A decade ago when we landed here we lived in Cuenca. Decided it was colder than we like so moved 1.5 hours south to Yunguilla almost 9 years ago. Considered Loja but the rain and cold deterred us. If we want some city time Cuenca is an easy drive. We rarely feel the need to visit the city
While you made a good effort, it's apples and oranges (to me). Like comparing Roanoke Virginia to Washington DC. If you want a big city; Cuenca, little city; Loja. Both have the arts. Biggest drawback to Loja is distance. Biggest drawback to Cuenca is expats and that it's a big city (but seems most like big cities, except me).
I grew up in the DC burbs, and Roanoke vs DC is like two different countries, culturally, LOL. I just arrived in Loja from Cuenca, and it is definitely a smaller town feel, less set up for gringos. That has its ups and downs I suppose. Cuenca also has a chlorinated water supply.
i lived in vilcabamba for years and jesus christ am I glad i'm out. Not much to do except hike and my spanish was so hindered due to so many english speakers around. Happily living in cuenca now and so excited to go ice skating soon 👍
I googled it - but couldn't find it. Can you please let me know the name of the ice-skating place? We arrive next week..I'd love to take my kids Ice skating!
@@travisbyrd9397 Sure! The place is called ICEBERG, its a bit far out the city, they play ice hockey regularly and are open on all days im pretty sure. Its $5 per person for an hour when i last checked on their facebook
If you can speak Spanish well Loja requires it. -- So you get your money's worth in Cuenca + the ease of flying to Quito & to the US or elsewhere ! Where as Loja is isolated and no airport really with limited flights and often road closures due to mud slides even for bus travel........
I live in Loja and the few times I've been in Cuenca I realized that there are many people (downside), but you are right Cuenca is more beautiful and better overall. Loja and vilcabamba I feel is more family and old people's place
I am an "old" person of 75 but very active playing tennis. Since you live there could you confirm the existence of public tennis courts in your wonderful city?
Where would you say are more teenagers or young people moving with their families? We have a teen and we are trying to find out if there are young Canadians or Americans living in Ecuador. Please anyone 🙏
@@jennys3482 Why couldn't your american or canadian teenager make friends with the local teenagers as expat teenagers from other countries make new friends with our local american & canadian teenagers here (and gradually learn English too)?
Hm...I've made up my mind....I'll chose Ecuador and, will chose a place to live when I'm there...and then visit all the places I don't live in Thanks for sharing 😊
@@proyectonuevo7487certainly wouldn't be a punishment....a little house, a boat and off course a marine iguana and a sleepy sealion - heaven on Earth 🥰
I think if you want to learn spanish, loja wins because not as many expats. If you like big expat community, Cuenca for sure. The main issue for me is loja is more difficult destination to get to.
Question: does Ecuador use the same electrical outlets as the U.S.? I am bringing my laptop and surge protector. Can they be plugged directly to wall outlets in Ecuador?
Yes, the electricity outlets/plugs in Ecuador is the exact same as in the US. However, if you go further south in South America, then they use 220v with different plugs. More than likely, your laptop can run just fine on 220v (check the adapter) -- you will just need a little adapter for the different plugs.
Just curious, but do you rent a place in the country? I'm currently in Cuenca (for the 3rd time) and wanted to find a place outside of the city center that's still somewhat accessible by public transit for groceries, etc.
@@dpavlovsky I live 10 minutes up in the Hills from Ordoñez Lasso/Gringolandia in a rural setting overlooking the city..I pay 200 a month for a house w Garden ..
I like both yet all depends on what you are after. Loja to me by far safer than Cuenca. Cuenca on the other hand more appealing to the expat community and closer to capital of Ecuador.
hi great stuff I am looking to buy a cheap beach house , here is what I am looking for , sunny , good fishing not much wind , safe, and since I am retired would spend dec to mai
Your overall diet and daily exercise routine would greatly (and naturally) improve in Ecuador anyway. Nonetheless, carbs (rice, potatoes, pasta, grains, legumes) are a regular feature in ecuadorian cuisine. The difference is that ecuadorians don't usually consume large meat portions in one sitting and most of their carbs are consumed as a part of their meals (not too much as in-between manufactured snacks like in the US), and they walk alot more within their cities than the average American. But just as in the US, your diet in Ecuador can be more keto if you eat more at home (controlling how little or how much carbs to eat, and when) than eating more at restaurants (where meals come with plenty of side carbs like rice, plantains, or potatoes, or legumes & veggies like lentils & cooked carrots, etc). Ecuadorian cuisine also includes soups and stews, usually containing potatoes and vegetables cooked within. In Ecuador you'd still have to avoid their own delicious "snacks" as well, such as ayaques (spelling?), muchines, batidos, and other local treats, which may be hard to resist when going out or when visiting with ecuadorian friends. But crab & other seafood is a regular (and inexpensive) part of their diet too, most especially in the coastal cities of the country, seafood being, I believe, great for a keto diet.
