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Bahia De Caraquez

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Jack55
  5/26/2010 15:02 EST

I have been living here for six months. If anyone has questions about Bahia, I will do my best to answer them.

ILA
  5/27/2010 01:51 EST

Hi,
I see you are moving to Salinas.Was Bahia too quiet for you.What led you to Bahia in the first place???Were you exploring the area and like the more southern part better???
What were your impressions, being there for six months.What did you do there??? how far is it to Quito??? Anything else you want to add about your sojourn would be appreciated.
Thanks.
ILA.

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canman
  5/27/2010 12:22 EST

So you're moving to Salinas. Has Hector got to you too? haha I really liked Bahia and did not get to Salinas on my first exploratory, but Hector's love of Salinas has convinced me to be sure it's on my radar for my next trip (from an investment perspective).

When I drove from Quito to Bahia I decided to use Bahia as my base and explore north and south from there. I suspect I'm not unique in this decision given the time it takes to drive there. I'm wondering how the new bridge may change this. I know you've only been there six months, but if you were socially interactive with the locals you may be able to answer the following:
Are the locals excited about their new bridge? Do you get a sense of how they feel this may change things in Bahia or is it a non-issue? Do you own or rent? How do those costs differ between Bahia and Salinas and how have they been changing, by comparison? Does Bahia lack something that has allowed you to be seduced away from it?

Travelightly
  5/27/2010 12:31 EST

If winter is coming on like what is talked about for Quito being the cool season, what is it like in the Salinas/Bahia area during the hot season? Humidity levels?

HGQ2112
  5/27/2010 13:08 EST

canman - know you are looking for just the reaction from "locals"...but I'll add my 2 cents. My observations suggest that "informed locals" are somewhat excited by the bridge. Hey, I would be too. Nothing wrong with a bridge. Gives me another option to a ferry crossing. Otoh, some locals are just going about their business... maybe casting the occasional glance at the bridge work...sort of noting that "it is there", but not exactly impacting their world much. Still, the bridge is perceived as a 1-2 punch...open the bridge (and they will come), plus gear up the airport to some kind of semi-regular commercial flights. Point, is, though, there is not a guarantee that punch 1, leads to punch 2. Therefore, on its own merits...the only practical functionality of the bridge, by itself, once complete is that it will connect two locales more readily, which, for the record, are already connected by ferry. So...build the bridge and "they will come"...and I challenge anyone to go into that region, stand on either bank of the bay...longingly look across...and thoughtfully ask...so...now we are better connected...what next? See...what answers you come up with for yourself. Here is my answer...well, now we are better connected...so what? Not like the whole of the population of Miami is going to be pouring into either side. I see the project as positive, but not worthy of a sea change in the economy or anyone's life (other than ferry operators that may be put out of business, further increasing Bahia's sad unemployment rate). I certainly don't see the urgency to "get in now", as some publications have hyped this relatively meaningless bridge project.

HGQ
They who can give up essential liberty to obtain a little temporary safety, deserve neither liberty nor safety. - Benjamin Franklin

Travelightly
  5/27/2010 13:16 EST

Just out of curiosity, Jack, what about Bahia did you find so appealing over the rest of the 1400 miles of coastline?

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canman
  5/27/2010 14:02 EST

HGQ - your bridge comments generally support my thoughts on it. Currently you can choose to drive around the estuary or take the ferry across. From Quito you can drive to Pedernales and head south. It's not like they're openning up anything that is currently inaccessible. So, I don't see either Bahia or SV achieving a sudden population boom from this. It could be argued that Bahia hotels and restaurants, etc. could suffer now that Canoa is only another 20 minute drive away. I expect the coastal commercial trucking operators are looking forward to the convenience of quicker access across the Chone.

HGQ2112
  5/27/2010 14:45 EST

canman - good additional observations, especially on the topics regarding trucking operations and the Bahia hospitality/restaurant biz possibly suffering at the hands of Canoa.

