally, there could be ash from The Sangay volcano, which last erupted in 2021, and ash was everywhere.
The Panhandlers in Cuenca
There are panhandlers all over Cuenca, Ecuador, especially Venezuelan refugees. Often, they’ll run after Americans (Gringos) across the street asking for handouts, sometimes accompanied by ‘rent’ children to make them seem more in need. Ecuadorians, Americans, and Europeans also panhandle.
Crowding in Cuenca Ecuador
Cuenca is a walkable city with many tourist attractions, so lots of tourists come to visit it. There is a higher population in Ecuador now compared to 2020 due to tourism, which has picked up lately.
Heavy Traffic in Cuenca
With a high population, the traffic is also bad. It is especially terrible during rush hour. Currently, a cab ride that would normally take ten minutes can take 30 to 45 minutes.
It gets worse when it rains or when there is an event. You’ll need to plan ahead when it’s raining, or if the Ecuador football team is playing, as there will be no cab in town. Watch out for their world cup dates in November to be safe.
Cuenca Can Be Isolated
There are only three roads in and out of Cuenca. This means that getting supplies can be hard if protests or strikes occur.
If these roads are barricaded, any movement in and out of the city is practically impossible. Luckily, there is an airport where you can ship supplies, or leave.
Living in an Expat Bubble
Some foreigners want to recreate their American or Canadian lifestyle in Cuenca and thus live in an expat bubble, with no interaction with the locals.
However, living in an expat bubble is not ideal, as you’ll be missing out on some great experiences. Though it might be uncomfortable at first, try to learn the language and take part in Ecuadorian activities. You’ll discover that Ecuadorians are good-natured people and have an interesting culture.
Conclusion
No place is perfect. Although Cuenca, Ecuador, is an ideal place to live in, it has its dark side. Parts of the city hav heavy traffic, overcrowding, pollution, panhandlers, and it can be loud.
Some people find the elevation or the weather (or both) too much to handle and relocate to a town in a lower elevation. Plus the crime in certain areas is concerning and should be a factor when you’re researching neighborhoods.
Watch This Video About The Dark Side of Cuenca Ecuador
DISCLOSURE: THIS POST MAY CONTAIN AFFILIATE LINKS, MEANING WE GET A COMMISSION IF YOU DECIDE TO MAKE A PURCHASE THROUGH OUR LINKS. THERE IS NO COST TO YOU AND SOMETIMES YOU'LL EVEN GET A DISCOUNT BY USING OUR LINK. PLEASE READ OUR DISCLOSURE FOR MORE INFO.
https://ameliaandjp.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/The-Dark-Side-of-Cuenca-Ecuador-Read-This-First-.jpg7201280JP Stonestreethttps://ameliaandjp.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Amelia-And-JP-Abroad-Logo.pngJP Stonestreet2023-02-15 10:00:462023-06-11 15:02:52The Dark Side of Cuenca Ecuador!
We’re often asked for a review of popular expat restaurants in Cuenca Ecuador where expats like to eat.
During our two and a half years of living in Cuenca, and our recent visits, we had the opportunity to eat at a lot of restaurants. While we can’t possibly cover all of them in one video, we did share our experiences with over 3 dozen!
Here are the links to all the restaurants we mentioned:
Watch Our Video About Popular Expat Restaurants in Cuenca Ecuador
DISCLOSURE: THIS POST MAY CONTAIN AFFILIATE LINKS, MEANING WE GET A COMMISSION IF YOU DECIDE TO MAKE A PURCHASE THROUGH OUR LINKS. THERE IS NO COST TO YOU AND SOMETIMES YOU'LL EVEN GET A DISCOUNT BY USING OUR LINK. PLEASE READ OUR DISCLOSURE FOR MORE INFO.
https://ameliaandjp.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/Popular-Expat-Restaurants-in-Cuenca-Ecuador.jpg7201280JP Stonestreethttps://ameliaandjp.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Amelia-And-JP-Abroad-Logo.pngJP Stonestreet2022-09-04 10:00:072023-06-11 15:10:49Popular Expat Restaurants in Cuenca Ecuador
Cuenca Ecuador has been near the top of the “best expat cities” list for over a decade and a lot of expats live in Cuenca because of its international renown.
This UNESCO World Heritage Site offers a modern city with old world charm, affordable living, and a variety of amenities. However, like any place, it also has its drawbacks.
In this article, we’ll explore the pros and cons of living in Cuenca Ecuador to help you decide if it’s the right expat city for you.
Is Cuenca the Best Expat City in Ecuador?
Before we share the main drawbacks, and the reasons why we ended up leaving Cuenca, let’s take a look at all the wonderful things that Cuenca has to offer.
Cuenca Is a Modern, Developed City with Old World Charm
Cuenca has all the modern amenities of a developed city like hospitals, malls and car dealerships, but it still maintains an old world charm with its beautiful, Spanish colonial architecture.
The iconic blue domes of the New Cathedral can be seen from most vantage points in the city and make for amazing pictures to share with your friends and family.
Cuenca is so beautiful and picturesque that we often just walked around the city so I could take pictures!
Ecuador Is On the Dollar
Knowing the currency saves us a lot of time and money. We don’t have to constantly do conversions in our head or wonder if we’re getting gringoed (price gouged).
Dollar bills aren’t very common, though. Instead, dollar coins and 50 cent coins (cinquenta centavo) are much more common.
Cuenca Has Reliable Internet
Our house in Cuenca had fiber to the curb with Puntonet. We’ve heard Etapa is also a good provider, but we don’t have any experience with them.
We had one short outage in more than 2 years living there. Compared to weekly outages and constantly slow service from Comcast in downtown Denver for $120/month, we were extremely happy with our Internet service there.
Cuenca Has Drinkable Water
Along with the dollar, being able to drink the tap water was another main reason we wanted to move to Cuenca. We hate using plastic water bottles so it was nice to avoid that in Cuenca.
Some people still choose to have water delivery and/or install reverse osmosis filtration systems, but the replacement filters are hard to find and very expensive. It’s just nice that we didn’t have to worry about it.
Cuenca Has an Airport
One of the amenities that makes Cuenca so appealing to expats is the airport located just a short cab ride from the heart of the city.
While the airport claims to be international, nearly all flights go to Quito with an occasional flight to Guayaquil. You’ll also need to walk downstairs upon exiting the plane since there are no gangways.
The airport itself is very nice with a small food court on the second level and a tasty coffee shop on the first level by the ticketing counter.
