Cuenca is a jewel. Every big city has challenges, as does Cuenca. However it definitely retains a comfortable, magical quality that can enhance your daily life.
Are you guys currently living in Cuenca? Im a digital nomad currently here and if youre not here now, then i dont recommend it until the energy crisis is over. If you budget is big enough and can afford accommodation with generators it'll be tolerable but still super inconvenient at minimum (total blackouts are being discussed now!) Anyways, nice video guys
Right now we're back in Florida and then heading to Southern SA (Argentina, Uruguay, Paraguay, and Chile) soon. Our goal is to be back in Cuenca in 2025 and we've been monitoring the water/energy crisis for a while. I hope it gets better soon and you're able to ride it out! Thanks for the update!
@seananddebgo ok i gotchya. i leave for peru in 2 weeks on my 🏍 as my tourist visa expires soon. Ecuador has a challenging future ahead. Since i depend on my wages to survive i likely will not be back until its resolved. Its been chaos here
I love Cuenca. I think Ecuador is a very underrated country. Hope we can visit there soon again. Thank you for reminding me the reasons why I miss it so much!! ❤
There are actually four rivers. The main cathedral is called the New Cathedral. The Old Cathedral is on the other side of Parque Calderon. While the Victoria is nice there are plenty of more affordable options. Most of the architecture in El Centro is French Republican. Nice video,
@@debbiefisher8596 Cuenca is definitely worth the visit! So much history and scenery to check out. The people were so friendly and the food was amazing!
While Ecuador has had some unrest lately, it's all about being cautious and careful. We feel comfortable about visiting and exploring, hopefully others do too.
We added quite a few photos and videos, the intro is a bit long and we'll adapt for future videos. Fast forward a bit and see what you think about the photos and videos :)
Cuenca is the city of four rivers (not three): Tomebamba, Tarqui, Yanuncay, and Machángara. For expats the elevation of 8,500 feet is too much for some. We're fortunate, it is no problem as we love the city's architecture, culture, people, walkability and public transportation. For disabled and over 65, Tranvia costs $0.17 per ride. We still drop into Hotel Victoria for their great $5 house red and escargot!
Thanks for the clarification! We didn't have any issues with the elevation, either, but the bus ride up probably helped, as opposed to flying in directly. We loved everything about the Hotel Victoria and the food was so good!
Definitely look into this of you're working and need consistent access to power and Internet. Ecuador relies heavily on hydro for their electricity and there have been pretty bad drought situations recently. Because of the shortage of water, there have been rolling electricity outages. They're heading into the rainy season, so hopefully more water is on the way to fill the reservoirs.
Just watched your vlog and all I can say is after living in NY, actually Long Island for 35 years I have now been in Cuenca for 9 years and it truly does have quite bit to offer as well as been voted 8th best city in the world for medical care, doctors and hospitals!
@@JohnKaman Great question. Sean doesn't really ever have any issues with altitude and didn't have any problems in Cuenca. Deb does run into issues occasionally in the Rockies if we don't take time to adjust. The nice thing about taking the bus was it allowed her that time to spoke acclimate. That, combined with plenty of water and some Advil, and she didn't really have any issues.
That doesn't sound like a great experience! We had a great experience in Cuenca and will be visiting some of the coastal towns in future visits. Hopefully, we won't experience anything like you did.
I admit I was never there before 2022, so I am sure prices have increased, but expensive? Definitely not. We purchased a lot there and plan to move soon.
@@natalias8305 we didn't experience any issues related to crime or instability, but we are cautious and are very aware of our surroundings. We walked around Cuenca, took taxis and buses and didn't have any problems. We were there during Cuenca Days, so there was heightened security which probably helped.
I was in Cuenca in 2022 for three months. Crime is everywhere. Every shop has an armed security guard in front and they told me themselves how dangerous it is for regular Ecuadorians (not tourists). When it comes to no fees on US$ transactions. That’s absolutely not true. I have a bank account in Ecuador and paid an exchange fee because although they use the U.S. $ IT IS A DIFFERENT COUNTRY as the bank told me. Get your info straight before publicizing it.
