Ecuador News Archives

On our first trip to Ecuador, in 2001, my husband and I both remarked about how clean the city of Quito seemed to us. We were comparing it to other Latin American destinations where we had spent time.

Moving overseas is a two-way street. Not only are people from the U.S., Canada, Europe, and elsewhere moving to Ecuador in search of opportunities, but Ecuadorians are heading to our countries for the same reason.

Baños is one of Ecuador's top tourist towns and we recommend a visit there if you get a chance. But be aware that Baños sits in the shadow of Mt. Tungurahua, an active volcano. It's been active since 1999, but that doesn't imply constant or even regular eruptions.

My home town, Cuenca, continues to be a top location for expats. Whenever I'm in El Centro I see folks wandering around with a map in their hands (if they've got on shorts they're definitely tourists!) trying to figure out where they are. Of course they want to see the sites, visit some neighborhoods, maybe drop by a mercado.

Are prices going up in Ecuador? Yes. They never go down anywhere, do they? Unless, of course, there is a housing crisis such as the U.S. experienced in recent years.

We're often asked about the protocol for tipping in Ecuador. And when it comes up in conversation, we're always surprised at the difference in opinion people have about this subject.

Two big events occurred here in Ecuador last month.

On the way back to Ecuador last month from a holiday visit with our family, my wife and I had a layover in the Miami airport. While killing time awaiting our next flight I wandered into a clothing store and spotted the most outrageously gorgeous leather jacket I had ever seen.

This country never ceases to amaze me with its welcoming attitude to those of us expats who live here. Not only are our neighbors kind and generous (one of ours brought us a very sweet Christmas gift this year…a delicate porcelain figurine and a bag of chocolates), but those who work in the service industry are happy and pleasant to deal with.