The flight to Quito only takes 45 minutes so it’s much easier than making the 8+ hour drive to Quito, or the 3+ hour drive to the Guayaquil international airport.
You Don’t Need a Car in Cuenca
Cuenca’s new Tranvia will take you from the airport through El Centro and out to the Don Bosco neighborhood on the southwest side of town.
The expansive bus system will take you anywhere inside or outside Cuenca. Taxi rides are very affordable and most fares cost between $2 and $3 with a $1.50 minimum.
Cars are much more expensive in Ecuador than in countries like the United States. The interest rates on car loans are very high, so luckily the wide variety of inexpensive transportation options means you don’t need a car in Cuenca.
Very Few Bugs in Cuenca Ecuador
Cuenca is over 8,000 feet in elevation so we didn’t see a lot of bugs there. We saw flies and fruit flies, and a few mosquitoes, but nothing like the lower elevations along the coast.
While spiders aren’t bugs, we did have some of those, including a tarantula that crawled in under our kitchen door. I shooed him out of the kitchen with a broom and he never came back.
Cuenca Has LOTS of English-Speaking Ecuadorians
Most Cuencanos who are under 30 years old speak English, and many older Ecuadorians who lived in the US or Europe when they were younger also speak English. That means it’s a really easy place to start your life abroad if you’re not yet fluent in Spanish.
With language apps widely available, speaking Spanish isn’t a requirement anywhere in Ecuador, but being able to communicate in English makes the transition to a new city and culture much smoother.
Cuenca Has LOTS of Spanish Schools & Teachers
If your goal is to learn Spanish, Cuenca is a great place to study the language. There are a variety of Spanish schools, teachers and language exchanges to help you learn and practice.
Cuenca Has a Large Expat Community
While many adventurous expats move to a foreign country to spend time with locals and experience a new culture, others move abroad mainly to live a more affordable, higher quality of life.
If this describes you, then you’ll appreciate having other like-minded, English-speaking people to talk to and to provide social support.
Cuenca has one of the largest expat communities in South America with thousands of immigrants from the US, Canada and Europe, making it an ideal place to start a new life abroad.
Low Crime Rate in Cuenca Ecuador
Cuenca has a very low crime rate compared to other parts of Ecuador like Guayaquil.
However, following the pandemic, crime has increased throughout Ecuador so the government decided in April 2023 to legalize the civilian use of guns for self-defense.
Here are the requirements to legally buy and possess a gun in Ecuador:
Be 25 years old.
Pass a psychological test and get a certificate issued by the Ministry of Public Health.
Take a gun safety class and get a certificate of skill in the handling and use of the weapon issued by the Ministry of National Defense.
No criminal record.
No history of domestic violence.
Pass a drug test and obtain a certificate issued by the Ministry of Public Health.
Only firearms with a caliber of 9 millimeters or .38 caliber and smaller are allowed.
Assault weapons and automatic guns are illegal.
Compared to the United States, the gun laws are still very strict in Ecuador.
Pepper spray was also legalized (it was illegal and impossible to buy in Ecuador) and self-defense has been decriminalized. Before this change, if you harmed a criminal while defending yourself or your family, there was a very good chance that you would be arrested and convicted alongside the perp.
Most crime in Ecuador is petty theft, especially pickpockets. However, over the past few years, Cuenca has installed cameras in popular pickpocket spots, which has cut down on crime in those area.
There is also a strong police presence on the streets and walking trails around Cuenca, and they’re very friendly. We felt completely comfortable asking them for directions and they often help people cross the street safely.
Cuenca Has a Variety of Modern, Upscale Housing
Your friends and family may think you’ll be living in a dirt-floor house with no indoor plumbing
when you move to Ecuador, but that couldn’t be further from the truth!
While building standards aren’t quite the same as in the US and other developed countries, Cuenca has a large selection of modern, upscale housing to choose from.
Whether you want a freestanding home, a row home or a high-rise condo, you’re sure to find something that will make you feel right at home for a fraction of the cost compared to similar housing in the US.
Small Businesses in Cuenca Ecuador
Ecuador has a form of regulated capitalism. It’s considered a social republic with a democratically elected government. That means big corporations don’t rule the country, which levels the playing field so small businesses can compete.
While there are some large stores here like Coral, Supermaxi, Kywi and Sukasa, they’re usually the same price as small vendors, and sometimes more expensive. For example, the small vendors at the mercados are much less expensive for fruits and veggies than Supermaxi.
It can be challenging sometimes to find the things you’re looking for, and a single item may require several trips to different areas of town, but we like supporting small businesses and don’t mind the extra walking.
Cuenca Flower Markets in Cuenca Ecuador
You can buy beautiful and inexpensive flowers throughout Ecuador, but there’s nothing quite like Cuenca’s world-famous Flower Market.
It was included in National Geographic’s list of Top 10 Outdoor Flower Markets for good reason. It’s incredibly stunning and we enjoyed walking down there on the weekends to buy fresh flowers.
Cuenca Has LOTS of Fun & Entertaining Things To Do
If you’re an activity-oriented person, Cuenca will NOT disappoint! There are tons of things to do in Cuenca!
You’ll find lots of museums to visit, like the Inca ruins at Pumapungo and the Museum of Modern Art in San Sebas. Cuenca has great walking tours, river walks, restaurants, social gatherings, music events, and more.
Plus, a short 20 minute cab ride will deliver you to the hot springs in Baños Azuay southwest of Cuenca for a relaxing day of soaking in the therapeutic waters and pampering in the spas.
There are LOTS of Amazing Day Trips Around Cuenca
Cuenca is centrally located near several of Ecuador’s incredible natural and historical sites like El Cajas National Park with its herds of photogenic llamas.
You might also enjoy the waterfalls of Girón, the handmade guitar makers in San Bartolomé, the filigree jewelry in Chordeleg, the orchid farm in Gualaceo, the indigenous market in Cañar, the church built into the side of a mountain in Biblión, or the Inca & Cañari ruins in Ingapirca.
And if you’re really brave, you’ll love mountain climbing at Cojitambo in Azogues! All of these attractions and more can be enjoyed on day trips from Cuenca!
Affordable, High-Quality Medical Care & English-Speaking Doctors
Healthcare was one of the main driving factors for our move from the US to Ecuador. We simply couldn’t afford health insurance or healthcare following my spine surgeries back in the States.
