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Archive for March 2015

Land and Real Estate Investment Options in Ecuador

LiveTheLifeinEcuador  | March 31, 2015

Real estate word cloud concept imageThe South American country of Ecuador may not be the first place you think of for real estate investments but it should be. Investors are flocking to this beautiful country for a variety of reasons and it’s easy to see why. Not only is the real estate reasonably priced but it is growing by leaps and bounds on a regular basis. Both as a tourist destination and as a second home for residents of other countries.

Some of the hot spots in Ecuador include: Lentag, Cuenca, Yunguilla Valley, Catamayo, Loja Province and the South Pacific Coast areas of Puerto Lopez, Montanita, Olon, Manta, Santa Marianita and Salinas. As each area begins to see a surge in real estate development and commerce, investors see it as the prime time to buy up land, commercial buildings and to begin putting their money into the real estate of Ecuador.

Where to Start

Real estate investments can be tricky if you are unsure where to start. Luckily, you can use the services of a local real estate agent and take out the guesswork. Establish a budget and begin to search the areas mentioned above. Each will have its own set of bonus points and you will have to decide if residential or commercial is the way you want to invest. If you decide to develop land, you’ll need to learn and understand the building codes for this country as they will differ from your own country. This is where an established real estate agent will help you avoid costly mistakes. For the investor who wants to just buy property, use it at their own leisure or rent it out, there are numerous options in these particular areas. Buy a villa and spend the winters in a mild climate or take the family on vacation every year to a beautiful city in South America.

Costs in Ecuador

Real estate is not necessarily cheap in Ecuador if you want to buy a larger estate. You will find stunning properties for reasonable prices. To get all the creature comforts such as air conditioning and energy efficiency, you may need to do some remodeling but once that is done, you’ll have a property in an exotic country to enjoy whenever you want.
Learn more about real estate in Ecuador by browsing the resources of my website, or by contacting me today. I look forward to hearing from you and to helping you find the property that best suits your needs.

Exploring the Country on the Ecuador Cruise Train

LiveTheLifeinEcuador  | March 27, 2015

Forget what you might think about trains and consider what it would be like to see Ecuador from a comfortable seat while someone else drives and you can relax. This is how it is when you board an Ecuador Cruise Train. Like its name implies, it is a similar to a ship cruise but instead you are in a spacious, well-equipped train car. Forget the stress of finding taxis, buses and commuter trains in a new country and sit back and relax while exploring your new surroundings.

The View from Two Cars Back

Climbing the Cotopaxi (Ecuador)

Climbing the Cotopaxi (Ecuador)

Trains have the capability to travel relatively quickly on the tracks yet not make you feel as though you’re missing the scenery. A cruise train will provide all the amenities you want for comfort as well as the safety and reliability that you need. Why not let someone else worry about the logistics of touring Ecuador and you just enjoy the ride? Take in the jungle views, the mountain views and even the coast with a cool drink or a magazine. Rest your eyes at night and savor delicious meals without having to stop and miss any amazing sites during daylight hours.

The Places You’ll See

An Ecuador Cruise Train provides several options for your tour such as a 4-day, 3-night ride or even just a short 2-day, 1-night option. Whatever package is chosen, tourists and residents alike will enjoy seeing this beautiful country in a more relaxed setting. Much of the stress of a vacation in a new country or even a new city is getting there, learning the traffic patterns and having the ability to reserve transportation to guarantee your excursions. On a train, it’s all taken care of. Get on, unpack and enjoy a lively conversation with your train mates rather than worrying about the directions and times.

All aboard the train for a laidback exploration of Ecuador! For more information, do not hesitate to contact me. I’m happy to offer my suggestions for exploring this great country!

Top 10 Tourist Attractions in Ecuador

LiveTheLifeinEcuador  | March 25, 2015

Quilotoa crater lake surrounded by highland indigeneus communities and their mules used for returning the tourists from the lake shore to the crater rim

Quilotoa crater lake surrounded by highland indigeneus communities and their mules used for returning the tourists from the lake shore to the crater rim

Venture to Ecuador for an exciting and unique adventure. While there are more than 10 attractions you will want to visit, here are just a few to get you started:

Mindo. Hook up to a zip line and soar through the Ecuadorian cloud forest or hike to the waterfalls. There are outdoor activities for all fitness and experience levels and you’ll appreciate the clean, quiet air after being in the cities for several days.

Basilica del Voto Nacional. For less than $2, you can spend the day viewing the cathedral and taking in its majesty.

Cotopaxi. The world’s tallest active volcano can be seen from Quito. While no eruption has been experienced for years, there are continuous emissions and light activity. Join an organized group to reach the summit for spectacular views.

