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SEMANA SANTA EN COSTA ECUATORIANA

AgentImage  | April 17, 2019

La Semana Santa en Ecuador es la conmemoración anual de la pasión, muerte y resurrección de Jesús de Nazaret. Lo más espectacular durante la Semana Santa es la procesión de Jesús, muchas personas se reúnen en las calles para observar este magnífico desfile y ser testigos de la devoción misteriosa. Durante la Semana Santa en Ecuador, toda la ciudad y las calles están llenas de color púrpura parecida a las túnicas de los “Klux Klan”. Lejos de tales motivos siniestros, las personas se visten de esta manera para representar a los pecadores y a los mártires, se los llama “cucuruchos” (que significa “cono”), su ropa es de color púrpura oscuro con capuchas de cono que cubren sus caras. Los restaurantes sirven, “Fanesca” plato típico de la temporada, se sirve una rica sopa tradicional, hecha de doce granos diferentes, cada uno representando uno de los doce discípulos de Jesús. Además, la fanesca lleva calabaza, bacalao, rebanadas de huevo duro, trozos de plátano verde, pan frito, queso y cacahuetes. Este es el plato tradicional de Semana Santa y es una tradición que reúne a familias completas en la preparación y degustación de este delicioso platillo. Como postre se sirve los deliciosos dulce de Higos, arroz con leche, empanadas de vientos, etc. Para experimentar verdaderamente la cultura y diversificación de la Semana Santa en Ecuador, venga de vacaciones, y disfrute de la maravillosa hospitalidad de su gente. Disfrute y sea parte de estas tradiciones, viva una de las tantas celebraciones que hacen único y maravilloso a este país.

 

 

WHO’S LIVING THE LIFE IN ECUADOR

AgentImage  | December 14, 2018

Meet Gina Ambrosi

Each month at Live the Life we like to share stories of those who have found their little piece of paradise here in Ecuador. By hearing their stories, you may find inspiration for your own. Gina Ambrosi is a proud mother of two and Ecuadorian native but will soon be starting her own business that will help both locals and expats. From things like wood and chocolate to real estate and hotels, Gina takes pride in her country and loves sharing its beauty with others. Here is why Gina is living the life!

We first met Gina back in July when she visited us in our Puerto Lopez office. Right away we knew that she was going to be an amazingly interesting person who shared the same passion for life as we did. She had a lot of experience, a lot of great things to say about Ecuador, a radiant energy, and she loved living her life, something we are definitely all about!

Gina’s background is an extensive one but she has always worked closely with expats and foreigner operated business. The wood industry is where she began when she moved back to Ecuador after studying in the U.S. for four years. As an Ecuadorian native, her family had been working with wood for more than 30 years and Gina joined in to help. She worked in project management, real estate organization, and administration and it all helped her to later accept a position as a manager of an expat run company that worked mining operations in Ecuador.

Eventually, mining projects finished and Gina found herself looking for something new to do. She wanted people to love Ecuador as much as she did and she wanted to be able to take her career into her own hands. She remembered how much everyone in the US loved their Ecuadorian gifts that she had brought them when she visited and an idea came to her that sparked a new passion within.

Made in Ecuador

You might be thinking “souvenir shop?” but this is not that. What Gina had in mind was a business where both tourists and residents can enjoy, buy, and learn about Ecuadorian products and services. Tourists can get their artisan gifts, retirees can learn about retirement benefits, investors can find profitable ventures, builders can learn about local materials, and Ecuador can continue to prosper. Enjoy a cup of Yunguilla Valley coffee while eating chocolate from Mindo all while learning about the real estate market on the coast and the teak wood from the forest used by the Live the Life construction team.

May people still think Ecuador is a third world country that lacks and this simply is not the case anymore. Gina wants to help people discover how great Ecuadorian commerce is and how great life can be here. Gina knows how things work in her country and she enjoys sharing her wisdom. Kind people like her make life for expats even that much better. She is a fountain of information and we are lucky to have her in our tribe. She will be getting her storefront up and running shortly at El Mirador de Turi and in the mean-time helping Live the Life clients in the Cuenca and Yunguilla Valley areas.

A Picnic in the…Cementery?

AgentImage  | November 2, 2018

How Ecuador celebrates Dia de los Dfuntos

Day of the dead or “Día de los Muertos” is celebrated on November 2nd by many cultures around the world and Ecuador is no exception. However, Day of the Dead here in Ecuador is looks a little different than it does in other parts, and the holiday comes with its own unique customs and traditions.