Another spine surgery back in the US would bankrupt us, and I’m not willing to do that to myself, and especially not to Amelia, at our age.
Medical and dental tourism in Cuenca is rapidly growing in popularity due to the availability of high-quality care at a very affordable price.
Many medical practitioners speak fluent English and most trained in the US, Europe, Argentina or Chile so they’re well-educated and knowledgeable about the current science and procedures.
Most private hospitals and newer public hospitals also have the same modern equipment that you would see anywhere in the US.
If you have chronic health conditions or you’re just getting older, you may appreciate having Cuenca’s high-quality medical care at your fingertips.
Cuenca Has a Large Variety of Delicious Restaurants & Cuisines
Dining out at restaurants in Cuenca is not only delicious, but varied and affordable.
You can find most cuisines, such as Indian, Italian, Chinese, Vietnamese, Thai, Japanese, American, Gourmet, Vegetarian, Vegan, and plenty of Ecuadorian.
In addition to serving food that tastes amazing, you’ll also often find yourself taking pictures of the artistic creations put down in front of you because aesthetics are just as important as flavor to many chefs in Cuenca.
You can buy an Ecuadorian lunch, called El Almuerzo, for $1.50 to $3 while most popular expat dinners will cost around $7 to $10 per person.
Coffee & Chocolate in Cuenca Ecuador
Coffee and chocolate are two of Ecuador’s primary exports. Due to its tropical climate near the equator, Ecuador is ideal for growing both of the beans used to make these food products. They also don’t need to be hyper processed and shipped around the world, so we get extra fresh versions of both and you can taste the difference. Yum!
Cuenca Has Great Coffee Shops
Ecuador grows some of the best coffee in the world, and now they’re FINALLY opening coffee shops to serve it.
Gourmet coffee shops are growing in popularity, especially in Cuenca. Goza Espresso Bar is Ecuador’s version of Starbucks and they have several locations in Cuenca with both indoor and outdoor seating.
If you’re a Starbucks addict, you might be disappointed to learn that it hasn’t made its way to Ecuador, yet. However, you’re sure to enjoy the rich flavors and varied menus at Cuenca’s numerous coffee shops.
No GMO’s in Ecuador
GMO (actually, Genetically Engineered) crops are banned in Ecuador, despite heavy pressure from the US to allow them. In fact, GMO’s are specifically prohibited in Ecuador’s constitution!
They are allowed to import GMO products like soy sauce and textured vegetable protein (TVP), but they must be clearly labeled.
We would hate to see the same thing happen here in Ecuador, that is happening in India and other developing countries that made the mistake of allowing GMO crops.
Panaderías (Bakeries) in Cuenca Ecuador
Cuenca has a lot of bakeries and bread shops selling everything from simple water bread to delicious sourdough.
Tosta is one of our FAVORITE panaderías in Cuenca. All of their bread has a sourdough base and most of it is whole grain.
It’s Easy to Eat 100% Plant-Based in Cuenca
The mercados are like candy stores for vegans and plant-based eaters! The produce is top quality and delicious, while being extremely affordable.
Cuenca also hosts several vegan and vegetarian restaurants, with most other restaurants having a vegan or vegetarian section on the menu.
As 100% plant-based eaters, we love the affordable, high quality, non-GMO, delicious fruits and veggies that we get at the mercados in Ecuador. We spend about $20/week on produce here, but back in the states, it was closer to $200/week for lower quality fruits and veggies.
Cuenca Has Several Speciality & Organic Shops
Holistic living is very popular among Ecuadorians, who appreciate the value of non-pharmaceutical options for healthcare needs.
You’ll find plenty of speciality and organic shops in Cuenca selling everything from fair trade chocolate to gluten free flour to CBD oil to cruelty free shampoo.
Cuenca Has Numerous Visa Agents
If you plan to stay in Ecuador past your 90 tourist visa, you’ll likely need to enlist the help of a qualified visa agent.
While it is possible to get a visa on your own without help, the process has become much more complicated over the years and very nuanced.
The rules and regulations are not clearly defined, so you may get different answers from different government representatives and the success of your application often comes down to the relationships your visa agent has cultivated.
Since Cuenca has one of the largest expat populations in Ecuador, there are also a lot of visa agents to help you navigate the confusing process of getting a temporary resident visa.
We don’t have a car and we don’t plan to get one because we walk everywhere.
Cuenca is very walkable and we typically logged at least 10,000 steps per day. When we needed to go a little further, or it was raining, cabs rides were less than $3 to get most places in El Centro from where we lived in El Vergel.
Walkability is certainly one of the Top 10 Things We LOVE About Cuenca Ecuador!
Cuenca Has Excellent Pet Care
If you’re planning to take your fur babies with you when you move abroad, Cuenca has a number of English-speaking veterinarians and pet care providers.
You’ll find pet supply stores in most neighborhoods and malls, and you can even take your dog to daycare for a playdate.
Your dog will also enjoy long walks along the linear river parks and in Parque Paraíso. And there are plenty of opportunities to adopt dogs and cats from several different animal rescues in Cuenca.
We lived a comfortable, upper-middle-class, gentle-minimalist lifestyle in Cuenca for less than 1/3 of our cost of living back in Denver, CO. The savings allowed us to pay off $60K of debt in three years of living in Ecuador!
Eight months out of the year, the weather in Cuenca is absolutely beautiful. It’s sunny and 70’s (21°C) most of the day with an occasional brief rain shower. It seems to rain more during the night than during the day for those 8 months.
The other 4 months are called the wet season, so it rains a lot more from February through May.
Living in Cuenca felt like we were on island time!
Friends and family come first in Ecuador. Most people aren’t in a big hurry. And they work to live, they don’t live to work.
It’s a breath of fresh air compared to our former frantic lifestyle back in the States.
Natural Beauty & Diversity in Cuenca Ecuador
Cuenca, and the entire country of Ecuador, is home to some of the most beautiful places on this planet.
From deserts to rainforests, and from beaches to mountains, this country has it all.
It’s hard to describe or even show the level of beauty in pictures or videos. You really have to see it for yourself!
The Blue Crew, Now the Green Team
Cuenca is one of the cleanest cities we’ve ever seen, and that’s almost entirely due to the blue crew: Cuenca’s street cleaners.
Last time we visited Cuenca, we noticed they are now wearing green uniforms so I guess we should call them the Green Team now.
They work from before sunup to after sundown, 7 days per week to keep the city spotless and we couldn’t be more thankful for them.
