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Yunguilla Valley is located just 45 minutes away from Cuenca. This stunning region feels worlds away from the bustle of the historic city and boasts verdant green farmland and panoramic views of cloud-crowned, sun-dappled mountains. The valley is one of the most beautiful places in Ecuador, where you can enjoy being out in nature all while having modern conveniences close by. It’s no wonder the region is quickly becoming a popular option for retirees in Ecuador.

You can read more about what life is like in the Yunguilla Valley here.

At Live the Life, we can help you find the best rentals in beautiful Yunguilla Valley. Below are some of the things you’ll want to keep in mind when you’re looking for rental properties in the region.

Rental Properties in Yunguilla Valley

In general, the area has limited options when it comes to rental properties. This is because when rentals do hit the market, they are often not widely advertised and are almost always quickly snapped up.

The valley has long been very popular among locals and tourists due to its ideal location and numerous outdoor recreational options. These include world-class bird watching, horseback riding, hiking, trips to spectacular waterfalls, and more. In fact, Yunguilla Valley is the traditional vacation address of many of Cuenca’s prominent families.

Here are a few examples of the kinds of properties available for rent in the area:

• A rustic home with a full kitchen at the base of Girón Falls close to multiple hiking trails
• A 4-bedroom and 2-bathroom home in Yunguilla Valley with a pool
• 1 to 3-bedroom homes located close to restaurants, shops, transport, and pharmacies
• A spacious home on several hectares of irrigated land with large gardens and a pool perfect for vacation or retirement

While they’re in demand, these rental properties remain relatively affordable. Many have rates that start at just $400 a month. There are many other kinds of rental properties to be found in Yunguilla Valley with varying features and amenities. Whether you’re looking for a cozy cottage or an expansive home with enough room for a large family, you will find more than a few options here.

Let us know what you’re looking for and we’ll help you find the property that best meets your needs. Get started today and check out our listings here.

Because few properties are going to be fully advertised, whether online or more traditionally, the best way to find rentals in the region is to keep an ear to the ground. Many people still find properties through referrals – information is often spread via word of mouth as locals usually prefer to find clients that have been vetted by their friends or family.

Rentals in Yunguilla Yalley – Ecuador Rental Properties

Don’t know anyone in the Yunguilla Valley? Get help from a local real estate expert. At Live the Life, we’ll help you locate the ideal property, negotiate the best possible terms with the owner, and close the deal with the proper paperwork. Get in touch with us today!

Filed under: About Ecuador, Ecuador Real Estate Blog, Expat Tips, Real Estate Tips by LiveTheLifeinEcuador
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Ecuador’s real estate prices are among the lowest anywhere in the world. You can find gorgeous properties at prices you would consider a steal.

Cuenca Ecuador Real Estate and Homes for Sale, Puerto Lopez Ecuador and Yunguilla Valley Ecuador

From beautiful houses in historic Cuenca, to a beachside home in Puerto Lopez, to a spacious estate in Yunguilla Valley, the choices are wide ranging.

Even better, anyone can score a real estate bargain in Ecuador even if you are not a local.

Here’s how:

• Be ready for a different real estate experience

Exclusive listings are uncommon but you’ll also find the buying process a lot simpler than it is in North America. All you need is a skilled agent to guide you through steps that may be unfamiliar to you.

• Consider recommendations

If you’re friendly with the locals or meet up with expats and retirees, chances are you’ll run into leads. Consider what they say. At the same time, proceed with caution. Verify the leads you find interesting. Contact us to check the availability of a piece of property or go through our listings to expand your options.

• Find out everything you can about the location

Ecuador offers a variety of lifestyles depending on where you want to live. Are you in the market for a vacation-like home by the beach? Or is the tranquility of the mountains more to your liking? Perhaps you’re city folk. Decide early on the kind of environment you prefer. Cuenca, for example, is a good choice for those looking for a home in a big city with access to national parks that offer great hiking trails and rock-climbing opportunities. Puerto Lopez is the perfect destination for people out to have a home by the beach. Yunguilla Valley, meanwhile, is an option for those who prioritize plenty of open space.