@@lvovodessa im from cuenca and i love medellin, medellin is beutyful you are going to love the people you feel is pure love the women wao they are the best all are perfect , but cuenca i say i love my city is very small compare to medellin but i thing i live in heaven!! sooo diferent
@@alexanderg8466 How do you know that Loja's water is chlorinated? My Google search indicated that it is not, and the water out of the tap does not smell of it.
A decade ago when we landed here we lived in Cuenca. Decided it was colder than we like so moved 1.5 hours south to Yunguilla almost 9 years ago. Considered Loja but the rain and cold deterred us. If we want some city time Cuenca is an easy drive. We rarely feel the need to visit the city
Mucho mejor Malacatos que Yunguilla
The great thing is there is airline service directly to Loja. From Quito to Loja on LATAM is a one-hour flight, nonstop, $66.
God bless you everybody
While you made a good effort, it's apples and oranges (to me). Like comparing Roanoke Virginia to Washington DC. If you want a big city; Cuenca, little city; Loja. Both have the arts. Biggest drawback to Loja is distance. Biggest drawback to Cuenca is expats and that it's a big city (but seems most like big cities, except me).
I grew up in the DC burbs, and Roanoke vs DC is like two different countries, culturally, LOL. I just arrived in Loja from Cuenca, and it is definitely a smaller town feel, less set up for gringos. That has its ups and downs I suppose. Cuenca also has a chlorinated water supply.
The ARTS, I INSIST on having the ARTS !!!
@@dannyho6786 Loja, then.
i lived in vilcabamba for years and jesus christ am I glad i'm out. Not much to do except hike and my spanish was so hindered due to so many english speakers around. Happily living in cuenca now and so excited to go ice skating soon 👍
I googled it - but couldn't find it. Can you please let me know the name of the ice-skating place? We arrive next week..I'd love to take my kids Ice skating!
@@travisbyrd9397 Sure! The place is called ICEBERG, its a bit far out the city, they play ice hockey regularly and are open on all days im pretty sure. Its $5 per person for an hour when i last checked on their facebook
@@travisbyrd9397 for me it comes up when you google "iceberg skating rink cuenca"
@@koiyo303 Found it. Thanks so much!
@@travisbyrd9397 no prob!
Well done
If you can speak Spanish well Loja requires it. -- So you get your money's worth in Cuenca + the ease of flying to Quito & to the US or elsewhere ! Where as Loja is isolated and no airport really with limited flights and often road closures due to mud slides even for bus travel........
I love Cuenca. I live in Cuenca. Is the bether city of Ecuador. Is wonderful and pacific...
Loja es muy segura
I have been to Cuenca and had problems with the elevation. If I go back I would like to try the Loja/Vilcabamba area.
What symptoms did you experience? Was considering Cuenca, but have asthma
I live in Loja and the few times I've been in Cuenca I realized that there are many people (downside), but you are right Cuenca is more beautiful and better overall. Loja and vilcabamba I feel is more family and old people's place
Viva mi loja
I am an "old" person of 75 but very active playing tennis. Since you live there could you confirm the existence of public tennis courts in your wonderful city?
Where would you say are more teenagers or young people moving with their families? We have a teen and we are trying to find out if there are young Canadians or Americans living in Ecuador. Please anyone 🙏
Well, I’m “old”, so, I’ll fit right in. Lol.
@@jennys3482 Why couldn't your american or canadian teenager make friends with the local teenagers as expat teenagers from other countries make new friends with our local american & canadian teenagers here (and gradually learn English too)?
Hm...I've made up my mind....I'll chose Ecuador and, will chose a place to live when I'm there...and then visit all the places I don't live in
Thanks for sharing 😊
Come and live in galapagos hehe
@@proyectonuevo7487certainly wouldn't be a punishment....a little house, a boat and off course a marine iguana and a sleepy sealion - heaven on Earth 🥰
From everything I’ve heard, Loja is cleaner, safer and has fewer street dogs.
i sure come to cuenca is another place you are going to love but is very high nothing more
What about cuenca and zamora??
