Cuenca Ecuador Pros and Cons for Expats (Part 1) 

I’m glad you’re enjoying my hometown Everyone is welcome to Ecuador

Hi Guys , I am Ecuadoriam from Ambato and I moved to NJ when I have 18 years, I live 25 years in US and am so proud of you guys like my country, am starting with the vegan life on 2017 and I Loved and also I will like to retire in Ecuador. Your channel is amazing

Thank you for a beautiful report, I laughed listening you two. I'm an ecuadorian living in johnstown Colorado. This report took me back to my 27 years before I emigrated to this wonderful country of wich I am a citizen now, but I'll never forget that amazing country call Ecuador. God bless you and keep reporting. By the way I love those tasty pigs.😄

Hi Amelia and JP. Cristina told me I should look you up. I agree with you - my #1 favorite thing here is the beautiful sweet generous helpful humble soulful Ecuadorian people! I recently traveled to both Peru and Chile, and just did not feel the same warmth! Hope to run into you soon!

I’m from cuenca and I agree with you guys 100% but I’m so happy to hear that cuenca is getting better day by day with new buses , animal shelters etc etc . Thank you guys for the video 👍🏼😎

Hello JP and Amelia- Thank you so much for your channel - it's fantastic. The quality of your videos is far and away much better than most of what's out there in YT Land. So thank you for the high quality content - your efforts have paid off, making your videos fun to watch, providing viewers a first hand idea of life in Ecuador. And you two work well together, great chemistry. I've binge watched many of your videos lately while sheltering in place & avoiding the brutal Arizona heat. I really liked the one w/the drone showing the city & beach overview w/Amelia surfing. That looked like so much fun (either surfing or filming via drone). I"m learning quite a lot about Ecuador thru your channel. It's a great resource of 'infotainment' and provides encouragement to visit with some expectations in place regarding the area, things to do, how to navigate the country, where to shop, eat, etc it's like a visual Lonely Planet Guide :) I"m also a plant-based eater and it's good to know Ecuador is non-GMO (and hopefully stays that way). I"m curious how you set up your banking over there - an account at a local branch or do you continue to use US-based banks? What about brokerage accounts? Maybe these are naive question but I'm wondering how one arranges personal affairs like that when becoming an expat.

Thank you for the info. I enjoy learning about this country.

I’ve watched many of your videos. Now I feel like we are best friends. I love your lifestyle in Cuenca. I’ve learned so much about Ecuador. You Gus are naturals on video! Life looks great!

Thank you so much for this video! Subscribed and looking forward to more about life in Cuenca!!!!

Good video. My wife is from Santo Domingo in Ecuador, and we went to some places in Ecuador. Quito, Santo Domingo, Cuenca, and a few other places. Loved Humitas and the Inca Cola too.

Great video. I'm sold!

I’m so glad you like my country, I use to live in Cuenca is so beautiful: I like your videos thanks for share with us . I really miss my culture.

i'm so very interested and hopefully retiring to Ecaudor! Thank you for your wonderful insight!!

So excited to come visit in June , Thanks for the video ..

Thank you for all your blogs JP and Amelia. You are inspiring, i love your recipes. (I am plant based 90% of the time) and hope one day to be fully vegan again. Both are blessed to have chosen Cuenca where vegetables, fruits and food looks so abundant and affordable, unlike here in the states, (i.e California where we live there's abundance but not quite affordable for organic). I loved all your pros. Thank you for keeping it real with all the cons. Hope one day to visit Cuenca. Stay blessed.

Thanks I love to hear about my country from people from the USA my country is nice thanks again

You got a thumbs up just for being vegan. I came here for info on retiring in Ecuador, but the vegan info was an added bonus. Thank you!

I’m glad you guys are enjoying my country! You guys are adorable!

Great video. Thank you !

Hi Amelia and JP! I am so excited to see your videos. My friend is considering moving to Cuenca and that got me thinking about checking out Cuenca myself also. I have never been to Ecuador. I spent three weeks in Colombia last year and I just love friendless of people in Latin America. Also I am a vegan and glad to find you guys being vegan! And sounds like Cuenca is very vegan friendly! Gracias!

I also have trouble driving down there. and yes roasted pigs its like hot dogs stands in NYC. hopefully you're doing good in this times and keep enjoying the city.

Great Chemistry iam Glad u are enjoying my Country like I enjoy Yours I hope to comeback soon

Great video also agree on the currencies at least i know what i spend keep up the good work on your videos

Noise does not equal tranquillo. That alone would prevent me from moving there. I don't like it here in the states either ... I carefully search out my moves. Seems like Ecuador has many pros for moving there ... but if I can't enjoy the peaceful use of my residence, I can't enjoy it. I really enjoy watching your videos ... keep them coming.