• Get a local to help you

Get a highly recommended local to guide you through the process, which is especially helpful for non-Spanish speakers. LiveTheLife is especially experienced in helping foreign buyers secure their dream property in Ecuador – from finding a suitable piece of real estate to understanding the paperwork.

Best Ecuador Real Estate Deals

For the best real estate deals in Ecuador, check this out.

Filed under: Real Estate Tips by LiveTheLifeinEcuador
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A stay in Ecuador’s jungle lodges is one of the most thrilling ways to experience the rainforest’s living attractions. Here are some of the best:

Napo Wildlife Center

This popular ecological reserve owned by the indigenous Anangu community is dubbed as the ultimate alternative luxury eco hotel in Amazonian Ecuador.

Located in the Yasuni National Park at the edge of Anangucocha Lake, Napo Wildlife Center offers maximum privacy and stunning views of the lake and jungle. There are 10 luxury cabanas with private bathrooms. The wealth of flora and fauna is amazing.

Activities include guided tours and parrot clay licks, natural clay walls teeming with squawking parrots and macaws that feed on the walls as a way to combat the toxins found in the seeds they eat.

There’s more information here.

Sani Lodge

This community-run eco lodge is tucked into an oxbow lake in a tributary of Rio Napo. It accommodates 38 guests and opens the door to a truly personal way of experiencing the Amazon forest.

Get to be in the midst of 1,500 species of trees, climbing vines, exotic blooms, tropical birds, monkeys, and butterflies. Stay in a campsite within touching distance of your lodge or cabin. Go bird watching, walk through guided trail hikes, and get to know the Sani community and the indigenous Kichwa people.

Visit their website for more information.

Sacha Lodge

This prime destination for bird watchers covers 5,000 acres of private ecological land.

Lodgings are designed for utmost comfort and offer excellent opportunities to spot wildlife. Don’t be surprised to find capybaras resting on your hammock. Capybaras are giant guinea pig-like rodents who spend their time near lakes and rivers and are sometimes brought home as pets.

Activities include guided tours, bird watching, a visit to one of the largest butterfly farms in Ecuador, and a trip to the 940-foot-long canopy walk hanging 94 feet from the ground.

Visit their website for more information.

If you’d like to start off on an exciting adventure to the Ecuador Amazon Basin, check this out.

Filed under: About Ecuador, Ecuador Real Estate Blog, Things to Do by LiveTheLifeinEcuador
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The city of Cuenca is one of the best destinations in the world for expats. Teeming with an old world charm, the city offers a very relaxing and enjoyable lifestyle for residents, with its scenic cobblestone streets, stunning historical buildings, great selection of beautiful and affordable properties, numerous cultural attractions, and unforgettable activities, events, and festivals.

There are plenty of great reasons why the city attracts countless tourists and new residents. For most people, the city’s nostalgic character, unique attractions, and high quality of life is simply too hard to resist. In addition, the cost of living in Cuenca is very affordable – you’ll be able to reduce your monthly spending significantly as you get more and more used to the lifestyle.

If you’re thinking about moving to Cuenca, here are a few helpful tips to keep in mind:

Take a Spanish class

As an expat, you’ll be able to make an easier transition to your new life in Ecuador by learning Spanish. Having a basic grasp of the language and familiarizing yourself with the local lingo has many benefits, like getting better prices for goods, for example.

Finding a Spanish class is really very easy, as there are hundreds of options to choose from. The classes are very affordable as well – they’re much cheaper than language schools found in the US. If you want one of the best options, look for the Simon Bolivar Spanish School, which is known as one of the largest and most successful Spanish schools in the country.

Consider joining the Cuenca for Expats program

Because of the huge number of expats living in Cuenca, the city’s Chamber of Commerce has organized a Cuenca for Expats program, which is designed to give expats a smoother transition into the city, and make them feel more at home. Joining the program is an excellent way to familiarize yourself with your new city, and it can help you meet other people in the same situation as well. In addition to showing expats the many common pitfalls to avoid, the program is also a great way to find out how you can start benefitting from cheaper living immediately.

