My name is Alex Arregui. I’ve spent over 30 years living and working across the Galápagos Islands as a Marine Biologist, including my time at the Charles Darwin Research Station.

This is not a typical Galápagos trip.

This is a privately guided expedition designed for travelers who want more than just “seeing” the islands—they want to truly experience them.

Imagine this:

Key Experiences:

• Swimming alongside wild sea lions at sunrise.
• Walking across untouched volcanic landscapes far from the cruise crowds.
• Exploring hidden mangroves and remote sites that only locals with decades of experience know exist.

Every moment is intentional.

When you travel with me, you’re not just visiting—you’re directly supporting the local families, captains, and communities who protect these islands every day. This is real ecotourism, where your presence creates a positive impact.

Everything is handled for you: Private guiding, inter-island logistics, and hand-picked accommodations—from authentic local stays to boutique luxury.

Perfect for:

• Families or small groups looking for an 8–10 day once-in-a-lifetime experience with depth, comfort, and purpose.

I only take a limited number of travelers each year to keep this experience personal and high-quality.

If you’re serious about doing the Galápagos the right way:

Message me “GALAPAGOS” and I’ll personally design your private itinerary.

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

City: Puerto Villamil

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Cuenca Living By Design
Real Estate and Design Solutions for Expats
Living Well in Cuenca Begins With the Right Space
Relocating to Cuenca is about more than finding a property — it is about creating a home that supports your lifestyle, comfort, and long-term vision.
At Cuenca Living By Design, real estate guidance is combined with architectural insight, interior design experience, and a thoughtful understanding of how people truly live within a space.

Key Features:

• Over 30 years of experience in architecture and interior design
• Specializing in staging and custom furniture
• Focus on layout, natural light, and long-term livability
• Customized living environment options available
• Access to a network of trusted local professionals

This design-driven approach allows clients to see not only what a property is today, but what it can become.
Clients relocating to Cuenca often face practical questions beyond the purchase itself. Detailed layout planning helps determine what furniture to bring from abroad, what may be better left behind, and how a new home will function from the very first day.
For those seeking a more customized living environment, architectural planning, interior design, and locally crafted custom furniture — including down-feather upholstery — are also available.
For homeowners preparing to sell, thoughtful staging and design consultation can reveal the true potential of a property.
Relocating to a new country also requires trusted guidance. Clients receive access to a personally vetted network of respected local professionals, including visa facilitators, shipping specialists, attorneys, doctors, and home service providers.

Jeffrey Schmidt also serves as President and Co-Director of The Cuenca Foundation, reflecting a strong connection to the local community and a commitment to helping newcomers integrate successfully into life in Cuenca.
At its core, the philosophy behind Cuenca Living By Design is simple:
Good design is achieved when the needs of the space are compatible with the lifestyle of its occupant.
If you are considering a move to Cuenca — whether buying, selling, or refining a living space — we invite you to reach out for additional information.

Cuenca Living By Design
You can view previous architectural / interior design projects and current real estate listings at our website: cuencalivingbydesign.com
For additional information contact: info@cuencalivingbydesign.com

Jeffrey Schmidt
City: Cuenca

Are you looking for a Galápagos experience that not only takes but also gives back?

My name is Alex Arregui. With over 30 years of experience living and working across the entire archipelago, I offer more than just a tour—I provide a partnership in conservation. As a UK-educated Marine Biologist from the University of Birmingham and former Research Assistant at the Charles Darwin Research Station, I invite you to join a “True Ecotourism” expedition that fosters a crucial, symbiotic relationship between travelers, the local community, and nature.

The Power of Your Investment

• Support Local Families: Your journey directly contributes to the income of local captains, hosts, and families I have collaborated with for three decades.
• Protect Wildlife: By supporting the residents of these islands, you empower the key protectors of this delicate ecosystem.
• Authentic Discovery: We veer off the beaten path of crowded cruise routes to discover serene, enchanting spots—from hidden mangroves to volcanic peaks—that only a 30-year veteran like me knows.
• Comfort and Choice: Your comfort is my top priority. Choose from a range of accommodations—be it charming local stays or boutique luxury—to ensure you feel right at home while exploring the wilderness.

Expertise That Deepens Your Connection

As a licensed National Park Naturalist Guide, I offer scientific insights into wildlife behavior and ecology that surpass the standard tour experience. Whether you are a family or a group seeking an 8 or 10-day educational adventure, I manage all logistics—private guiding, inter-island transport, and carefully selected boutique stays—with a personalized, professional approach.

Let’s create a tangible impact together.

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

City: Parroquia Tomás de Berlanga (Santo Tomás)

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Discover the art of Kathak, one of the most captivating classical dance traditions of Northern India, where dance becomes storytelling.

