Cuenca, Ecuador is a great town, except for one thing; it’s not on the water. Closest beaches to Cuenca are located on the Pacific Coast. The nearest beach is Jambeli island, located near the coast of Machala, but you will find the best Ecuadorian beaches in Santa Elena.
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Does Ecuador have good beaches?
The coast of Ecuador is dotted with beaches that make even the most well-traveled visitor swoon. For such a small country, the offerings are many.Surfing shores are favorites among those who like to hang 10, and, of course, the Galapagos Islands combine nature and seashore in the very best of ways.
Is Cuenca Ecuador worth visiting?
Cuenca is the prettiest colonial city in Ecuador, so you can expect to meet here many foreign and local visitors any time of the year. The center of Cuenca is very picturesque, and it is worth it to find a room in the heart of the city to have everything nearby.
Is it safe to travel to Cuenca Ecuador?
Ecuador is a relatively safe country to live in. But you should understand that not all of Ecuador is safe to live in and that larger cities see higher rates of crime. In fact, there are many places in Ecuador that are safe to live. Some of those places include Vilcabamba, Cuenca, and Cotacachi.
What is Cuenca Ecuador known for?
The third largest city in the country and the commercial centre for most of southern Ecuador, Cuenca trades in agricultural products, cattle, hides, and marble. Principal industries include the manufacture of Panama hats, textiles and lace, leather goods, jewelry, and food products.
How far is Cuenca from the beach?
Only 60 mi (96 km) away — an hour’s drive by car. General Villamil Playas receives many local visitors, especially during the winter. General Villamil Playas has many seafood restaurants with delicious seafood as the main ingredient in many dishes
Is English widely spoken in Ecuador?
The official language of Ecuador (and therefore Galapagos) is Spanish. However, English is widely spoken and understood at hotels, restaurants and tourist shops.As with all overseas travel, if you try and speak a few words of the local language now and again then your efforts will be well-received.
Why are expats leaving Cuenca?
Some expats leave Cuenca because they develop a health issue relating to a pre-existing condition that isn’t covered by insurance here in Cuenca, but is covered by Medicare back in the States (or universal care in Canada).
Is Cuenca Ecuador a good place to retire?
Cuenca is attracting more expats than any other location in Ecuador, living up to International Living’s designation as one of the best retirement destinations in the world. Cuenca’s temperate climate is a major draw. The excellent weather means local fresh fruits and vegetables are available year-round.
How do you get around Cuenca Ecuador?
By Bus: Cuenca is well connected to the rest of Ecuador by a network of buses. Buses leave from Quito every hour, 24 hours a day – the trip takes roughly 9 hours and costs between $9 and $12. Buses run roughly $1 to $1.50 per hour of travel time. From Guayaquil, buses are leaving every 30 min for Cuenca.
Is Ecuador a good place to retire?
What’s more, because Ecuador is one of the most affordable places to retire in the Americas, even middle-income retirees can enjoy comfortable and even luxurious lifestyles, availing themselves of quality housing, world-class healthcare, trendy eateries, and a vibrant cultural life just outside the door.
Is Ecuador on the quarantine list?
Ecuador has confirmed positive cases of COVID-19 in all 24 provinces. On August 6, 2020, the U.S. Department of State removed the Global Health Advisory Level 4. On June 8, 2021, Ecuador’s Travel Advisory was updated to Level 3: Reconsider Travel.
What language do they speak in Ecuador?
SpanishEcuador’s official language is Spanish, but Quichua, the lingua franca of the Inca Empire, is spoken by many of the indigenous people. Nine additional indigenous languages are also spoken in Ecuador.
What’s it like living in Cuenca Ecuador?
Many expats in Cuenca, Ecuador love the city’s climate, friendly people and low cost of living.”This city has a little of everything. The old and the new blend very well indeed. Lots of great restaurants, lots of music, the weather is the best, the mountains are breathtaking, the prices for me are just right.
Where do most expats live in Cuenca Ecuador?
The Best Expat Communities in Cuenca
- El Centro (Old Town) The Parque Calderon contains a memorial to the hero Abdon Calderon, fountains, a gazebo, lush gardens, palms, and park benches.
- Remigio Crespo (West of Solano) and El Vergel (East of Solano)
- Don Bosco and Mall del Rio.
- Ordonez Lasso (Gringolandia)
How many days do you need in Cuenca Ecuador?
Three nights
Three nights in Cuenca should be sufficient time to explore the town and most prominent attractions nearby. The city’s colonial centre is a delight to explore on foot and could easily captivate you for a couple of days of its own accord.
Where is Gringolandia in Cuenca?
Located just west of Historic Downtown Cuenca in a neighborhood affectionately known as “Gringolandia”, this Modern, spacious penthouse is situated within walking distance of many of the best attractions the city has to offer.
How far is Quito from the ocean?
The distance between Quito and Pacific Ocean Park is 3524 miles.
Can I drink water in Ecuador?
Drinking tap water is not advisable anywhere in Ecuador, so drink only bottled or boiled water or soft drinks. If you are unable to find bottled drinks or to boil water, you can make water safer by both using a water-purifier that removes both bacteria and viruses and adding iodine tablets to the filtered water.
What is Ecuador famous food?
Ecuador Food and Drink
- Cuy: Roast guinea pig.
- Locro: Soup of potatoes, corn, cheese and avocado.
- Empanadas: Corn pasties stuffed with meat, cheese or vegetables.
- Llapingachos: Cheesy potato cakes.
- Seco de chivo: Goat stew usually served on special occasions.
- Ceviche: Raw seafood ‘cooked’ in lime and chilli.
Where do most expats live in Ecuador?
Cuenca Ecuador
With more than 10,000 expats from North America and Europe, Cuenca is the most popular expat destination in Ecuador. Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1999, it’s a beautiful old-world Spanish colonial city with all the modern conveniences.
