Why did you decide to move to Cuenca?
I moved to Cuenca, Ecuador, in 2010 after living in the Lake Chapala area of Mexico for 23 years. My decision to move to Ecuador came after two visits apiece to Nicaragua, Costa Rica, Panama, and Ecuador. The time was right for me to switch venues if I was ever going to make a change. I was turning 65.
How was the moving process?
The moving process was simple. I downsized, sold most of my possessions and my car in Mexico, and arrive in Cuenca with 5 suitcases. Each time I visit my family in the US, I load up on items I miss or need and a few familiar possessions that were in storage in FL for many years. Otherwise, I began my new life in Cuenca by furnishing an apartment with new and used items purchased locally.
What are the formalities to be able to retire in Cuenca?
One needs to prove $800 per month income to obtain permanent residency as a retiree in Ecuador. There are other types of visas which include a cultural visa for volunteers and those who are employed and one for investors willing to place $25,000 USD on deposit or purchase property of equal value.
How did you find a place to live in Cuenca?
I perused the want ads, networked with other expats, and inquired at many places for any vacancies that might exist in the area where I wanted to rent.
Did you face some difficulties to adapt to your host country (language, culture, do's and don'ts)?
I was able to speak the language and had lived as an expat in Mexico for many years so the Latin culture and customs were not new to me.
What surprised you the most in Cuenca?
The number of cultural events and activities open to one and all in Cuenca were the biggest surprise to me. Cultural events in Cuenca consist of film festivals, symphony performances, youth orchestra offerings, choral groups performing, art openings, museum exhibition openings, etc.
Sightseeing to nearby places include El Cajas National Park for hiking, El Giron Cascada for a visit and walk to the falls, Chordeleg for filigree jewelry makers, La Casa de La Macana for Ikat weaving tour and shopping, Vilcabamba to visit the Valley of Longevity, Devil's Nose Train excursion in Alausi, etc.
Tell us more about your day-to-day life in your Cuenca:
I attend gringo gatherings to meet new and old friends. I have a turnkey furnished rental apartment that is available on a monthly basis. Many curious travelers come through Cuenca often to decide if they too would like to retire in Ecuador. My interests include travel, yoga, books.
Could you please share with us something you like about Cuenca and something you don't like?
I enjoy the weather and the green spaces. Travel to other parts of the country can be tedious.
A common belief about Ecuador which wasn't right:
That it is a third world country. It is actually quite a modern and sophisticated place to live.
What do you miss the most from the US, your home country?
Nothing except maybe the varied cuisines available at restaurants everywhere.
Which advice would you give to people wishing to retire in Cuenca?
Come for a visit and do your due diligence if you think you might want to retire here. It is not for everyone. Ecuador nor any Latin American country is not for everyone. Those who have no patience, are not kind and considerate and willing to accept differences in business practices and red tape in governmental offices should not consider moving here. Long waits in interminable lines and exasperating old hat ways of doing things (photocopies, rubber stamps, manual typewriters, etc.) are the norm. One might describe living here as very much like how things were accomplished in the 50s in the US.
