In the major cities like Quito, Guayaquil, and Cuenca, you can enjoy all of the Western conveniences you are accustomed to. New cars abound, including several brands made in Ecuadorian factories. Everyone has cell phones, and internet connections are just as common.
Recently, I took a trip along the coast between Manta and Salinas. The object of the trip wasn’t to focus my attention on the big cities—but to take a good look at what lies between them.
I’ve learned a lot since I got here. It’s almost all been good. Getting to Ecuador and having a good look around led me to a discovery I’m very happy about. Before I arrived, I had no idea there were decent golf courses here.
If you’re someone who is looking for the conveniences of a good-sized city close to the beach and the mountains, I may have found the sweet spot for you. Especially if you are a trailblazer—someone who would enjoy the experience of immersing yourself in a new language and culture.
Originally from Connecticut, Joy is among the increasing number of North Americans finding opportunity and adventure in Ecuador. She’s been living there for the past seven years, following stints in the Dominican Republic, Honduras, and Argentina.
Mark, 62, and Bonnie, 60, recently filled their outdoor pool and Jacuzzi for the first time, and although there are still a few small touches to be made to the paving and planting, it’s already a luxurious place to lounge away an afternoon in the Ecuadorian sunshine.
Renovation and renewal are words that often come up when writing about Ecuador—the country seems to have that effect on expats—but in the case of Dona and Larry Dees, it’s a definite theme. First, their adopted hometown of Ballenita on the ocean-scoured sands of the Pacific has recently put the finishing touches on an ambitious redesign and renovation project.
I am riding along the streets of the quaint and cozy northern Ecuadorian town of Cotacachi. With me, real estate maven Jim Keyser cracks a joke that focuses on one of the key elements of appeal that draws expats seeking a comfortable place to settle into a new life. “You know what we call a person who makes a ridiculously low offer on a home here?” Jim asks. “Property owner.”
Josh Beedham first visited Ecuador on a work placement program. “I went to Quito, took Spanish classes and helped in an orphanage. On the weekends I traveled around the country,” he says.
Quito is the capital city of Ecuador, located just south of the equator. Quito has so much culture and history to offer. My husband, Brian, and I live in a different area of Ecuador, but recently had an opportunity to go house- (and cat-) siting there for a week. We took full advantage of being in the heart of the capital city and did a lot of exploring.