Vilcabamba is Ecuador's land of enchantment with some myths that refuse to die. Vicabamba is a place steeped in legend. It is located south of the Ecuadorian Andes, and about 40 miles from the border of Peru. It has a large population of elderly residents and gained international attention in the 1960's and 1970's when scientists from France, the United States and Japan studied the natives who lived remarkably long lives. Like the people in the mountains of Russia they reportedly live to be 120 years of age. This was later disputed by a medical physicist Richard Mazess, but regardless, you cannot deny the fact that the valley is a healthy place to live, mostly because of a low stress lifestyle along with clean air, good water, and a good diet which includes fresh fruit and vegetables. The water in particular has an excellent source of minerals that is well balanced for long longevity in the people that drink it for a life time. | Consular ServicesThe Embassy of Ecuador in Washington, DC, provides the following consular services: | Sample monthly budget for a couple in Cuenca. $1,451.00: Housing (rental of luxury two-bedroom apartment) $490 Utilities 150 Maid (twice a week) 60 Groceries 275 Clothing 70 Maintenance and fuel for one car 140 Entertainment 200 Health Care Insurance (less than part B cost of medicare) 66 $17,412 per year... but you could easily get by on $800 per month which is only, $9,600 per year! |