Articles

Which hospital do you go to in an emergency in Cuenca? How much does the ER cost? A quick reference guide to Cuenca's hospitals, clinics, and emergency services for expats.

How to get around Cuenca, Ecuador without a car — or with one. A complete guide to the tram, city buses, taxis, ride apps, and whether you should bother driving.

Comparing private health insurance in Ecuador? Here's a breakdown of the major providers — BMI, Humana, Confiamed, Ecuasanitas, and more — with costs, coverage, and which plans work best for expats.

Choosing where to live in Cuenca? A neighborhood-by-neighborhood guide covering rent prices, walkability, safety, vibe, and which areas suit retirees vs. remote workers vs. families.

Everything expats need to know about IESS (Ecuador's public health insurance) in 2026 — enrollment, costs, what's covered, appointment wait times, and whether it's worth it vs. private insurance.

A merchant kidnapped in Loja on March 10 was rescued Friday night in a coordinated police operation spanning Cuenca and Loja. Three suspects arrested, including a minor. The case is a reminder that while Cuenca remains safe, the kidnapping trend in Ecuador hasn't gone away.

GDP growing at 2%, inflation at just 1.5%, a new US trade deal boosting exports, and the basic salary up to $482/month. Here's what Ecuador's 2026 economy actually looks like — and why it matters if you live here.

The new Hospital Municipal de El Valle opened February 1 with 31 specialties, 24/7 emergency care, and an $8 million investment. It serves 78,000+ residents across six rural parishes — many of them popular with expats.

Hospital Vicente Corral Moscoso's budget has been slashed from $49 million to potentially under $31 million. Emergency rooms have less than 50% of essential medications. Doctors are sounding alarms. Here's the situation and what it means for expats.