Thanks to all who have shared their great recommendations with us – I thought I’d pass on our own feedback for two great overnight trips from Cuenca:
1) Hacienda Chan Chan (45 minutes from Cuenca)
2) Hosteria Izhcayluma (Vilcabamba, 4-6 hours from Cuenca)
1) Hacienda Chan Chan is primarily a dairy farm in the mountains outside of Cuenca, run by a well-traveled American family (fellow Returned Peace Corps Volunteers!). They have constructed guest houses on their property so you can enjoy a peaceful getaway in nature.
Manuel is an amazing craftsman who has provided his talents for a few of our friends. After finding a photo on the Internet of a chair we liked, we sent it to him and asked if he could replicate it. It does have lots of curves and bars in the back. He said, “It will be a challenge, but I can do it.”
When he delivered the chairs, we were amazed. They were like they were pulled straight out of the photo we provided: truly identical.
We highly recommend Manuel for custom furniture.
Address: Cuenca
Contact information: manuelservice335@gmail.com 96 273 9781
Recommended by Ryan James: drryanjames@gmail.com
I have used Daniela for seven years and she has proven to be a reliable and thorough maid. She drives and has a car and can do light errands. She is on Facebook and WhatsApp.
Address: Cuenca
Contact information: 99 537 8546
Recommended by Wendell Thoene: 099 232 0178
Need assistance with shopping and other services?
Count on Daniela Velez!
Native of Cuenca
Great References
English Speaking
Reference for Daniela Velez:
For seven years, Daniela has been a helpful and loyal friend. A native of Cuenca, Daniela speaks English and drives her own vehicle.
A few weeks ago, my whole body was really hurting so I decided to see Jerri, masseuse extraordinaire. You ask why do I say that? Because since she has great knowledge of the human physiology and did put this knowledge to work on my body which, after seeing her a few times, I am feeling like my old self.
I cannot thank you enough Jerri and she can do the same wonderful things to you if you go see her. Make an appointment today.
Address: 6-54 Roberto Crespo y Miguel Moreno, 1st floor
Contact information: gr8fire@hotmail.com
Recommended by George Fedyna: gfedyna@yahoo.com
Leo is an ex-taxi driver who knows Cuenca and surrounds very well. He will be your personal driver anywhere you want to go; he does pick up and drop to Guayaquil or Loja. Leo is also a great helper; through the last few years of coping with an illness, I don’t know what I would have done without him. He is an adviser, if you want it; he can get your shopping; do gardening with great help from his lovely wife, Margui; he has made wooden gates for me, helped me pack to move, dealt with plumbing disasters and more. He speaks English very well having lived and worked in USA; he is prompt and best of all, he is totally honest. I can’t recommend Leo too highly. I would add his lovely very smart wife, Margui, who often helps, but is also a skilled seamstress – does repairs and makes clothes to your specification. A great couple and a great find.
Address: Cuenca and surrounds
Contact information: 099 772 9691
Recommended by Pamela Storer: 096 398 5529
I cannot recommend Constructora Andromeda highly enough. They built a cabin for me at The Oasis Center in Jadan (This is in no way a recommendation for the center, I will do a separate recommendation for that in the future), and the cabin is almost a work of art. Mauricio gave me a quote and stuck with it. The cabin was completed in a timely manner, and everyone who has seen it remarks on the high-quality materials used and the craftsmanship. His brother, Augusto, worked in the US and these brothers know how to deliver a completed home, fulfilling US standards. This is a family business and they take pride in their work. Their nephew, Wilson, is on the sales team and speaks English.
Five, 5 star recommendations
Cristian has 25+ years’ experience in appliance repairs with Whirlpool and then he has been an independent businessman for several years. I have used his help for about three years.
Where other repairmen replace parts (OEM) that last just months to maybe a year, Cristian will reprogram the existing parts for better and longer lasting results. He is clean, logical, fast and very reliable.
We hosted a guest from the US who needed a Covid-19 PCR prior to departure. I messaged the lab and received confirmation in English for an in-home test the following morning. Two technicians arrived as scheduled and took the sample using excellent technique, and the results were emailed the same afternoon. $47 including house call. You may walk in to the location on Paucarbamba if desired. Highly recommend!
Address: Manuel J Calle 1-145 y Paucarbamba, Cuenca
Contact information: 099 828 5188
Recommended by Marshall and Nadine Devall: marshallandnadinedevall@gmail.com
I had been looking for a round mirror to fill a spot in my home. I found several plain ones, but I wanted one with character. I found one that I fell in love with at a high-end furniture store but it was much more than I wanted to pay. I took a photo and started searching for a carpenter to make it for me. Walking down 12 de Abril (near the Los Nogales center where Juan Marcet is) I found Carlos working away in a little shop. I showed him the photo of the mirror and gave him my dimensions, we agreed on a price and I walked away with my fingers crossed that all would come out the way I had envisioned. When I picked it up, it was exactly what I wanted, I could not be happier!
Carols and his brother do fantastic work, are the nicest guys and finished exactly when they promised.
Note: they don’t speak English – but all is good with Google translate!
Mirror is much larger than it looks in the photo (35” in diameter)
Carlos Geovanny – 099 898 3629 WhatsApp
Address: 12 de Abril y Guayas
Recommended by Tammy Lowe: 098 888 5937
I highly recommend Christian for painting your home. He uses Sherwin Williams paint, stops by for a free estimate and you pick your colors. He set up our appointment for the next day. We painted our bedroom and highlighted our skylight. Prices were reasonable and he was flawless. He removed all the furniture and covered everything else. Then, he put everything back. He’s very talented. If you want to freshen something up for the holidays, you won’t be sorry that you chose Christian. He also does general construction for your further needs.
