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Hi Stan, I will ask our web guru what the weather icons are tied to. I am guessing it is a feed from some weather website/satellite. I’ve not found an accurate source for weather stats for any particular locale in Ecuador. I think it all comes from one satellite somewhere because for our area, for instance (Cotacachi) the weather feed almost always says clouds/rain. Even when the sun is shining brightly. But being at a high elevation there are almost always clouds hanging over the mountains and there is almost always rain “somewhere” in the country.
As for the best time to travel, that really depends on what you mean and where you intend to visit? Rainy season is basically November through March or April, but this year in Cotacachi we have had very little rain (and I love the rainy season) while some parts of the coast had too much rain and flooding this year.
Winter (in North America) is typically when you’ll find southbound flights more expensive. The airlines charge you a premium for trying to escape those northern winters, I guess. You might try late Spring/early summer (in No. Am.) to get the lowest fares and most temperate weather in Ecuador – -but in my opinion, no time is really a bad time. Come when you can.
Suzan
Hi Irving, I’ve never spent more than a couple of nights in Crucita so I’m not a good judge of the character of the place. And I was there before Ron and Terresa furnished their condo (when it was under construction) so I have never stayed in it. But you’re right — it’s move-in ready, and a great location on the beach.
I know Crucita has a growing expat population, and it is close to services in Manta and Portoviejo. Crucita is basically a small fishing village with a very pretty beach — and there are some decent seafood restaurants although they all tend to serve variations of the same menu. But that’s the same all over Ecuador.
Really, it’s about how it feels to you and what kind of environment you are after…
Donald, when I first moved to Ecuador 12 years ago we, too, got the CDC-recommended vaccinations — same as those you mention here. (We did get the Hep B) I’m not sure if we really needed them (and a lot of people are vehemently against vaccinations of any kind) but for us, it’s now a done deal.
I do know from experience that if you ever travel from Ecuador or Colombia with your destination as Costa Rica you will need to have your original international health certificate at hand proving you have had the Yellow Fever vaccination. Costa Rica is the only country I’ve had this issue with – -but if you’ve had the vaccination, then you’re good to go as long as you have the proof…your card. Supposedly, Ecuador has eradicated malaria so you won’t need that. But do be careful of dengue if you go to the coast. You can’t get a vaccination for that, so wear your repellant and use mosquito nets or screens on your windows while you sleep. Take these precautions and you should be fine.
Hi Gerald, I’ve not spent much time in Guayaquil but have stayed at the Grand Hotel Guayaquil: http://www.grandhotelguayaquil.com It is not much less expensive than the Oro Verde. You might try the Murali Hostal Guayquil — I’ve heard others say good things about that one. Someone else recommended the Hotel Continental: http://www.hotelcontinental.com.ec and also the t http://www.guayaquilairporthotel.com — although this one will be near the airport and may not be too close to the sites you want to visit. I always have very good luck with TripAdvisor.com — you might want to see what they say.
Suzan
You rarely see $2 bills here but the $1 Sacajawea dollars (no idea if I spelled that right) are plentiful. US-minted coins and Ecuador coins are used interchangeably. I don’t think there is a shortage per se but shopkeepers never seem to have change. I’ve no idea where it goes every night. This is endemic to Latin America and not just Ecuador. But they’ll find it should you want to buy something, even if they have to go to every neighboring shop in search of change.
Hi Eric, I don’t know of any part-time jobs. Usually when those come along, they just sort of fall into your lap. Or you make a job yourself through some small business or sideline you’re inspired to create. I wouldn’t worry too much about boredom, though. The majority of expats I’ve met all over the world say that in their new home they have more social activities and volunteer activities than ever before. I think that’s because expat communities tend to be small and everyone is in the same boat, so they create these really interesting group activities and find niches that need to be filled.
As for a compromise between beach and country, that’s tough. There is plenty of countryside near the beaches, of course, but I don’t think that’s what you mean? But you might want to look at a place like Mindo. Small-town country living and only about two hours to the beach. But it rains a lot in Mindo which makes it lush and green and beautiful, but also more humid and, well, rainier…
The best advice, before you make any decision, is to come and take a look around and see what you think. And one more idea for you, even though I know this is an Ecuador forum. You might consider Nicaragua. It doesn’t have the cool-weather climates of Ecuador, but it is every bit as inexpensive and wherever you are, you are not far from a beach. And the beaches in Nicaragua are amazingly beautiful — far prettier than the beaches of Ecuador. And is Nicaragua safe? Yes… VERY.
Ron and Terresa are not leaving — to the contrary, they are selling both their small apartments in Cotacachi and Crucita in order to buy a bigger condo here in Coatacachi. I don’t know Steve Watkins so I can’t comment on his situation. I have heard, though, that 30 to 40% of folks who come here eventually decide it is not for them. That’s why we keep saying, over and over, that you need to come for the right reasons. Not to replicate your life at home… because this is not the U.S. And don’t come purely for financial reasons. It’s best to come because you love adventure, want to experience a different culture, to meet new people and get a new lease on life, etc.
