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Located in the Manabi Province, along the central coast of Ecuador, Puerto Lopez is a small coastal village that’s famous for its myriad of tourist attractions, including humpback whale watching, the scenic Machalilla National Park, and so much more.

One of the best things about Puerto Lopez is its simplicity – the village boasts a very laid-back charm, as it lacks the bustling venues and high-rise buildings found in other coastal villages. Outdoor lovers in particular, will be able to find a wide variety of stunning destinations, including beaches, reefs, hiking trails and forests.

The unique coastal town truly has something for everyone, so it can be challenging for visitors or new residents to figure out what to see or do first. LiveTheLife has prepared a list of some of the best attractions and activities you can experience in Puerto Lopez:

Humpback whale watching

Humpback whale watching is one of the main reasons why Puerto Lopez is a big tourist attraction. The best time to see these majestic giants is during the months of June to September, as this when they usually stop along the coast of Puerto Lopez.

Puerto Lopez has several licensed tour agencies that offer whale watching tours – you can find many of these offices in the town’s beach area as well as in the plaza. Tours typically last around 30 to 45 minutes and can cost about $15 to $20, depending on the season.

If you’re interested in going on a whale watching trip, LIVETHELIFE can book a guided tour for you!

Isla de la Plata

Avid birdwatchers will enjoy visiting Isla de la Plata, as the island is teeming with a wide variety of unique bird species, including Nazca boobies, frigatebirds, tropicbirds, Peruvian pelicans, waved albatrosses, and more. You can see some of these marvelous creatures while walking along Isla de Plata’s many established nature trails. You’ll be able to find tour companies that offer complete tour packages that include whale watching, guided treks, and snorkeling.

Trips from Puerto Lopez to Isla de la Plata typically cost around $30 to $45, depending on the time of the year.

Los Frailes Beach Park

Located around 10 kilometers from Puerto Lopez, Los Frailes Beach Park is a beautiful beach with spectacular ocean views and rock formations. The Los Frailes beach is the largest of three beaches included within the National Park of Machalilla.

Outdoor lovers can take an unforgettable two-hour long hike that will take you to the black sand beach of Playa Negrita, La Tortuguita beach, a lookout point surrounded by spectacular views, and finally to Los Frailes.

Dining

Foodies can choose from a huge selection of top-notch dining venues in Puerto Lopez. Many of the restaurants offer traditional Ecuadorian cuisine which you shouldn’t miss, such as ceviche, pastel de banano, corviche, and many others.

One dish you should definitely try when in Puerto Lopez however is encebollado, a delicious fish stew that’s made with yuca and served with crushed fried plantain chips. The dish is very popular in the Manabi Province, and is usually offered as a breakfast meal in either street carts or restaurants.

If you’re looking for another great place to visit in Ecuador, check out our guide to Yunguilla Valley.

 

Filed under: About Ecuador, Ecuador Food, Ecuador Real Estate Blog, Expat Tips, Things to Do, Travel by LiveTheLifeinEcuador
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Dining is an absolute treat when you’re in Puerto Lopez. At this coastal town, foodies will be able to indulge in a terrific mix of great-tasting dishes, all of which are guaranteed to satisfy your taste buds.

Restaurants in Puerto Lopez come in all shapes and sizes, from cozy cafés to lovely seaside bistros and more. While Ecuadorian specialties such as ceviche, encebollado, and pastel banana are definitely the highlights, different types of cuisine from all over the world such as Italian, Mediterranean, French, and more are also available.

If you’re looking for some of the best Puerto Lopez restaurants, here’s a list of places you should visit:

Moby Dick Restaurante

Malecón Julio Izurieta (near Alejo Lascano corner)
Puerto López, Manabí
(+593) 98 700 7326
RestauranteMobyDick.com

If you’re craving for some of the finest, freshest seafood in Puerto Lopez, you can’t go wrong with Moby Dick Restaurante. Their grilled fish is highly recommended, with its melt-in-your-mouth lightness and flavorful herbs.

The restaurant offers a great view of the ocean, which is enhanced by its quirky nautical motif, creating a relaxing ambiance for diners.