Friendly People in Cuenca Ecuador
Everyone is so welcoming and friendly, which makes this number one on our Cuenca Ecuador Pros and Cons list.
The Ecuadorians are very proud of their beautiful country and they’re happy to share it with us gringos.
We also have friends from Venezuela, Chile, Germany, Austria, England, Russia, Ukraine and Italy. This is a melting pot and almost everyone seems very happy to be here and commingle.
The friendly man in this picture stopped us on the street to talk to us. He was so proud of his country and told us, “Mi país es su país.” That means my country is your country. We LOVE the people here! They are so nice!
Now let’s move on to the things we don’t like so much…
Major Drawbacks of Living In Cuenca Ecuador
While Cuenca is quite possibly the best expat city in Ecuador, if not the world, it does have a few major drawbacks that may impact your decision to move there.
Altitude Sickness in Cuenca Ecuador
Cuenca sits at 8,400 feet (2.560 meters), which is well over a mile and a half above sea level. That means the air is very thin and the sun is very hot.
After an initial adjustment period of a few days to a week, most people have no long-term effects from the elevation, but others aren’t as fortunate.
Common symptoms of altitude sickness (more aptly named elevation sickness) are dizziness, shortness of breath, skin flushing, nausea, vomiting, dehydration, headaches, forgetfulness, difficulty walking, drowsiness, and/or sleeplessness.
If you have spent time in high-elevation cities without these symptoms, you will likely be just fine in Cuenca.
However, if you’ve never spent time at a high elevation before, you won’t know if it affects you until you get there. If your body doesn’t adjust after a week, you may want to search for a lower-elevation city.
Lack of Punctuality
Time is a fluid, non-binding construct here in Ecuador and throughout Latin America. Their culture just doesn’t think of time the same way as we Americans and Northern Europeans do.
Most things rarely start on time or end on time. It has required us to learn patience and lower our expectations, which aren’t bad things for us rigid gringos.
Sidewalk Hazards in Cuenca Ecuador
The sidewalks throughout Ecuador are hazardous! There’s no better way to put it.
From gaping holes to cut-off post stumps to trash racks to slippery terracotta tiles on a steep decline, you’re literally taking your life into your own hands simply by walking on the sidewalk.
It requires your constant, diligent attention!
Although we occasionally saw people in wheelchairs, the city is not very handicap accessible. That’s something to consider before moving there if you’re physically challenged.
Cool, Cloudy Weather in Cuenca Ecuador
While Cuenca is beautiful 8 months out of the year, the other 4 months are dreary and damp.
Cuenca sits just to the west of the Amazon jungle so all the moisture that evaporates on the eastern side of Ecuador is condensed into clouds when it hits the high Andes mountain range. Combine that with the high elevation in Cuenca and it’s a recipe for lots of cool, cloudy days.
During the cold/dry season from June through November, you’ll rarely see the sun for more than a few minutes at a time, and often not for days or weeks at a time. During the warmer/wet season from December through May, you’ll ironically get more sun between the rains, but it’s still very cloudy most of the time.
Cuenca is called the land of eternal spring, which elicits images of sunny days and green grass and blooming flowers, but it’s also cool and cloudy during spring, which is a more accurate interpretation of the term.
During the cold months, temperatures can dip below 40°F (4.5°C) at night and rarely go above 70°F (21°C) during the day. Central heating is very rare in Ecuador, so you might need space heaters and warm blankets to stay warm.
During the warm months, daytime temperatures are typically near 80°F (26.5°C) and rarely reach 90°F (32°C). If you’re a fair weather fan, the constant Seattle-like cool, cloudy weather in Cuenca may not be your cup of…coffee.
Too Easy to Speak English (If You Want to Learn Spanish)
While the large number of English-speaking Ecuadorians in Cuenca makes the transition to a new country and culture easier, it can also make it difficult to learn Spanish.
It’s simply too easy to speak English in Cuenca, so you may not feel enough pressure to learn the native language, and many expats don’t.
If your goal is to become fluent in Spanish, you might prefer one of the other popular expat destinations in Ecuador where English is not as common.
Most of the time, Ecuadorians are the happiest, most tranquilo people you’ll ever meet. But put them behind the wheel of a car and they turn into Freddy Krueger.
You literally take your life into your own hands every time you cross a street. Pedestrians do NOT have the right of way here, not even at crosswalks or with green walk signs.
You have to be a very defensive walker!
The Noise in Cuenca Ecuador
As I was writing this sentence, the neighbors car alarm went off just outside our gate. The woman was sitting in the car while the alarm is going off… She finally disarmed it after at least 30 seconds of horn honking and sirens.
The Ecuadorians and Latin Americans in general don’t seem to have the same issues with noise as we do. We’ve actually seen them standing in front of their car having a conversation while the alarm was blasting!
House alarms are also a constant. Loud buses, gas trucks, church bells, fireworks, parties, roosters, barking dogs…you name it, can be heard at all hours of the day and night.
We’ve gotten used to most of it, but the car alarms still grate on our nerves. Everyone has one, but no one pays any attention to them.
Blue Puffer Buses in Cuenca Ecuador
These have mostly been phased out and replaced with low-emission diesel red-and-white buses so they aren’t a big issue anymore.
However, they still exist and the worst part is getting stuck on a narrow street when one of them drives by. It’s impossible to breathe!
Homeless and Underfed Dogs in Ecuador
We take this for granted in the US because we have so few stray dogs or unleashed dogs on the streets, but here it’s a totally different environment.
People (mainly macho men) refuse to get their dogs neutered so they procreate like crazy and it’s nearly impossible to keep their population controlled.
Ecuadorians also have a cultural preference for small dogs under 10 pounds, especially under 5 pounds like our little Alicia. That means they love their puppies, but once the puppy grows up, it’s common to kick them out to the street or dump them somewhere else.
The dog rescues like Los Amigos de Manolo are full of big dogs that no one wants; the little ones get adopted almost immediately.
Most of the dogs in Cuenca look healthy, but just outside Cuenca in the surrounding areas, as well as in Quito and on the coast, the dogs look very malnourished. We were told that there’s a common ailment here that causes the dogs to be very skinny. It requires expensive antibiotics to cure, which most people can’t afford.
Lack of Organization and Communication
In Ecuador, signs are rarely used and people can rarely be found who know anything about what’s going on.
Combined with the lack of punctuality, we’re commonly left wandering around lost, and often going home without finding the venue for the events we’re looking for.