In Ecuador this day is not referred to as Dia de los Muertos but rather Día de los Difuntos “Day of the Deceased.” It is traditionally a Catholic holiday but in Ecuador, it also incorporates a great amount of indigenous traditions as well. It is a day for people to visit their deceased relatives in the cemeteries and honor those whom have passed.

More Indigenous families spend the entire day in the cemeteries, often times preparing a meal there, while the children run and play and the elders recall old times. Other more Catholic families simply visit the tombs and leave flowers, wreaths, photos, stuffed animals, toys and other trinkets as gifts to the departed.

During this day, Colada Morada and Guaguas de Pan are very popular and you will see them being eaten and sold in shops around all cities. Colada Morada is a sweet purple corn or oat drink made with mashed berries, spices, and served hot. It is accompanied by Guaguas de Pan which is bread, shaped and decorated as babies (Guaguas translates to baby in Quechua). Why babies? I personally have yet to find out.

The holiday is celebrated over 2 days here with November 1st being “All Saint’s Day.” This day is used to prepare food and gifts that will be brought to the cemeteries. November 3rd is also Cuenca’s Independence so all together; this holiday makes the 2nd largest holiday weekend next to Carnaval. It is always so intriguing to learn about new cultures and customs and that is something we love about Ecuador. Come visit and see for yourself! Viva Los Muertos!

As the Cost of Living Continues to Rise, Many People Are Looking Abroad for A Solution

AgentImage  | August 21, 2018

By Amber Cypcar

Over recent years, prices in the United States have skyrocketed. From housing costs, and gas prices, to utility bills and food expenses, the numbers on the receipts just keep getting higher. And while the price of things continues to go up, it seems that quality is going down. But what can be done about this you ask?Well, simply put, move.

The number of expats around the world is increasingwith each year and the search for a cheaper cost of life is one of the reasons why. There is a notably high concentration going to South America, especially Ecuador because life down in the south is much less expensive in comparison to it’s northern neighbors. In 2017Ecuador was ranked in both USA Today’s top 25 best countries for expats and International Living’s best retirement destinations of the world and with one look at the cost and quality of life, it’seasy to see why.

We did a comparison between the prices of various productsin both Miami, Florida and Quito, Ecuador to show just how far a dollar can really get you. The results were no surprise as it was expected that the cost of living in Ecuador would be cheaper than in Florida however, it remains quite interesting to see exactly where the differences are.

FOOD Miami, FL Ecuador
Basic Lunchtime Meal (including Drink) $16 $3
Combo Meal in Fast Food Restaurant (Big Mac Meal or Similar) $7 $6
1 lb. of boneless chicken breast $5.95 $3.18
1 Liter (1 qt.) of whole fat milk $1.12 $0.97
12 eggs, large $4.39 $1.50
2 lb. of tomatoes $4.34 $1.25
1 lbs. of local cheese $8 $2
2 lbs. of apples $3.85 $2.34
2 lbs. of potatoes $1.70 $1.00
0.5 (16oz) Liters of domestic beer in the supermarket $3.65 $1.20
1 bottle of red wine, medium quality $15 $12
HOUSING    
Monthly rent for 85m2 (900 Sqft) furnished accommodation in EXPENSIVE area $1,991 $760
Monthly rent for 85m2 (900 Sqft) furnished accommodation in NORMAL area $1,643 $434
Property tax on a $182,400 home $1773 $47.88
Utilities 1 month (electricity, gas, water…) for 2 people $182 $83
Internet (1 month basic) $44 $25
Hourly rate for cleaning help $19 $4
CLOTHES    
1 pair of jeans (Levi’s 501 or similar) $42 $68
1 summer dress n High Street Store (Zara, H&M or similar retailers) $36 $55
1 pair of sport shoes (Nike, Adidas, or equivalent brands) $83 $103
1 pair of men’s leather business shoes $104 $87
TRANSPORTATION    
Volkswagen Golf 1.4 TSI 150 CV (or equivalent), with no extras, new $23,051 $30,000
1 Liter (1/4 gallon) of gas $0.71 $0.60
Taxi tri on business day, basic tariff, 8 km (5 miles) $16 $2.50
PERSONAL CARE    
1 box of antibiotics (12 doses) $19 $8
Deodorant, roll-on $3.94 $4.56
4 rolls of toilet paper $4.50 $1
Standard men’s haircut in expat area of the city $20 $5
Average Health Insurance payment for Single person plan (per month) $321 $65
ENTERTAINMENT    
Basic Dinner out for two in neighborhood restaurant/pub $47 $19
2 tickets to the movies $26 $10.50
1 cocktail drink in downtown club $17 $5
Cappuccino in expat area of city $5.52 $2.13
1 beer in neighborhood pub $5.45 $2
1 min. of prepaid mobile tariff (no discounts or plans) $0.44 $0.15
1 package of Marlboro cigarettes $7 $7
     
Latest price update of Miami: June 07, 2018.
Latest price update Ecuador: April of 2018.

There is an over-arching inexpensiveness when it comes to food and housing in Ecuador with pretty much every element of the category ringing in at a smaller price but when it comes to purchasing a new car or buying clothing, Miami takes the win. This could be due to a variety of reasons such as the high taxes on imported items, the priority of importance that is placed on each item, or simply the availability but whatever it is, it all has a grand effect on the overall cost and the style of life that is to be had.

Many find that they are able to live a comfortable life with $1000 per month without having to cut corners or skimp on lavish items in order to make ends meet. Retirees find that their social security check can cover most costs so they are able to relax and enjoy their life of retirement. The general consensus is that life in Ecuador is affordable, comfortable, and enjoyable and we expect that more people will be making the move if things continue on the path that they are.

If you have more questions about live in Ecuador, Live the Life is here to help. With offices in Puerto Lopez and in the Yunguilla Valley we can assist you in a variety of areas from travel tours to home construction and everything in between. See more information on our website at www.livethelifeinecuador.com or email us at amber@livethelifeinecuador.com.

*Prices and information gathered from https://preciosmundi.com/ecuador/, https://www.expatistan.com/cost-of-living/miami, and personal experience.

Carnaval in Ecuador

AgentImage  | February 10, 2018

Colorful costumes, enormous parade floats, lively music, cheerful dancing; it must be Carnaval!

Carnaval is a special holiday that takes place 40 days before Easter each year in many countries with dominant Christin populations. People go all out with their celebration and Ecuador is no exception however Ecuador also incorporates the indigenous tradition of celebrating the second moon by throwing flowers, water and flour.

The festivity events begin with the Taita Carnaval (Father Carnival) being elected to preside over the festivities and head the parade of each city. The parades and parties fill the streets and feature elaborate costumes, music, dancing, food, and drinks. Children and teenagers drench everyone around them with water pistols, water balloons, buckets of water, even eggs and flour, all in good fun.

While celebrations occur all throughout the country, the largest celebration takes place in the city of Ambato where they also celebrate Flower and Fruit Festival, which includes the usual parades and music, as well as concerts, plays, a beauty pageant, and fireworks.Many people from the sierra also take advantage of the long weekend and travel to the coast for vacation. Cities like Puerto Lopez, Manta, Pedernales, and Salinas come alive with hundreds of visitors each day.

Carnaval a playful holiday for all and gives people one last chance to let lose before they begin the 40 day Lent fast.

10 Things You Probably Didn’t Know About Ecuador

AgentImage  | February 5, 2018

Ecuador is an insanely beautiful country and I’m pretty sure we all know this. From the abundance of life inhabiting the great Galapagos Islands and the lush vegetation of the Amazon rain forests to the awe-inspiring peaks of the Andes Mountains and the cultural rich city of Cuenca, Ecuador has a little something for everyone.

However, here are 10 things you maybe didn’t know about Ecuador…

  1. Because the Earth bulges at the Equator, Ecuador’s Mt. Chimborazo is technically 1.5 miles higher than Mt. Everest when measured from the Earth’s core
  2. In 2008, Ecuador became the first country in the world to include recognition of the rights of nature in its constitution. Nature has the “right to exist, persist, maintain and regenerate its vital cycles.”
  3. With the protection and conservation of nature being such an important part of Ecuador, it makes sense that the main airport in Ecuador’s Galapagos Islands, located on the island of Baltra, operates exclusively on wind and solar energy, thanks to a $40 million engineering feat .
  4. The world’s highest active volcano is found in Ecuador: Mt Cotopaxi, which is 5987m above sea level.
  5. Ecuador grows and makes 70% of the world’s fine cacoa, Arriba, which is used in chocolate products worldwide. However, Ecuador lacks processing plants and therefore the Chocolate that is processed in Ecuador is often sub-par.
  6. Ecuador is the world’s largest exporter of bananas and the total value of Ecuador’s banana exports exceeds US$2 trillion each year.
  7. Ecuador is home to more than 1600 species of birds, which is more than double the number found on the continents of North America, Europe or Australia.
  8. Ecuador is approximately the size of the state of Oregon in United States
  9. Spanish is the national language however 23 other languages are spoken among different groups. Quichua and Jivaroan are the second and third most popular languages of the Sierra and Oriente.
  10. Ecuador’s Ministry of Tourism secured the rights to the Beatles hit song ‘All You Need is Love’ in 2014 to use as part of its new ‘All You Need is Ecuador’ campaign to show how Ecuador can help people emotionally connect with culture and nature.

There is so much to explore in this tiny, bio-diverse, volcano speckled, cultural filled, country and around every corner is something new to learn. So why don’t you come see for yourself the many wonders this country has to offer!

It’s time for adventure. It’s time to visit Ecuador.

Living Lavishly on the Budget of a Bus Boy The Cost of Living in Ecuador

AgentImage  | January 9, 2018

Before people uproot their life and move abroad, there are many things that they think about and cost of living is definitely at the top of the list. On so many of the expat pages and facebook groups, the question always arises “what is a typical budget in Ecuador.” This is not an easy question to answer because it truly depends on the type of lifestyle you are looking to create. Do you dream of living like royalty in an estate with a maid and gardener, consuming your mus- have imported foods and goods, or are you looking for an average 2-4 bedroom house/apartment and plan on using the buses and taxis as your main mode of transportation? There is nothing wrong with either type but it is something that needs to be considered when thinking about the cost of living. It is all subjective.

Some people can live on $500 a month in Ecuador just as some people can live on $1500 in the states. Not saying that $500 is the easiest budget to work with but it can be done. In general, things are relatively less expensive so a comfortable lifestyle isn’t going to break the bank. However, there are always some basic costs that you will encounter and thinking about those and how much you are going to need for yourself will help you figure out what your cost of living will be.

Initially you are going to have startup costs. This includes your flight, maybe a stay in a hotel, and those initial one times buys such as furniture, electronics, dishes, bedding, etc. While this is not a part of your daily/monthly budget, it is important to think about and plan for. In my case, I found a cheap flight that was about $700, I stayed in a hotel for the first month until I found an apartment which was about $750 for the month, and when I found my apartment, I bought some home items which totaled to about $250. My first month’s rent was $250. Other expenses such as food and transportation to interviews probably totaled to about $300 for the first month. Everything was new so I was trying everything and enjoying exploring my new home.

Your regular budget will probably include many of the same things that your regular budget in your current home includes. Some of the basic costs will be

  • Debts (mortgages, loans, interest) back home
  • Business and legal responsibilities
  • Travel (weekend vacations, site-seeing etc.)
  • Medicare (the in-case-of-emergency kind)
  • Emergency / spur of the moment purchase
  • Housing
  • Utilities
  • Daily costs such as
    • Food
    • Transportation
    • Recreational activities

When we think about these numbers, this is where every budget varies. There is no one answer to give about how much it will cost you to live here but we can say how much things cost so that you can get an idea of how much you will be spending in your case depending on your desired lifestyle.

My lifestyle is basic but comfortable. I live in a studio apartment directly on the beach in Puerto Lopez on the coast of Ecuador. My rent is $325 a month. In Quito I shared apartments with roommates and paid between $200 and $300 for some other references. My monthly utilities are never more than $10. I have a washing machine so I don’t have to have my cloths washed but when I lived in Quito I did and spent about $5 a week on laundry. In Quito I loved walking but also used the public transportation and spent maybe $0.50 to $1 a day and if I took a taxi at night, another $2. I love eating out so I allow for a larger part of my budget to be spent on dinning in restaurants but I eat the typical $3 lunch and $3 dinner. Fancier dinners can go up to about $10-$20 a meal but I RARELY eat those. When I buy my groceries, I spend about $15-$20 a week in the market which covers my bread, meat, vegetables, eggs, rice, sauces and spices, tuna, fruits, coka cola and personal items such as deodorant. A 5 gallon jug of water is about $2 and that lasts awhile for me. I rely on the public health insurance and don’t need the private health insurance as many expats do because of my legal status here but if I did have to go to the doctor and something needed to be paid out of pocket, it is always payable with the cash I have in my purse (maybe $50-$100 at most). I used to travel more before I had two full time jobs and usually went on a weekend trip about once a month which maybe totaled to $100-$200 per trip. I love the nightlife and make sure that my budget allows for me to go out dancing and seeing concerts with friends. I probably spend about $20 a week on recreation activities. My responsibilities back home are my student loans and I pay $385 a month. I probably spend about $100 a month personally on my business (it’s my baby so I must). And maybe $30 for those miscellaneous buys. Let’s do the math (I will use my expenses in Puerto Lopez and the highest cost possible)