Find out about Cuenca’s culture

To say that Cuenca is a great place to live in is a huge understatement. The city is designated as an UNESCO World Heritage site, which shows you just how rich it is in terms of historical attractions. The city is home to a great selection of world-class museums, including the Museo de las Culturas Aborigenes, Museo del Monasterio de las Conceptas, Museo Pumapungo, Museo del Sombrero, and more.

There’s also a diverse amount of great local events and festivals to enjoy throughout the year, most of them free.

Visit the SuperMaxi grocery store

It may sound a bit weird, but visiting the SuperMaxi can be very helpful for anyone looking to meet new people and learn a few handy local tips. The grocery store is a well-known meeting location for expats, so you should be able to learn a few new things when you drop by.

For more helpful tips for expats, take a look at our Expat guide to living in Ecuador here.

 

Filed under: Ecuador Real Estate Blog, Expat Tips, Real Estate Tips by LiveTheLifeinEcuador
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Lentag is a town located less than 350 miles south of Quito. Surrounded by views of refreshing open space, deep valleys, and breathtaking mountain slopes, this quiet little village is a paradise for outdoor lovers, nature enthusiasts, or anyone looking to relax while breathing in the fresh mountain air.

Although the town is mostly surrounded by nature, it offers plenty of convenience as well. It is less than an hour away by car from Cuenca, and just around four hours away from Guayaquil, Ecuador’s largest city and busiest commercial district. Lentag is also situated close to nearby communities such as Giron, San Fernando, and Santa Isabel Canton.

Rentals in Lentag

Due to its overwhelming abundance of enjoyable outdoor activities and beautiful natural destinations, Lentag has become famous for many tourists from all over the world.

With its breathtaking landscapes and endless wonders to explore, you’ll need a comfortable place where you can rest and refuel, so you can plan your next activities. Luckily, there’s a superb selection of rental options in Lentag to choose from, ranging from cozy 2-bedroom apartment units to rustic ranch-style properties surrounded by acres of space, and nearly everything in between.

The best part is many of the rentals are very affordable, some of them costing as little as $400 a month.

Here are a few examples of properties available for rent in Lentag:

• Fully-furnished single-family homes with 1 to 3-bedrooms, located conveniently close to a great selection of shops, restaurants, and transit hubs.
• Rustic villas with spacious and well-designed interiors, high-speed internet, and panoramic views of lush, rolling landscapes.
• Stylish 4-bedroom homes with features such as hardwood floors, rustic interiors, large bedrooms, and resort-style swimming pools.
• Vacation homes perfectly suited for relaxation, with features such as al fresco dining areas, large kitchens, and sweeping mountain and forest views.
• Large estates surrounded by over two hectares of space and unforgettable views of forested hills and majestic mountains.
• Comfortable 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom homes on organic farms, perfect for soaking in the lush views and fresh mountain air.

Live the Life Lodge in Lentag

If you’re searching for the perfect accommodation in Lentag, Live the Life has its very own lodge located at KM 54.820 Giron Passage, Lentag.

Our lodge is perfect for short stays or extended vacations for those who want to explore the many beautiful destinations in Lentag. It offers the perfect blend of comfort and privacy, with comfortable bedrooms and first-class features and amenities such as a sauna, a swimming pool with snack bar, a Jacuzzi, a volleyball court, fish ponds, and organic garden and seed store, and lush gardens.

In addition, we also arrange trips for visitors who want to see some of Ecuador’s most stunning destinations. We can help schedule trips to attractions such as the El Chorro Waterfalls of Giron, Laguna de Busa, the Mountain of San Pablo, the markets of Giron and Santa Isabel, and the Complejo Arquelogico of Carachula above Santa Isabel.

Filed under: About Ecuador, Ecuador Real Estate Blog, Expat Tips, Real Estate Tips by LiveTheLifeinEcuador
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Considered one of the world’s top retirement destinations, Cuenca boasts a scenic charm and a very welcoming atmosphere with its picturesque cobblestone streets and elegant mansions. As Ecuador’s third largest city, Cuenca is home to roughly 350,000 residents along with over 4,000 expats. The city is extremely walkable and has an abundance of tourist-friendly destinations such as the Parque Abdon Calderon, where expats often gather for conversations over coffee or drinks. Cuenca offers the best of both worlds, with its old world charm enhanced by modern conveniences including 18 state-of-the-art hospitals and four major universities that attract students from all over the world.

The real estate market in Cuenca

Cuenca’s real estate market has experienced stabilization recently, after several years of steady appreciation. This can be attributed to the events after the recession of 2008, when a significant number of Ecuadorians returned home after working abroad, mostly in countries like the US and Spain. This caused a housing boom throughout most of Ecuador, especially in larger urban districts such as Cuenca, Quito, and Guayaquil.

Real estate prices in Cuenca are a bargain compared to prices in North America. New expats in Ecuador often use their real estate purchase (which should have a tax assessed value of $25,000 in order to qualify) to obtain their residence visa.

Foreigners also get the benefit of having the same rights to real estate as locals. The purchase process is also pretty straightforward, and can be less tedious compared to buying a home in other countries. When considering a purchase however, be aware that mortgages are not always available, thus, you may need to settle the full purchase price to complete a transaction.

Examples of homes for sale in Cuenca

Here are a few examples of available homes you can purchase in Cuenca:

• A well-designed 3-bedroom, 2.5-bathroom townhouse and office with over 1,600 square feet of space. Features include a private patio, parking, and 24-hour gated security. Price: $117,500.
• A fully furnished 1-bedroom, 1-bathroom condo unit with sweeping city views of Cuenca. The unit is equipped with a spacious kitchen, large closets, and a laundry area. Price: $68,000.
• A stylish 3-bedroom, 2.5-bathroom condo with approximately 1,300 square feet of living space. The property includes a spacious kitchen with granite countertops, an oversized private terrace, built-in closets, and lovely views of the Yanuncay river. The unit is conveniently located close to shopping venues, supermarkets, and El Centro. Price: $139,000.
• A furnished studio unit with panoramic views of the Tomebamba river, and is close to shopping districts and commuter bus lines. The unit comes with a stove, a water heater, and a refrigerator. Price: $45,000.
• A comfortable 3-bedroom, 2.5-bathroom townhouse with 1,500 square feet of space. The unit is equipped with a modern kitchen, spacious bedrooms, and a small garden perfect for al fresco dining. The townhouse is a short distance away from public transportation, and is less than 15 minutes away from the city amenities and attractions. Price: $75,500.

Real Estate, Cuenca Ecuador – Ecuador Real Estate for Sale

For more helpful information on Cuenca’s real estate market, see www.livethelifeinecuador.com/category/estate-sales/cuenca/

 

 

Filed under: About Ecuador, Ecuador Real Estate Blog, Expat Tips by LiveTheLifeinEcuador
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You haven’t experienced Ecuador if you don’t visit the immensely beautiful mountain landscapes of El Cajas National Park.

This soothing refuge about 20 miles from Cuenca, is a perfect sanctuary for body and soul.

All you need do is flag down a bus that takes you from Cuenca to El Cajas in an hour or so at the highly-affordable price of $2 per person.

This gateway to all things natural and breathtaking is guaranteed to take your worldly cares away and refresh your spirit.

High on the tundra

The best way to experience this one-of-a-kind outdoor adventure is by taking a guided tour that costs only$100 per person. The tour usually takes four hours, three of them devoted to hiking. Be prepared for pleasant surprises, as weather conditions may vary and extend the time you spend admiring this must-see place 12,000 feet above sea level.

Captivating views await you at every turn, so have your camera ready.

Waterproof clothing and boots are also essential, as the weather can change any time.

First aid supplies and the ever-present park rangers assure your safety throughout the tour.

