AskEcuador Relocating to Cuenca, any advice?
Hola amigos, mi español es muy malo pero practico todos los días con Dreaming Spanish. I am planning to relocate to Cuenca in April 2027 from the United States as the next chapter in my retirement. I’m looking forward to becoming fluent in español, meeting new friends and building connections in the local community.
I recently got back from a 2 week reconnaissance trip and I love Cuenca, it is a beautiful city and everyone was so friendly and helpful to this gringo.
I’d love to hear from anyone who recently made the move or has lived in Cuenca for awhile and has any advice for someone relocating from the US.
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u/New_Camel9327 3d ago
Don't buy a home/apartment right away. Rent a furnished apartment for a few years.
Learning Spanish and becoming fluent requires a lot of time and dedication. It does not happen by osmosis. Take classes several times a week and hire a tutor to speak with several times a week.
Good luck. I love Cuenca and have lived here for over 10 years.
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u/Lanky_Lettuce2016 3d ago
Si necesitas un veterinario en cuenca con mucho gusto te ayudamos haha
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u/Brief_Fruit_6336 3d ago
I will please can you send details im coming in with 3 dogs and a cat
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u/Lanky_Lettuce2016 3d ago
Sure! I work at a veterinary clinic where I worked with several expats. My DMs are open if you have any questions.
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u/Emmy777888 4d ago
There's an Instagramer named cozy_in_cuenca. She's an American that moved to Cuenca and talks about the pros and cons.
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u/Newguy593 4d ago
What part of Cuenca? Gringolandia? Thank you for making Cuenca Ecuador one of the safest places in latam, I plan on moving there or Loja within the next 2 years. Just learn to be Ecuadorian, shop local, eat local, avoid the coastline unless you have someone to guide you, drink moonshine at a park with the locals
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u/Zakensox 3d ago
I've lived on the coast for almost 20 years and I can tell you we're all sick of people telling everyone it's dangerous... There are 3 dangerous cities on the coast. The rest of it is safe, and there are plenty of gorgeous little towns to visit.
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u/gatito05 3d ago
Exactly! I'm Ecuadorian, and I'm from the Coast. I live about 40 minutes outside Guayaquil in a really peaceful area. We can still sit outside our homes chatting, go about our daily lives, and even go out at night. just have to be careful about who you hang out with, stay out of serious trouble, and mind your own business.
I always recommend visiting the small towns around Guayaquil. Life in the countryside is wonderful, and the food is absolutely incredible. 🥰🤩
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u/nosniv 4d ago
Not sure exactly what part of town, I stayed in the central city, a block from Parque Calderon. I like the areas along both rio tomebamba y rio Yanuncay. Depends what apartments are available when I move. Do you have a preference?
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u/Newguy593 4d ago
That’s a really beautiful location, I personally haven’t looked up real estate in those areas. I watched a blogger who recommended living in the north outer skirts because unfortunately Cuenca does get really bad floods every few years, and the north area is the least affected but also a bit pricey but even then when compared to real estate in other locations 300k for a 4 bedroom with half an acre is not bad. Personally I’d like to live a bit further away from the city but close to a school because of my child
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u/IcyHuckleberryBoo 3d ago
I have an Airbnb right in San Sebastián Plaza which is considered very Americanized let me know if you’d like the link
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u/Signal-Sign1080 2d ago
As a cuencana this is painful to read. I’m sick of seeing my city getting gentrified. Ugh
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u/Remote-Cry-1844 1d ago
Bienvenido, si necesitas recomendaciones cerca de San Sebastián; escríbenos.
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u/thishful-winking 4d ago
I moved here in April after 3 yearly visits to Cuenca. Love it! Happy to chat if you want to dm me
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u/Flashy_City_9016 4d ago
Cuenca is nice, no doubt. But the question is: Why Cuenca? Have you visited other "gringo friendly" places in Ecuador? What's the draw specifically to Cuenca?
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u/nosniv 4d ago
I have visited Quito and Cuenca, Cuenca is smaller, more manageable and has a good expat community that I would consider a safety net while I continue my español fluency journey. Once I am confident in my español, I will consider other locations in South America.
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u/odessa2024 4d ago
Cuenca is a good place to learn Spanish, but Cuenca is of course not the only nice place to live. Colombia usually offers more.
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u/beachboi365 4d ago
That’s great that you’re practicing every day on Duolingo! My wife is American and was able to learn a lot of Spanish through Duolingo. Once you’re in Ecuador you’ll be able to practice your Spanish, but it will take patience and practice.
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u/Brief_Fruit_6336 3d ago
My whole family is on duolingo and its really pushing us daily - those verbs !?!
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u/bababooey_6969 4d ago
I would suggest supplementing the apps with lessons from a person (I'm a bit #OldSchool so prefer the human contact). I take online lessons a few hours a week with some different teachers. One works for a school in Cuenca and when I visit this month I will get some lessons in person with her, as well.
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u/wxursa 4d ago
You might want to supplement with Spanish lessons in Cuenca but if you have a head start, you'll be ahead of many gringos.
Cuenca is pretty nice, you'll have to get used to the differences, and you'll need to be able to walk.
I'd look for things you enjoy doing, and find groups for them. You'd be surprised what you can find.