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Recommendations
Among those of us living in Ecuador, the IESS is often talked about as the ultimate safety net. There’s a common assumption that while we can handle everyday checkups privately, the public system will be there to catch us when things get heavy—major surgeries, long hospital stays, or treatments that would otherwise wipe out our savings.
And the truth is, sometimes it works exactly like that.
We all know someone who went through a complex procedure or a serious emergency at an IESS hospital and came out relieved, well-cared for, and without a massive bill. In those moments, the system does exactly what it’s built for. The medical teams are highly skilled, the care is substantial, and families avoid financial ruin.
But we have to be honest: that’s only one side of the coin.
Many others hit a “reality check” the moment hospital-level care is required. You’ll hear about urgent surgeries being pushed back, “no beds available,” or a specific surgical supply that’s suddenly out of stock. As the days pass, families are often told that if they buy certain medications or materials themselves, things might finally start moving.
For an expat, this is a tough pill to swallow. On paper, you’re covered. In reality, timing is everything, and waiting isn’t always an option. Many end up switching to private care—not because they want to pay twice, but because they feel they have no other choice.
In our community, both stories circulate: the flawless surgery and the stressful delay that forced someone back into the private sector. Both stories are real.
The bottom line? The IESS can be a powerful financial shield for major medical issues, but it isn’t always predictable.
In Part 2, we’ll dive into how these realities shape the way many of us choose to balance public and private healthcare here in Ecuador.
Contact information:
If you are filing for a Temporary/Permanent visa, I offer a 100% money back guarantee. That’s right. If I don’t get you your visa, you pay nothing. My name is Isabel Mosquera. I am an Ecuadorian, who studied and lived in Canada for many years. I have been a Visa Facilitator for over 7 years and have assisted more than two hundred and fifty Expats in obtaining their Visas, Temporary and Permanent, Cedulas, Translations, Health Insurance, housing and much more. These services are available as one fee package or individually. I own a car, so transportation is always included at no extra charge. I have always gotten my clients their Visas, even under the most difficult of circumstances, such as unreadable fingerprints for FBI reports. Have you moved to Ecuador without the required documents? Don’t worry, I can help. I offer free consultations, either by telephone, email or in person. I am at the Immigration office on a very regular basis, so I am knowledgeable about all recent changes in the law and am happy to share my knowledge with you. I will be happy to provide you with references.
I look forward to serving you.
Isabel Mosquera
0999603663
Contact information:
After a quick holiday break, Anubis Restaurant is reopening its doors this Friday.
The flavor and passion have returned! Most importantly, Chef Marlon is back in the kitchen crafting the dishes you love. 👨🍳🔥
📍 Where? 12 de Octubre and Gonzalo Pizarro. Cuenca, Ecuador.
🗓️ When? This Friday, January 9th.
✨ What to expect? An unforgettable dining experience.
Starting this Friday, you can also enjoy our delicious menu from the comfort of your home by placing your orders at: 🌐 www.anubisrestaurant.com
Contact information:
Tell your American/Canadian family & friends to visit you in Cuenca by getting their Dental Work done at a 60-80% discount in comparison to the insane costs in North America, plus always American standards at “Smilehealth Ecuador Dental Clinic”, including only the best materials and a 100% guarantee too 🦷 (send them the link to or a photo of this exact announcement)!
Whether you personally reside here in Cuenca (and still in any case for your visiting American/Canadian family & friends), you & they will at each visit receive “FREE High Speed Wi-Fi & Cold Bottled Water” at ‘Smilehealth Ecuador Dental Clinic’, for ALL types of patients’ Dental needs, as it’s our gift 💯!!
Click on the following recent CuencaHighLife (‘CHL’) article to see why “Smilehealth Ecuador Dental Clinic” is the very best Dental option for you, plus your visiting American/Canadian family & friends 🌟!!!: https://cuencahighlife.com/do-you-need-dental-work-how-about-a-vacation-you-can-have-both-with-this-dental-clinic-in-cuenca/
Adam Elliot Altholtz ("Smilehealth Ecuador Dental Clinic")
Adam Elliot Altholtz serves as the Administrator & Patient Coordinator of the “Smilehealth Ecuador Dental Clinic” in Cuenca, Ecuador, and for purposes of discussing your Dental needs or questions, is available via email at info@smilehealthecuador.com and via the Dental Clinic’s fully comprehensive and detailed website smilehealthecuador.com for you to visit at any time of day or night. Plus, you can reach Adam directly by WhatsApp at +593 98 392 9606 or by his US phone number of 1‐(941)‐227‐0114, and the Dental Clinic’s Ecuador phone number for local Expats residing in Cuenca is 07‐410‐8745. See Adam’s articles.
