Cuenca Real Estate Tours

Cuenca Real Estate offers private and small group tours several times a week. These are set up after consultation between the client and Cuenca Real Estate and focus specifically on the types of property the clients wish to see. These tours are charged on an hourly basis: $12.50 per hour for tours of more than six hours a day and $15 for shorter tours. Please write Info@CuencaRealEstate.com to schedule or for more information.

Cuenca Real Estate also offers larger group tours that include hotel stay, meals, transportation and all other tour expneses. Group tours are offered on the following dates. Additional tour information follows:

NOVEMBER 14, 15 & 16, 2011

 Tour package includes:

• Hotel accommodations, three nights (in one of Cuenca's best hotels)
• Breakfast daily (at the hotel), three days
• Lunch, three days
• Tours of Colonial Cuenca surrounding area
• Transportation by van
• Tour of real estate in Cuenca and the surrounding area (includes meeting with visa and real estate attorneys and relocation experts) 

Not included in tour package

$675 single; $575 double 

We will assist in making arrangements for in-coming and out-going transportation, lodging before and after the tour, and will also arrange area sight-seeing tours and individual real estate tours for those who remain in Cuenca after the tours. Daily schedule to be provided prior to the tour.

To sign up for the tour, please email

 Tours@TransAndeanTrading.com for payment instructions.

Cuenca / Southern Andes Area Overview

Cuenca is Ecuador’s third largest city and is considered the country’s culture center. Built around one of South America’s largest cathedrals, the city’s architecture and culture is a colorful exhibition of its indigenous and Spanish heritage. Cuenca is a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site and is frequently referred to in travel guides as the most European of South American cities. The city is famous for its artistic tradition and many art, music and crafts festivals. Its Bienal is the largest art exhibit and juried art competition in South America. In 2008, the German magazine Stern rated Cuenca the best retirement destination in Latin America. In 2009, International Living magazine named Cuenca the top retirement destination in the world and Lonely Planet travel guide included it among the top cities in world for travelers.

At an altitude of 8,200 feet, Cuenca is known for its spring-like weather. The year-round temperature range is 71 F for a high to 50 F for a low. Historically, rainfall averages 28 inches a year.

Just as Otavalo is the indigenous crafts center for the northern Ecuadorian Andes, Cuenca is the crafts center for the southern Andes. The city and surrounding area is known for ceramics, jewelry, leatherwork, textiles, woodwork, musical instruments and, of course, Panama hats.

With a growing population approaching 500,000, Cuenca has attracted several hundred ex-pats and foreign investors in recent years. Best estimates are that there are about 700 North American residents living in the Cuenca area and a recent demographic study predict that the city will be the most popular Ecuadorian destination for expats in the next 25 years.

Cuenca, Southern Andes travel information and tips

Altitude: Cuenca: 8,200 feet (about 1,100 feet lower than Quito)

Weather: Cuenca's weather is spring-like in March with daytime highs in the low 70sF and nighttime lows in the low or mid 50sF. Although February is generally dry, rain is possible at any time. Cuenca’s annual rainfall total is 28 inches. By the way, the highest temperature ever recorded is 84.

What to wear: A light jacket is appropriate, especially for evenings and overcast days. Long pants are the norm although shorts are fine for Yunguilla.

Health notes: Because of the altitude, no shots or special medications are recommended. There are no disease-carrying mosquitos in Cuenca.

Sun screen is strongly advised for outdoor excursions. The combination of thin mountain air and the equatorial latitude means sunburns can occur in 15 to 20 minutes, espeically in sunny conditions.

Water: Although Cuenca’s water has been rated the best in Latin America, it contains high levels of minerals that requires adjustment for some travelers.

Money and tipping: Ecuador uses the U.S. dollar so travelers from the U.S. don’t have to worry about changing currency. It’s important to bring plenty of $1 and $5 bills for taxis and small purchases. $10s and $20s are fine for larger purchases. It can difficult to use $50 and $100 bills.

Don’t bring treveler’s checks: they are difficult to cash. Out-of-country ATM cards work fine and most travellers don’t have a problem taking out money as they go. Important: bring your checkbook in case you decide to buy real estate. U.S. checks are usually accepted in Ecuador for "earnest money" commitments.

Generally, a 10% service charge is included on restaurant and hotel bills. If you are pleased with restaurant service, an additional small tip is appreciated: 5% is plenty. If a bill does not include the “servisio” and service was good, a 10% tip is in order. It is not customary to tip taxi cab drivers. Tip hotel porters $1 per bag.

Taxis: Cab fare around the historic district and adjacent areas in Cuenca typically run $1.50 to $2. From the airport to downtown: $2.50 to $3; Mall del Rio from the disrtrict: $2.50; Banos from downtown: $4.

More information: These websites provide information about Cuenca and the surrounding area.

www.CuencaHighLife.com
www.Cuenca.com.ec
www.AccessEcuador.com

For more information about the tour, contact: Tours@TransAndeanTrading.com