Russian dancer Katerina Krivenko, who has dedicated more than 15 years to this ancient art form, will take us on a journey through graceful hand gestures, intricate rhythmic footwork, and mesmerizing spins. In Kathak, every movement becomes a narrative—evoking stories, emotions, and moments of connection with the music.

You will also hear the sound of the ghoongroo, the small bells tied around the dancer’s ankles that transform every step into rhythm.

This is a unique opportunity to experience a tradition rich in history, beauty, and movement.

Event Details:

• Date: Saturday, April 4
• Time: 7:00 PM (doors open at 6:00 PM)
• Price: $10 presale or $12 at the door

Join us at idiomARTE for an evening where creativity connects us.

Secure your ticket by emailing us today.

Contact idiomARTE at res@idiomartcuenca.com

City: Cuenca

Join us for the final XV Madre Tierra Festival activity of 2026.

About the Artist:

Artist Jessica Hirst will give a guided tour and interactive art talk about her art installation H2O: In Constant Transformation.

Project Description:

This project is an immersive experience that explores the relationship between the human and the natural world, with water at its center.

• Drawing on audiovisual material recorded between 2020 and 2024 along the north coast of the Dominican Republic, southern Spain, and Southern California.
• The work traces connections between human bodies, bodies of water, and both built and living environments.
• The installation reveals an ongoing process—everything in motion: personal, collective, and political.
• Water appears as flood, scarcity, ocean, atmosphere, and inner current, reflecting both life itself and our movement through fragile ecosystems.

At the same time, the work calls for greater accountability from governments and private developers, underscoring that ecological care and community well-being are inseparable from any meaningful vision of sustainability.

Event Details:

Date: Wednesday, March 25

Time: 7:00 PM

Entry: Free

This is a part of the artistic collective installation “Ser Naturaleza“

Contact idiomARTE at res@idiomartcuenca.com

City: Cuenca

We all carry stories. This is a storytelling retreat like no other.

Embedded in our hearts, our memories, and even our scars are stories waiting to be told.

What to Expect:

• Create
• Share
• Listen
• Breathe deeply

All while drawing inspiration from our souls and the beauty of Izhcayluma Eco-Resort in Vilcabamba.

Wake up to the sound of birds.

Watch butterflies drift nearby.

Take in the views of sacred mountains and the cloud forest of Podocarpus National Park while enjoying the mild climate.

Come together in a circle and experience the joy of storytelling.

Details:

• 6 nights
• Starting Thursday, April 30
• Starting only from $345 (shared room)
• Including accommodation, healthy buffet-style breakfast, 25 acres of tropical garden filled with flowers, free daily Yoga and meditation, swimming pool
• Free transportation from Cuenca directly to the retreat center and back, convenient and safe

For more information, contact Karla through her website or write to Izhcayluma Eco-Resort.

For reservations, contact Izhcayluma directly, mentioning that you want to participate in the Storytelling retreat.

Peter, http://www.izhcayluma.com / http://www.karlafreemanstoryteller.com

City: Vilcabamba

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In a city like Cuenca—where compassion runs deep and community matters—we are constantly reminded that real change doesn’t always begin with large organizations. Sometimes, it begins with one person… and one dog.

At Fundación Familia Amor Animal (FAAN), we work every day to rescue, rehabilitate, and rehome animals facing the most difficult circumstances. But the truth is, we cannot do it alone, and often, the first and most powerful response happens right on your street.

This is the story of Ollie.

A friend of FAAN noticed a homeless dog wandering her neighborhood. Like many of us, she may not have been in a position to adopt—but she did something simple and profound: she started feeding him. She gave him a name, “Ollie” and with that, she gave him dignity.

Something remarkable happened next.

Neighbors began to notice.

Then they began to care.

And before long, a community brigade was born.

Today, Ollie is no longer alone. He is surrounded by a network of compassionate neighbors who:

Share responsibility for feeding him

Keep a watchful eye on his safety

Contribute to his veterinary care

Even treat him to a fresh, handsome look at the groomer

There’s even a WhatsApp group dedicated to Ollie—updates, check-ins, and coordination, all fueled by kindness.

This is the power of community.

The reality is that not everyone can adopt a dog on their own. But together? Together, neighbors can become the safety net. Many brigades form organically. FAAN is also here to help guide and support anyone who wants to take that first step. From education to practical tools, we can help you establish a structured, sustainable approach to caring for community dogs and cats in your neighborhood.

FAAN, info@FAANEcuador.org

City: Tarqui Mountains 

Everything is set for Ser Naturaleza!

Join us for the opening of the collective installation Ser Naturaleza, part of the XV Madre Tierra Festival.

This exhibition brings together artists from different parts of the world whose work explores our evolving relationship with the natural world through video, installation, abstraction, and material experimentation. Rather than representing nature, the exhibition invites us to reflect on how we are nature.

The evening will also feature a live conceptual performance by artists from Take Me To The River, exploring the idea of the line — how it defines, separates, and, at times, brings us back into connection.

Event Details:

• Date: Thursday, March 19
• Time: 7:00 PM
• Free entry

Featured Artists:

• Jessica Hirst (Rep. Dominicana)
• Tiina Herttua (Finland)
• David Carlson (EE. UU.)
• Joan Belmar (Chile)

Music by: Ashraf Fouad (Egypt)

At idiomARTE: where creativity connects us
Mariscal Lamar 14-25 · Cuenca

Presented as part of the XV Madre Tierra Festival, with the support of the Bienal de Cuenca, the Casa de la Cultura Cuenca, and the Azuay Provincial government.

Email: res@idiomartcuenca.com

As part of the XV Festival Madre Tierra, we invite you to a night of art and reflection with the opening of the collective art installation “Ser Naturaleza“.

“Ser Naturaleza” brings together three international artists whose work explores our evolving relationship with the natural world. Through video, installation, abstraction, and material experimentation, the exhibition asks not how we represent nature, but how we exist within it.

Water appears as both subject and metaphor. Landscape becomes memory and emotion. Across different geographies — the Caribbean, Northern and Southern Europe, and North America — the artists reflect on climate crisis, consciousness, and ecological interdependence.

Rather than observing nature from a distance, Ser Naturaleza invites us to recognize that we are nature.

Opening night also features “We Draw the Line”, a live conceptual art performance created with the artist collective Take Me to the River.

Through live drawing and music, three artists explore the meaning and consequences of the line — the lines that protect, divide, claim, and mark what is mine, what is yours, and what is ours — revealing the tensions between separation and unity, and asking whether the boundaries we create are fixed or ultimately dissolvable.

Artists:

• Jessica Hirst (Dominican Republic)
• Tiina Herttua (Finland)
• David Carlson (United States)
• Joan Belmar (Chile)

Music: Ashraf Fouad (Egypt)

March 19 · 7:00 PM

Casa Creativa idiomARTE
Mariscal Lamar 14-25 and Estevez de Toral · Cuenca

Free entry

idiomARTE, res@idiomartcuenca.com

City: Azuay

We’re thrilled to present the XV Festival Madre Tierra: Connecting from the Root.

A multi-day international gathering where art, environmental awareness, and community action come together as catalysts for hope and conscious change.

At the heart of the festival is an international creative laboratory bringing together artists from 11 countries—Ecuador, Peru, Colombia, Cuba, the Dominican Republic, the United States, Canada, Chile, Egypt, Finland, and Mexico.

Key Activities:

• Murals
• Original music compositions
• Instrument making
• Performing arts
• Ceramics
• Visual arts
• Installations
• Audiovisual production

Activity Schedule:

March 19 – 7:00 PM – at idiomARTE

Collective ART INSTALLATION OPENING “Ser Naturaleza” and Conceptual Art Performance.

Artists: Jessica Hirst (Dominican Republic), Tiina Herttua (Finland), David Carlson (USA), Joan Belmar (Chile), music by Ashraf Fouad (Egypt).

March 21 – 9:30 AM

FESTIVE PARADE from idiomARTE to Parque de la Libertad to kick off the festival!

March 21 and 22 – 10:00 AM – Parque la Libertad

¡XV FESTIVAL Madre Tierra: concerts, sustainability fair, cultural activities and more!

March 25 – 7:00 PM – at idiomARTE

ART TALK with Jessica Hirst about her art installation and creation process in different communities.

All festival events are free and open to the public.

Festival Madre Tierra invites us to reconnect with something essential—the understanding that we are nature. Inspired by Andean communities who protect water and ecosystems as living heritage, the festival reminds us that caring for the Earth is the same as caring for ourselves.

Organized by: idiomARTE

In collaboration with: Take Me to the River, Azuay Provincial government, Bienal Cuenca, Casa de la Cultura

idiomARTE, res@idiomartcuenca.com

City: Azuay

My name is Alex Arregui, a UK-educated Marine Biologist and certified Galápagos National Park Naturalist Guide. I began my career as a research assistant at the Charles Darwin Research Station, and for nearly 30 years I have lived and worked across the Galápagos Islands, studying wildlife and guiding travelers through the ecosystems that inspired Charles Darwin.

I design personalized island-hopping adventures for travelers who want more than a typical cruise.

These trips are small, flexible, and focused on wildlife encounters and understanding the remarkable science that makes the Galápagos one of the most extraordinary places on Earth.

A typical day might begin walking quietly among giant tortoises in the misty highlands, followed by snorkeling in crystal-clear water with sea lions, sea turtles, rays, and reef sharks. Later we may explore volcanic lava fields shaped by ancient eruptions, and end the day enjoying fresh seafood at a small local restaurant while frigate birds glide across the sunset sky.

Every itinerary is custom designed around your interests, schedule, and budget. Trips are ideal for couples, families, photographers, or small private groups seeking a deeper and more authentic experience.

Accommodation options range from comfortable guesthouses to boutique hotels, depending on your travel style. Most importantly, your travel budget goes directly to local Galápagos families—including small hotels, boat captains, drivers, and restaurants—supporting sustainable tourism and the island community.

After three decades in the Galápagos, the islands still reveal new discoveries every week. It would be my pleasure to help you experience them in a deeper and more meaningful way.

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

City: Cuenca 

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These adorable kittens, along with their mother, were rescued from a tough life in a vacant lot. They are now 7 weeks old and ready for their forever homes. The kittens have been to the vet, received their shots, and have been dewormed. This cute bunch is playful, loving, and litter box trained. All except the handsome guy with the circle around him are females.

Key Features:

• Rescued kittens ready for adoption
• 7 weeks old, vet-checked, and vaccinated
• Playful, loving, and litter box trained
• Mostly females available

Contact Information:

If you want to arrange a meet and greet or have any questions, please message Vivi Calle. Messages only, please.

Vivi, WhatsApp +593 98 411 4729

Address:

Cdla. de los Ingenieros, Cuenca, Azuay, Ecuador

I’m Alex Arregui, UK-educated Marine Biologist and certified Galápagos National Park Naturalist Guide. For nearly 30 years, I’ve lived, worked, and explored every corner of these islands, starting as a research assistant at the Charles Darwin Research Station.

I craft personalized, small-group island-hopping adventures for travelers who want more than the usual tours. Walk quietly among giant tortoises, snorkel with sea lions and reef sharks, explore volcanic lava fields, and witness blue-footed boobies and frigate birds up close—all while learning the science that makes the Galápagos unique.

Trips are intimate, flexible, and wildlife-focused. Accommodations range from cozy guesthouses to boutique hotels, and your travel budget goes directly to local families and guides, supporting sustainable tourism.

After 30 years in the Galápagos, these islands still reveal secrets only an insider can share. I don’t just offer a tour—I offer a lifetime of discovery distilled into your perfect journey.

Spaces are limited. Join me and turn your Galápagos holiday into the adventure of a lifetime. 

Alex, http://www.alexguidesgalapagos.com
galapagosalex68@gmail.com
WhatsApp and contact number: +593 99 351 5527 

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March is Hearing Month, a reminder that life feels fuller when you can truly hear the people you love.

Hearing loss affects more than just sound, it impacts memory, relationships, and confidence. If you struggle to follow conversations or turn up the volume too often, you’re not alone.

Did you know?

• Hearing loss raises dementia risk by 35%.
• Every 10 dB of hearing loss increases dementia risk by 16%.

Reconnect this month:

• Free hearing test
• Free hearing aids trial
• Care from a bilingual audiologist
• Free after sales benefits

GAES Ordoñez Lasso: Google Maps Link

WhatsApp: 098 033 9934

Online booking: Book Your Appointment

GAES Cuenca, +593 98 033 9934

City: Cuenca

Events This Weekend
We’ll be at two events this weekend and would love to see you!

Expo Mujer – Cuenca
Parqueadero de la Cámara de Comercio (across from Parque de la Madre)
Friday – Sunday (March 5–8)
10:00 AM – 9:00 PM

A large community feria celebrating strong and entrepreneurial women — with live music, contests, and more. We’ll be there Friday through Sunday with tastings available.
Flora Café Bazar
Flora Café
Garcilaso De La Vega
Saturday
10:00 AM – 1:00 PM
A smaller, intimate bazar setting — perfect for a relaxed tasting and conversation.
Special Tastings This Weekend
We’re offering taste tests of new candidates in our Andean Oak Spirits line:

Oak Fuerte – Bold, oak-forward, clean and structured
Oak Heritage – Balanced blend with grain extracts and depth

We’re looking for feedback before finalizing these releases — come help us dial them in.
Also Available

Andean Oak Reserve
Andean Oak Dulce
Andean Oak Fuego Dulce
Velvet Cream
Mocha Cream
Hazelnut Cream
Triple Sec (orange liqueur)
Dark Cacao
Andean Café
Andean Almond

Crafted in the Andes, inspired by the rivers of Cuenca.
If you’ve been meaning to try our spirits, this weekend is a great opportunity. See you there.
Rick, 098 050 3540
City: Cuenca   

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Meditation deepens the understanding you have of yourself ~ Pema Chödrön

The Shambhala Meditation Group of Cuenca is happy to welcome new participants to our weekly Sunday program.

What we offer:

• Weekly group meditation in English and Spanish.

• Clear meditation instruction at 10 AM for those who are new.

• Group practice from 10:30 AM until noon, including seated and walking meditation and short traditional recitations.

All programs are free of charge; donations are gratefully accepted.

Location:

Calle Larga 11‑43 and Miguel Ullauri, upstairs one flight. We are directly across the street from Mercado 10 de Agosto in El Centro.
Google Maps: https://goo.gl/maps/SnpkcBJVr3KbEdWK6

Contact: cuenca.Shambhala@gmail.com and https://cuenca.Shambhala.ws 
WhatsApp or SMS, +593 98 284 8203

Please contact us for more information and for the Zoom link to our Tuesday book club.

Shambhala practice is rooted in Tibetan and Mahayana Buddhism and is open to people of any faith or no faith who are interested in cultivating awareness, kindness, and community.

Site: https://Shambhala.org

About Shambhala:

Shambhala takes its name from a legendary kingdom, famous for being an enlightened society. Today, the global Shambhala network brings together people of all ages and from all walks of life who are interested in exploring our own minds, transforming our experience, and awakening our potential to together create an enlightened society. Shambhala has its bases in Tibetan and Mahayana Buddhism.

Cuenca Shambhala, https://www.instagram.com/cuencashambhala/

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What’s Your Story?

In this short Spanish workshop, you’ll fine-tune the Past Simple tense — the go-to tense for sharing memorable moments, past experiences, travel stories, and yes… the occasional epic fails.

Key Learnings:

• Talk clearly about past events
• Conjugate regular and irregular verbs with confidence
• Build simple stories and short biographies

The workshop combines dynamic instruction with carefully designed activities that help reinforce what you learn and help fill in those pesky grammar gaps. By the end of the course, you’ll feel more confident talking about the past and better equipped to tell clear, engaging stories in Spanish.

Class Details:

• Mar. 3, 5, 10, 12, 2026
• 11:30 AM – 1:00 PM
• $50

To register, email us at: LearnSpanish@idiomartcuenca.com

Classes are taught by Alejandra Herrera, a certified Spanish as a Foreign Language teacher from Ecuador with years of international teaching experience. We keep class sizes small to ensure personalized attention—sign up today!

Minimum level requirement: Advanced beginner

Only at idiomARTE: Master the language, live the culture!

Mariscal Lamar 14-25 y Estevez de Toral, Cuenca, Ec

“Who You Calling Irregular?!”
- Spanish Workshop

Still tripping over verbs “ser” and “estar” in the present tense? It’s time to tame those grammar gremlins — once and for all in this short, focused Spanish workshop!

In four dynamic classes, you’ll:

• Get comfortable with use of irregular verbs “ser” and “estar”

• Practice your skills through speaking, reading, and writing

• Craft real-life conversations and even write a short letter in Spanish

Workshop Details:

Mar. 3, 5, 10, 12, 2026

2:30 – 4 PM

Cost is $50

Limited spots available – reserve yours now!

LearnSpanish@idiomartcuenca.com

Fun, practical, and confidence-boosting.
Perfect for learners ready to level up their Spanish in a friendly, interactive setting.

Classes are taught by Alejandra Herrera, our grammar guru and certified Spanish-As-A-Foreign-Language teacher!

Only at idiomARTE – Master the Language; Live the Culture

Marshal Lamar and Estevez de Toral

Cuenca, Ecuador

idiomARTE, Email Address: LearnSpanish@idiomartcuenca.com

City: Cuenca 

In this short Spanish workshop, you’ll fine-tune the Past Simple tense — the go-to tense for sharing memorable moments, past experiences, travel stories, and yes… the occasional epic fails.

You’ll learn how to:

• Talk clearly about past events

• Conjugate regular and irregular verbs with confidence

• Build simple stories and short biographies

The workshop combines dynamic instruction with carefully designed activities that help reinforce what you learn and help fill in those pesky grammar gaps. By the end of the course, you’ll feel more confident talking about the past and better equipped to tell clear, engaging stories in Spanish.