WOW! You were here for three whole months two years ago. Maybe you should get YOUR info straight. We have been here since 2012 and haven;t come close to any crime and we are out and about walking day and night.. Every shop does NOT have a security guard. To get money at my bank's ATM costs $.52 and to use my card from the US costs $1,52. Are you sure you were in Cuenca?
Since guns are illegal in Ecuador, no store (or even cops) are ARMED as you claim. You were also here for a very limited time during three months when the world was still in crisis from the pandemic. Quit being a fear monger. At least we have never had a mass shooting which is now more than 1 a day this year in the US.
Umm @ Sean and Deb Go, I love your videos, but please....... Realize I'm just trying to help. Llama is pronounced, YaMa, llama the way you pronounce it means lick! It's not Kido it's KeyToe now drop the E, Guayaquil is WhyAkeyl as close as I can get. It's NOT Tommy-Bamba. I think this one is a loss? Tow-me-Bamba, yup, the above should be it or close to it! 🦙🇪🇨🤝🇪🇨🦙 PS, There is much more to Ecuador than Cuenca. You're lossing out if you think that's it and doing an injustice to a magnificent country. Thank you.
Cuenca is a jewel. Every big city has challenges, as does Cuenca. However it definitely retains a comfortable, magical quality that can enhance your daily life.
Couldn't agree more!
Are you guys currently living in Cuenca? Im a digital nomad currently here and if youre not here now, then i dont recommend it until the energy crisis is over. If you budget is big enough and can afford accommodation with generators it'll be tolerable but still super inconvenient at minimum (total blackouts are being discussed now!) Anyways, nice video guys
Right now we're back in Florida and then heading to Southern SA (Argentina, Uruguay, Paraguay, and Chile) soon. Our goal is to be back in Cuenca in 2025 and we've been monitoring the water/energy crisis for a while. I hope it gets better soon and you're able to ride it out! Thanks for the update!
@seananddebgo ok i gotchya. i leave for peru in 2 weeks on my 🏍 as my tourist visa expires soon. Ecuador has a challenging future ahead. Since i depend on my wages to survive i likely will not be back until its resolved. Its been chaos here
Ride safe! Hopefully, Peru will be a great place to explore while Ecuador gets back in the swing of things.
I love Cuenca. I think Ecuador is a very underrated country. Hope we can visit there soon again. Thank you for reminding me the reasons why I miss it so much!! ❤
@@chabeli6804 couldn't agree more! We're looking forward to exploring more of Ecuador!
I think it is rated just right.
Thanks for sharing happy to hear all +++ things about Ecuador..🇪🇨
Wohooo subscriber #100. Moving Cuenca later in year, thanks for the info and motivation 🎉.
@@GenXerInMexico thanks for subscribing! We have more Cuenca expedition videos coming :)
Nice video! Thanks for sharing.
@@Oceanofsand1981 Thanks! We appreciate the feedback 😃
There are actually four rivers. The main cathedral is called the New Cathedral. The Old Cathedral is on the other side of Parque Calderon. While the Victoria is nice there are plenty of more affordable options. Most of the architecture in El Centro is French Republican. Nice video,
Thanks for all the info! We'll definitely be back to Cuenca and love learning more about this amazing city.
I went to Ecuador last year but not to that area. I want to go back!
@@debbiefisher8596 Cuenca is definitely worth the visit! So much history and scenery to check out. The people were so friendly and the food was amazing!
So happy you are here informing us on Ecuador. Is it ok to move there now?
While Ecuador has had some unrest lately, it's all about being cautious and careful. We feel comfortable about visiting and exploring, hopefully others do too.
Thanks for the info. Arriving 30 July !! ❤
@@msbeecee1 We hope you love it as much as we do.
Suggestion! You should make a video of Cuenca, instead of just talking about it! Thanx
We added quite a few photos and videos, the intro is a bit long and we'll adapt for future videos. Fast forward a bit and see what you think about the photos and videos :)
They're most impressed with their own blabber. They think you are, 😅😅too.