Address: faceconstructios@gmailcom 099 573 4584
Recommended by Jennifer Cory: jcory1984@gmail.com
Fausto is very professional. His workmanship is impeccable and prices are reasonable, far better than any retail store here in Cuenca. He worked with me on choosing fabrics and styles. I contacted him while I was still in the United States, before my move to Cuenca so he could start before my arrival. I couldn’t be more pleased with the sofa, upholstered bed and sofa bed that he made for me. He delivered everything on time. I would not hesitate to use his services again and I highly recommend him for any furniture needs. He also has a catalog.
Address: Cuenca, Ecuador, you can find him on Facebook
Contact information: +1 593 892 2531
Recommended by Sabrina J Ramirez: sjramirez7799@gmail.com
Hi, My name is Amy Sindicic. I am new to Cuenca. I arrived in May of 2021. I have gotten serious results with my personal trainer, Jose Cabeza.
Please see below a before and after photo. The before photo was taken 3-years ago with my first personal trainer with whom I lost 25 lbs. in 6 months. He got angry when I took meds and gained weight and so I stopped working out till I met Jose Cabeza in May 2021, weighing 282. After 5 months of training 3 times a week, my weight was 238. I started taking meds again and gained 5 lbs. in a week. Jose designed a diet and my weight is below 236.
Address: Home visit or gym of your preference
Contact information: Jgbs.fitness@gmail.com 098 708 4339
Recommended by Amy Sindicic: 095 873 7723
Recently had a problem with my Casio G-Shock electric watch. I took it to Manuel Yungo at Pare Aguirre 6-38 and waited as he opened the watch, diagnosed the problem, and resolved the issue. A few days later I returned with my Helbros electric watch which had recently had a battery installed and would only run for 40 minutes. I left the watch with Manuel and returned in 90 minutes to see the watch running. Manuel handed me the battery which had recently been installed and a small piece of metal that was inside the watch.
His work ethic is outstanding. If you don’t speak Spanish, use Google Translate to compose a note and hand it to Manuel when you arrive and hand him your watch.
Address: 6-38 Padre Aguirre. This is one half block before the San Francisco Market and is on a one-way street
Contact information: 098 834 7378
Recommended by Richard Mateyko: redbell20j@hotmail.com
I have used Leonardo at least 5 times to update my pants wardrobe. His work is excellent (as is his English), his prices are very reasonable, and he’s revived clothing I thought was headed for the garbage can! He comes to your house; no need to take your clothing anywhere. He also makes men’s and women’s suits and shirts. He’s gotten rave reviews in the past on GringoPost–deservedly so.
Address: Cuenca
Contact information: leltommtrajes@hotmail.com 099 988 1633
Recommended by Bobette Jones: bobettejane@yahoo.com
I went to a friend’s party here in Cuenca last weekend and was surprised by how they were serving great vodka, rum, gin but with really bad mixers. The following week I attended another get together but our host had pre-ordered already mixed drinks. Mixed by a professional bartender in already mixed glass bottles. I found the cocktails to be delicious. The classics: Cosmopolitan, White Lady and Mai Tai and others. My favorite was the Oreo creamy liquer, the best after dinner drink ever. I was so impressed, I ordered every type of drink they sold, just to have them on hand whenever I had unexpected guests.
(more…)An interesting thing happened to me the other day. I was supposed to meet friends at Ta’Lico, a Chinese restaurant across from Hotel Oro Verde for lunch, but for some reason the others ended up at a neighboring Chinese restaurant and I ended up sharing lunch with Ta’Lico’s owner all by myself.
Another interesting thing is that many years ago I lived and worked in China for a year and I developed a great love of Chinese cuisine.
I was fortunate to be referred to Kelly Cordova, Abogada, working as a lawyer in Loja and her associates at Cordova and Asociados Servicios Legales.
Honesty, professionalism, integrity. All watchwords and standards for Kelly and her organization.
Kelly assisted me with obtaining my temporary visa in record time with the Cedula following shortly afterwards. I have not had the need yet but Cordova and Asociados Servicios Legales also specialize in:
It’s that time of year for Colada Morada and Sra. María makes the best. She also makes humitas and other delightful treats. You can have these great foods delivered to your house by Sra. María herself. Please contact her via WhatsApp at 098 527 9571.
Address: Cuenca
Recommended by Kim Curls: curlskim@hotmail.com
Incredible atmosphere and customer service with true certified master stylist and colorist.
Address: Mariscal Lamar 8-27 and Luis Cordero
Contact information: 099 138 0607
Recommended by George G: nomadindustrialconstruction@gmail.com
We recently completed a four-day tour to Soraguro, Loja, Vilcabamba and Zamora using Olger’s services. Olger has arranged many tours over the years for a number of clients. Andre can arrange “canned” tours where everything is carefully planned out, or “al la carte” trips where you make arrangements on the go.
Our trip was more or less a hybrid. We had some prearranged stops with accommodations, and some of the activities were on the go.
Accommodations and activities are selected based on your particular likes and budgets. Olger spent many years in the US, and he understands how we expats think, what we like and don’t like. He can provide valuable insights into what you are experiencing. His English is excellent.
My wife and I look forward to our next trip with Olger.
Address: Cuenca, EC
Contact information: 098 431 5433
Recommended by Doug Greenlee: djgreenlee@yahoo.com
Pan Artesanal La Danesa is a wonderful Danish bakery, run by the professional baker, Vibeke Moberg. She makes all kinds of breads, dinner rolls, muffins, and pies and cakes, too.
Vibeke does a spectacular rye bread (with seeds or without), perfect for soups for dinner on a cold evening. She can also do a regular whole wheat loaf with yeast, and a delicious sour dough.
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