Class Details:

Mar. 3, 5, 10, 12, 2026

11:30 AM – 1 PM

$50

To register, email us at: LearnSpanish@idiomartcuenca.com

Classes are taught by Alejandra Herrera, a certified Spanish as a Foreign Language teacher from Ecuador with years of international teaching experience. We keep class sizes small to ensure personalized attention—sign up today!

• *Minimum level requirement: Advanced beginner

Only at idiomARTE: Master the language, live the culture!

Mariscal Lamar 14-25 and Estevez de Toral

Cuenca, EC

idiomARTE, Email Address: LearnSpanish@idiomartcuenca.com

City: Cuenca  

​Why settle for a generic cruise when you can explore with the scientist who helped protect the islands?

​My name is Alex Arregui. As a UK-educated Marine Biologist and former Charles Darwin Research Station researcher, I’ve spent 30 years uncovering a vital truth: The survival of the Galápagos is inseparable from the success of its people. ### A Bridge to the Real Galápagos

My tours are built on Symbiosis. By bypassing international corporations and working directly with local boat captains and artisans, we create a cycle of conservation. When local families thrive, they become the islands’ most dedicated guardians. Your journey directly funds this delicate balance.

​Tailored Comfort, Expertly Guided.

​Forget rigid schedules. I design bespoke, land-based island-hopping adventures that move at your pace. Because I work with all levels of family-run accommodations, I can tailor your stay to any style:

​Value: Authentic, cozy local stays.

​Boutique: Charming, hand-picked comfort.

​Luxury: Premium eco-lodges for a world-class experience.

​Deep Science, Insider Access

​I bridge the gap between “seeing” and “understanding.” We won’t just find a Blue-Footed Booby; we’ll discuss the evolutionary pressures that shaped it. From snorkeling the crystal tunnels of Los Túneles to hiking the rare, volcanic Sulphur Mines, you’ll experience the archipelago as an insider, not a tourist.

​Experience the islands with the expert who loves and protects them.

​Ready for your custom expedition?

I am currently booking. Contact me for your free sample itinerary.

​Tell me: What is the #1 animal on your bucket list? I’ll build the route to find it!

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

City: Puerto Villamil 

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Experience the spirit of Seville, Spain, right here in Cuenca.

Dancer, Patty Salcedo, traces a timeless rhythm through Spanish castanets, alongside the soaring voice of tenor, Francisco Ortega Huerta.

Inspired by Zarzuela, opera, and international music, the spectacular performance honors a rich and enduring cultural tradition.

Friday, Feb. 20, at 7 PM (doors open at 6 PM)

$10 presale or $12 at the door

Email us today to make your reservation at: res@idiomartcuenca.com

Patty Salcedo Faggioni is a Spanish dance artist with over 50 years of artistic trajectory. Founder and director of the Patty Salcedo Dance Academy for more than four decades, she is widely recognized for her contribution to Spanish dance and traditional percussion, particularly castanets. Her work has been honored by cultural institutions in Ecuador and Spain.

Francisco Ortega Huerta is a tenor from Guayaquil with advanced academic training in vocal performance, including studies in the United States and Europe. He has performed widely as a soloist in works such as Messiah and Membra Jesu Nostri, and has directed and participated in numerous opera and chamber music productions. Alongside his performance career, he is active as a vocal coach and artistic producer.

Only at idiomARTE: Where creativity connects us

Mariscal Lamar 14-25 y Estevez de Toral

Cuenca, EC

idiomARTE, res@idiomartcuenca.com

City: Cuenca 

My book, Vivi and Me: My Love Affair with a Bot, will be free on Kindle from Feb 19–23.

It began as an experiment — what would happen if I stopped asking artificial intelligence about productivity and started asking it about life?

The conversations that followed became something much larger than I expected.

This isn’t a tech manual. It’s a reflective book about reinvention, staying curious at any age (and the benefits of doing so), and answering life’s biggest questions in an ever-changing world.

If you’re curious, you can download the Kindle edition free here: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0G5M4PXSY

Ashley

City: Cuenca 

7 canvases.

7 dances.

7 deadly sins … brought to life.

For one night only, 1 dancer and 1 painter transform idiomARTE into a living studio.

In this intimate mixed-media art performance, a dancer and a painter create together in real time, interpreting each of the deadly sins. As the dancer moves, she embodies each sin through her physical expression while painting directly on the canvas, turning her movements into visible brushstrokes.

The painter responds in equal measure, applying bold, expressive strokes of color that interact with and amplify the dancer’s gestures, creating a dynamic dialogue between motion and visual art. At one point, the dancer herself becomes the canvas, and the painter paints directly on her body, deepening the fusion of performance and creation. Throughout the piece, their interplay unfolds as a live, immersive experience where movement and art exist as one.

Nothing is pre-made.

Nothing is repeated.