Cuyabeno Wildlife Reserve. The second largest reserve of all the national parks in Ecuador with a mild climate. It is an integral part of the Amazonia nature reserve with unique ecological features.

Canoa. A beautiful beach town on the Pacific side of Ecuador where travelers enjoy a retreat without the crowds. Hop on the bus from Quito and spend the day in Canoa or spend the night in a beach bungalow and fall asleep to the sounds of the ocean lapping at the sand.

The Quilotoa Loop. Plan on several days to see one of Ecuador’s most exhilarating excursions. It can take days to reach the loop but it will be worth the effort. Hike around the crater, camp at the bottom and talk to the locals for an authentic experience.

Sea Lions resting ashore Espanola Island, Galapagos, Ecuador.

Sea Lions resting ashore Espanola Island, Galapagos, Ecuador.

The Galapagos Islands. See penguins, sea lions, iguanas and the famous sea tortoises on an excursion to these islands, 600 miles from the coast. Snorkel and swim alongside the animals for the ultimate in sea-life views.

Baños de Agua Santa. Enjoy the relaxing waters of the thermal spas after days of walking, hiking and exploring.

Montañita. Dance the night away in this fishing town known for its vibrant nightlife and music scene.

Otavalo Market. Shop the unique crafts, jewelry and souvenirs created by the locals in Ecuador and take home some true keepsake of your time in this amazing country.

Regardless of what you decide to do during your time in Ecuador, you’ll fall in love with the country and its warm, giving people. Explore a new city and see more of what this part of the world has to offer. When you’re ready to browse real estate options in this exciting location, do not hesitate to contact me, Torrin Brauch, today!

Hotel Casa del Aguila

LiveTheLifeinEcuador  | March 2, 2015

hotel casa del aguila outside shot

Hotel Casa del AguilaA world away in from Cuenca’s busier streets, but still located within close proximity to the city’s attractions and most well-known landmarks, Hotel Casa del Aguila is situated right at the beating heart of the historic center. Housed in a wonderfully restored 19th century Colonial-style casa, the hotel effectively transports its guests back to the romance and Latin American flair of Cuenca’s colonial past with its stucco walls and unique collection of antique décor. It is intimate as well; guests don’t have to worry about an overcrowded hotel as Casa del Aguila only has 15 guestrooms. There is no better place to serve as your home away from home.

It’s only fitting to stay at a historic casa while visiting one of the world’s best-preserved colonial cities. Cuenca’s character is reflected in the hotel, from its gorgeous façade to the little details found in the hotel’s many common areas. As soon as they arrive within the casa’s vicinity, guests are greeted by the hotel’s romantic ambiance and its equally warm, welcoming, and not to mention multilingual, staff. An interior patio serves as the gateway to the casa, with a glass skylight bathing the area in sunlight. Stucco walls painted in warm colors tie the different rooms and common areas together, making for a great and cohesive interior design.

The Eagle House

Whabitacionhether you’re traveling to Cuenca for business or leisure, you are sure to enjoy your stay at Hotel Casa del Aguila. Spread over two levels, the casa’s 15 individually decorated guestrooms offer comfort to every weary traveler. Attentive personal service is guaranteed by the hotel’s friendly and well-trained staff. Private bathrooms are well-decorated, complete with hot showers and bidets. Other en-suite amenities include an in-room safe, individual climate control, a desk, and a phone. Elegant chandeliers adorn Hotel Casa del Aguila’s larger suites, the warm spaces perfectly accented with draped curtains and parquet floors.

Other Services and Amenities

If you’re a travel and lifestyle blogger, or somebody who just simply can’t bear weeks without internet access then you’re in for a treat. Hotel Casa del Aguila offers complimentary Wi-Fi access. With so much art, culture, and history waiting for you outside the hotel’s walls, however, who wants to spend too much time surfing the net, right?

Another complimentary treat offered to guests is an absolutely delicious continental breakfast, which regularly features some of the freshest seasonal fruits that Azuay province has to offer. If you need to take a breath of fresh air or you simply want to catch a nice view of the city, guests also have access to the hotel’s pleasant rooftop terrace. If you want to sample some authentic Cuencan fare, Hotel Casa del Aguila has an in-house restaurant that you should check out.

Book Now!

Get a 10 percent discount if you book your stay at Hotel Casa del Aguila through us! For queries regarding this special offer, you can reach us through the following channels:

USA Cell: 239.848.5876
Ecuador Cell: 097.994.7670
Calling from the US: 011.593.97.994.7640
info@livethelifeinecuador.com