And since all that waking and hiking will make you hungry, the tour includes a delicious meal for free in a cozy restaurant nearby.

Those who want to spend the night gazing at the shimmering sea of stars can always do so because El Cajas also offers overnight tours at $250 per person.

It does get chilly, so be sure to pack layers and layers of extra clothes and a blanket to keep you warm. The jaw-dropping view of the sunset through El Cajas’ valleys, however, will warm your spirits until the light of day kisses you awake.

You’ll even get a chance to see the Inca ruins.

You don’t want to miss this experience of a lifetime, do you?

Searching for more adventures in Ecuador? Head on over to our Services Page and find out more about other exciting things you can do in this exciting country.

Filed under: About Ecuador, Ecuador Real Estate Blog, Things to Do by LiveTheLifeinEcuador
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Your safety, whether on a short visit or a longer stay in Ecuador, is our top concern.

We want nothing more than for you to enjoy and experience all the beauty, fun, and exciting adventures Ecuador has to offer.

So we don’t want malaria, yellow fever, hepatitis, typhoid and other diseases in the area to get you down. These dangerous diseases are responsible for hundreds of thousands of deaths, and affect millions of people each year.

As a tropical country, Ecuador has its fair share of cases.

Fortunately, these diseases are preventable and curable, as the right treatments and/or vaccines to combat them already exist.

Check out our post on Staying Healthy in Ecuador

Below is a rundown of these diseases and its symptoms. See a doctor immediately if you recognize any of these warning signs during or after your visit.

Malaria

This life-threatening disease is caused by Plasmodium parasites from female Anopheles mosquitoes.

The first symptoms show up 7-15 days after infection.

Symptoms that may be mild and difficult to recognize are:

• Fever
• Headache
• Chills
• Vomiting

Get yourself treated within 24 hours as failure to do so may lead to death.

Avoid mosquito bites. Use repellants and insecticide-treated mosquito nets when going to sleep. Take anti-malaria pills before, during, and after your visit to Ecuador. Consult a travel doctor for more info.

Visit http://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/yellowbook/2016/infectious-diseases-related-to-travel/yellow-fever-malaria-information-by-country/ecuador for more info and a map of areas susceptible to the disease.

Yellow Fever

This acute hemorrhagic disease is transmitted by day-biting mosquitoes. Symptoms appear after 3 to 6 days.

Acute yellow fever has the following symptoms:

• Fever
• Muscle pain
• Back pain
• Headache
• Shivering
• Appetite loss
• Nausea and/or vomiting
• Yellowing of skin and eyes
• Blood in vomit or feces

The most recommended prevention method is vaccination, which, according to international regulations, should be repeated once every 10 years as booster shots.

Treatment is symptomatic. Go to the hospital immediately.

Visit http://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/yellowbook/2016/infectious-diseases-related-to-travel/yellow-fever-malaria-information-by-country/ecuador for more info and a map of areas prone to yellow fever.

Hepatitis A

This viral liver diseases causes mild to severe illness and is spread through contaminated food, water, and direct contact with infected individuals.

Symptoms:

• Abdominal pain on the right side of the body, where the liver is
• Yellowing of skin and eyes
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Fatigue
• Malaise
• Dark urine

Hepatitis A vaccine and proper sanitation, plus food safety are great ways to stop the disease from ruining your day.

Typhoid Fever

This bacterial disease is transmitted through contaminated food or water and contact with infected organisms’ feces and urine.

These symptoms show up 1 to 3 weeks after infection, and range from mild to severe:

• High fever
• Malaise
• Headache
• Constipation
• Red spots on chest
• Enlarged spleen and liver
• Typhoid fever can be treated with antibiotics

Disease preventative measures include ensuring that food and water are safe, avoiding contact with stagnant ponds or rainwater and observing proper sanitation. Vaccination is highly recommended.

Knowing more about these diseases will enable us to take necessary precautions in preventing them so we can make better decisions in lowering our risk of infection. Show you care. Share this information with those who are planning their next adventure.