Finally, Adam, as your fellow Expat and friendly Administrator of this Expat-serving Dental Clinic in Cuenca, is always glad to make 100% FREE ($0.00) recommendations to Expats (REGARDLESS of whether they're a patient of the Dental Clinic) for the best and most qualified ENGLISH-SPEAKING Professionals in Cuenca, in paying it forward to assist you with planning your best possible trip and maybe even the rest of your life in beautiful Ecuador!
Contact information:
More images and booking directly through AirBnb at: airbnb.com/h/la-casita-cuenca
Enjoy our private 2-bedroom “casita” in a secure, gated community. You get a full kitchen, secure parking, and access to a large, beautiful shared yard.
The space
Escape to our charming and private 2-bedroom “casita” (little house), securely tucked away inside a quiet, gated community. This cozy guesthouse is your perfect home base, offering the privacy of a separate building with access to a beautiful, expansive garden.
It’s the ideal spot for a solo traveler, a couple, or a couple with one child.
This standalone guesthouse is fully self-contained:
Two Bedrooms: One bedroom features a comfortable double bed, and the second bedroom has a twin bed.
Full Kitchen & Dining: Prepare your own meals in the kitchen, equipped with a stove, refrigerator, microwave, and coffee maker. Enjoy your food at the spacious wooden dining table.
Full Bathroom: A clean, functional bathroom with a shower. (Important Layout Note: The bathroom is an ensuite, and you must walk through the main (double) bedroom to access it. For this reason, the casita is perfect for a family or couple, but may not be ideal for friends or travelers who require separate bathroom privacy.)
Cozy Vibe: With its warm wood furnishings and quiet setting, the casita feels like your own private cottage.
Guest access
Our property is a small, private compound with three houses, all located within a secure gated community.
Contact information:
This is a nice opportunity to buy and own a nice eco-lodge situated on an upper Amazon basin (950 meters over the sea), and scattered in our reserve (sanctuary of birds and butterflies), with an unbeatable view over the “Sangay” National Park, Sangay, Altares, Chimborazo Tungurahua Volcanoes, and “Pastaza and Puyo” Rivers.
The eco-lodge has 25 rooms for simple, double and triple occupancy plus 48 hectares (160 acres) of virgin rainforest, 30 Km from Puyo city, km 14 route to Pomona town, Pastaza Province, Ecuador South America.
Please see our web page: www.altosdelpastazalodge.com where you can see our videos y photo gallery that show our eco lodge and reserve
Those with a genuine interest in this Ecuador Amazon Eco-lodge and unique profit and environmental opportunity should contact for terms and price at boaltosdelpastazareservelo@gmail.com WhatsApp +593-984184069
Contact information:
What an opportunity! Take advantage now of a great home on the beach in Ecuador. Fresh seafood an excellent walking beach a pool and comes completely furnished too all at a very affordable price. This house was built to North American standards. All plugs are grounded. PVC double pane insulated windows. It even comes with a beach car.
Contact information:
Recently it has been verified that many have lost the opportunity to be regular in Ecuador due to bad information received by some facilitators.
The Visa process is a legal issue that must be carefully handled and processed and strictly adhered to the law.
Questions? Don’t hesitate to ask.
Dra. Lina Ulloa
Immigration, Civil and Constitutional Lawyer
Email: uz.asesoresecuador@gmail.com
Address: Av. Jose Peralta 1-19 and Av. 12 de Abril, Acropolis Building, 3rd Floor, office 312.
Telephone numbers: (07) 410-3588 or 098-420-5336
Contact information:
Hi, my name is Sandra. I am offering online tutoring services to individuals of different levels of Spanish via Google Meets.
I am a passionate tutor; I teach through practice and for my lessons I use the Eclectic method which is a language teaching technique that combines various approaches and methods depending on the objectives and the abilities of the students. Therefore, I always adapt my lessons to the needs, learning styles and interests of each student. You just need to tell me if you need help in grammar, pronunciation, vocabulary, writing or conversation.
