Why Ecuador?

Cuenca

For years we've been looking around for interesting places to visit for extended periods of time. A little over 5 years ago I started reading International Living magazine, which reviews great places to retire all over the world. For most for the last few years Ecuador has ranked in the top 5 or so places. In our research we've focused on the northern and southern highlands of Ecuador, and in particular the cities of Quito and Cuenca (my personal favorite). The terrain is spectacular -- high valleys bordered by even higher mountain peaks of the Andes range. Even though the place is on the Equator, the altitude makes for year-round perfect weather -- highs in the 70s, lows in the 50s. Cost of living is low, medical care is good, country is stable, same time zone as eastern US. And the 2 cities we're visiting are amoung the most beautiful in South America.