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 and San Miguel de Allende, Mexico, the two "most liveable cities in Latin America." In 2009, International Living magazine named Cuenca "The World's Best Retirement Haven." In addition to its rich culture, the urban planners and International Living 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 more than 500,000, Cuenca offers big city infrastructure without big city problems.
Located in Ecuador's southern sierra at an elevation of 8,200 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 Europeans and North Americans studying Spanish and, according to the Ecuadorian immigration office, it attracts more foreign residents than any other city in the country.
For those wanting to live near Cuenca but who prefer country living, the tropical Yunguilla and Paute valleys are becoming increasingly attractive to foreigners. Yunguilla, 35 miles southwest of Cuenca, features spectacular scenery and, at elevations ranging from 3,500 to 6,000 feet, is frequently compared to Vilcabamba, near Loja, for its climate. Paute, about 1,000 feet lower than Cuenca, is a major agriculutral area, but it also known for its rich tradition of crafts, such as jewelry, leather goods, ceramics and textiles.
CuencaRealEstate.com is the only licensed real estate agency in Cuenca exclusively serving foreign, English-speaking clients. Browse our website, check out our sales and rental listings, offered through our partner RentalsCuenca, relocation services and general information. For information about how we work, please click on the "Our Services" link on this page.
Contact SALES at info@CuencaRealEstate.com, or, phone in Ecuador at (593)(7) 283-7526 or, in the U.S., at (850) 273-6242. Skype: cuenca.real.estate. Contact RENTALS CUENCA at RentalsCuenca@gmail.com, or call (593)(9) 488-2938 or (593)(7) 284-7328. Office: Calle Simon Bolivar 12 - 30 at Tarqui (by appointment).