I think the new railway between Quito and Guyaquil is just getting started – – I want to do this trip but have not yet had occasion to.
Hi Nancy, your question is very technical and over my head. Maybe someone else on this forum will have an answer for you. in the meantime, please email our friend Sarah Dettman and ask her is she knows a medical professional in Guayaquil she can refer you to. Sarah Dettman: s.dettman@yahoo.com — she has a list of local insurance companies she can share with you, too.
Better yet, you should directly contact www.hospikennedy.med.ec/
Hi Gretchen, I don’t know the property you’ve linked to — maybe someone else does. However, my opinion is that — renters aside — condos are the better option if you won’t live there full time. I like a place I can lock and leave. Unoccupied freestanding homes just invite intruders….unless you are in a gated community, and even those can have problems. And most of your renters will prefer the security a condo offers. That’s my opinion, in any case.
David, I think you will love Ecuador. But remember that while it offers many upscale and wonderful amenities, it is, in many ways, still a developing country. Come for the adventure and not in hopes of replicating your life at home and you’ll have a great experience.
I’d suggest the Oro Verde Hotel. www.oroverdeguayaquil.com/
We are not endorsing these places as we have not stayed in any of them yet, but near the airport, you can try:
http://www.hosteriasanjose.com (This is the one I would try, personally)
http://www.rincondepuembo.com/ (This one looks as if it may be the closest to the airport.
We’ve also heard that a place called La Marmite may have some rooms — they have a well-known restaurant in Checa. You can email them for information at marmite@uio.satnet.net.
Another that just opened is http://airporthotelquito.com/
And you could just come straight to Cotacachi — that’s what we do. Although that works if you are staying in a hotel in Cotacachi and doesn’t work if you are staying in a private apartment.
In Cotacaci, you’ll want to contact several real estate agents to get a real taste of the market (no MLS here either). The most visible agents doing business in Cotacachi (this is not an endorsement) are Micky Enright: mickyenright@gmail.com and the REMAX office: http://www.remax.com.ec/coastandcountry
There are also a couple of gated communities you might want to check out:
http://elencantocotacachi.com/
And yesterday I toured a community that is really spectacular on the hillside between Otavalo and Cotacachi, about a 3-minute drive into town. For details about that, email Miguel Mora. He is a builder of exquisite homes and very knowledgable about the area: morasalasm@hotmail.com
Friends of ours have apartments for sale. Dennis Tonsing has a 4th floor furnished “penthouse” suite for sale: dt.uy.07@gmail.com
And Ron and Terresa Moore have a furnished 2-bed for sale (terresammoore@yahoo.com). They are also selling their furnished waterfront apartment in Crucita (between Manta and Bahia on the coast).
David, the beaches in Ecuador are not white sand. And I don’t know of any gated communities along the stretch you’re requesting. One person you might contact is Tom Saunders(tom@ecuadorbeachfrontproperty.com).
Be aware that the real estate business is not the same here as it is in the US. There is no MLS, so agents don’t typically know of other listings besides their own. That’s why — if you want to se lots of inventory — you’ll need to work with multiple agents.
You can see some other options here: https://internationalliving.com/country_clubs/ecuador/travel-itineraries/itineraries-essential-ecuador/But please please — if you decide to buy anything — you must do your own due diligence on any property you might consider. There are a lot of inexperienced developers taking a stab at this coast and many of them don’t know what they are doing. Tom Saunders, for instance, is building a community near San Clemente… and I have no idea of his experience level or financial foundation.
The only true gated community I know (that is actually progressing and is being done well) of is about 45 minutes north of Bahia. And that’s Jama Campay (http://www.jamacampay.blogspot.ie). For more information about Jama Campay, contact Francisco del Castillo (franciscodelcastillo@constructoradelcastillo.com).
As for infrastructure, it won’t be as developed as you are expecting or experiencing in Arizona. The road is excellent and the electricity and water are reliable but internet is slow and unreliable. I know they are working on that situation and I suspect in the coming year or two, those issues will be solved.
Most of the coast is comprised of tiny fishing villages… so if you are looking for fancy restaurants and shopping complexes, you’ll be disappointed unless you look closer to Manta or Salinas.
You might also ask Francisco Castillo for contact to show you old colonials in Quito. Edd is right — most are far larger than 2,000 sq. ft. and will need extensive renovation… unless you are looking for one that is already renovated?
It is hard to find English-speaking real estate agents in Old Tow Quito, but a good place to start your search is here: http://www.livewellecuador.com/Pages/default.aspx
Matt Guillory has been living and selling property in Old Town for about 12 years, among other irons in the fire. He may be able to help you — but again, proceed with caution and give yourself enough time on the ground in Ecuador to do your research and due diligence.
Gary and Stan, another consideration, other than state income tax, is leaving from a country that doesn’t tax retirement income, etc. For that reason, I understand South Dakota may be a good option. Some expats are changing their domicile to SD for those reasons, and using this organization to help them do that: http://mydakotaaddress.com/SD%20Residency%20faq.htm
Understand, please, I can’t vouch for these folks or for the legality of all this….
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