Bell Italia Restaurant

1 block off Malecon, between Abdon Calderon and
Maria Immaculada Concepcion, Puerto Lopez
(+593) 99 617 5183

Bell Italia may be located a few minutes away from the city center, but is definitely worth a visit if you’re in Puerto Lopez. The venue boasts a welcoming and romantic ambiance, which diners can enjoy along with top-quality homemade Italian dishes.

Bell Italia serves a wide selection of pastas and lasagnas. One of their standout menu items is their homemade pasta topped with salmon and prawns – a delightful dish that is sure to tickle your taste buds.

If you’re looking for a place where you can enjoy a hearty Italian meal while taking in beautiful surroundings, Bell Italia is for you.

Paella Mar

Malecon, beside Hotel Pacifico, Puerto Lopez
(+593) 99 219 90 914

Paella Mar is a Spanish restaurant and wine bar that serves a delightful mix of Spanish-style seafood, Mediterranean cuisine, and vegan options. Their dishes are made from scratch with fresh ingredients, so it might take some time to prepare, but everything’s worth it.

As their name implies, their specialty is paella – and boy, are they heavenly! They’re served in generous proportions, and come in several variations. The best one is definitely the lobster paella, which is truly a phenomenal dish.

In addition to their great tasting paellas, Paella Mar also features a good selection of wines, which guests can enjoy along with scenic views of the ocean.

Etnias Cafe

Calle General Cordova (next to the fire station), Puerto Lopez
(+593) 99 167 6876

Located close to the beach, Etnias Café is a cozy coffee shop that is owned and managed by a French couple. The place is designed with coffee lovers in mind, with its authentic espresso and great tasting cappuccino.

Their beverages go along perfectly with their top-notch selection of desserts, which include crepes, homemade brownies, waffles, and pies. If you’re looking for a great place that serves coffee and dessert, stop by this wonderful café – you won’t regret it.

Filed under: Ecuador Food, Ecuador Real Estate Blog, Expat Tips by LiveTheLifeinEcuador
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Here are a few updates on factors that may affect Ecuador’s economy as well as its real estate market in 2017:

More than 251,000 jobs within the next several years

Ecuadorian President Rafael Correa recently announced that several policies and investments currently being pushed by his government are designed to aid the creation of over 251,000 jobs within the coming years.

According to Correa, Ecuador will be able to raise its Industrial GDP, which is currently around 12% to 13% of its total GDP to more than 25%, thanks to improvements in infrastructure, policy decisions, and investments totaling between $27 to 28 billion.

The President stated that the government’s industrialization plans are based on factors such as quality, innovation, productivity, and the market. With this in mind, Correa predicts that the country will have multiple value-added manufacturing and service operations by 2025.

Ecuador’s trade agreement with EU

The long-awaited signing of the trade agreement between Ecuador and the European Union is expected to facilitate an increase in banana exports. The deal, which was signed on November 11, 2016, has been provisionally applied since the beginning of this year.

The neighboring Andean nations of Columbia and Peru had previously signed the agreement with the EU in 2012, and negotiations between the EU and Ecuador started in 2009.

According to Juan Patricio Navarro, Ecuador’s European representative, joining the agreement places Ecuador on equal footing with its two neighbors. He states that with increased volumes shipped to the marker along with tariff reduction, the deal will be a huge benefit for both Ecuadorian exporters and European buyers.

With this milestone deal Navarro believes that the exportation of Ecuadorian fruits such as bananas as well as exotic varieties including dragon fruit, golden berries, avocados, papayas, and granadilla are set to increase in volume substantially.

Ecuador’s healthy lifestyle and gorgeous weather attracting more and more expats

Ecuador is named for the equator, which runs right through the entire country. Due to the country’s location, Ecuadorians get to savor a day-in, day-out temperate climate, along with perfectly equal days – both daylight and nighttime last for 12 hours, every day of the year.

Combine this with incredible views of the Pacific Ocean and the enchanting Andes Mountains, a year-round growing cycle for a variety of healthy fruits, a low cost of living, and affordable real estate and you get an environment where you can live longer and happier.

When you’re living in Ecuador, you’ll likely be spending more time outdoors. Most expats in the country don’t own a car, as many of them opt to get around on foot while doing their daily chores.

As an added bonus, food in Ecuador is not only more affordable, but it’s much healthier than what you can find back home. You won’t find as much packaged or processed food, and most restaurant dishes are made from scratch, using fresh local produce.

These reasons make Ecuador one of the top retirement destinations – Cuenca alone is home to more than 5,000 expats.

Filed under: About Ecuador, Ecuador Real Estate Blog, Real Estate by LiveTheLifeinEcuador
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Yunguilla Valley is fast becoming one of Ecuador’s top retirement destinations, with its relaxing countryside atmosphere, pleasant sunny weather, and stunning views of deep green farmland surrounded by mountains.

If you’re searching for an excellent place to retire, Yunguilla Valley is a wonderful choice. Here are a few great reasons why:

The pleasant climate

Geography plays a huge part in Yunguilla Valley’s pleasant climate – the area has an east to west orientation, which means it gets plenty of sunshine as well as a shorter rainy season.

The valley has an altitude of approximately 4,500 feet near Santa Isabel and around 7,000 feet close to Giron, resulting in temperatures that reach the low 80s during daytime to a pleasant high 50s to low 60s at night. With these conditions, retirees get to enjoy lower air conditioning costs, which is not common in most tropical locations.

World-class outdoor activities

If your idea of retirement is spending more time outdoors, then Yunguilla Valley is perfect. The region offers a top-notch variety of recreational activities, which include bird watching, horseback riding, and many more.

Love hiking? There’s an exceptional network of hiking trails that will take adventurers through breathtaking scenery, where you can soak up views of majestic mountains, dense forests, and spectacular waterfalls. The area also has numerous banana, coffee, papaya, and orange plantations, which tells you just how lush and fertile the region is.

Quality infrastructure

Many parts of the Yunguilla Valley may be underdeveloped, especially when compared to Cuenca, but its infrastructure is top-quality compared other rural communities in Ecuador.

Residents get all necessities, including water, electricity, and telephone lines, along with numerous restaurants and entertainment venues. In addition, Yunguilla Valley residents are also less than an hour away from Cuenca, which means quality healthcare services are a short drive away.

Well-constructed and affordable real estate options

If you’re searching for a home in Yunguilla Valley, you’ll be able to find plenty of excellent options. The quality of construction in the region is superb compared to other areas in Ecuador.

Properties are very affordable as well, and many of the lots already come with necessary infrastructure (water, electricity, and phone). Even with all the modernization around the area, property values have remained relatively low, with prices that are sometimes as much as 30% less than comparable properties in other areas. And when you factor in the relaxing atmosphere and gorgeous panoramic views surrounding most of the homes, you’ll be hard-pressed to find a better deal in such a beautiful location.

Fantastic investment opportunities

Yunguilla Valley is not only a terrific place to live; it’s a fantastic location for investors.

as well. The region is experiencing constant, steady growth, which will likely continue for several years. Moreover, its close proximity to Cuenca as well as the number of hotels in the valley ensures easy access to visitors as well as new residents.

Want more information? Take a look at some of our other articles and pages on Yunguilla Valley here and here.

Filed under: About Ecuador, Ecuador Real Estate Blog, Expat Tips, Real Estate, Real Estate Tips, Things to Do by LiveTheLifeinEcuador
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From June to September, the humpback whales travel from Antarctica to the warm waters of Ecuador, showing off to both tourists and locals in Puerto Lopez. Visitors from all over the world travel to Puerto Lopez to witness these beautiful animals in their natural habitat.

It’s an Experience You’ll Never Forget

Whale watching is an experience unlike anything else. Every year, two to three thousand Humpback wales travel from the cold waters of Antarctica to mate and spawn in the waters of Ecuador and Colombia. These beautiful whales can reach up to 50 feet long and they sometimes wander close to the shore, so you can see them breaking the ocean’s surface or perhaps see them leaping out of the water to create a huge splash.

You won’t understand the magnitude of these creatures until you seem them up close and in action. The whales swim slowly, at a rate of 2 km per hour, giving you plenty of time to take photos.

You Can Go on a Whale Tour

If you want to go on a whale watching tour, Puerto Lopez is one of the best spots. You can travel by boat as the local captains and tour guides show you where the best views of the whales are. Many licensed tour agencies can be found along the shore in Puerto Lopez and the trips normally last around 30-45 minutes and can cost as little as $20 per person. Since Puerto Lopez is located near Isla de la Plata, you can also take advantage of the island hopping tours. Many tour operators offer a no see/no pay guarantee as well.

Whale watching is an experience that you won’t want to miss out on. Puerto Lopez offers the best views of these amazing creatures. Hop on a whale watching tour and head out to see these animals that can reach up to 300,000 pounds.

Things to bring whale watching:

• Binoculars – The whales are usually close enough to see, but you can see them even clearer with binoculars.
• Rubber-soled shoes – A moving boat isn’t the best place to wear your finest shoes.  Make sure to wear rubber soles for better traction.
• Warm Clothes or a blanket – You may want to bring your winter coat or blanket if your trip is in the colder months during spring or fall.
• Sunscreen and sunglasses – On a hot and sunny day you will want to have sunscreen and sunglasses on to beat the sun. The sunglasses will help protect your eyes from the glare off the water and will help you see the whales even better.
• Camera – Don’t forget to snap some shots of these beautiful, stunning whales to show all of your friends and family.

To find out about more fun and exciting things to do in Puerto Lopez, visit our blog. At LIVETHELIFE, we can turn your dream home into a reality – contact us today to get started. We look forward to partnering with you on your new home in Puerto Lopez.

Filed under: About Ecuador, Ecuador Real Estate Blog, Things to Do, Travel by LiveTheLifeinEcuador
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Puerto Lopez is a great spot for vacationing to some of the most beautiful beaches in Ecuador. With some of the most beautiful sights in the world, Puerto Lopez attracts people from all over the world to its stunning beaches. Let’s take a look at four fun facts about the beaches in Puerto Lopez.

#1. Puerto Lopez Beach Has It All

When you visit Puerto Lopez beach, you can visit the Machalilla National Park for boat tours to go whale watching or dive tours to Isla de Plata and Salango. The calm waters make for a great swimming and snorkeling spot for children and a few hostels have boards to rent for beginner surfers. There are also plenty of places to eat seafood near or on the beach.

With Puerto Lopez priding itself on being an eco-friendly city, many of the hotels use organic materials to maintain beautiful grounds while also protecting the environment. The fishermen in Puerto Lopez haul in the day’s catch around 6:00 am – 7:00 am every morning. You’ll certainly enjoy the culture and the beautiful sandy beaches shaded by tall palm trees.

#2. Salinas is Often Compared to South Beach

This beach in Puerto Lopez is often compared to South Beach in Miami, Florida. With its white sandy beaches and plenty of activities going on, you are sure to be entertained in this popular spot. There are restaurants, cafes and plenty of bars to grab a drink in.

Make sure to visit Banos de San Vicente for a famous thermal bath. This beach is one of the most popular spots for tourists to visit and there are always events happening on and around the beach for you to embed yourself into the local social scene.

#3. People Drive Their Cars Right Onto the Beach

Puerto Cayo is a large beach in the area in the front of the Malecon, located in a lush and tropical location with palm trees lining the beach. It can be found on the northern border of the Machalilla National Park. Puerto Cayo is so broad that people drive their cars right onto the beach to unload all of their beach supplies.

The waters are full of fish and many restaurants offer these “catches of the day” as specials on their menus. In front of this beach is the small island of Islote Pedernales, where some coral can be found. The water between the mainland and the island is not very deep. On calm days it is fun to snorkel and dive.

There is also a growing retirement community in this location and several beachfront developments are under construction Puerto Cayo. Puerto Cayo offers some of the most breathtaking ocean-view sunsets.

Take a look at our blog “Swimming – Living the Life in Ecuador” to find out more information on the beaches in Puerto Lopez. Be sure to contact us to discuss investment opportunities in the area and to get acquainted with all that Puerto Lopez has to offer you.

Filed under: Ecuador Real Estate Blog, Expat Tips, Things to Do, Travel by LiveTheLifeinEcuador
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Puerto Lopez is one of the most beautiful cities in the entire world. Nestled in the quant and scenic country of Ecuador, Puerto Lopez offers both locals and tourists vast opportunities to establish and grow businesses in a thriving economy.

Here are four business opportunities in Puerto Lopez for anyone looking to build a business in a welcoming and vibrant community.

#1. Hospitality

With a booming tourist destination like Puerto Lopez, the hospitality industry is one business that will guarantee success. From amazing jungle lodges, five-star resorts and serene bed and breakfast homes, there are plenty of business opportunities in the hospitality industry in Puerto Lopez.

With people flocking to the area to enjoy scuba diving, sport fishing, snorkeling and the naturally beautiful islands where humpback whales frequent the coast in the summer months, there is ample opportunity to invest in opening up a hotel or lodging location for tourists and locals alike. With the low cost of land and living in Puerto Lopez, opening and maintaining a hotel or bed and breakfast would guarantee a return on your investment.

#2. Palo Santo

The Palo Santo industry makes products used in folk medicine form the heartwood of trees. The production of Palo Santo oil, incense and scented soaps is a huge driver the economy in Puerto Lopez. The product is made from the wood of dead trees as to help end deforestation and keep the community full of luscious plant life and trees. This industry not only is profitable, but also gives back to the Puerto Lopez community.

#3. Cacao Farming

Dive into the business of cacao farming to produce chocolate bars, nibs and brownies. With plenty of sources and supplies available in the area, Puerto Lopez offers those looking to venture into the cacao farming business plenty to work with to become established. There is currently a French-Ecuadorian couple that owns Pacha Chocolate Boutique and gives chocolate tours and uses regionally harvested cacao to make the bars. As you can see, there is a well-established market for cacao farming in the area and plenty of room for growth in the industry.

#4. Real Estate
Investing in real estate in Puerto Lopez allows you to enjoy tax benefits, diversifies your portfolio, and enters you into a worldwide booming market. One of the benefits of investing in real estate in this community is that if you live in a property for two years, it becomes your primary residence and you get substantial capital gain tax deductions.

The government also allows you to deduct travel expenses from your taxable income. Real estate costs in this area are low compared to countries like the United States and Europe making it a great industry to enter in Puerto Lopez. Learn more about the advantages of investing in real estate in Ecuador here.

Explore Puerto Lopez Real Estate

Contact us today to learn more about the beautiful community of Puerto Lopez and to learn more about the investment properties offered in the area. Take a look at our blog to find all of the information you’ll ever need about Puerto Lopez.

Filed under: Ecuador Real Estate Blog by LiveTheLifeinEcuador
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Coming to Cuenca is like stepping into a lovely European city, with its intricate colonial architecture and cobblestone streets. But there’s more to this mountain city than meets the eye.

Considered Ecuador’s most attractive city, it has everything you need to live well – outstanding healthcare, a burgeoning culinary scene, an established expat community, and gorgeous homes.

El Agave in Tarqui

This single-family home gives you pastoral views and mountain vistas. The 3,000-square-meter lot it’s situated on lends itself to gardening or open-air gatherings.

With over 600 square meters of living space, there’s enough room for you to bring your vision of your ideal home to life. The vast outdoor kitchen is perfect for when you entertain guests, and an horno – an oven made of adobe – is also available.

A bar and restaurant comes with the property, making it ideal for those who want to establish own business. A basement can be used for storage, or converted into an additional room. Vaulted ceilings improve airflow, keeping you comfortable during the warmest days.

With a central location and a price tag of only $450,000, this Cuenca home could be the right choice for you.

Villa in Paute

Come home to panoramic views in this splendid villa, about 25 minutes away from Paute, Cuenca. Situated on three hectares filled with fruit-bearing trees and flowering plants, the property will appeal to anyone with a green thumb.

Harvest apples, pears, chirimoyas, avocadoes, corn, and potatoes in your own backyard, which is irrigated with an aspersion system that flows from a reservoir. There’s also enough pasture land for cattle. The perimeters are fenced off, so your privacy and safety are guaranteed.

