Comparing Cuenca to Other Ecuador Cities

by Pete
(United States)

How does Cuenca compare with other high altitude cities in Ecuador such as Ibarra, Riobamba, Cumbaya, Vilcabamba, and Loja?

Primary considerations are cost of living, air quality, infrastructure, beauty, access to mountain trekking, English speakers?

I know that all these cities/towns are are of differant sizes but I am trying to get a feel for these places and what places I should visit and what ones I need not bother.

Any info is greatly appreciated. Gracias.

*****

Cuenca is the third largest city in Ecuador, and has the infrastructure to match. It's surrounded by mountains (it's in a basin, which is what the word "cuenca" means). It's also a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its beautiful old buildings in the downton (El Centro) core.

Air quality is better than Quito's, by a long shot, but it's not great. Of course, it's not very good anywhere here in Ecuador, largely due to the great numbers of diesel vehicles, and the very low fuel costs, which make it cheaper, in my opinion, to burn extra fuel than it is to maintain the engine and exhaust systems.

There are a lot of English-speaking people here, expats and longer-tem visitors from North America and other countries, and Ecuadorians who used to live in the U.S. or Canada and have returned here. Also, English is taught in the schools here, so many people have at least some English.

The cost of living is not as cheap as some publications will lead you to believe. You'll need at least $1,000 a month (for one person) to live comfortably. If you want to live well, $1,500 per month is closer to what you'll need. Expect to pay at least $400 a month for a furnished apartment.

The Cajas mountains are visible from the city, that's how close they are. They're in a national park with lots of recreational activities, including hiking, camping, fishing and biking.

Comparing Cuenca to the cities you listed:

Ibarra isn't worth visiting unless you're going to Otavalo or Cotacachi.

Loja and Vilcabamba if you want to visit the Valley of Longevity or have an interest in astrology and other esoteric studies.

Cumbaya is a suburb of Quito, and very expensive. Perhaps you meant Cayambe, where the world's only glacier on the equator is located. It's not very big with fewer English speakers and less infrastructure.

Riobamba also isn't very big, but the trekking should be good, as it's close to Chimborazo volcano and several other volcanoes.