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Yes, it is safe. I’ve been across the border to Colombia with no problems. I’ve also driven all over Mexico and NEVR seen a roadblock or a firefight — I feel like I’ve missed something…. 🙂
If you mean “checkpoint” instead of roadblock, of course there are those on occasion (in Mexico at state borders) and some places in Ecuador. Usually they are checking to be sure your car is legally registered and, sometimes, that the people in it have proper  documentation.
Nicaragua is VERY safe — considered one of the safest, in fact, by Interpol, Economist, etc. I just spent three weeks there and can attest to how nice the people are and how easy it would be to live there in a carefree manor – -at least where personal safety is concerned. The only thing that’s a stumbling block for me is that Nicaragua is very warm climate-wise. Give me my cool Andes mountains!!
Eli, if you are looking for a place where you can import your firearms collection, you might consider Nicaragua. You’ll need to apply for a permit but you can import firearms to Nicaragua.
Yes, both Land of the Sun and Posada Quinde are nice places to stay. And that is an ambitious itinerary. You’ll have to fly back to Quito from Cuenca to get a flight to Manta.
February 28, 2013 at 11:50 am in reply to: Things you brought that were easily/cheaply replaced #507922I, on the other hand, brought nothing. I have found everything I need in Ecuador. I no longer camp so don’t need the camping gear and I do occasionally buy linens when I go back to the States. I also buy my electronics in the States — but we did buy one flat-screen TV in Ecuador. I brought in another 22″ panel in my luggage just recently.
Like edd said, if you are bringing your household good bring whatever you think you will want. And if you are not shipping stuff, then buy here. Be aware that bed sizes in Ecuador are not the same as bed sizes in the US. So your queen size sheets won’t always fit your bed here unsless you buy the ones with super seep pockets. Even then it is a 2-person struggle to get them on the bed. I understand there are places where you can buy fabric and have sheets made.
And that’s part of the fun of moving here. Figuring out how to solve problems and how to make do without those old familiar “brand names” we’ve tricked ourselves into feeling like we need.
My advice: bring your luggage (and the things you love) but leave your baggage (those things you don’t really “need” at home. 🙂
Sarah, Jonathan and Roger have gotten very good reviews from IL readers who have taken their tours. All are former Peace Corp and have been in Ecuador for many, many years.
I make my own chicken broth — that way I know it has no preservatives, extra sodium, etc. And it’s absolutely fresh!
You can get king-size beds in Ecuador.
Richard, here are the contacts I promised:
Jack Abercrombie: email:
journeymanjack@facebook.com
journeymanjack.com@gmail.comJack’s Facebook:
http://www.facebook.com/journeymanjack
http://www.facebook.com/pablo.ecuadortours?fref=ts
Pablo Prado’s website:
http://pablopradoservicesforexpatsecuad.blogspot.com/I could be wrong but I believe David Day lives on the coast, near Bahia. Jack and Prado live in Quito and make the drive to the coast and Cuenca frequently with passengers, dogs and luggage.
Michael, you want to explore gated communities near Quito, is that right? You might check in with Sarah Dettman: s.dettman@yahoo.com.
Two suggestions: Jack Abercrombie and Pablo Prado — I will send their email contacts later, on the run now…
You probably should talk to customs broker Sandra Baquero. Email her at Sandy_Baquero@hotmail.com
FYI, I have never heard of Island Estates International….
Or write to Amy directly at Amy Pinoargote <apinoargote13@yahoo.com>
February 25, 2013 at 11:06 pm in reply to: Loja, Ecuador: Moving, Living & Having My BE-ing… #507576Thanks fo that input, Mark. I really liked Loja when I had a chance to spend some time there not to long ago. very nice city and at a lower elevation than Quito or Cuenca, but not as low (and warm) as Vilcabamba.
The communities we focus on through International Living are, for the most part, safe. We would never write about places where we would not live ourselves. I don’t know anyone who had ever been kidnapped either… Usually kidnappers target someone local whose family they know how to reach for ransom. I have heard of ATM “express” kidnappings, but again — don’t know anyone this has happened to.
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