You two are great! ....and fun to watch. Thank you! I am excited about moving to South America. :)

Nice couple. ..I'm checking dominican right now for months ...love to check ur place out...thanks

I'm planning on moving to Ecuador, most likely Cuenca, in August 2021. I want to be a medical interpreter/translator for the ex-pat community. I appreciate your vlog because I worried about being vegetarian and diabetic. But I see that I can find a variety of food to eat and enjoy! Thanks!

Just watched Part 1 and completely agree with you on both goods and bads. I live close to Calderón and am here to stay (US retiree). Will watch part 2 now. Been to Denver w/Colorado Springs as final destination! Cheers!!!

I want to visit! Great video

There's no reason to own a car and pay for the repairs, insurance, gas, taxes, etc! You're information is as always so good! Thanks

Thank you for this - I'm looking a few years down the road at places to live abroad , Cuenca always ends up on the list of best places in terms of cost (< $1600/month, amazing!), health, and lifestyle. I'm also a vegan, so I really appreciate your perspective.

You're so gorgeous, Amelia! Those earrings you're wearing are beautiful. I really enjoyed this video. You can only get so much info via google. It's always so nice to hear REAL experiences from REAL people when it comes to travel. 😁😊 You've got this veggie lover determined to make Cuenca a stop on my travel list!

Never think about it before, we here in Cuenca are likely to be vegan easier. Thanks for pointing at the good thing we take for the ground.

Forgot to mention about the water. I have a problem with too much chlorine so I got one of those bottles with just the carbon filter (bought it at Sukasa) and love my water now! Delicious!!! Zero chlorine. I use those drops to measure chlorine in swimming pools to test it.

Hi, do you guys bought or rent the property? which one is best?

Love your vidios. First time I went to Ecuador in year 2000 they were using very old very worn out paper dollar bills, when i returned in 2008 it was mainly 1 dollar coins, much better .

Hi guys, You said you have no car and have no dedire to own one. Wise choice, certainly, but you said that while living in Cuenca, it was a nice spot to see the variety in the country and you explained it as a distance-in-drive time. Thst works for me very well here at "home" but I do not exactly know how to make sense of that "scale of measurement" when one doesn't own a car. I know you've mentioned a private driver, but then... How far in advance to you make a reserva, how prompt is your driver, and how does that factor in on the "drive times?" Care to clarify? Muchas gracias...

So, do you have to go to Ecuador banks for change 1st??

I lived in Denver (left 07) never had any Internet issues (least not after dial-up) and I lived Congress Park and Downtown. Seriously, the only issue was during blizzards. You should try Australia for Internet issues - a whole nother level. That was surprising! Great video thanks for sharing such illuminating information. I am on either a 2 year or 4-year plan to Cuenca based on retirement (60 this year) and a possible PhD. Also as a veggie that too very helpful. Great work guys - be healthy and happy!

Great video my friends 😁

Sounds great. I think i will like it. Glad you taking up pole dancing again. Lol

I hope to move to Cuenca next year and am always grateful for good information.. I am so looking forward to getting there and living in this beautiful country!

Looks like a beautiful place!

😂🍾 I remember on the others videos you said people in Ecuador work to live, yes Ecuador people will party 🎉 but on the other hand we are responsable and hard working people so the next morning most people will have an “encebollado” for the hangover and go to work it’s cultural 😂, on the other hand as an animal lover I feel the same about the street dogs; every city in Ecuador are working on that it’s slow but something it’s been done I really hope that people that owns pets are more responsable it requires laws and education, hopeful the government and municipals offices bring the new laws for animal cruelty, thank you guys for sharing it’s good to hear the good and the not so good things about the mother country. Please be safe crossing the streets enjoy eating the delicious fresh veggies and fruits and keep it coming with your videos 👍🏻🇪🇨🇺🇸

very interesting channel ... we are Canadians making the move in June 2020 to the Ecuador coast. We have been enjoying your channel and your perspectives. We also are not retiring but moving and working (starting our own business) in Ecuador. We wil be down in Feb and visiting Cuenca for some pottery shopping would love to connect !

Just great video again .

I like your channel, you guys are funny and have a new subscriber.

Super excited!! Planning a trip to Cuenca as a vegan!!

I’m curious about variety of art, music and culture. It is a university town so is it mostly native music ( flutes and such) or is it somewhat metropolitan in its offerings.

lovely video guys

I am NOT vegan and I am so there!

Brazilian vegan here, loved your channel. Never been to Ecuador but I hear is very nice. Good to know there are plenty of vegan options in Cuenca, but terrible with the pigs... that spoils my day... :(

Please tell about adjusting to 8 thousand feet above sea level...was it a difficult adjustment?

Very helpful thx!

GREAT JOB!

Nice video Guys!!

Great video guys! I feel like I learned so much! I'm curious, do any expats work in Ecuador? Instead of online, or having a job back in another country and traveling back and forth?

I'm from Colorado too. I have not been to Ecuador, but I know my daughters went there and loved it. I love leash laws. I've got a bit of a phobia of strange dogs. I love dogs, and I have one of my own.