HGQ
They who can give up essential liberty to obtain a little temporary safety, deserve neither liberty nor safety. - Benjamin Franklin

DSanders
  5/27/2010 20:27 EST

Hello Jack55. I have lived in Bahia for 15 months. I would love to chat about what you like and dislike and what caused you to move to Salinas. Lets chat at w4bws at yahoo dot com.
Dr Don

Travelightly
  5/27/2010 20:38 EST

Dr Don
Why not chat here where others can listen in? We'd like to know, too. Or, move it on over to the 'ecuador expats' on Facebook!
Graham

ILA
  5/27/2010 20:53 EST

H,
So Salinas must not have a bridge.
"look Longingly"that smacks of someone trying to suppress his inner romantic needs.
The bridge impacts my world because I LOVE the little ferry that crosses over.Now there's a "Look" worthy of a romantic thought or two.Seated but "looking" while serenaded by latino tango rhythms, on a dark Bahia not Salinas night, whilst lights twinkle on either side of the Bay, warm breezes pervade and the gentle sea laps the bobbing boat.
IT IS UNBEARABLY BEAUTIFUL.Shall I compare you, wonderful little ferry to a bridge.
Salinas eat your heart out.

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HGQ2112
  5/27/2010 21:16 EST

No doubt beautiful. The Bahia region is very attractive. But, alas, I do fear the ferry days are numbered. Maybe not immediately, but eventually. It is a business that relies on volume.

HGQ
They who can give up essential liberty to obtain a little temporary safety, deserve neither liberty nor safety. - Benjamin Franklin

canman
  5/28/2010 11:24 EST

Dr Don,

It appears that Jack55 has a more interesting life than spending each waking moment monitoring this forum... hmm, I feel like Pavlov's dog. I'm sure he'll respond soon, but in the meantime, it would be great to hear your (and any other Bahian's) opinion on the questions posed above.

Jack55
  5/28/2010 12:42 EST

Hi,
yes, I have been a little busy making arrangements for leaving next week.

You know, there is nothing wrong with Bahia. It is a beautiful little town. The nicest I had seen prior to Salinas.

I must admit, I have not been socially active while here. I have an internet business I am getting off the ground, and it takes my time.

The things that impressed me about Salinas were that in the couple of trips I made there, I felt the locals were friendlier, and there is more to do. I think the climate might actually be better, though I like the climate I experienced in Bahia.

I scuba dive and Bahia can not support that hobby, Salinas can. I like it's 1 1/2 hour drive to a major airport. I like the fact that Cuenca is a few hours drive. I will admit, I like access to a Supermaxi for groceries.

Bahia's Tia is limited and in my opinion, not too friendly. I tried my best to give the local businesses in Bahia my patronage, and in buying both furniture and appliances, I was taken advantage of. No big deal, just not good experiences. Short sighted thinking on their part, as I have put off any other major purchases until I move. I know, can happen anywhere, even the States.

I have made the trip driving from Quito to Bahia a couple of times, and I personally feel the bridge will only save an hour or so. I may be wrong, no one will know until the bridge is finished and the trip is timed. I have talked to the person in charge of the airport, and contrary to rumors, he has heard nothing about opening it in the near or distant future. It has no refueling capabilities, and the runway would need upgrading to facilitate commercial traffic. This all according to him. He does not think it is going to happen.

There is a military airport in Salinas that can already accommodate commercial jets. Rumor has it that it will be open to commuter jet traffic within the year.

Bahia is cleaner than many coastal towns, it's paved streets are a welcome improvement to the dusty or muddy streets found elsewhere on the coast. The trees throughout the town are great. the beaches at low tide are decent, when not covered in debris. There is very little litter, and there are street lights on many streets, when they are working.

Bahia claims to be the safest town in Ecuador, but an expat couple I know where mugged at gun point on the Malecon recently, so it is like any other place, not any safer, not more dangerous.

I am glad I lived in Bahia. I made some friends here. I enjoy the view from my apartment. I like the surrounding area. that being said, I am looking forward to exploring the southern coast. Within an hour north or south of Salinas are many cool places to explore.

Both Bahia and Salinas are located on peninsulas, and so enjoy an ocean breeze. sure it gets hot, and yes there is humidity, but the breeze makes it a non issue. I prefer the heat, and the humidity would have to be really bad to bother me.

I pay $450 for a two bedroom unfurnished apartment in Dos Hemisherios. I am leasing a 3 bedroom 3 bath beautifully furnished private Villa on the beach with my own swimming pool, for little more.

I can walk to a mall with a movie theater, and walk to the Supermaxi. I can walk through a door and be on the beach. I won't have to listen to kids on loud motorcycles roaring up and down the towns streets at all hours.

The housing prices in the Salinas area are probably better than Bahia. there are more properties available for sale and rent, so there is competition. Prices surprised me.
I saw houses for sale for $28000. and that was negotiable. Brand new 2 bedroom apartments in buildings that would put any in Bahia to shame started at $70,000. and they offered financing.

In the harsh light of day, Bahia looks neglected. Look close and you see that many of the high rise apartment buildings need alot of work. The town looks it's best at night. Bahia needs a coat of paint.

The water issue is a travesty in Bahia. As long as there are profits to be made by the current system, it will not change for the better. It was one of the first things I asked about in Salinas, "No tanqueros". There is no problem with water there, ever.

I will always recommend to people that they visit Bahia, and I will say that it is my second favorite place on the coast.

I certainly don't mean to be insulting in any way, or irritate the loyal locals, it is only my opinion.

BahiaProud
  5/28/2010 14:45 EST

As a soon to be property owner in Bahia, I thought it was time to speak favorably for the city my wife and I have chosen to live in. Locals we spoke with are happy to see the bridge being built but they are equally happy to see the road improvement of the northern coast which is part of this project. Also, San Vincente will be the airport of choice for Bahia rather than Manta in the near future. Canoa will not replace Bahia as the area restaurant capital especially on a rainy day. The mud is a mess there. The primary reason to settle in Bahia is its people. Everyone we met was friendly and trying to make us feel comfortable. Our lack of Spanish Language command was overcome with smiles and humor, not embarrassment. Plus the beautiful cityscape is an instant attraction. We believe we are part of the "Been there-done that" group. We worked in Silicon Valley California in the 1980's, traveling to England & Europe as needed; went thru Checkpoint Charlie before the wall went down to spend 2 weeks in Possneck, East Germany researching books we wrote on Conta & Boehme Porcelain; served in a State Legislature; owned several business; yada, yada yada. So "Active" city life is not what we want. It is now our time to give something back to the earth and to humanity. We don't want San Francisco South, rather, we want to fully immerse ourselves in Ecuador living. We expect to relocate to Bahia upon the sale of our current home and will be contacting Linda in Manta for advice on setting up an expat group in Bahia. Btw, we met Dr Don in April at the Coco Bongo and had a wonderful discussion over a cold pilsner. If he offers his time and counsel to you, we would suggest you accept. Frankly, if wherever you choose to live makes you happy and fulfilled, you are in the right place...HOME. We are hopeful that readers who want to slow their lives down will give Bahia a chance and that we can all live the good life.

DSanders
  5/28/2010 18:45 EST

Canman, I will have to echo the feelings of Jack55 and Bahia Proud.
Bahia offers much to those needing a relaxed life style. As you requested here are my comments.
The bridge will definately help the area. It will allow those crossing to the North coast to do so in a timely manner. Wil it help the town of Bahia? Well, I don't think it helps if it means putting the many vendors out of business that provide food, beverage and other items to those waiting for the ferry. It will help the suppliers ofbuilding supplies to have quicker deliveries and compete with San Vicente suppliers. It will make it easier and quicker for the north coast folks to get to Bahia for shopping. The ferries are operated by the Ecuadorian navy so it won't put that business in trouble, actually they will probably move them to Esmaraldes.

