This year, give a gift that truly speaks from the heart: original artwork!

Surprise your loved ones with a one-of-a-kind piece they’ll cherish for a lifetime — and support local and international artists at the same time.

To wrap up 2025, we’re celebrating with a spectacular Holiday Art Fair featuring huge discounts on original work by our resident artists, plus stunning pieces from various international artists from Israel, Ukraine, Peru, Ecuador, Canada, and the United States — with up to 50% off selected works!

We also have some incredible raffle prizes!

● Host a Free Private Event at idiomARTE

● Free Spanish Classes (choose from any of our courses)

● Free Art Class Circuit (painting with Alberto Soriano, drawing with Cristian León, ceramic with Candy Sugarman)!

●Raffle tickets are on sale now, and the winner will be announced during the fair. (Tickets are $3 each or 2 for $5)

Saturday, December 20

11 AM – 4 PM

Free entrance.

We’ll also have complimentary refreshments all day long. As a bonus, Scott Cushing will be there to sign his incredible photography book, “Light . Stories of Humanity”. Also, our dear friend, Melissa Perez-Singer will have a booth filled with delicious gourmet chocolates and Claus will stop by, plus we’ll have some live music and art demonstrations. This is a day to stay and play with us!

Want a little preview? Come by any time before the fair, explore the galleries, and get a sneak peek at the pieces you won’t want to miss during this one-day-only holiday art sale!

Regular Hours:

Monday – Friday: 11 AM – 5 PM

Saturday: 11 AM – 3 PM

Only at idiomARTE: Where creativity connects us

idiomARTE, res@idiomartcuenca.com

City: Cuenca

Kit Thornton’s acting class returns to Cuenca on January 13th. Make new friends, learn about acting (and about yourself), and open new creative vistas–what better way to kick off the new year? Graduates have acted on and worked behind the ACT stage. Full details, including registration, dates, and cost (just $25) available at http://www.actseats.com/classes.

New registrant Elizabeth Pruitt notes, “Acting can build confidence, improve speaking skills, and increase creativity. Also, it’s fun! I’m so looking forward to challenging myself in this new way.”

We strongly recommend registering now, before the holiday rush, to secure a seat.

ACT, actseats@gmail.com

Address: Antonio Vega Munoz between Esteves de Toral y Colonel Talbot,
Cuenca, Ecuador

​Hello and warm regards! I’m Alex Arregui, your dedicated Naturalist Guide and Marine Biologist.

​If you are dreaming of a truly unforgettable adventure, one that goes far beyond the typical tourist path, you’ve come to the right place.

Imagine exploring the legendary Galápagos Islands with an expert who has spent 30 years living, researching, and breathing this archipelago—from my time as a Charles Darwin Research Station Researcher (yes, I knew Lonesome George!) to earning my UK Master’s degree.

​This is your chance to turn a vacation into a deep-dive ecological expedition.

​ What Makes This the Best Galápagos Experience?

​The Science-Backed Difference:

Don’t just see the islands; understand them. I offer unparalleled scientific insight, sharing the real story of evolution, botany, and conservation efforts that a standard tour simply can’t match.

​100% Customization and Comfort:

This is your dream trip, designed exactly for you! We build the perfect itinerary around your budget, pace, and style.

​Need to Avoid Rough Seas?

We specialize in incredible, expert-guided Land Tours, focusing on volcanoes, tortoise reserves, and stunning beaches, minimizing open-water boat travel.

​Savings and Value:

Traveling with friends or family?

Group bookings mean a lower cost per person, making this spectacular journey accessible.

​True Local Connection:

When you book with me, you are directly supporting the people and the future of the islands.

Your investment benefits local families and conservation efforts—it’s ecotourism you can truly feel good about!

​ Book Direct and Secure Your Wonder

​Stop waiting and start exploring!

Contact me today.

I promise a seamless, stress-free, and cheerful experience from the first chat to the final snorkel.

Let’s work together to draft a personalized itinerary and transparent quote for your perfect Galápagos adventure

Alex, http://www.alexguidesgalapagos.com; galapagosalex68@gmail.com, phone/WhatsApp: +593 99 351 5527

City: Cuenca 

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Thanks to all those guests that gave us their support throughout the year and during the polling weeks.

Restaurant Dining – Saturday, Dec. 20th …. Social hour starts 4:30 PM in the full bar, lounge and garden hosted by Angel, your friendly barrister, and Janet- famed photographer. Dinner at about 6 PM.

Take Out – pickup or delivery – Sunday, Dec. 21st. Take a break and leave the cooking to us. from 11:30 AM to 5 PM.

Complimentary Joes’ Onion rings served from 5- 5:30 PM (not included with take out orders)

Dinner includes …

BBQ St. Louis Ribs – the very best! Smoked slow and low over real wood after a hardy brine and rub process –

Pork Shoulder, Pulled Pork … hand rubbed with our custom seasonings, rested, slow smoked, mop sauced then finished on the chargrill and BBQ Grilled Sausages … that’s what’s cookin’ at Joes’ Secret Garden this week … or, as most seasoned expats call it, just plain Joes’ – “meet me at Joes’.”

included with your BBQ dinner …

Texas Style Baked Beans – in a tangy, sweet, and savory sauce.

KP’s House Recipe BBQ Sauce

Mom’s Potato Salad – there’s none any better …

Honey Corn Muffins – southern style

Dessert – Old Fashion Peach and Apple Cobbler with Sweet Cream…coffee and tea, of course!

$17.50 pp.

What a dinner, what a deal!

You’ll soon see why voters choose Joes’ Secret Garden as Cuenca’s best.

Not into barbecue this week?

We offer our popular Herb and Garlic, Rosemary Oven Roasted Chicken as an alternative main course and Vegetarian requests are always welcome, just give us a heads up at least 24 hrs in advance.

Reservations are required. Just visit our website. You can also book Christmas and New Years Eve while you are there.

Come enjoy the food and friends.

KP & Ken, http://www.joessecretgarden.com 096 950 6605

Address: 199 Los Pinos y Tres de Noviembre,
Cuenca, Azuay, Ecuador