Exploring Cuenca and Meeting ExPats

This week has been one of making friends, exploring Cuenca and and trying to imagine ourselves perhaps retired down here from the USA. Many people here are in the same process. Exactly how many people have already made the decision - expats  - is somewhat of a mystery. A recent blog which seemed credible puts the number of expats at from 800-900. Other people say the actually number is more like 2500 or so. Regardless, everyone we talk to who moved here says they love it and mad the right decision. (I guess the ones who didn't like it probably went home).

Take the George Evans family from San Diego. They own a gringo restaurant called California Kitchen in Cuenca. Whole family moved down and opened their "ethnic" restaurant. "We just sold 45 years of stuff back in the states and moved here in May," says George with a big smile on his face.

People who move here do so for different reasons. Some just want a new adventure in life. Others are disillusioned with the US or are afraid of the poor economic conditions and don't have confidence the USA will recover from its current problems. Others want to retire with enough money to enjoy life, which is becoming increasingly difficult to do back home. That is a major motivator for Pam and I. At 67, I could certainly continue my nice life style in Southern California, but unfortunately, I would have to keep working to do so. Here I could live on 1/4 the money that would be required back home.

The cost of living here is pretty much what the other blogs have indicated. You can rent a nice unfurnished apartment (condo) in Cuenca for about $200- $500 per month. Add Utilities and furnishings and you maybe are talking $450- $700 per month. You can buy these same places for anywhere from $59000 to $160,000 depending on location. We are torn between renting and buying but we are leaning toward renting until we get our feet on the ground. I think that the economy of Ecuador is growing at 9% a year, so people tell us that purchasing is a very good investment. Not sure what the inflation rate is.

Food is inexpensive and free of toxins and chemicals. Transportation by bus or cab is also very reasonable. For 25cents you can take a bus anywhere in Cuenca. Taxis are only about $1.50 or $2 for a ride anywhere in the city.
If we move here, we would sell both our cars in the U.S. and probably not buy another one.

Cuenca is a very beautiful city rich in history and tradition. We took a bus tour several days ago ($5 for a 2-hour tour). Here are some scenes I shot atop a double-deck bus:

There are so many beautiful scenes framed by the Andes mountains and clear, blue sky. More later.

In our next blog entry I will take you on an incredible orchid tour called Ecuagenera.

For now, adios, hasta luego.
Tony and Pam