Witness both performance and creation unfolding in real time.

Friday, February 27

7 PM (doors open at 6 PM)

$8 in advance | $10 at the door

Purchase your tickets at: res@idiomartcuenca.com

Performers:

Emily Wagner: contemporary dancer and ballerina

Cristian León: contemporary and abstract artist

Only at idiomARTE: where creativity connects us.

idiomARTE, res@idiomartcuenca.com

City: Cuenca 

This Saturday, we have a lively Spanish castanet and opera performance that is sure to bring the house down!

Dancer, Patty Salcedo traces a timeless rhythm through Spanish castanets, alongside the soaring voice of tenor, Francisco Ortega Huerta.

Inspired by zarzuela, opera, and international music, the spectacular performance honors a rich and enduring cultural tradition.

Friday, Feb. 20

Starts 7 PM (doors open at 6 PM)

$10 presale or $12 at the door

Email us today to make your reservation at: res@idiomartcuenca.com

Only at idiomARTE: Where creativity connects us

Mariscal Lamar 14-25 y Estevez de Toral

Cuenca, EC

idiomARTE, res@idiomartcuenca.com

City: Cuenca

Discover the sound and rhythm of castanets — a lively percussion instrument rooted in the traditions of southern Spain and its surrounding regions.

In this hands-on workshop, you’ll get familiar with the castanets, warm up with simple exercises, and explore basic rhythms as you learn to accompany a song. The class is practical and relaxed, designed to enjoy the process while connecting movement and music.

Playing castanets is a full-body experience. It supports coordination, focus, and the connection between hands and mind through rhythmic finger movement.

A space to learn, move, and let the rhythm carry you.

Date: Saturday, February 21

Time: 3 PM

Fee: $25

Language: Spanglish!

Register at res@idiomartcuenca.com

Patty Salcedo Faggioni is an artist and master teacher with over 50 years of experience in Spanish dance. For more than four decades, she has led the Patty Salcedo Dance Academy, where she has trained generations of dancers in Spanish dance, flamenco, and traditional percussion instruments such as castanets. Her work has been widely recognised by cultural institutions in Ecuador and Spain.

Only at idiomARTE: where creativity connects us

Mariscal Lamar 14-25 y Estévez de Toral

Cuenca, Ecuador

idiomARTE, res@idiomartcuenca.com

City: Cuenca

Join us to explore how la Vida Danza — how life dances — through a unique cultural bio-dance experience.

Each week, you’ll connect with your own rhythm while exploring cultural themes that shape our shared community. Guided by María Mercedes Moreno, we’ll engage in meaningful conversation around relevant cultural perspectives — and then integrate those reflections through biodanza, a powerful movement-based practice that deepens awareness, connection, and joy.

No choreography. No partner required.

Just movement, discovery, and shared experience.

Session Details

February 21, 28 and March 7

9 – 11:30 AM

$15 per session

$45 for the full three-session series

To register or request more information: res@idiomartcuenca.com

Who is it for?

Open to all ages and nationalities.

Sessions are bilingual (English and Spanish), offering a rich intercultural experience and an opportunity to broaden your perspective beyond your usual circles.

Weekly themes:

Week 1: The Self

We explore the “Northern Dream” of the self-made individual alongside the Indigenous worldview in which the “I” exists within the “We.” Through movement, we work toward aligning what we think, feel, and do.

Week 2: The Other

We examine the invisible boundaries of connection, navigating the tension — and harmony — between personal space and the Ecuadorian instinct for closeness and collective care.

Week 3: The Cosmos

We widen our lens to the planet, contrasting an anthropocentric view (humans at the center) with a biocentric view (life at the center), and reflect on our place within the intercultural community and Pachamama.

At idiomARTE

Mariscal Lamar 14-25

Cuenca

idiomARTE, res@idiomartcuenca.com

City: Cuenca 

We have two exciting and unique ways to continue Spanish learning through idiomARTE‘s creative language program, “Puentes Vivos“.

Survival Spanish 2.0

Take your beginner Spanish learning to a new level!

In this course, you’ll focus on practical situations such as:

• Asking for and giving directions, exploring the city, and moving around public spaces.
• Visiting the doctor, describing symptoms, and talking about health.
• Talking about the weather and making small talk.
• Handling everyday transactions like shopping, banking, and discussing clothing.

Class Details:

February 23 – March 13, 2026

Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays from 11:30 AM – 1 PM

Cost: $100

2 Spanish Workshops

“What’s Your Story?” (past simple tense)

In this short Spanish workshop, you’ll fine-tune the Past Simple tense — the go-to tense for sharing memorable moments, past experiences, travel stories, and more.