Filed under: Ecuador Real Estate Blog, Expat Tips, Health by LiveTheLifeinEcuador
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The conquering Incas ruled what is now known as Ecuador from around 1450 to the 1500s and exerted a great deal of influence in shaping the country’s culture.

However, even before the Incas came, Ecuador had already nurtured a rich civilization that left an equally indelible mark in the country’s history.

Ecuador before the Incas

The Valdivia

The Valdivia was the first permanent culture in Ecuador. It was believed to have existed between 3500 and 1800 BC, and was formed by people who migrated west from Brazil.

Pottery was an important part of Valdivia culture. It is believed that the pieces began as simple, functional clay objects. Decorative work appeared in later examples, until the practice evolved into sculpture produced around the feminine figure of “Venus of Valdivia.”

The Venus of Valdivia figurines depict pregnant and birthing women with prominent breasts and genitalia. The figurines are believed to have been used for fertility rituals.

The Chorrera

Chorrera culture is considered the most influential group in Ecuador’s “Formative Period” (4000 to 300 BC). It spanned the Pacific lowlands to the Andean highlands and even southern Colombia.

Pottery was also the trademark of Chorrera culture. It included utilitarian and artistic pieces characterized by a highlypolished finish and life-like depictions of plants, animals, buildings, fruits, and humans. While the earlier Machalilla culture appears to have greatly influenced Chorrera pottery, new forms– such as the whistle bottle – originated from this culture.

Chorrera and Machalilla cultures practiced skull deformation, which involved elongating and flattening the head for social status.

Other cultures

Around 600 BC, cultures that included the Bahia, Guangala, La Tolita, and Panzaleo developed hierarchal societies ruled by shamans and long-distance traders.

The Panzaleo is said to be the first culture to practice head shrinking or “tzantza” for ritual or trade purposes.

More cultures were integrated into early Ecuadorian society, including the Mantenos, the Caras, the Puruha, the Quitus (from which the present-day city of Quito was named),and the Cañari, who occupied present-day Cuenca.

The Incas eventually conquered the strongest cultures of the time: the Quitu-Caras, the Puruhá and the Cañari.

Modern indigenous groups in Ecuador are descendants of these early cultures and are stalwarts of Ecuadorian identity.

Know more about Ecuador by following our blog.

Filed under: About Ecuador, Ecuador Real Estate Blog by LiveTheLifeinEcuador
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Investing in Ecuador real estate doesn’t only give you a piece of paradise. It also presents a slew of tax benefits. Here are a few details you need to know.

1. Deductions on taxable income

Just like your properties in the US, the real estate you own abroad will be taxed in much the same way.

This means you get the same tax benefits for properties abroad as you do for your real estate investments back in the US.

Here’s a list of tax deductible items:

• Mortgage interest and property tax payments you make on properties for personal use.
• Expenses you incur for renting out property for more than 14 months. While you’re taxed on what you make off your rental, you can deduct insurance premiums, utility payments, and property management and advertising fees.
• Depreciation costs. In Ecuador, the depreciation for a property is amortized over a period of 40 years, versus only over 27.5 years for a US property. This means you enjoy this tax benefit longer for a property abroad.
• Travel expenses related to maintaining and managing your rental property abroad

2. Deductions when you sell your property

As with a US property, you get capital gains tax benefits for a long-term property investment abroad. In Ecuador, a piece of property is considered your prime residence if you’ve lived there for at least two years.

This means that when you sell the property, you can deduct up to $250,000 (or up to $500,000 if you’re a married taxpayer) from the sale amount, and save on capital gains tax along the way.

3. No double taxation

If you’re afraid of being taxed twice for your Ecuador property– once by the Ecuador government and again by the U.S. government — relax.

Taxes you pay on your overseas property may be credited against your US tax return. This means you only need to pay the higher amount stated on either your US or Ecuador returns – and not totals on both.

To find out more about buying property in Ecuador, contact us today.

Filed under: Ecuador Real Estate Blog, Expat Tips, Real Estate Tips by LiveTheLifeinEcuador
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