Cuenca, Ecuador

Let me be real with you about Cuenca. This city sits high in the mountains. It's 8,300 feet up. That's almost two miles above sea level. The weather feels like spring all year long. Not too hot. Not too cold. Many Americans move here to retire. Why? The doctors are good. The hospitals are modern. And your money goes much further than back home. But here's what most websites won't tell you: the sidewalks are a mess. I mean cracked. Uneven. Full of holes. There are steps in the middle of the sidewalk with no warning. Tree roots push up through the concrete. Dogs wander around. People sell things and block your path. If you use a cane or walker, this matters. If you have trouble with balance, this matters. You need to know this before you book your trip. The good news? Taxis cost $2-5 and are everywhere. You don't have to walk if you don't want to. The city has good things too. Churches. Museums. Parks by the river. Cafes where you can sit and rest. A new tram that's easy to get on and off. Three private hospitals with doctors who speak English. And here's something nice: people here respect older adults. They call seniors "abuelitos" with kindness. Store workers slow down for you. Neighbors check on you. That feels different from the U.S. The math works. The medical care works. The culture works. The sidewalks? You'll need a plan.