If you’re looking to stretch your retirement dollars and enjoy five-star living at one-star prices, then Cuenca, Ecuador just might be your retirement destination.
Cuenca is Ecuador’s third largest city of approximately 463,000 nestled in the southern sierras of the Andes Mountains at 8,300 feet. Because of its proximity to the equator and its high elevation, Cuenca is considered to have near perfect weather with temperatures ranging from 52 to 72 degrees year round. The wrought iron balconies, red-tile roofs and cobblestone streets make you feel like you’re in Europe without Euro prices. More and more baby boomers are finding out that luxury retirement is within their grasp in this jewel of South America. International Living named Cuenca as “The World’s Top Retirement Haven in 2009″ and MSN Money cites Cuenca as “number one” in “The World’s Best Places to Retire.” Find out why more baby boomers are considering Cuenca, Ecuador as their top retirement spot.
Affordable Living
With the average luxury condo renting for $300-$500 and the cost of a four-bedroom house starting at $43,000, no wonder retirees are flocking to Cuenca. Luxury living is made possible with a pension of $1,400 dollars a month which includes rent, food, utilities, transportation, health care and eating out at five-star restaurants twice a week. When you consider that the cost of a bus ride is 25 cents and a taxi is $1.50 – $.3.50, you no longer need to own a car. Open markets are ubiquitous with fresh fruits and vegetables being sold for pennies on the dollar. A large pineapple costs just 50 cents. Health care is also affordable with the average office visit costing $20-$25. Since Ecuador uses the U.S. dollar, monthly budgets are easy to calculate.
Cuenca has near perfect weather all year round with temperatures ranging in the 60-70’s during the day and 40-50’s at night. Because Cuenca is high in the Andes Mountains at an altitude of 8,300 feet and with its proximity near the equator, Cuenca offers eternal springtime to its inhabitants. The days are warm and the nights are cool and crisp with an occasional rain shower. There are two distinct seasons: rainy and dry. The dry season is December through February and the rainy season is March through November with the most rain occurring in the months of April and May. With springtime weather all year long, Cuenca is always in a growing season with a variety of flowers and trees in constant bloom. There is no need for heating or air conditioning which makes Cuenca a true paradise for retirees.
Excellent Health Care
One of the main reasons Cuenca is a haven for retirees is the affordable health care. Many of the Ecuadorian doctors received their training in the States and returned to Ecuador to practice medicine. With the average office visit costing $25 and the average hospital stay costing $100 a day, it’s easy to see why retirees are coming to Cuenca to receive medical care. With state of the art facilities, modern hospitals and affordable health care plans, more and more baby boomers are finding that early retirement is possible. The average medical plan for a couple (55 years of age) is $85 a month, which covers prescriptions, office visits and hospitalization.
The buses and taxis in Cuenca are ubiquitous. A bus ride costs 25 cents and 12 cents for those who are in their “tercera edad” (65 years of age and older). An average taxi ride is $1.50 and $3.50 across town. Everything is centrally located so that walking to the historic section takes about 30 minutes, even if you live outside of the city limits. With the availability of public transportation, many retirees find that a car is simply not necessary. If you are 65 years and older, there are even more benefits with 50 percent off on most international flights.
Cultural Capital
Cuenca is an UNESCO World Heritage Site and the cultural capital of Ecuador. Many retirees find that living in Cuenca combines everything they ever wanted in a dream retirement location, including: musical concerts with a 38-piece symphonic orchestra, museums, cultural events and art exhibits that are free. Most retirees don’t want to retire from life; they want to enjoy their golden years with “gusto.” A night out on the town, including a free concert and drinks afterwards might set you back $5.00. The expat community of Cuenca is also thriving with weekly events and outings. With a city that is meticulously groomed and cultural events that rival those of most European cities, Cuenca is taking “center stage” as the world’s retirement spot.
As more and more baby boomers retire in the next ten years, they want to be able to stretch their retirement dollars and enjoy luxury at the same time. Cuenca is making that possible with prices that haven’t been seen since the 1960’s in a city that is rich in history and culture. In the past, retirement overseas was considered a luxury, but in today’s economy, it’s a necessity. For that reason, baby boomer retirees are now calling Cuenca, Ecuador “home”!
