Pros and Cons of Living in Cuenca

By Joshua Wood, LPC

Last updated on Feb 06, 2023

Summary: The pros of living in Cuenca, Ecuador include its temperate climate, its vibrant culture, its low cost of living, and its proximity to the Andes Mountains. The cons of living in Cuenca include its lack of modern infrastructure, its limited job opportunities, and its language barrier for non-Spanish speakers.

What do expats in Cuenca appreciate most about the local culture?

"Expatriates living in Cuenca appreciate the city's colonial architecture, vibrant local markets, and historic landmarks that make it a beautiful and unique place to live. They also enjoy the friendly atmosphere, caring neighbors, and hospitality of the local people—making it easy to assimilate and build relationships. Additionally, the low cost of living and plentiful outdoor activities offer expats an affordable and accessible lifestyle," remarked another in Cuenca, Ecuador.

"Expatriates in Cuenca appreciate the city's relaxed atmosphere and friendly locals. Cuenca is an affordable and safe place to live, and its rich cultural life makes settling down in the city particularly attractive. The city's rich colonial architecture and its year-round temperate climate make Cuenca a destination of choice for expats. Cuenca is widely known for its vibrant festivals, traditional markets and impressive Cathedral. Locals are passionate about their culture, and appreciate the opportunity to share their customs, language and music with new visitors. There is a great appreciation for the city's stunning natural environment, with mountain ranges, tropical forests and nearby waterfalls in easy reach. Cuenca's multitude of traditional restaurants, cafés, and bars offer a unique culinary and nightlife experience to expatriates," explained one expat.

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What do expats find most challenging?

"One of the most difficult aspects of the Cuenca culture for many expats is the idea of personal space. Cuencan culture is considered to be quite close and family-oriented, making it difficult for expats to maintain a sense of personal space. Additionally, expats can find the local language and customs complex and challenging. Despite the language barrier, expats often find it difficult to create meaningful relationships with local people. Additionally, many expats struggle with the pace of life which can be slower than hey may be used to with fewer conveniences like reliable internet and quick access to customer service," explained one expat living in Cuenca, Ecuador.

"Expats in Cuenca often find adapting to the pace of life in the city challenging. Cuenca is known for taking a relaxed approach to life and things often move at a slower pace than what expats may be used to. Additionally, learning Spanish is useful when communicating with locals, as most do not have a strong command of the English language. Finally, the bartering culture in Cuenca can be initially difficult for expats to understand as it is not common in many countries," said another expat in Cuenca, Ecuador.

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