Hello, I am planning to visit Cuenca this coming December and would like very much to know which real estate agencies are the most trust worthy. I would be looking at both furnished/unfurnished apts and or condos with view of lots of trees and mountains. Thinking of relocating from Colombia. Many thanks in advance. Please reply at martefa2@gmail.com Thank you for note on negative gringo-speak. My husband and I are researching move to Cuanco. Regards

my wife has cancer in her liver - i need info on the alternative medications - PLEASE ADVISE - URGENT. Thank you Rich The only people who can import a car to Ecuador that is more than one year old are former Ecuadorians who are moving back. And those cars are free of duty and taxes. Everyone else is limited to cars of the current or previous model year and the taxes and duty can be as much as 50% or the car's value plus the shipping costs. I have a 2011 Prius and it would cost almost as much as the car is worth to import it to Ecuador.

I lived there in Cuenca and then in Ibarra and was found that crime was a problem if you lived in a private home rather than a condo. I knew several expats who lived in homes who were burglarized. I would not recommend living in Ibarra. There are many desperate people there( many Columbian refugees) who are driven to committing all sorts of crimes, some very serious. Quito and Guayaquil are not safe to walk about, especially at night. I was mugged twice during a stay of three months in Quito. I if you don't learn to speak Spanish, your life in any of the South American countries will not go smoothly in the long run. I was shocked to learn that over the course of several years, over 50% of the expats leave. This is no retirement if you are planning to plant yourself and set roots in your golden years. Its an adventure for sure. Most of the time it is the truly naive who wind up being very disappointed and regretful. Don't be foolish. Think! Think! Think! Please explain.

Hi If you come to Cuenca, I have a beautiful small apartment that fits your needs, this-across the river, has a bedroom with queen bed, large bathroom with hot water all the time, living room, kitchen equipped with everything you need to prepare your meals, a sun room ,garage,wifi and if you want a TV cable conecction too.The price is $400 at month incluide the electricity,water and the internet conecction,For more information contact me pilarporras50@hotmail.com Could you please give me an idea of house prices or a decent website with real estate? Also what standard of medical care is available?

I found this a good start at a candid conversation aoubt normal daily life in Cuenca. We are looking to retire there in just a little over two years. So I hope to keep reading all about life in Ecuador. I am looking to exchange my farm for an equipped bakery in Cuenca with living quarters and a garage. Farm is in Missouri 40 to 80 acres fenced and cross-fenced for raising 20 head of cattle and producing 250 round bales of good hay. Bakery must have a cafe with it with a good view. A good bread and pizza oven, refrigeration and display case and lots of good tables, chairs and booths. Bakery to be called "Tony Rigas casa de rigatoni y panaderia Italiana".

Ecuador is one of the most beautiful countries of South America. Nothing compares to the landscapes of the Highlands, the lush of the Amazon Rainforest, the exotic Beaches of the Coast and the mystery of the Galapagos Islands. http://www.galapagos-islands-tourguide.com/