LIVEABILITY, CULTURE, WEATHER and MUCH MORE...
It is no mystery why Cuenca, Ecuador is one of the most popular destinations for foreign real estate investors and retirees. In 2006, the International Congress of Urban Planners voted Cuenca, Ecuador and San Miguel de Allende, Mexico, the two "most liveable cities in Latin America." In early 2008, the German magazine Stern, named Cuenca its top Latin American pick in a survey of best places to live overseas. In addition to its rich culture, the urban planners and Stern cited Cuenca's "middle class" demographics, low crime rate and spring-like weather for putting it at the top of their lists. With a metropolitan population of 550,000, Cuenca offers big city infrastructure without big city problems.
Located in Ecuador's southern sierra at an elevation of 8,300 feet, Cuenca is widely considered the country's cultural heart and soul. In 1999, the city was awarded UNESCO's distinction as a World Heritage Trust site. Offering a rich diversity of people, art, history and colonial architecture, the city boasts what is arguably South America's most impressive historic district. Many travel writers call Cuenca the "most European" of Latin American cities. "Its narrow cobbled streets, houses with wrought-iron balconies, flower-filled patios and many fine old churches are reminiscent of ancient Andalusian towns in southern Spain," writes Derek Davies, author of the Traveler's Companion series of books. Within the last decade Cuenca has become a magnet for young European and North Americans studying Spanish.
For those wanting to live near Cuenca, but not in it, the tropical Yunguilla and Paute valleys are becoming increasingly attractive. Yunguilla, 35 miles southwest of Cuenca, features spectacular scenery and, at elevations ranging from 6,000 to 3,500 feet, is frequently compared to Vilcabamba for its climate. Paute, about 1,000 feet lower than Cuenca, is a major agriculutral area, but it also known for its tradition of crafts, such as jewelry, leather goods, ceramics and textiles.
CuencaRealEstate.com is a service for North Americans and Europeans and other foreign adventurers considering investing or relocating to Cuenca. In addition to properties in Cuenca and the surrounding area, we represent a number of properties on Ecuador's south coast and in other areas of the country. Browse our website, check out our sales and rental listings, relocation services and general information. If you have questions, please contact us by email at info@CuencaRealEstate.com, or, by phone in Ecuador at (593)(9) 450-0325 or (593)(7) 284-2270 or, in the U.S. at (850) 417-7359.