Says Cuenca has a little more things to do after saying Loja won that category.
Yep. Things to do within the city more I Cuenca I meant. In surrounding areas Loja.
Mejor Loja por los valles que hay al rededor de la ciudad.
I think if you want to learn spanish, loja wins because not as many expats. If you like big expat community, Cuenca for sure. The main issue for me is loja is more difficult destination to get to.
Does the sun ever shine in ecuador?
I would guess that more people speak English in Cuenca.
True.
Question: does Ecuador use the same electrical outlets as the U.S.? I am bringing my laptop and surge protector. Can they be plugged directly to wall outlets in Ecuador?
Yes.
Yes, the electricity outlets/plugs in Ecuador is the exact same as in the US. However, if you go further south in South America, then they use 220v with different plugs. More than likely, your laptop can run just fine on 220v (check the adapter) -- you will just need a little adapter for the different plugs.
@@boink800 thanks very much for your help.
Ambas son hermosas
I’d love to see rental options. Where should I look.
Olx is the craigslist here. Or Facebook marketplace
I live in the country outside of Cuenca..Loja is definitely NOT comparable to Cuenca.way more to do..I take the bus to Cuenca in 30 min I m there..
Just curious, but do you rent a place in the country? I'm currently in Cuenca (for the 3rd time) and wanted to find a place outside of the city center that's still somewhat accessible by public transit for groceries, etc.
@@dpavlovsky I live 10 minutes up in the Hills from Ordoñez Lasso/Gringolandia in a rural setting overlooking the city..I pay 200 a month for a house w Garden ..
@@ecuadorexpat8558 That's an awesome price! Any suggestions on finding something similar?
I like both yet all depends on what you are after. Loja to me by far safer than Cuenca. Cuenca on the other hand more appealing to the expat community and closer to capital of Ecuador.
hi great stuff I am looking to buy a cheap beach house , here is what I am looking for , sunny , good fishing not much wind , safe, and since I am retired would spend dec to mai
Olon perhaps?
Great short video! Question: would it be difficult to eat a Keto (low carb) diet in Ecuador?
Your overall diet and daily exercise routine would greatly (and naturally) improve in Ecuador anyway. Nonetheless, carbs (rice, potatoes, pasta, grains, legumes) are a regular feature in ecuadorian cuisine. The difference is that ecuadorians don't usually consume large meat portions in one sitting and most of their carbs are consumed as a part of their meals (not too much as in-between manufactured snacks like in the US), and they walk alot more within their cities than the average American. But just as in the US, your diet in Ecuador can be more keto if you eat more at home (controlling how little or how much carbs to eat, and when) than eating more at restaurants (where meals come with plenty of side carbs like rice, plantains, or potatoes, or legumes & veggies like lentils & cooked carrots, etc). Ecuadorian cuisine also includes soups and stews, usually containing potatoes and vegetables cooked within.
In Ecuador you'd still have to avoid their own delicious "snacks" as well, such as ayaques (spelling?), muchines, batidos, and other local treats, which may be hard to resist when going out or when visiting with ecuadorian friends. But crab & other seafood is a regular (and inexpensive) part of their diet too, most especially in the coastal cities of the country, seafood being, I believe, great for a keto diet.
Does Loja have public tennis courts?
no but cuenca yes
Yes
Tennis, Tennis, Tennis.......I must have Tennis !!!
Si hay canchas de tenis
Would you choose Medellin over Cuenca?! 🇨🇴 VS 🇪🇨
If you single yes...real talk. Otherwise Cuenca.
Most people choose Medellín over Cuenca, and not only younger people but also pensioners once they know what Medellín has to offer.
@@lvovodessa im from cuenca and i love medellin, medellin is beutyful you are going to love the people you feel is pure love the women wao they are the best all are perfect , but cuenca i say i love my city is very small compare to medellin but i thing i live in heaven!! sooo diferent
The water is a big one for me. Cuenca's supply is chlorinated, and Loja's is not.
you are wrong, but I agree that Cuenca's quality of water is the best of Ecuador
@@alexanderg8466 Wrong about Cuenca's water being chlorinated, or about Loja's water not being chlorinated?
@@davidc1961utube Loja's water not being chlorinated
@@alexanderg8466 How do you know that Loja's water is chlorinated? My Google search indicated that it is not, and the water out of the tap does not smell of it.
@@davidc1961utube dude I live in Loja, wake up early in the morning a you will see a very white water.