Our Ecuador Conference returns in 2020. Find out why Ecuador is becoming one of the most popular expat countries in the Americas.
Source: Our Ecuador Conference Is Back By Popular Demand In 2020
College towns around the world for an inexpensive retirement. These seven college towns like Bologna Italy, Cuenca Ecuador and more are where dollars go far…
Source: College Towns Around the World for Retirement – GoNOMAD Travel
Five places around the world where the living is easy — and cheap.
Source: Quit Your Job: 5 Countries Where You Can Live For Under $1,500 A Month
I’m delighted to bring you best value for money travel destinations part 2 and some further feasts for the eyes.
Source: Best Value for Money Travel Destinations: Part 2 – 50 Shades of Age
Ecuador – Historic Centre of Santa Ana de los Ríos de Cuenca
Before you plan your visit to Cuenca, Ecuador, a UNESCO World Heritage site, be warned that quite a few people who set out to “visit” Cuenca end up moving there.
According to US News and World Report, by 2015, 12,000 expats made Cuenca their home, the majority from the United States. They are drawn by the discovery that the people, the climate, cost of living, and decent health care make it an attractive place to live on a first world retirement income.
During our visit to Cuenca, we met one couple from Seattle who could no longer afford their retirement there, but were happily renting a 3 bedroom condo in a Cuenca high rise with all mod cons for $450.00 per month.
GETTING TO CUENCA
With an urban population of approximately 400,000 (2015), Cuenca is Ecuador’s third largest city. It is approximately 300 miles (473 kms) south of Quito, Ecuador’s capital city.
From the capital of Ecuador, Quito, it is an 8 to 10 hour bus ride through the Andes to Cuenca or an easy 40 minute plane ride.
Read more from source: Plan Your Visit to Cuenca, Ecuador, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
Ecuador – Historic Centre of Santa Ana de los Ríos de Cuenca
Buying a home overseas is not only for the wealthy. In some cases, living abroad is cheaper than living in the United States.
The U.S. government doesn’t compile official data on how many Americans reside overseas but the State Department estimates 9 million live abroad (a number that does not include military personnel serving in the armed forces). It’s a good bet not all of them have seven-figure bank accounts.
If you are considering a move abroad, cost can be a key factor when it comes to where you reside. With the help of International Living, we’ve put together a list of 10 places around the globe where many Americans can afford to live comfortably. These are not the cheapest places to live but they are locations that offer good value.
International Living, which annually publishes a Global Retirement Index, doesn’t consider the average cost of housing across a nation when putting together its index. It would not accurately represent the cost of housing that Americans want.
Read more from source: 10 attractive cities that prove you can move overseas and live comfortably
Ecuador – Historic Centre of Santa Ana de los Ríos de Cuenca
Upon arrival in Ecuador, the 23rd and final country on our round the world trip, the beach started calling and we found ourselves in the beautiful coastal town of Montañita. Down to or last couple of weeks and acutely aware of the weather at home, we were keen to savor the sun and enjoy the beach life for a few days. Hammocks, beach strolls, amazing sunsets and tasty food – it was pure bliss. But all too soon it was time to say good bye to the beach bum life and we made our way to the city of Cuenca, a natural stop from the coast to Baños.
Cuenca was originally established as the second capital of the Inca Empire after Cusco but today it is a famous expat destination. An exact number of expats hasn’t been determined but it is estimated it could be up to 10,000…we might be back! The city is a UNESCO World Heritage Site full of character, cobblestone streets and colonial architecture. It is famous for its churches of which there are 52…one for every Sunday of the year!
Ecuador – Historic Centre of Santa Ana de los Ríos de Cuenca
Come along with me as I explore 15 things to do in Ecuador and Ecuador attractions. This is one amazing country not to miss!
There are so many interesting and fun things to do in Ecuador. This small coastal country offers travelers a wealth of outdoor adventures – you can explore the vibrant Amazonian rainforest, discover the rich wildlife of Galapagos Islands, or simply soak in the scenic views of the Andes. Since it’s filled with a wide array of wonders squeezed into one tiny country, narrowing a list of things to do in Ecuador may not be easy, but here are some of the best.
Cuenca is included on the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites, this beautiful ancient city is filled with so much wonder. This is where you will find some of the world’s most stunning 18th-century colonial architecture. You can tour the historic city center, tour the magnificent church on the square, and also shop in the local markets.
Ecuador – Historic Centre of Santa Ana de los Ríos de Cuenca
Cuenca, Ecuador City Travel Guide including what to do, what to eat, and where to sleep in this historic UNESCO World Heritage site city.
Cuenca, Ecuador is an expat mecca which means you’re going to hear more English (and French and German) and see more North American and European faces here than anywhere else in Ecuador except maybe the Galapagos Islands. But Cuenca is also full of history, culture, hotels, and good food (you can thank the expats for that last one), as you’ll see in this travel guide to Santa Ana de los Cuatro Ríos de Cuenca.
Cuenca was first inhabited by nomadic cave men and more securely established in 500 AD.
Ecuador – Historic Centre of Santa Ana de los Ríos de Cuenca
Nestled in the Andes Mountains in Ecuador, there is a blossoming foodie haven built on the ingenuity of expats with a taste for home cooking.
I moved to the Spanish colonial city of Cuenca almost four years ago, escaping the unhealthy working hours and resulting unhealthy lifestyle I had in Florida. I was working 50 hours a week, grabbing tacos on the way home because I hadn’t eaten all day, drinking a bottle of wine while watching mindless TV, and taking an Ambien to sleep. In other words, I was a typical North American.
Moving to Cuenca gave me back my health and, more importantly, my mind. Shedding the Florida heat, the cost of owning a car, and exorbitant healthcare and electricity costs helped me learn to live simply again.
Ecuador – Historic Centre of Santa Ana de los Ríos de Cuenca
Ecuador may be one of the smallest South American countries, but it packs a punch when it comes to things to see and do. Bordered by Peru, Colombia, and the Pacific Ocean, Ecuador is one of the most biologically diverse regions on the planet. In this place that enjoys perpetual springtime, you can discover everything from the Amazon rainforest to the Galapagos Islands and the soaring Andes Mountains. Adventure after adventure awaits in Ecuador, which means once you go, you’re likely to find yourself returning again and again. Start by putting at least a few of these top things to do on your must-experience list.
Visit the Amazon (Nearby Hotels)
The Ecuadorian Amazon Rainforest covers the eastern part of the country and is exceptionally rich in biodiversity when it comes to both flora and fauna.