Cuenca replaced the water lines in our neighborhood so the water was off quite often in our house. Unfortunately, they didn’t communicate the outage schedule so we had no idea when it was going to be off and were unable to make plans for it.
The lack of organization and communication can be very exasperating!
The Drive Through Cajas to Get to Guayaquil
If you fly into Guayaquil on your way to Cuenca, or if you visit the coast from Cuenca, you’ll need to drive through El Cajas National Park.
On your first trip, you’ll be awestruck by the natural beauty. You might even appreciate some new angles and scenery on your second trip. But by the third time driving on the winding mountain two-lane highway and down through the cloud forest with zero visibility heading toward Guayaquil and the coastal region, you’ll be firmly over the 3+ hour commute.
You can fly from Cuenca to Guayaquil, but the flights usually go through Quito so it will take much longer than driving. Plus, flying costs 10 times more than a buseta with Operazuatur, and 20 times more than an interprovincial bus.
There simply is no easy way to get from Cuenca to Guayaquil or the southern Ecuadorian coast without driving through the nausea-inducing Cajas.
This isn’t a deal breaker for most expats, but it is an inconvenience that does get tiresome.
Public Urination in Ecuador
Yes. That’s a thing in Cuenca. And a common one. We rarely went anywhere without seeing someone peeing behind a telephone pole or tree.
We even saw women squatting in plain sight of passersby!
For us overly hygienic Americans, it’s a bit gross and uncomfortable to make eye contact with someone who is peeing in public!
Is Cuenca Ecuador the BEST Expat City?
All things considered, if you don’t have issues with the elevation or the cool, cloudy weather, Cuenca is still the best expat city in Ecuador, especially for new expats.
Cuenca’s modern conveniences, housing, healthcare and services make it an extremely easy place to land and get your feet wet if you’ve never lived abroad before.
After living in Cuenca for over 2 years, we decided to move to the coast, primarily because of my worsening altitude sickness and Amelia’s lack of appreciation for the dreary weather. If Cuenca was 4,000 feet (1.200 meters) lower in elevation and a bit warmer and sunnier, we may have never left.
We have no regrets about living there and we still feel like it is the best expat city in Ecuador, and maybe all of South America.
Watch Our Video About Why Expats LOVE Cuenca Ecuador
DISCLOSURE: THIS POST MAY CONTAIN AFFILIATE LINKS, MEANING WE GET A COMMISSION IF YOU DECIDE TO MAKE A PURCHASE THROUGH OUR LINKS. THERE IS NO COST TO YOU AND SOMETIMES YOU'LL EVEN GET A DISCOUNT BY USING OUR LINK. PLEASE READ OUR DISCLOSURE FOR MORE INFO.
Many of our YouTube Channel viewers are curious about the weather in Ecuador, the best time to visit Ecuador, and what to pack for a visit to Ecuador, so we’ll shed some light on those topics in this article.
Since Ecuador is located on the equator in a tropical region, most people expect it to be hot, wet and humid like the Congo or Indonesia. However, the weather in Ecuador is much more complicated and nuanced than that.
The weather in the Amazon Rainforest that occupies the entire eastern side of Ecuador is much different than the weather in the high Andes mountain range that runs north and south through the center of the country, which is also much different than weather in the Pacific coastal region occupying the western third of Ecuador.
And, of course, the Galapagos Islands located about 600 miles (965 kilometers) west of the Ecuadorian mainland has its own weather patterns, although similar to the Pacific coastal region.
The weather in Ecuador, the best time to visit and what to pack for your trip depends largely on what part of Ecuador you want to travel to or live in, but before we discuss that, you’ll want to understand how Ecuadorians define the seasons, which may not be what you expect.
Winter vs. Summer in Ecuador
If you’ve been watching our videos for a while, you’ve heard us refer to “the dark days of winter” and “the hot days of summer.” If you’re from the US or Canada, you have a pretty solid understanding of these two seasons: It’s cold in the winter and it’s hot in the summer.
But what if you grow up someplace where the daylight hours are always the same, and the high temperatures between winter and summer vary by less than 10 degrees F (5 C)?
We’ve received numerous comments from Ecuadorians who tell us that we have the seasons backwards. According to our native viewers, winter is from December to May and summer is from June through November. That’s the same as it is in the US and elsewhere in the northern hemisphere.
However, most of Ecuador is in the southern hemisphere, which defines its winter and summer as the opposite of the northern hemisphere.
For example, winter in Chile and Argentina is from June 21st to September 21st; that’s when it’s cold and it snows. Summer is from December 21st to March 21st; that’s when it’s hot and sunny.
The picture below of Amelia dripping with sweat in her bikini top was taken on February 16, 2020 during what Ecuadorians call “winter.”
Winter in Ecuador
Summer in Ecuador
The picture of Amelia wearing a jacket during lunch at South Indian Restaurant one block off the beach was taken on August 10, 2020 during what Ecuadorians call “summer.”
The scientific definition of “summer” states that it’s the warmest time of year, while “winter” is defined as the coldest time of year. The hot and cold season may vary by location, but the definition of winter and summer remains the same, at least according to science.
But in Ecuador, winter is defined as the rainy season, even though it’s hot and sunny most of the time, while summer is defined as the dry season, even though it’s cooler and cloudy most of the time.
These definitions of winter and summer may not make sense to us North Americans, but that’s how Ecuadorians define them. When in Rome, do as the Romans do so we will now be referring to the sunny, hot, wet “winter” season as the hot season and the cloudy, cooler, dry “summer” season as the cold season to hopefully minimize confusion with our North American and European viewers who might be planning a trip here.
Weather In Ecuador
Despite the numerous microclimates in Ecuador, for the most part, it’s hot or at least warmer from December through May, and cooler and cloudier from June through November.
It rains more from December through May, but it’s also much sunnier with most of the rain occuring at night or in spurts rather than daily. Ecuador does not have a monsoon season like other tropical regions.
Weather In Cuenca Ecuador (and the Mountains)
Moisture evaporates in the Amazon Rainforest and is condensed by the high Andes mountains, which explains why most of the mountain cities such as Cuenca and Quito are often cloudy.
Also, due to the high elevation with Cuenca sitting at 8,400 feet (2.560 meters) and Quito sitting at 9,350 feet (2.850 meters), it’s often much cooler than you might expect from an equatorial region.
In the chart above from the World Meteorological Organization showing average weather stats in Cuenca, the red line indicates the average high temperatures (64-72°F / 18-22°C) while the blue line indicates the average low temperatures (48-52°F / 9-11°C).