Expense
$US
Rent
$325
Utilities per month
$10
Transportation in Puerto Lopez per month
$10
Dining out per month
$60
Groceries per month
$80
Water per month
$4
Recreational Activities per month
$80
Student Loan Payments per month
$385
Business Expenses
$100
Biscellaneous
$30
Total
$1084

Take out the school loans and the business expenses and you’re looking at $599 per month for just a normal, day – to-day life. Not bad in my opinion. When you’re comparing this budget to, let’s say a budge in United States, things are looking pretty livable

  • Examples:
    • Water here: $0.50
    • Water there: $1.50
    • Lunch at restaurant here: $3
    • Lunch at restaurant there: $8
    • Tank of gas here: $20
    • Tank of gas there: $50

Depending on how you want to live will determine your cost of living. Nobody can answer that question simply. Maybe you are looking to build a house rather than rent, there is another expense for you. You just really have to sit down and think about the life you want to live. Whatever you spend, just make sure you are living the life you’ve always wanted to live!

**If you are one of those people looking to make Ecuador their home and need help with the process, Live the Life can help. With our integrated team of real estate agents, immigration attorneys, transportation services, travel accommodations, construction crews, and even home food delivery, our wide range of services will cover everything so you can start living your life in paradise right away. We can help you build that dream home and have land prices starting at about $100 per meter. So for under $100,000, you can easily purchase a beautiful plot that overlooks breath-taking views and construct your minimalistic house from just $30,000. Ecuador is extremely affordable and that is why Ecuador is an excellent option for anyone looking to start their life here, retire, or invest in rental properties. Come see for yourself, we’ll be waiting for you in paradise!

What Should you Bring When Moving to Ecuador

AgentImage  | January 4, 2018

Imagine the stress of moving to a new house. Now multiply that stress by 1000 and that is the stress you feel as you prepare to move to a new house in a new country. How are you supposed to know what you will need for the rest of your life? Do you ship everything down or just buy new stuff when you arrive? What if they don’t have what you need?!

I’m sure these thoughts have crossed all expats minds at least once or one hundred times as they prepared to take their life abroad. They sure crossed mine. And because everyone and every situation is different, every solution is different.

I can’t say that I have the right answer for you but in sharing my experiences, I hope I will be able to answer some of your questions and put your mind at ease as you prepare to start your exciting new life in Ecuador.

“Maybe I will just bring everything with me?”

Some people’s first thought might be to bring everything with them. Some people literally need every item that they currently have in their life and that is okay! However, the general consensus is that shipping becomes extremely costly, aggravating and time consuming. There are some companies that are very helpful and if shipping is necessary, they are the ones to talk to because they know the ins and outs of packing, transporting, and getting through customs. However, it is a long costly process and may make your move more stressful than it needs to be.

“Can I get what I need in Ecuador”

I decided to bring only what I could fit in my two very large suitcases. My airline allowed 2 free checked bags so I knew that was my limit. But this left me with the question, “can I get what I need in Ecuador?”

Calling Ecuador a developing country leaves the image in some people’s minds that they won’t be able to find basic day-to-day life supplies. Let me help; Ecuador is not primitive. Ecuador has pretty much everything you need or at least some version very similar, maybe even better. My shampoo, my makeup, my vitamins, my house décor, my kitchen supplies, my office supplies, my furniture, my building materials for my business, all easily bought upon arrival. To this day, the only thing I haven’t been able to find is ranch dip mix, but I think we can all agree that this is not life or death.

I tried to bring as much as I could because I was afraid that I wouldn’t be able to find it in Ecuador but in the end, I have always been able to find the Ecuadorian version of that United States product. In addition bringing things from the US does not guarantee you will be able to find replacement parts for them here in Ecuador. When I brought my printer with me, I soon came to learn that I couldn’t find the proper ink cartridges. I wish I had saved that space for something like family photos which can’t be bought.

“Where will I buy everything?”

Big department stores have brought a whole new meaning to convenience. Going to one location and literally being able to buy your food items, household items, health items, toys, tools, car parts, etc all without ever having to leave the store. This won’t happen in Ecuador. Finding specific things may take some searching; you have to know where to look. Department stores do not exist in the smaller towns like where I live in Puerto Lopez but they do exist in the cities however, this doesn’t guarantee that making a trip to multiple stores in order to get everything on your list is out of the question.

You need paper? You go to the paper store. You need fabric? You go to the fabric store. You need new batteries? You go to the corner store where they sell all of those small “end-of-the-aisle” types of things. The way of life is slightly different therefore, the organization also remains different. It takes a little bit of patience and a lot of asking others for help, but without a doubt, you can almost always find what you are looking for.