I have experience teaching Spanish to foreigners living in Ecuador and abroad, so I know very well the challenges that come with learning a new language, but don’t let yourself be intimidated, I can help you.
Please do not hesitate to contact me for more information (rates, schedules, etc.) and if you wish we can have a 30-minute free session.
Contact information:
If you have completed or are about to complete 21 months with the Temporary Visa, you are now eligible to apply for the permanent residence visa, one of the most important requirements is:
Not having left Ecuador for more than 90 days during the 21-month period of your Temporary Visa, these 90 days may have been used continuously or discontinuously.
For more information contact:
DR. LINA ULLOA
uz.asesoresecuador@gmail.com
uz.servicios@gmail.com
UZ Asesores Ecuador
Ecuador Cía. Ltda.
Ave. José Peralta 1-119 and Ave. 12 de Abril – Acrópolis Building – Office #312
410 3588
www.facebook.com/UZasesor/es – UZ Asesores Ecuador CIA. LTDA.
Contact information:
Cuenca Salmon has been serving the people of Cuenca for 10 years. Order from our website and receive delivery to your door M-S. We receive fresh salmon every two weeks from Chile. All our products are professionally vacuum packed
We also stock:
• Rainbow Trout
• Smoked Salmon
• Smoked Trout
• Dorado (Mahi Mahi)
• Paiche (Amazonian Fresh Water Fish)
• Tilapia
• Robalo (Snook)
• Wahoo (Ono)
• Shrimp
*Scallops
*Red Tuna
*Swordfish (Special order)
*Lobster Tails ( Special order)
• Grouper (Special order)
*Lamb
*Smoked Sausages
Shop 24/7 on our website http://www.cuencasalmon.com
**** All website orders over $50 will receive an Anniversary T-Shirt, 100 grams of Smoked Salmon Mousse, 100 grams Smoked Salmon and free delivery – a $28.50 value ****
Contact information:
Our facility offers long-term care services for senior citizens in a small, quiet facility in Barrio La Florida, Vilcabamba. We also offer short-term care with day rates for those recovering from surgery, hospitalization, or other injury.
We have six private rooms (please contact for current availability), three with private baths, all comfortably appointed with large windows and natural light. There’s an open-air dining room, a garden area, and a comfortable lounge where residents can socialize.
The facility is run by Sonia Capa, a certified nurse and physical therapist, with on-site medical care provided by a physician. The staff prepare nutritious meals to suit each person’s taste and dietary needs. We also offer physical and occupational therapy, as well as group activities.
The Residencia offers complete care for every level of infirmity, including those who are wheelchair bound, bedridden, or incontinent.
Come visit and take a tour to see our facilities and meet our amazing staff. Call to speak to someone in Spanish and send an email for a response in English. Your family is our priority!
Contact information:
ALL CATEGORIES OF TEMPORARY VISA HAVE NO RESTRICTION OF STAY IN ECUADOR. To apply and to obtain the Permanent Visa, the Law in art. 63 establishes that the foreigner must stay 21 continuous months in Ecuador. On this continuity, the Regulation to the Law in art. 84 in the last paragraph, grants the foreigner 90 days to be outside the country within the two years of temporary residence.
For more information, contact Dr. Lina Ulloa at:
Email: uz.asesoresecuador@gmail.com, or uz.servicios@gmail.com
Av. Jose Peralta 1-19 and Av. 12 de Abril, Acropolis Building, 3rd Floor, office #312.
TELEPHONE NUMBERS: (07) 410-3588/098-420-5336
Contact information:
Hola, buenos Dias. I currently live in Florida and will be retiring in March 2027. Cuenca is on my short list and I am planning a trip in July 2026 to get a feel for the city. Is there a good way to meet expats already living in Cuenca during my visit? I’d be glad to take people out to coffee or a meal to talk about your experiences. Thanks in advance for anyone interested. Que tengan un día maravilloso.
Contact information:
Starting a new chapter in Cuenca is easier when your home is safe and well-prepared.
At C&M Electrical & Electronic Installations, we provide dependable electrical and security solutions designed to give you confidence and comfort from day one. Whether you need a simple repair or a full installation, our team works cleanly, safely, and explains every step.