These are just averages. It occasionally drops below 40°F (4°C) during the cold season in Cuenca, and above 85°F (29°C) during the hot season.
The turquoise bars represent average monthly rainfall (1-5 inches / 20-123 mm). The months with the most rain are March and April, but again, it’s sunnier during those months, too.
Humidity is not very noticeable in Cuenca due to the high elevation, but the UV index is very high so remember your sunscreen, hat and/or umbrella even if you’re just taking a short walk around town.
The lower mountain cities like Vilcabamba are much warmer and drier than Cuenca and Quito, and there are several mountain micro-climates that are very desert-like. However, you can expect similar weather conditions throughout most of the high mountain region of Ecuador.
Weather In Guayaquil Ecuador (and the Coast)
The coastal region of Ecuador also has numerous micro-climates. Driving from Guayaquil west toward the coast and north to Manta, you’ll pass through deserts, jungles and rainforests multiple times. However, the general weather throughout the coastal region is similar to Guayaquil.
In the chart above from the World Meteorological Organization showing average weather stats in Guayaquil, the red line indicates the average high temperatures (84-90°F / 29-32°C) while the blue line indicates the average low temperatures (68-75°F / 20-24°C).
Again, these are just averages. It occasionally drops below 60°F (15°C) during the cold season in Guayaquil, and above 95°F (35°C) during the hot season.
The turquoise bars represent average monthly rainfall (0-13 inches / 1-332 mm). The months with the most rain are February and March.
It’s also sunnier throughout the year in Guayaquil and much of the coastal region than it is in the mountains with a few micro-climate exceptions.
For instance, due to the low mountain range east of Olón that runs about 20 miles (32 kilometers) along the coast, the towns from Manglaralto north past Ayampe experience more clouds and cooler temperatures from June through November than other areas in the coastal region. Both Manta and Salinas are much sunnier and warmer, similar to Guayaquil.
Humidity varies a lot depending on the weather and the season. During the hot season when it rains more, the humidity is much higher while it tends to be lower during the dry season.
During one of our visits to Guayaquil, it was very dry one day, cloudy and humid the next day, then dry again on the third day. Since much of the coastal region is desert-like, you won’t notice as much humidity as you might expect for a country located in the tropics.
I grew up in eastern Kansas south of Kansas City, spent a lot of time in north-central Texas, and lived in northern Virginia. The humidity in the coastal region of Ecuador is nothing like it is in the eastern and central United States when the air is so thick you can barely breathe.
Weather In Puyo Ecuador (and the Amazon)
The Ecuadorians refer to the Amazon region as El Oriente, which got its name from the original Ecuadorian government in 1861.
The province of El Oriente originally contained the two cantons (counties) of Napo and Canelos, but it was dissolved in 1920 by the local canton governments. However, Ecuadorians still refer to the region as El Oriente.
According to ClimatesToTravel.com, Puyo, Ecuador and the other cities/towns in the Amazon have similar weather throughout the year without many seasonal variations. Puyo sits at 3,300 feet (1.000 meters) above sea level, so it’s a bit cooler than the lower elevation areas in the eastern part of the Ecuadorian Amazon.
High temperatures in Puyo range from 77-81°F (25-27°C) with low temperatures ranging from 61-63°F (16-17°C). As you might imagine, it rains a lot in the Amazon Rainforest with average monthly rainfall ranging from 12-15 inches (295-390 mm). January and February have the least rainfall on average, with less than 12 inches (300 mm).
With all that rainfall in a tropical rainforest, it’s very hot, wet and humid in El Oriente.
Weather in The Galapagos Islands
In the chart above from the World Meteorological Organization showing average weather stats in the Galapagos Islands, the red line indicates the average high temperatures (79-86°F / 26-30°C) while the blue line indicates the average low temperatures (68-73°F / 20-23°C).
The turquoise bars represent average monthly rainfall (.3-4 inches / 8-107 mm). The months with the most rain are January through April, but those are also the warmest months and the best time to visit if you hope to spend time in the water.
When Is The Best Time To Visit Ecuador?
The best time to visit Ecuador in terms of weather is during the sunny season from December through May. This is especially true if you’re planning a beach vacation.
The water temperatures are mostly constant along Ecuador’s coast, ranging from 73°F (23°C) in January up to 79°F (26°C) in May. However, the cooler air temperatures combined with the ocean breeze mean it’s too chilly for most people to swim without a wetsuit during the cold season. You also won’t see enough sun from June through November to get any sort of suntan to show off when you go back home.
If your dream is to walk on miles of empty beach or go whale watching, and you couldn’t care less about swimming or suntanning, visit during the cold season from late June through early October when the Humpback Whales are passing by and the beaches are mostly empty.
If you like crowds and festivities, the best times to visit Ecuador are during the first week of November during Cuenca Days, the week between Christmas and New Years, and Carnival in mid to late February. If you prefer fewer people and cheaper lodging, you might want to avoid those times.
The best time to visit the Galapagos Islands is also from December through May when the temperatures are warmer so you don’t get too cold on those amazing boating, snorkeling and diving adventures.
If you’re planning a trip to the Amazon, the time of year doesn’t matter very much since the weather is mostly the same year round.
What to Pack for Your Visit to Ecuador
The type of clothes, accessories and supplies you should pack for your visit to Ecuador depends on the area(s) you plan to visit.
What to Pack for the Mountain Region – Cuenca, Quito, etc.
When you’re packing for your trip to the mountain cities in Ecuador, bring clothes that you can layer. The temperature can vary widely throughout the day in the mountain cities, from 40°F (4°C) when you wake up to 85°F (30°C) by mid-afternoon when the sun is out.
It can also vary widely within the span of an hour, going from sunny and warm to cool and rainy so you always want an umbrella, rain jacket, hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, water and a small backpack to carry everything. Bring comfortable shoes because Ecuadorian mountain cities are very walkable.
We don’t recommend hiking shoes or boots for the cities because the sidewalks are hard and uneven so the cleats can cause you to trip on things. However, if you plan to visit El Cajas National Park or go hiking in other natural settings, you’ll want a good pair of hikers and maybe walking sticks.
What to Pack for the Ecuador Pacific Coast, Galapagos and Amazon Regions
In general, you’ll want to pack shorts, sandals, short sleeve shirts, a hat/do-rag, sunglasses, sunscreen, bug repellant and your bathing suits when you visit the warmer regions of Ecuador.