I like your earrings Amelia :)

Can you advise the besgt neighborhoods in Cuena to look to rentals. I will be leaving for Cuenca next year and would appreciate your help and suggestions. I dont like the heaat very much so the climate in Cuena should suit me fine, I think.

You can always boil the water you know 😉

I might not to be able to ford tht trip till nexts spring ill be reseatching that place

Kkkkkkkkkk the crazy driving topic,it seems drivers are crazy over there

Do you have a bank account in Cuenca or do you use the ATM to take money out of an American bank? How much are all of the service charges?

Is the noise in every part of the city, I do not know if I can adapt to the noise.

Silly question w/ regards to #10: Do you know where I can find/get the $1 coins in the US? Perhaps the bank??

About dogs, you are right! I always come home heart broken

It seems like non-smoking restaurants and markets are a "foreign concept" in many countries outside the US. How is smoking treated in Ecuador?

Yes, pole dancing, including the dogs 🐕 haha!

That is so true! About the drivers...so sad.

Are there any art supply stores in Cuenca?

Are there any parts of Cuenca that might be perhaps a little quieter than others?

I have checked out Guatemala and Panama, both of which I love but am unsure of living in. However, as a retired person I was impressed with the number of expat clubs in Boquete, Panama. Can you tell me (us) what the situation is in Quenca? I am a widower and a bit of a loner so having club friends for hiking, sightseeing, photography, etc. would be very helpful. Love your channel, by the way.

the "pig thing" is considered a cultural aspect and is because is one of our traditional dishes same as the "cuy" lol. Don't discriminate! lol It is nice that you are enjoying the city. You won a subscriber. Hope to meet you guys there when I get back someday just for a short visit.

Do they have golf courses and tennis courts in Cuenca? Also are there gyms? No one has ever done anything on that.

When is the best time/best way for me to start learning Spanish without attending a community college? Help? Por favor?

hi loved your video. very informative. I have a question did you purchase your house or do you rent.

I've been staying in Cuenca for a month, and it's lovely. I agree with many of your points, but the pig roasts being your No. 1 issue -- well, that's part of the culture of Ecuador, and it's a bit much to criticize that as vegan Americans who are still essentially guests of the country, even as ex-pats. I'm a vegetarian, but I'm not going to criticize the way people in other countries eat, and how they cook their food. I believe that is considered to be quite rude.

My hubby and I will be in Cuenca in July to scope out places for retirement. Can you give me an idea of the best area where we should stay in order to walk to all the cool places??

What's the mail system like and can I get my medication that I take in Canada

I was on the fence about moving to Cuenca but now that I know about the pig roasts in the street I'm all in! Did you know the Dalai Lama is no longer a vegetarian due to the health issues caused by not eating meat?

My last comment for this particular video. Tipsy Amelia trying to kidnap the neighbor’s dog is very funny. Those raunchy Ecuadorean canines are sooo cute! 🎀 In case you’re still wondering what the owner said when he opened the door was. Entra pronto porque esos gringos son vegetarianos, he went inside willingly lol 🐕🥓💩

how accessible are things for those with mobility issues due to a disability?

I love you guys

You guys are too cute! Great vid, thanks for the info!

Great job! I absolutely concur about the drivers and the stinky buses. I had a sore throat for a week from exposure to the diesel fumes on Remigio Crespo when I was there. Thanks for the video.

Is English language common and what are visa requirements?

Your humility is touching, when you call yourselves humble guests that love it there. That’s so nice, I’ve already recommended you for instant citizenship 🥰 My goodness, if we could only get rid of the pig roasts, that would be awesome 😎 However, it´s like trying to outlaw barbecue here in Dixie lol Maybe if you get a taste of the reventado, you might like it haha Pruebe, pruebe caserita! Just kidding!

What area of the city do you live in? Walkability is important to me as well.

Cant ait to eat all that great veggies and fruits.. ! Cu in 2020

vegan from New Orleans... just went to Belize looking for Property. is it hard to buy land, or expensive ? i grow rare and tropical fruit trees... my house in the suburbs outside New Orleans and i have 100 + species but lots wont grow well here since we do get light frost from time to time in winter.

Pienso que las cosas negativos de Cuenca se pueden solucionar y estoy seguro que en pocos años serán cosas del pasado. Saludos Amelia y JP

Great Video and you are both charming

How do you wash your fruits and vegetables?

I'm SOLD! When can we visit? I've seen your house. I know you have space, lol! ;)

I imagine that a bicyclist would be at risk. Nice video.

where's the comment with the summary list tldr?

How long did you two argue after recording this video? And how did you find a place to stay

Would it make sense before going to Ecuador to change my dollar bills to dollar coins?

Question: what is your term plan? Do you plan to stay in Equador long time as you age or plan enroll on US Medicare and return back to the US? What is your long term status? Citizens?