We have been traveling to and living in Cuenca, Ecuador off and on since 2004. We love the climate, the scenery, the food, and the people.
The high mountain valleys of the Andes, though near the Equator, are a perpetual spring, with temperatures rarely dipping below 60 or climbing above 80 Fahrenheit (15 - 27 Celsius.) It rains frequently, but an afternoon shower on an otherwise sunny day is a welcome respite to Seattlites used to 9 months of drizzle.
Within a short distance of Cuenca, you can find cold weather at high elevations and warm tropical i(and dry) climates. There is something for everyone.
The people of Ecuador are friendly, honest, and hardworking. We have many friends in Cuenca, and they are not the least reason we keep coming back.
There is a thriving expat community in Cuenca and around Ecuador. International Living called Cuenca the number one retirement haven in the world. We're too young to retire, but we love it too.