With more than 30 years of experience, we are known for quality workmanship and reliable service you can trust.
✔️ Residential electrical installations
✔️ Space air conditioning and climate control services.
✔️ Lighting upgrades and power outlets
✔️ Electrical panels and maintenance
✔️ Security cameras, alarms, and electric fences
📞 0998540530 / 0998368337
📍 Av. de los Conquistadores y Bartolomé Ruiz, one block from Urbano
Professional service. Clear communication. Peace of mind at home.
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What happens to your donations of clothing and household items at Hogar de Esperanza? First and foremost, your donations are provided directly to individuals and families in our community who are most in need. We carefully ensure that each item reaches someone for whom it will make a meaningful difference.
Any additional items that remain after these direct donations are sold in our Esperanza Thrift Shop. All proceeds from sales at the thrift shop go directly back into supporting Hogar de Esperanza’s vital programs and services, continuing our mission to assist those facing poverty, illness, and other challenging situations.
Are you moving soon—whether across town, to another city, or perhaps returning to your home country? Do you have items left over after your moving sale or belongings you simply can’t take with you? Let us help you turn these extra items into powerful support for those in need.
We gladly accept all types of donations. You can drop off your items at the Expat Services Center, located at 9-78 Juan Montalvo, between Bolivar and Gran Colombia, Monday through Friday, from 9 AM to 4:30 PM.
We also offer convenient pick-up services for your donations. To schedule a pick-up or inquire further, please contact us—we’re here to make it easy for you to make a difference.
Contact information:
Why choose Easy Visas-Cuenca – because we make the process of obtaining your temporary and permanent visas easy. Additionally, we provide services for visa transfers, citizenship, document translations and obtaining required documents from the USA.
You will find that our services are:
Professional:
a. We will meet personally with you, at an agreed neutral location in Cuenca, to respond to your visa questions. Your questions will be answered, and if we do not have the answer, we will find it and report back to you.
b. We will provide a clear understanding of our respective responsibilities, as to who needs to do what.
c. We will be by your side, and act as an advocate on your behalf; you will never be alone in obtaining your visa and cedula.
d. We will provide guidance and assistance in obtaining required government documentation.
e. We will review the documentation we obtain and will direct you on how to correct any errors prior to submission.
If you want an easier process in obtaining your visa and cedula, please feel free to reach out to us.
Contact information:
Many insurance plans use a “network”—a limited list of doctors you’re allowed to see. The plans I provide are different. We believe your healthcare decisions should be made by you and your doctor, not by an insurance company’s list. That’s why our plans have no restrictive networks. You have the freedom to choose any licensed doctor or hospital in Ecuador.
This philosophy extends to your recovery. After a hip replacement, for instance, we don’t put arbitrary limits on physical therapy; we cover the sessions you actually need. The same goes for cardiac therapy, pulmonary therapy, and more. Your care should be determined by your health needs, not by a number in a policy.
It’s a different approach to insurance, one built on trust and true freedom of choice.
Click here to know more about us: https://cuencaexpatinsurance.com/
Contact information:
In order to buy real estate in Ecuador it is important to know that the purchase can only be made through a Public Deed granted by sellers and buyers in a Notary’s office in Ecuador. After the purchase-sale deed is granted at the Notary’s Office, it must be entered in the Property Registry so that the purchase is registered in the name of the buyers.
It is necessary to be aware that if you want to buy real estate, a private contract won’t work even if you have witnesses signing with the buyers and sellers since the law establishes that the only valid document that demonstrates an act of purchase and sale of real estate or a vehicle is through a public deed in the case of real estate; and, contract in the case of vehicles, granted in any Notary of Ecuador.
If you need more information, please contact Dr. Lina Ulloa or Attorney Jose Zamora at the following email addresses:
uz.asesoresecuador@gmail.com
uz.servicios@gmail.com
Contact information:
There is a new visa category for persons working online. It gives the opportunity to foreigners who have a job under a sponsor relationship or business owners.
For more information, contact Dra. Lina Ulloa at:
Email: uz.asesoresecuador@gmail.com,
Address: Av. Jose Peralta 1-19 and Av. 12 de Abril, Acropolis Building, 3rd Floor, office 312.
Telephone numbers: (07) 410-3588 or 098-420-5336
Contact information: