Artisanal, 100% natural Kefir is now at Steffy’s Meals In A Jar Store (Inside the Sunrise Café.)

Water Keifer provides health and well-being in every sip. This tasty probiotic drink is inexpensive and good for gut-health. Probiotics are live microorganisms that, when consumed in adequate quantities can have positive effects on health. Who can drink water kefir? It is safe for those with lactose intolerance, following a vegan diet, diabetics, or looking for a refreshing probiotic drink. Stay tuned for future Vendor Spotlights.

In the back of the Sunrise Café, you will find (of course!) Steffy’s Meals In A Jar, many special foods, beautiful wood gifts, organic teas and more.

Visit Steffy’s new store! It’s super-exciting!!! Located in the back of the Sunrise Café, Steffy will also be working alongside 9 other vendor’s offerings from 9 AM through 3 PM.

Steffy and friend’s products will be there from 9 AM until 3 PM every day except Sunday.

P.S. Steffy has new Meals In A Jar that, if you have a lot of self-discipline, can last for years without refrigeration.

Steffy, WhatsApp: +593 98 421 7114, sweetandlight.com

Address: Calle Larga 9-40 y Benigno Malo, Cuenca, Azuay, Ecuador 

Are you living in Cuenca and looking for professional assistance you can truly trust? With over 11 years of experience working with expatriates, Assistance in Cuenca has built a strong reputation based on honesty, efficiency, and personalized service.

We offer a wide range of services designed to make your life in Cuenca easier and stress-free:

IVA refund for seniors:

IVA refund is a personal benefit for adults over 65. This year, you may receive up to $144.60 per month.

I can help you recover IVA from the past 5 years, with funds deposited directly into your bank account. we do not have access to your personal information or bank accounts: your privacy and security always come first.

Medical appointments:

I assist with scheduling medical appointments through IESS or with the best private clinics and doctors in Cuenca. I can also accompany you to appointments to ensure you fully understand everything the doctor explains.

Senior citizen discounts:

Enjoy special discounts for adults over 65 on public utility bills.

Public utility bill payments:

Avoid the hassle of going out. I take care of paying your monthly bills, including water, electricity, internet, IESS, mobile phone plans, and any other services you need paid on time and without worry.

Insurance assistance:

Whether you need private insurance or IESS coverage, I can help you choose the right option. If you need to cancel an existing insurance policy in Ecuador, I will assist you with that process as well.

Legal services:

We work with a highly trusted local attorney who can guide you through obtaining your cédula, renewing it in case of expiration or loss, handling visa processes, or resolving any legal matters you may face.

Join the many satisfied clients who trust Assistance in Cuenca

Xavier, assistanceincuenca@yahoo.com

Address: Avenida Ordoñez Lasso, Cuenca, Azuay, Ecuador 

For those who need basic language skills, easy and basic communication, the focus/goal is to help you cope/communicate in Cuenca, Coast and Latin America countries!

Group and one-to-one lessons. Included materials and worksheet.

Groups $125 per person/monthly.

These are also for intermediate, advanced and conversational levels to improve your Spanish; online. I am Ecuadorian and have been teaching for over 16 years. I am a qualified, certified, trained teacher.

For more information:

Maria Gracia(MG), ma.grazia.p@gmail.com +593 99 447 1149 

Address: Avenida Loja, Cuenca, Azuay, Ecuador 

We’re offering tours to the Galapagos Islands and we have over 15 years of experience working with tourists.

Our tours include: accommodation, breakfast buffets, lunches, bilingual guides, and we have experience working with seniors/people of all ages. we feature air-conditioned rooms and hot shower.

We have affordable and fair prices, with different ways of payment. we are happy to share our tour’s itineraries to show how we compare with our competitors.

There are groups going soon, join us!

I’m Ecuadorian and have lived in Galapagos. It’s an amazing experience!

Thank you for joining us.

Please don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions.

Maria CF, cuencafriends@gmail.com +593 99 447 1149

Address: Avenida Loja, Cuenca, Azuay, Ecuador 

For many expats, moving to Cuenca is more than a change of address.

It’s the beginning of a new chapter.

A slower pace. Better quality of life. More time to enjoy what truly matters.

But finding the right home — or transforming the one you already bought — can quickly become overwhelming when you’re far from your home country and unfamiliar with local construction processes.

That’s where I can help.

I’m a local architect specializing in remodeling, design, and construction services for expats in Cuenca. My goal is simple: help you create a home that feels comfortable, functional, beautiful, and built to support the life you want here.

Whether you’re renovating an older property, adapting a home for retirement, or building improvements that increase long-term value, every decision should feel like a safe and worthwhile investment — not a risk.

I help expats with:

• Home remodeling and renovations

• Kitchen and bathroom upgrades

• Accessibility and retirement-friendly design

• Construction management and local coordination

• Property evaluations before buying

• Functional, low-maintenance spaces designed for long-term living

I understand the concerns many expats have:

“Can I trust the contractors?”

“Will the work be done correctly?”

“How do I manage a project in another country?”

You don’t have to figure it out alone.

I provide clear communication in English, honest guidance, and local support throughout the entire process — from the first idea to the finished project.

Because your home in Cuenca shouldn’t just look good.

It should give you peace of mind.

If you’re thinking about remodeling, buying, or improving a property in Cuenca, feel free to reach out.

Your investment deserves thoughtful design, reliable execution, and someone local you can trust.

MVARQ

Address: Avenida Florencia Astudillo, Cuenca, Azuay, Ecuador 

I don't post recommendations very often but wanted to make an exception for Valentina Díaz.

I suffer from a long term lower back injury. Valentina brings her table to my home and provides a massage specifically designed to ease the pain on my lower back.

The relief is amazing. Her 90 minute special is a must.

Call her to set up the best massage in Cuenca. 098 945 1675

Rick Hubbert

Address: Calle Larga, Cuenca, Azuay, Ecuador 

If you're an American living in Cuenca or anywhere in Ecuador, your US tax situation is probably keeping you up at night.

You know the drill: confusing foreign earned income exclusion rules, FBAR reporting for every foreign account, FATCA disclosures, and the constant fear of making one mistake that triggers an audit or massive penalties. Most expats either overpay thousands to big-name firms that don't understand life abroad, waste hours fighting with TurboTax that doesn't handle expat forms correctly, or worse — ignore it and pray the IRS doesn't come knocking.

Here's the truth: one wrong move can cost you far more than professional help ever would.

That's why smart Americans abroad are turning to dedicated expat tax specialists who actually live and breathe cross-border filing. we focus % on US citizens and green card holders living overseas — especially in Ecuador and Latin America. Flat-fee pricing means you know exactly what you'll pay upfront. No hourly surprises. No upsells.

We expertly handle everything: maximizing your FEIE to legally exclude hundreds of thousands in foreign earnings, properly reporting Ecuadorian bank accounts and investments, claiming foreign tax credits, and cleaning up past years through streamlined filing procedures if you've fallen behind.

Imagine finally filing with total confidence. No more stress every April. No more wondering if you're compliant. Just a clean, optimized return prepared by professionals who understand the unique realities of Ecuadorian income, dollar accounts, rentals, and pensions.

Hundreds of relieved American expats now sleep easy knowing their taxes are handled correctly and their liability is minimized — legally and aggressively.

The June 15 expat deadline is approaching fast. Don't wait until panic sets in.

If you're serious about protecting your money and your peace of mind while enjoying

Chip, Website: fileabroad.com; WhatsApp: +593 96 284 8410

Address: Calle Larga, Cuenca, Azuay, Ecuador