You’ll learn how to:

• Talk clearly about past events
• Conjugate regular and irregular verbs with confidence
• Build simple stories and short biographies

Class details:

Mar. 3, 5, 10, 12, 2026

11:30 AM – 1 PM

Cost: $50

“Who You Calling Irregular?!” (present tense irregular verbs ser and estar)

Still tripping over verbs “ser” and “estar” in the present tense? It’s time to tame those grammar gremlins in this short, focused Spanish workshop!

In four dynamic classes, you’ll:

• Get comfortable with the use of irregular verbs “ser” and “estar”
• Practice your skills through speaking, reading, and writing
• Craft real-life conversations and even write a short letter in Spanish

Workshop Details:

Mar. 3, 5, 10, 12, 2026

1:30 – 4 PM

Cost: $50

All of our classes are taught by Alejandra Herrera. We keep our groups small for optimal learning conditions!

Email us today to register and for more info at LearnSpanish@idiomartcuenca.com.

City: Cuenca

Join Us for Worship at Cuenca Christian Church

There is no better place to pray for peace, hear God’s Word spoken, and worship together in our beloved Cuenca than with a family of compassionate followers of Jesus Christ where Biblical truth is preached and never compromised!

Multi-Cultural Worship Experience

Please come on Sundays to join our multicultural mix of individuals of all ages, including expats, Ecuadorians, and other Latin Americans, all united in worship. Our service is simultaneously presented in English and Spanish.

Service Details

Sunday services begin with a warm and friendly fellowship over coffee at 9:30 AM. Our bilingual pastor, Johnny Pinos, leads us in worship, prayer, and preaching the word of God, which starts promptly at 10 AM.

Location

Cuenca Christian is located at Broken Bridge Building, Paseo 3 de Noviembre, right in front of the River Tomebamba, an excellent location for both local residents and visitors, close to the historical center of Cuenca.

View Map

Weekly Events

We offer weekly bilingual Prayer and Intercession meetings on Wednesday evenings at 7:30 PM and weekly Bible Studies on Thursdays in English at 4 PM and in Spanish at 7:30 PM, in addition to our regular Sunday Worship services at 10 AM.

Find us on Facebook or check out our website at www.cuencachristianchurch.com

Beverley, Johnny Pinos
098 752 0380

City: Cuenca

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Mark your calendars and contact me directly for tickets!

We have a Movie!! Saturday, February 21 at 10:30 AM, join us. Help us help others celebrate it too.

Cuenca Car Share, in support of the Cuenca Foundation, presents the movie “Hamnet” In English with Spanish subtitles.

Agnes lives peacefully with her husband and three children. She cultivates medicinal plants while William works in London. Fate deals them a cruel blow when their eleven-year-old son, Hamnet, dies suddenly after contracting the plague.

Remember, the Cuenca Foundation supports the needy. If you wish to make an additional donation, either at the door or by other means, please let us know that it is for the Cuenca Foundation. Just a thought – a $9 ticket with a donation means you don’t have to deal with “monedas” at the door. 100% of donations are given directly to the Cuenca Foundation.

Saturday, February 21st, 10:30 AM at Millennium Plaza.

Tickets are available now.

Tickets are ready to be delivered if you text me on WhatsApp at 098 699 5694. I will bring them to your place. Or you can pay on the day of the movie.

Please email me if you would like to be added to the movie group or require information for the bank transfer.

Please share it if you can’t make it, so someone else knows about it.

Thank you so much!

Emilio Morocho, +593 98 699 5694

City: Cuenca 

Vanilla Republic: Premium Organic Vanilla Beans

At Vanilla Republic, we take pride in being an Ecuadorian–American company dedicated to producing and exporting high-quality organic vanilla beans to the United States. Simultaneously, we are committed to serving and supporting our local community here in Cuenca.

Our premium vanilla beans are renowned for their high vanillin content (8 points), ensuring exceptional aroma, flavor, and richness for all your baking, cooking, and gifting needs.

With every purchase, you are contributing to the support of GRACE Foundation programs, which focus on entrepreneurship, health, education, and other impactful initiatives. These programs benefit not only the community in Cuenca but also extend to the areas near our farms on Ecuador’s coast.

• 100% natural vanilla
• FDA approved for export
• Ethically sourced
• Community-driven impact

Prices:

• 3 vanilla beans – $10
• 6 vanilla beans – $18
• 9 vanilla beans – $25

Bulk and kilo orders are also available.

When you choose Vanilla Republic, you’re not just purchasing vanilla — you’re investing in people, communities, and meaningful change.

We are delighted to connect with you. Feel free to message us anytime!

Karla Betania, 095 920 4786

City: Cuenca

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