You also may want hiking shoes and pants, as well as a backpack with a camelback for water if you’re planning any jungle hikes.
If you’re planning to visit the coast or the Galapagos during the cooler months from June through November, you may want to bring a mask, snorkeling gear, a lightweight wetsuit for swimming or surfing, a light jacket or windbreaker, and some light pants.
Conclusion
To recap, Ecuadorians call winter “summer” and summer “winter,” but we’re guests in their country so we should use the terms they’ve been taught since childhood.
However, if your goal is to lay on the beach and get a suntan or enjoy water sports, you’ll want to come during “winter,” which is from December through May. If you want to visit when there are fewer tourists and it’s more tranquilo, or you want to go humpback whale watching, the best time to visit is from June through November. The height of whale season is from July through the end of September.
What to pack for your trip to Ecuador depends largely on when you visit and where you visit, but as a general rule, pack layers and bring good shoes because you’ll be walking a lot. But don’t worry too much if you forget something because you can always buy it in Ecuador and help out the local economy.
DISCLOSURE: THIS POST MAY CONTAIN AFFILIATE LINKS, MEANING WE GET A COMMISSION IF YOU DECIDE TO MAKE A PURCHASE THROUGH OUR LINKS. THERE IS NO COST TO YOU AND SOMETIMES YOU'LL EVEN GET A DISCOUNT BY USING OUR LINK. PLEASE READ OUR DISCLOSURE FOR MORE INFO.
Watch Our Video About Cuenca Weather and When to Visit
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Elder care in Ecuador is available, but not nearly as prevalent and somewhat different than in the U.S.
Ecuador is a familial culture, so it’s very common for multiple generations to live under the same roof. That means there is less need for dedicated nursing homes or assisted living facilities in Ecuador.
You will find some “tercera edad” (third age) facilities in the major cities like Cuenca, Manta, Quito and Guayaquil, but most expats who need elder care typically opt for in-home services provided by a nurse.
In-home nurses are available for around $5/hour. That means you can hire a full-time nurse to come to your home for around $40/day or $1,200/month. You can get 24-hour, in-home care for about $3,600/month, which is far more affordable than similar services or nursing homes in the U.S.
VIP Home Healthcare Services of Cuenca Ecuador
We get a lot of questions about home healthcare and elder care options here in Cuenca Ecuador, so we interviewed the founders of VIP Home Healthcare of Cuenca to get some answers.
VIP Home Healthcare provides a whole range of services, from nursing and homecare, all the way through to end of life.
Here are some of the services they provide:
Implement doctor’s instructions
Medication
IVs
Prescription Pickup
Physical Therapy
Occupational Therapy
Escort to Appointments
Post-Op Recovery
Short and Long-term Care
Dementia Care
End-of-Life Services – Legal Docs, Power of Attorney, Cremation
Language Translation
Errands
Housekeeping
Cooking
And more…
VIP Home Healthcare Costs
The cost of services varies depending on the type of care needed, days per week and hours per day. However, you can expect to pay roughly 1/3 the price in Cuenca compared to a similar level of service back in the States or Canada.
Insurance is currently not accepted, but they are investigating options.
Watch Our Video Interview with VIP Home Healthcare in Cuenca Ecuador
DISCLOSURE: THIS POST MAY CONTAIN AFFILIATE LINKS, MEANING WE GET A COMMISSION IF YOU DECIDE TO MAKE A PURCHASE THROUGH OUR LINKS. THERE IS NO COST TO YOU AND SOMETIMES YOU'LL EVEN GET A DISCOUNT BY USING OUR LINK. PLEASE READ OUR DISCLOSURE FOR MORE INFO.
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An Ecuador Permanent Resident Visa is something we need if we want to stay in Ecuador beyond our 2-year temporary resident visa expiration date.
Our temporary resident visa expires in 8 months and we wanted to get a headstart on the permanent resident visa process because it can take awhile to get all the necessary paperwork. It also takes awhile for the Ecuadorian government to approve and issue our permanent resident visas.
Here’s an overview of what you can expect if you’re ready to apply for your Ecuador Permanent Resident Visa.
Ecuador Permanent Resident Visa Requirements
Here is the “current” list of requirements to apply for an Ecuador Permanent Resident Visa. I say “current” because the laws and regulations are constantly changing here in Ecuador, which is why we strongly suggest working with a visa agent like GringoVisas.
Even if you’re fluent in Spanish, which is a requirement to navigate this process by yourself, it’s impossible to stay on top of the frequent changes unless you do this full time and have government connections who can explain them to you.
If you’re still in the planning phase of your move to Ecuador, I suggest watching our Ecuador Temporary Resident Visa video first. That’s because the first requirement for an Ecuador Permanent Resident Visa is having a temporary resident visa for at least 21 months.
Fingerprints & Background Checks
We need to get our fingerprints taken at the police station here in Cuenca so they can be used to request new background checks. If you leave Ecuador for even one day during your temporary resident visa period, you must supply new background checks from the FBI and state police back in the States with your permanent resident visa application.
Marriage License
You should register your marriage license with the Ecuadorian ministry. You’ll need a copy of your license and it will need an apostille. The apostille date needs to be less than 6 months from the date of the application. Your visa agent can help you with this process.
Specific Visa Type Requirements
There are several different types of Ecuador Visas, and the requirements vary depending on the type you have.
Professional Visa
We’re here in Ecuador on a Professional Visa, which means we still work, have regular income from outside Ecuador, and a degree from an approved university.
Amelia has a degree from The University of Phoenix, but that university degree is not accepted by Ecuador because the majority of classes were taken online.
I went to the University of Kansas (Rock Chalk Jayhawk) for both my bachelors and masters degrees. When I graduated in the 90’s, online courses weren’t a thing yet, so I took all my classes in-person.
This all means Amelia is here on a dependent visa that’s attached to my professional visa.
Since we had my degree certified and apostilled for our temporary resident visa, we don’t need to have that done again. It’s already on record with the ministry and attached to my name.
Investor Visa
If you purchased a bank CD to get your temporary resident visa, you’ll need to renew that CD for another 2 to 3 years, or as long as you plan to live in Ecuador with your permanent resident visa. Once you leave or become a citizen, you no longer need the bank CD and can withdraw the money.
Pensioners Visa
If you have a temporary resident pensioners visa, you’ll need to get a new copy of your pension letter stating your income.