A detached Red Barn quarters adds a touch of whimsy, and may function as a guest house or a studio. Not that the main house itself lacks space – there are four bedrooms and two deluxe bathrooms.

The large kitchen is furnished with custom cabinets and top-of-the-line appliances. The covered BBQ area is great for parties and picnics, while the fireplace is a wonderful place to gather around after a long day.

At $310,000 – still negotiable – it comes with all the accouterments of a modern home, such as efficient LED lighting, Direct TV, and excellent phone signal.

Rustic getaway in Paccha

Perched on a corner lot, this gorgeous home is surrounded by exquisite gardens and plenty of open space for outdoor activities. With more than 1,000 square meters of land, you’ll have room for a few crops and flowers.

The house itself covers about 243 square meters – enough to include a living room, dining room, kitchen, laundry area, study room, and a mini-apartment with a full bathroom – on the first floor alone. On the second level, you’ll find four bedrooms, three bathrooms, and an extra room with a lovely fireplace.

Located in a quiet town just 15 minutes away from Cuenca, the home is a steal at $250,000, with room for negotiation.

Challuabamba home in gated community

This 300-square-meter home comes with luxurious finishes like tile floors, fine cabinetry, and marble countertops. Breathtaking views of the mountainside will help you unwind, while a spacious lot of about 2,000 square feet gives you plenty of space for gardening and outdoor gatherings.

If you’re looking for the kind of Cuenca home that will usher in a life of ease and comfort, give us a call at 239-848-5876 (USA), 098-316-0067 | 097-994-7640 (Ecuador) or send an email to info@livetheliveinecuador.com.

Filed under: About Ecuador, Ecuador Real Estate Blog, Real Estate, Real Estate Tips by LiveTheLifeinEcuador
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Cuenca is synonymous with stunning colonial architecture, colorful festivals, and artisanal goods. Food might not be one of the first things that enter your mind when you think of Ecuador’s third largest city, but the local dining scene is fast evolving – and the city’s gastronomic landscape is as fascinating as its storied past.

From fine dining restaurants in hotels to stylish sushi joints, a tour of the city’s culinary delights will leave you hankering for more.

1. El Jardin at Hotel Victoria

Calle Larga y Presidente Borrero

One of Cuenca’s most iconic restaurants, El Jardin serves continental food using only fresh local ingredients. Their numerous offerings include everything from prawns and heart of palm to vegetarian plates and pastas. An attentive staff and a sophisticated interior puts it on par with the world’s top restaurants. 

2. Casa Alonso Restaurant at Mansion Alcazar 

Calle Bolivar 12-55 y Tarqui

Casa Alonso prides itself on being the only gourmet restaurant in Cuenca, offering Ecuadorian and international cuisine to satisfy both local and foreign diners. As far as menu, presentation, and ambience goes, eating here feels like dining at a fine restaurant in New York, Paris, or London.

3. Tiesto’s

Juan Jaramillo y Mariano Cueva 4-89

Cuencana and traditional fusion cuisine make up Tiesto’s bold menu. Food is prepared and served in traditional clay pots, while hand-decorated dessert dishes add a personal touch to your dining experience. Try the potato soup with avocado garnish, or the flavorful chicken curry.

4. La Quinua

Benigno Malo

Quinoa salad, potatoes Bombay, and gnocchi in tomato sauce are just some of the vegetarian offerings in this restaurant. The colorful interior exudes a warm and welcoming atmosphere that you and your company will surely enjoy.

5. Good Affinity

Gran Colombia 1-89 y Capulies

Vegetarians and meat-eaters alike have professed their love for this Taiwanese restaurant, where the menu revolves around soy and wholesome produce. Hot noodles, chao fan, and spring rolls are served alongside local fare like fried plantains and corn patties.

Highly recommended are their affordable almuerzos, or lunches, that include soup, an entrée, and drinks. 

6. NOE

Padre Julio Matovelle 2-25 y Federico Proaño

Hailed as the leading Japanese-Ecuadorian restaurant in the scene, this trendy sushi joint is getting rave reviews left and right. Come here for expertly-cut sushi and sashimi, followed by fried ice cream and lemon cream for dessert. Every dish is a visual treat – the presentation is always exquisite. 

