Articles

The 10-year plan covers everything from electric buses to water source protection. Plus, Bloomberg Philanthropies just gave Cuenca $150K for youth-led environmental projects. Here's what it all means for the city.

Cuencanos consume about 200 liters of water per person per day — nearly twice what the WHO says you need. At $0.60 per thousand liters, there's no financial incentive to cut back. But the city's rivers aren't infinite.

Cuenca's real estate market is defying Ecuador's broader economic headwinds. Property values are up 8-12% annually, rents are surging in expat-popular neighborhoods, and the investor visa threshold just went up. Here's a practical breakdown of what's happening and how to navigate it.

After the devastating rolling blackouts of 2024, every expat in Ecuador has the same question: will it happen again? New plants are online, Turkish floating generators are humming, and the rain is helping — but one massive vulnerability remains. Here's the full picture.

What started as a festive Carnival Saturday turned dangerous fast. Intense afternoon rains on February 14 and 15 flooded at least 15 neighborhoods, damaged homes in Barabón Chico, and sent emergency crews scrambling across western Cuenca. Meanwhile, in Cajas National Park, lightning struck four hikers on Cerro San Luis.

On February 13, the US and Ecuador announced they've 'substantially concluded' a new trade agreement. Ecuador is dropping tariffs on American wine, nuts, fruit, and wheat. Here's what might actually change for expats shopping at Supermaxi.

ETAPA just graduated 350 community forest brigaders trained to defend the páramos and watersheds that supply every drop of Cuenca's tap water. After last year's fires scorched thousands of hectares, this volunteer army could be the difference between clean water and crisis.

Ramón Pucha spends days alone in the jungle collecting seeds from endangered trees. His wife plants them. His son gives tours. The government calls their farm a 'living laboratory' — but won't fund it. Their story says a lot about Ecuador right now.

The Prefectura del Azuay has launched Carnaval Bakansote 2026 with over 160 events, 12,000 hotel rooms, and 600+ restaurants ready across the province. Gualaceo, Paute, Chordeleg, and Yunguilla await.