What should you bring then?

Clothes, shoes, and those personal items that make you happy or are 100% necessary.

Ecuadorians are on average shorter and smaller than the rest of the world which can leave someone who is 5’10” with a size 9 shoe frustrated when shopping. Also clothing is generally more expensive here so take advantage of space saver bags and pack as much clothing as you feel you will need. All types of clothing and shoes are available, but it is not worth it when they are so easily packable.

Family photos, your child’s favorite stuffed animal, important prescriptions, these are something that you won’t be able to replace in any part of the world. These are what you should fill your suitcase with.

The availability of household items is not something to stress over. Some things may take a little searching around but you will be able to get what you need. And if it turns out that you absolutely can’t find it, adapt or do without! That’s why I moved to Ecuador is it not, to learn a new way a life, to learn to adapt and be flexible? I did not move to Ecuador to live exactly how I lived in the states.

Just because you are moving here doesn’t ever mean you will go back or won’t be in contact with someone who travels between your home country and Ecuador with frequency. Many people ask and offer to bring items from other countries because sometimes we just can’t live without a certain item. I still get my contact lenses from the states and when people visit I have them items purely for the fact that they are cheaper in the states. Can I live without them? Yes. But sometimes I just need that ranch dip mix.

Don’t stress about packing. If you forget something, you can get it when you arrive. And once you arrive, you may realize you don’t even need it.

Don’t be afraid to start living the life you’ve always wanted. Ecuador awaits

How I got the nickname “Flaca”

AgentImage  | December 11, 2017

Yes, many people have the nickname flaca here but I was extremely surprised when people started calling me flaca. What does flaca mean you ask? Skinny. Flaca means skinny and that is something I had never really been called before. So how did I come about obtaining this nickname? I’ll share with you now.

In the United States, I worked at a restaurant called Buffalo Wild Wings. Home of wings, beer, and sports. I had worked there for six years starting in high school and then in college as well. I spent a lot of time there with some great coworkers, fun clients, and the most delicious chicken wings that to this day I still drool over. With the fast paced life of the US and between work, school, and trying to have a social life, the last thing I wanted to do was cook a meal at the end of the day, so many times I just ate at work for convenience.  I probably devoured 8 or 12 wings covered in ranch and blue cheese probably about 4 or 5 times a week. Those calories add up quick. I was never really overweight as I lived a pretty active lifestyle and I have always felt good about my body however, I was a little thicker all around. I weighed about 190lbs by my senior year of college and had terrible acid reflex disease (probably from all of the spicy sauce, fried food and eating at random hours of the day).

Flash forward to today after having lived in Ecuador for 2 years and I weigh about 140lbs and haven’t had to take a single pill for my acid reflex. So what happened? Did I go on a hardcore exercise regimen?  Did I do an extreme diet? Nope! None of that. The only thing different in my life was the type and quality of food that I was consuming.

A typical Ecuadorian lunch consists of rice, a salad or two, and a meat. Dinner about the same. But each food item is fresh, many times organic, and about 400 times more flavorful. Markets are lined with crates of crops that had been picked by the farmer that day. Snacks such as fruits and yogurts are much more preferred rather than chips and cookies. Lemonade or fruit juice is served at restaurants, not soda. My diet changed to this, a more natural wholesome diet, foods that we should be eating, that provide our bodies with the necessary nutrients, not foods pumped full of preservatives and chemicals. Don’t get me wrong, I still enjoy a delicious, greasy hamburger or even chicken wings about once a week but all of the other food that I eat is so much healthier for my body, and it is clearly visible.

So I guess you could say that I did go on a diet, the Ecuadorian diet. Eating the foods that everyone else in the country eats. And now today I find myself flaca. But I still ask if I really needed to go all the way to Ecuador to do this or if this type of lifestyle change could be done in the states resulting in the same outcome?

CAN YOU EAT HEALTHY IN THE U.S.?