Cuenca is the city of four rivers (not three): Tomebamba, Tarqui, Yanuncay, and Machángara. For expats the elevation of 8,500 feet is too much for some. We're fortunate, it is no problem as we love the city's architecture, culture, people, walkability and public transportation. For disabled and over 65, Tranvia costs $0.17 per ride. We still drop into Hotel Victoria for their great $5 house red and escargot!
Thanks for the clarification! We didn't have any issues with the elevation, either, but the bus ride up probably helped, as opposed to flying in directly. We loved everything about the Hotel Victoria and the food was so good!
I heard the electricity goes out often? Is this true?
Definitely look into this of you're working and need consistent access to power and Internet. Ecuador relies heavily on hydro for their electricity and there have been pretty bad drought situations recently. Because of the shortage of water, there have been rolling electricity outages. They're heading into the rainy season, so hopefully more water is on the way to fill the reservoirs.
Just watched your vlog and all I can say is after living in NY, actually Long Island for 35 years I have now been in Cuenca for 9 years and it truly does have quite bit to offer as well as been voted 8th best city in the world for medical care, doctors and hospitals!
@@derekkoonin3460 it's such a gem. Wonderful people, great infrastructure, and plenty of activities. We can't wait to get back!
were the empanadas baked?
@@BPe-ie9je they were fried. Nice, flaky crust, white cheese/onions inside with sugar sprinkled on top. Yum!
Did you have any trouble with the altitude?
@@JohnKaman Great question. Sean doesn't really ever have any issues with altitude and didn't have any problems in Cuenca. Deb does run into issues occasionally in the Rockies if we don't take time to adjust. The nice thing about taking the bus was it allowed her that time to spoke acclimate. That, combined with plenty of water and some Advil, and she didn't really have any issues.
why didn't you fly into Quito, connect 45 ,in later to Cuenca, Latam out if Miami?
We actually love bus rides as part of our travel. It gives us a great way to see the region. We'll definitely fly into Cuenca on future trips :)
Travel all over west coast of South America the only place that was robbed by the police was Ecuador
That doesn't sound like a great experience! We had a great experience in Cuenca and will be visiting some of the coastal towns in future visits. Hopefully, we won't experience anything like you did.
Too bad it got so expensive. Was there in 2009, retires could afford it. Now only for the wealthy.
I admit I was never there before 2022, so I am sure prices have increased, but expensive? Definitely not. We purchased a lot there and plan to move soon.
Regardless a crime level and instability??
@@natalias8305 we didn't experience any issues related to crime or instability, but we are cautious and are very aware of our surroundings. We walked around Cuenca, took taxis and buses and didn't have any problems. We were there during Cuenca Days, so there was heightened security which probably helped.
I was in Cuenca in 2022 for three months. Crime is everywhere. Every shop has an armed security guard in front and they told me themselves how dangerous it is for regular Ecuadorians (not tourists). When it comes to no fees on US$ transactions. That’s absolutely not true. I have a bank account in Ecuador and paid an exchange fee because although they use the U.S. $ IT IS A DIFFERENT COUNTRY as the bank told me. Get your info straight before publicizing it.
WOW! You were here for three whole months two years ago. Maybe you should get YOUR info straight. We have been here since 2012 and haven;t come close to any crime and we are out and about walking day and night.. Every shop does NOT have a security guard. To get money at my bank's ATM costs $.52 and to use my card from the US costs $1,52. Are you sure you were in Cuenca?
Since guns are illegal in Ecuador, no store (or even cops) are ARMED as you claim. You were also here for a very limited time during three months when the world was still in crisis from the pandemic. Quit being a fear monger. At least we have never had a mass shooting which is now more than 1 a day this year in the US.
Umm @ Sean and Deb Go, I love your videos, but please....... Realize I'm just trying to help. Llama is pronounced, YaMa, llama the way you pronounce it means lick! It's not Kido it's KeyToe now drop the E, Guayaquil is WhyAkeyl as close as I can get. It's NOT Tommy-Bamba. I think this one is a loss? Tow-me-Bamba, yup, the above should be it or close to it!
🦙🇪🇨🤝🇪🇨🦙
PS, There is much more to Ecuador than Cuenca. You're lossing out if you think that's it and doing an injustice to a magnificent country. Thank you.