Pro-Ecuador’s First Intro Tour is a Rousing Success!
How much you choose to immerse yourself in the culture will largely define your experience in Ecuador.
–Adventure Guide to Ecuador and the Galapagos
The first Pro-Ecuador Intro Tour has come to an end after a 7-day whirlwind trek that stretched from the beaches of Manta and Bahia in the west, then northeast to Quito, north to the highlands of Cotacachi and surrounding towns, down south to Cuenca and back to Quito.
Four adventurous souls joined Gary, Jason and me as we fully immersed ourselves in the cultural and geographic diversity of the land of eternal spring.
This group was serious about finding new homes in Ecuador, so we altered our itinerary to show them more real estate than originally planned. They were undaunted in their search, giving everything from luxury beach condos to small apartments and land careful consideration.
With a number of real estate agents and ex pats sharing their experiences in finding and purchasing property in Ecuador, the tour participants garnered enough confidence to quickly make decisions. As a result, three of the four attendees are purchasing property, choosing to make Cotacachi their new home.
Being flexible allowed for surprises and unexpected richness of experience to occur. It’s hard to believe we encapsulated so much into so short a time.
It’s as if the passage of time slowed to allow everyone to have the kind of experiences they were seeking.
From ocean sunsets, breath-taking mountain vistas, and a morning hike to a misty waterfall, to delighting in the charm and variety of some of Ecuador’s best hostelries and the majesty of her churches, each of our new friends found a slice of life in Ecuador that deeply resonated with them.
A single woman from NYC was delighted with the vibrant art community she found in Cuenca. A Canadian man will soon be the proud owner of a handmade adobe country home in the development of El Batan. Our Midwest couple will build their home on land with million-dollar views.
Gary and I are in the process of tweaking our itinerary to expand and improve the next Intro to Ecuador tour, which will include more real estate showings, an extra day in Cuenca’s colonial ambiance.
In addition, participants will have their choice of two, three-day extensions to the coast or to Vilcabamba, the fabled Valley of Longevity.
Join us for an unforgettable trip to the magic garden that is Ecuador!
The next Intro to Ecuador Tour is scheduled for August 21st. We already have a number of sign-ups and will keep the group small, so contact us for details.
If you are contemplating moving to Ecuador, this tour and course will provide much of the information you need to make an informed decision. Don’t miss it!
Filed under: Cotacachi, Cuenca, Ecuador Real Estate, Ecuador Tours, Moving to Ecuador, Otavalo
I’m the Canadian guy who will be the very proud and very, very happy owner of an adobe house in El Batán. I’ve paid my deposit and I’m hoping to have construction start by July 15.
I loved this tour. I hadn’t been on a real vacation in almost 10 years. And I definitely made the right choice in coming to Ecuador and touring with Gary, Linda and Jason. Friendly, wise in Ecuadorian culture, and people I’m glad to call new friends, these three went out of their way to make this trip useful for me in my quest to move to Ecuador.
If you’re considering moving to Ecuador, whether for the climate, for the scenery, or to make your retirement dollars go farther, you won’t find a better team to show you the country. Get yourselves down here for August 21. I promise you, you won’t ever forget it!
WOW! that sounds so wonderful! I wish I could make it in August but it is too soon for leaving Hawaii.
Conrads, Canadian Guy!
Perhaps we will be nieghbors someday.
Adios,
Niko
Hi Jeff. It is December 1st now. I was just reading about you having a home built in Colonia El Batan. I have been reading all of the articles about Ecuador that I can find. I have decided that I am really attracted to Cotacachi. I have looked at the condos and the houses. I think that the thick walls of the adobe homes would make them very comfortable and easy to keep cool in the warmest part of the year and warm in the coolest part of the year. The exposed beams were beautiful. I am curious to know how your home has progressed. Have you gotten your permanent residence sorted?
I am giving serious thought to moving to Ecuador. I am a very young 56 and I would be happy to have my money give me so much more buying power there. I would love to read about any of your experiences that you might be willing to share. Congratulations on your beautiful new home.
Thank you,
Jeanie
Hi Jeanie.
I move in next weekend. The house won’t be completed, but my office and the downstairs bathroom will be, so in we go. But it sure does look good, with tiles I picked out in the kitchen and two main bathrooms, and fireplaces in the living room and master bedroom. The custom-made furniture starts moving in this week (dining table and 6 chairs for the main living area, and desk and day bed in my office).
This is the largest (by far) place I’ve ever lived in by myself. The last place I owned was 880 square feet, and the condo I owned in Toronto was 440 square feet. This house is over 2,000!
I haven’t started the permanent residency proceedings since I need a deed to the house for that. I also have another four months to get it completed, so there’s no rush.
I’m enjoying life in Cotacachi very much. It’s a little boring sometimes — my own fault, as I brought no reading materials in English, and my Spanish just doesn’t cut it yet.
But the temperatures are moderate (you’d be surprised how hot 70F can be here!) and the views are spectacular.
I hope that gives you a bit more to go on to help you with your decision.
Jeff