Dependent Visa
As I mentioned, Amelia is here on a dependent visa attached to my professional visa. That means she can’t apply for her permanent resident dependent visa until I get my permanent resident professional visa.
The same was true for her temporary resident visa, which is why her temporary visa expiration date is 2 months after mine. We were able to submit our temporary resident visa applications at the same time, but the approval process for Amelia’s dependent visa didn’t start until my professional visa was issued.
We’re going to submit my permanent resident visa application during the last week of October since mine expires the last week of January. We’ll submit Amelia’s application in the middle of December since her visa expires in the middle of March.
Other Visas
The other types of Ecuador visas are work visa, volunteer visa, student visa, rentista visa and industrial investor visa. These visa types are only temporary visa options. They aren’t available visa types for permanent resident visas.
Ecuador Permanent Resident Visa Ministry Fees
The Ecuador Permanent Resident Visa has two primary fees. The permanent resident visa application fee is $50 per application and is non-refundable. If your visa application is approved, the permanent resident visa fee is $225 per person.
Ecuador Permanent Visa Process
It’s VERY important to get an early start on your Ecuador Permanent Resident Visa application process. If you miss the window to file, which is between 21 and 24 months from the issue date of your temporary resident visa, you may need to apply for another temporary resident visa. That would restart the clock and you would need to wait another 21 months to apply for a permanent resident visa.
It can take 2 to 3 months to get the background checks done in the US and mailed to Ecuador, which is why visa agents suggest starting this process 5 to 6 months before your visa expires. Your temporary resident visa is good for 2 years exactly, so that means you need to start the process around month 18.
Step 1: Fingerprints
The first step in the process of getting your Ecuador Permanent Resident Visa is getting your fingerprints taken. Maite scheduled an appointment at the police station here in Cuenca to get our fingerprints taken.
We had them taken here in Cuenca Ecuador on our exploratory trip 2 years ago for our temporary resident visa application, but the ministry doesn’t keep them on file unless you commit a crime. Therefore, we have to get our fingerprints taken again at the police station so they can be used to request new background checks.
Step 2: Background Check
Once we have our fingerprint forms, Maite’s team will request the background checks from the FBI and state police back in the US.
Step 3: Visa Specific Requirements
Professional Visa
You need to request a notarized diploma, transcript and the official university letter stating your documents are real. Then it needs to have apostilled.
Dependent Visa
If you are in Ecuador on a temporary resident dependent visa and you didn’t register your marriage with the Ecuadorian government, you’ll need to get your marriage license re-apostilled to submit with your permanent resident dependent visa application.
Investor Visa
For the investor visa, you’ll need to renew your bank CD for another 2 or 3 years.
Pensioner Visa
You need to request a new letter stating your monthly income.
Step 4: Request an Appointment with the Ministry
You can go to any of the ministry offices in Ecuador to submit your application, but some have longer waits than others. Cuenca is one of the busiest offices in Ecuador so it can take 3 to 4 months just to get an appointment date to submit your application.
We went to Machala on the coast to submit our temporary visa application because the wait for an appointment was only 2 weeks. Machala is about 3 to 4 hours from Cuenca, so a lot of people go to Azogues, which is about 30 minutes from Cuenca. However, Azogues also has much longer wait times than Machala.
Right now, the long waits are mainly due to the influx of Venezuelan refugees. The Ecuadorian government is prioritizing them so they’re able to work legally to support themselves and their families.
Step 5: Fill Out and Notarize the Visa Application Form
The visa application form is in Spanish and must be filled out in Spanish. Once it’s filled out, you’ll need to go to a notary here in Ecuador to have it notarized. You need to sign the application in front of the notary after showing him or her your passport or cedula as identification.
Step 6: Submit Your Application
Once you have your completed visa application form and all the other required documentation, you’ll go to the ministry office on the date of your appointment to submit your application. You’ll need your passport and potentially your cedula (that’s your government ID card, similar to a driver’s license). I recommend taking them both.
Step 7: Wait
We submitted my temporary visa application at the end of October when we first arrived in Ecuador, but didn’t receive it until the end of January. It took 3 months to get approved and printed. We’re expecting a similar timeframe for the permanent resident visa.
Maite said if the permanent resident visa takes longer than 3 months to get approved and issued, which would push us beyond the 2 year limit of our temporary resident visa, there won’t be a problem because the clock stops ticking once the application is submitted (not when the visa is issued).
Due to the constantly changing laws and delays when we applied for our temporary resident visas, we were here in Ecuador for several months beyond our 3-month tourist visa without our temporary resident visa. Since the application was in-process, we technically weren’t illegal aliens, but it sure felt like we were! Thankfully we didn’t need to leave the country during that small window or it might have been difficult to get back in.
Step 8: Get Your Visa from the Ministry
Once your visa is approved, the government prints a visa sticker that must be applied to one of the pages in your passport by a government official at the ministry office where you submitted your application.
For my temporary visa, Maite took my passport to Machala to get the sticker on one of her weekly trips. She did the same thing for Amelia so we didn’t need to take the long trek back to Machala to get them.
Step 9: Get a New Cédula
After we received our temporary resident visa, we took it to the government office here in Cuenca to get our cédula, which is our official Ecuador ID card. It looks like a driver’s license, only it doesn’t allow us to drive.
Once we receive our new permanent resident visa, we’ll need to get a new cédula because our old cédula says we’re on a temporary visa.
Final Thoughts
You can continue to renew your temporary residency visa without ever getting a permanent visa, but the main benefit of getting a permanent visa is that you don’t need to renew it every two years and you only need to be in Ecuador one day every two years to maintain it.
DISCLOSURE: THIS POST MAY CONTAIN AFFILIATE LINKS, MEANING WE GET A COMMISSION IF YOU DECIDE TO MAKE A PURCHASE THROUGH OUR LINKS. THERE IS NO COST TO YOU AND SOMETIMES YOU'LL EVEN GET A DISCOUNT BY USING OUR LINK. PLEASE READ OUR DISCLOSURE FOR MORE INFO.
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My main motivation for moving abroad was that I didn’t want to work until I died.
My husband Mike (age 73) and I (age 68) moved from Hudson, Ohio (in northeast Ohio) to Cuenca, Ecuador on May 15, 2024 and we have never regretted our decision.
You’re Moving Where?
Before heading to our room, we decided to see if we could book a trip for the next morning on the Dragonfly, which is an aerial gondola taking you above the canopy of the cloud forest.
