Cuenca, Ecuador

One thing that we have come to realize on our “endless summer” of traveling is that we both prefer mountain air to heat and humidity. We met some folks who had moved from California to Cuenca and they suggested we go for a visit… so we did! This beautiful safe mountain town sits over 8,000 feet high with a blend of Ecuadorian old town feeling mixed with a growing expat community. We instantly fell in love.

We ‘bandited‘ a free 6.8k family run not expecting it to be that popular but we were shocked to find 8,000 Ecuadorians running alongside us. It was a tough run at altitude after being at sea level for the past few weeks, but it was soooo much fun to have a tour of the city by running through its streets!

We headed out of the city near the Ecuadorian part of the Inca trail for a half day horseback ride with Carlos. We must have fooled him with our riding skills, because he had no problem cantering us around the steep mountainsides. Note to male beginners who want to someday start a family: never, ever, ever try to ride western with boxer shorts!

After the running race and holding on for dear life to a horse, our muscles were in need of some serious rejuvenation! So, we rented bicycles and headed to some natural hot springs in an adjacent town called Baños. We spend the day relaxing in 40C (104F) swimming pools and stretching out our beaten muscles.

Cuenca has a growing number of Americans who have retired and now call Cuenca their home. We can feel the lure and can actually imagine ourselves living there one day (you heard it here first). There are endless numbers of free activities put on by the city. One night, we even went to listen to an orchestra and choir in the Sucre Theater. Nice work Cuenca, we heart you.