7. Moliendo Café

Honorato Vasquez 6-24 y Hermano Miguel

Sit down for a lovely meal at the city’s historic center. Moliendo Café offers the best of Colombian cuisine, from hearty arepas to simple but tasty empanadas. Wash it all down with some Colombian coffee and admire the décor, which includes photographs of other cities, different currencies, and wooden dioramas.

8. Mediterraneo

Honorato Vasquez 7-64 y Luis Cordero

If you find yourself longing for authentic Italian cuisine, this restaurant serves steaming plates of pasta, pizza, and risotto in the midst of historic Cuenca. Feast on freshly baked bread, flavorful dipping sauces, and sumptuous mushroom ravioli.

An attentive staff makes for a memorable dining experience, while generous portions will satisfy your craving for excellent food.

Ready to explore Cuenca’s food scene? Feel free toCall us at 239-848-5876 (USA), 098-316-0067 | 097-994-7640 (Ecuador) or send an email to info@livetheliveinecuador.com.

Filed under: Ecuador Food, Things to Do by LiveTheLifeinEcuador
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With a coastline of over 2,200 km, Ecuador has no shortage of golden beaches and beautiful beach towns, among the most scenic of which are Montañita and Olón.

Just minutes away from each other, Montañita’s carefree hippie vibe will make you feel younger than your years, while Olón’s serene, low-key feel is ideal for families. At both, you can look forward to fine golden sand, warm waters, and friendly folk.

Montañita

Big waves, an unspoiled coastline, and an uninhibited environment await the traveler in this sunny town on the Santa Elena peninsula, about two hours away from Guayaquil’s busy port.

Montañita means “little hill” in English and the village is a surfer’s paradise and both beginners and professionals alike will enjoy the reliable surf. The waves are strong and consistent – they go as low as three feet in the summer, and up to six feet and a half between January and March.

Surfing not your thing? You’ll still have plenty to do in and around the area. Enjoy other water sports like scuba diving, jet skiing, windsurfing, and kite surfing.

Hike or ride a horse to two waterfalls – Cascasas de Alex and Cascasas de Dos Mangas – which are about eight to 10 kilometers from the beach. The Point, a mountain that lies between Montañita and neighboring Olón, is a challenging but fulfilling climb.

And let’s not forget the lively party scene. Dance clubs blast techno all night long, while DJs spin house music at beach parties. It’s a wonderful place to meet all sorts of people, including surfers who come to town for international competitions, and a sizeable expat community primarily composed of Australians, Canadians, and Americans.

Olón

While it’s just a few kilometers away from the reggae-flavored energy of Montañita, life in Olón is low-key and unhurried. If you want to slow down and get back to basics, then this idyllic town is for you. The village is largely undeveloped, and brings you closer to Ecuador’s natural beauty and the simplicity of beachside living.

Here you’ll find a small but eclectic number of bungalows, hostels, and restaurants. A boardwalk with a charming red brick esplanade is perfect for leisurely beach walks.

Ride the waves, go for a refreshing swim, or hike to nearby waterfalls – the possibilities for water sports and relaxation are endless. Olón is tucked against the Cordillera Chongón-Colonche mountain range, with the cloud forest just minutes away from the beach. Here, you can easily switch from surfing to catching a rare glimpse of the endangered great green macaw in its sylvan habitat.

Now and then you’ll be treated to the stunning sight of humpback whales or wild horses galloping on the beach.

Montañita and Olón Real Estate

These coastal towns’ real estate options include oceanfront condos, single-family homes, and parcels of land. Housing remains quite affordable and you can choose from basic cottages to homes that have all the modern comforts and conveniences.

Whether you want to enjoy the bohemian vibe of Montañita or the more low-key joys of Olón, we’ll help you make the most of your stay. Call us at 239-848-5876 (USA), 098-316-0067 | 097-994-7640 (Ecuador) or send an email to info@livetheliveinecuador.com.

Filed under: About Ecuador, Ecuador Real Estate Blog, Things to Do by LiveTheLifeinEcuador
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