So many of the foods that characterize a Western diet come from global supply chains and this has produced devastating effects on our bodies, economy, and environment. I remember returning to the states in March and visiting my local grocery story. I had a lot of thoughts and realizations in that store as I browsed the aisles. I remember thinking that all of the fruits and vegetables were unnaturally shiny, healthy organic food was extremely expensive, and there was a large presence of insta-meals or “just add water” type of box dinners.  No wonder it is so difficult to be healthy in the states! I feel grateful each time I go to the market and can buy my weeks’ worth of fruits and vegetables for about $3. I could only buy 6 limes or maybe a bundle of apples for $3 in the states. Look at the ingredients of those mashed potato flakes or sugary cereals; do you recognize all of them? So I believe that eating the same foods as here in the US wouldn’t result in the same outcome. The quality of food is so different in the northern hemisphere and it’s not good for us. Our health is detreating each day because of our food and we see evidence of this as more and more people struggle with heart disease, obesity, diabetes, and cancer. In my opinion, I think it is way more difficult to eat healthy in the U.S than it should be and this needs to change. Healthy food wasn’t a reason as to why I came to Ecuador but it is certainly a reason as to why I am staying.

I am aware of the food problem and the fact that there isn’t really enough food to feed every mouth in the world but then I am also looking at this 15 hectare property located here in Yunguilla that can produce crops all year round because of the great climate and nutrient rich soil and I ask myself why more people aren’t taking advantage? Ecuador seems to be this little country that hasn’t been overtaken by multi-billion dollar companies looking to mass produce food and this is one of the reasons I love Ecuador. I can be healthy, I can eat deliciously, and I can live life fully.I invite everyone to come down for a visit and just see how different you will feel and look. The effects are almost instant. Here, I feel better, I look better, and I am happy to be called flaca.

It’s Time for Adventure. It’s Time to Visit Ecuador

AgentImage  | 

Ecuador is a place of variety. From the abundance of life inhabiting the great Galapagos Islands and the lush vegetation of the Amazon rainforests to the awe-inspiring peaks of the Andes Mountains and the cultural rich city of Cuenca, Ecuador has a little something for everyone. Each one of these distinct regions offers a wider variety of different types of adventure and in my opinion; it is hard to ever say you are bored here.

I would call myself an adventure seeker. It isn’t always the purpose of my travels but I love new experiences and am not afraid to try anything (unless it deals with insects, I hate insects). I have done so many exciting and new things in Ecuador and each experience teaches me something about the world and about myself, and this is what makes traveling so enriching.

MINDO

My first trip I took within Ecuador was to Mindo and talk about a beautiful little city. We visited a butterfly farm with butterflies in all colors of the rainbow and some the size of your hand. I saw the largest number of hummingbirds that I have ever seen before in my life all clustered around one birdfeeder. I got my first experience of a zip line cart across a valley where hiking to hidden waterfalls waited on the other side. Everything was absolutely magnificent and it made my first impression of Ecuador a great one.

QUILOTOA

Next on my list is Quilotoa, a 2 mile wide crater lake located in the Andes. I traveled there with a few friends and as soon as I saw the lake, I was astounded. Such beauty radiated from the crystal blue water and the surrounding mountain landscape;so still, so smooth. We spent the night in the town drinking canelazo (a typical serrano alcoholic beverage made from orange and cinnamon) before we made the hike down the mountain the next morning. Hiking down took about 45 minutes and below we rented kayaks to get up close and personal with the volcanic water. After making a few puppy friends we took the hike back up by foot and I realized how out of shape I was. 2 hours later we finally made it to the top and I felt stronger physically and mentally knowing that I hiked a mountain! I could have rode a donkey up but I am too proud to do that and to this day, I still question how the livestock leaders climb up those mountains like it is nothing.

BAÑOS

Bañoswas my third trip in Ecuador and this is an adventure filled town!! Every block is lined with tour companies offering different activities such as rafting, biking, zip lining, canyoning (repelling down waterfalls), bungee jumping, this list goes on and on. We decided to do the rafting and canyoning because we love rafting and canyoning was something we had never done before.

You know how they say you don’t know if you like something until you try it? Well this statement has never been truer for me and canyoning. I LOVED IT! It was so much fun and such a rush! I remember my body trembling and my heart pumping as I repelled down the first waterfall. However, as soon as I landed at the bottom a huge smile came across my face because I had just experienced the most fun thing in my life! Each waterfall became easier and I now think that canyoning is one of my favorite things to do!I loved it so much that I’ve done it twice more since that first trip.

The rafting was also grade A fun and the guides were excellent. My dad said that the rafting in Bañoswas the best he had ever experienced and coming from a man who as rafted in almost every location he has visited, that is saying a lot.

Bañosis also home to the famous Casa delArbol, a famous tree house that has a swing that lets people swing out over the side of a mountain with the active Tungurahua Volcano as the background. The perfect photo op. Visiting here was breath-taking and so much fun and something that would never be allowed in the states as there aren’t many safety measures in place for this swing haha. All in all, still a lot of fun.

We rented bicycles the last day of our trip in Bañosand cruised down the waterfall trail. It is a very easy ride along a downhill road and bike path that leads you to see thepowerful Pailon de Diablo Falls. Along the way there are also other impressive waterfalls where you can stop, take pictures, and even zip line across the river to get a better view. After getting all the pictures we wanted, we hopped in the back of a truck and headed home. A great trip overall and a place that I know I will continue to return to.

PUERTO LOPEZ – ISLA DE LA PLATA

Ahhh Puerto Lopez, my home. But it wasn’t always my home. I first visited Puerto Lopez on weekend vacation from Quito to go visit the famous humpback whales that migrate to the area every June. With my roommate and a tour group, we took the 1 hour boat ride to the Isla de La Plata (also known as the poor man’s Galapagos) and along the way GIANT humpback whales were jumping out of the water left and right! I always thought that whale watching tours were kind of a scam, that most of the time you probably wouldn’t see a whale but rather spend your hours staring at the water with no luck, but with this tour, I was pleasantly surprised! So many whales, so close to the boat! It was so cool and fun! The island was also a great, getting up close and personal with the infamous blue footed boobies and the fragata birds. Not quite the abundance of wildlife that the Galapagos offers but still an amazing place. The tour ended with snorkeling and I found myself playing with giant sea turtles, colorful fish, and even a Manta Ray! Isla de La plata and Puerto Lopez are mustsees in Ecuador. I fell in love with this beach town and decided to make it my home. I moved here in January, opened my own discoteca, DiscotecaWett and have never been happier J Talk about an adventure.

IT’S NOT JUST ME WHO THINKS THIS PLACE IS GREAT, I PROMISE

At this point in my story you’ve heard a lot about my experiences but I want you to see that other people have also enjoyed the many wonderful things this country has to offer. I reached out to my fellow expats and friends to see what some of their favorite adventures have been and here is what they said:

Robert Marcom “We have had several once-in-a-lifetime adventures in Ecuador. But the top of the list must go to our stay with a wonderful and generous Achuar family with whom we spent a week at the invitation of my friend and brother, NapoleonUyunkar. It was an opportunity to meet and spend time with a traditional family living in the splendor and majesty of the Amazon rainforest, which they call Ikiam. We met the people of the community of Mashian, learned about the bounty of la selva and had a mystical experience of restoration and revelation. We are forever grateful for the opportunity to participate in their lives.”

Jo Reason “A 6 day canoe trip To Yasuni”

Dave Ward“My most memorable experience was a balsa raft trip on the Napo river. We were with a tour group (Gate One) on our first trip to beautiful Ecuador. The guide tried to push me off the raft into the river just for fun, but I managed to grab him and we both went overboard! Next thing you know, everybody is splashing about in the river as we floated downstream. I couldn’t believe how warm the water was. It was a memorable trip.”

Judith M Hirschman “The hike AROUND the quilotoa crater is awesome too, but you need to be in shape and have hiking experience. 4-6 hours, moderate-strenuous.”

TresaDanleyKonderla “Paragliding in La Crucita”

Doug Moench  “A 9 day motorcycle tour of the Andes, Amazon and Pacific with Ecuador Freedom Bike Rental. Saw a lot of the country, many of its attractions, wonderful lodges and hotels and hostals, zip lining in Banos, banana plantation, Mindo and chocolate farm & tour, monkeys in Misahualli, Amazon lodge, cloud forest and Vicuna on the slopes of Chimborazo. On a motorcycle, did I mention that? Awesome trip.”

Siru Y JotaCe “Definitely Galápagos, tour de losTúneles on Isla Isabela was awesome, but all of it really, the animals, snorkeling with sea lions, sea turtles, sharks, penguins, sea horses, mantas, marine iguanas etc… all the birds, even flamingos, giant tortoises, cactus trees…hiking to Muro de las Lágrimas on Isla Isabela where you can see giant tortoises especially when there´s garúa, hiking on San Cristóbal in the rain and mud on slippery lava rocks ????. Listening to the silence and bird song. I´d go every year if I could.”

Luis Bailon Castillo “Bungee jumping off of a bridge in Baños. I have never had so much adrenaline in my body at once!”

See… It’s not just me who thinks this country is great J

I find this country absolutely wonder, mystical, and refreshing. Life is short and we need to take full advantage of the many opportunities it gives us. I am gratefulevery day that I have been able to fulfill my dreams, experience new things, and continue my quest for knowledge. I dare you to try something new every day, to learn something new every day, to start living your life and enjoying it. It’s time for adventure. It’s time to visit Ecuador.