The hotels in Bahia may have some increased business, only because more people will be coming to theNorth Coast area and the hotels in Canoa,forthe most part, are not what tourists want. hey cater to Back packers. Restaurants in Canoa, there are 3 or 4 good ones, like wise cater to a younger surfer and student clientel. Canoa has a lot more crime and the infer structure lack much compared to Bahia. Canoa is a fun town to visit for a while.

The biggest advantage is that there is so much virgin property available on the Coast that many will be drawn to its beauty and reasonable prices.
Some locals believe their property is worth a lot more than it really is, however there are a couple locals who will be able to help find what you may be looking for at non-gringo prices. The prices IL has recently stated only hold for LARGE property purchases.
HGQ, i'm not sure about the 1-2 punch, maybe just a TKO on the advantage of the bridge. I guess it depends on which relative you refer to with the "relative meaningless bridge". It has a lot of long range advantages to everyone on the coast, perhaps nota big short time gain.
Driving around the Estuary is a 60+ mile trip and avoided by most, or they would not wait 2 to 4 hours for the ferry.
Hopefully the small Pangas, carrying just people, will continue as many have to daily commute to work or school. As ILA stated, I will miss the maybe romantic and peaceful ride on the ferry, but progress is progress.
As far as the climate canman, the rainy season November to May will often get up to 92 degrees and at night about 78F. May to November highs of 88 and lows of 68 to 70. But with the cool breeze off the Pacific we feel cool most of the time and the humidity is only high when it is rain ing. The locals tell me thuis past season was the hotest in many years and notusual. And with the rolling blackouts limiting use of air conditioning and fans it was hotter than comfortable for many folks.
Again this was very unusual for this area.
Bahia has many small things which need improving ovee the next few years. Better shopping, more competive pricing on appliances, higher speed internet, improved water supply for just a few. Pacific Tell has just about finished the installation of the fiber optics cable and will have DSL available in Bahia in a few months. This will be a big improvement. The other suppliers will have to upgrade or lose out. Roads are being improved into and out of the city as well as internal roads.
What is really needed is investment capital to put people to work in the manufacturing and agricultural businesses. There is a good work force available, just no opportunity for many locals.
I hope many will include Bahia on their agenda for trips to Ecuador as it has much to offer to many individuals. I'm happy to call it home.
Dr Don

DSanders
  5/28/2010 18:58 EST

Canman, mosquitoes are everywhere on the coast. To the North of Jama and South from Salinus, it is reported the worst for DENGUE and other problems. In this area the worst time is during the rainy season. However there are a few all year round, especially on days with limited breezes. Use of DEET lotions, AVON and similar lotions help tremously. Also limiting sugary foods in the diet. Early morn and dusk are theworst times. Also stay away from high grasses and heavy vegetation, as that is where they like to live. After a year here, I have very little problem with them. Common sense and preparation limits the little suckers as a problem.
DR Don

canman
  5/28/2010 20:08 EST

Great bunch info everyone, thanks. Will be interesting to keep an eye on the airports.

HGQ2112
  5/30/2010 14:16 EST

travellightly - using Chicago or Miami as reference points for humidity...Salinas is just not that humid, even in high season. The cool ocean breeze makes it seem pleasant, for the most part. I won't say that occasionally you don't get a few days that feel stifling, but it is more rare than you'd think. Remember, this is "arid country". Sort of like Vegas...but without the scorcher 100+ degree days.

HGQ
They who can give up essential liberty to obtain a little temporary safety, deserve neither liberty nor safety. - Benjamin Franklin

HGQ2112
  5/30/2010 14:21 EST

Jack55 - I couldn't agree more about their being "nothing wrong" with Bahia. I lost count the number of times I have mentioned on this forum that due to my career, I can't help but look at every place both from an aesthetic, but *also* from an *investment* perspective. Aesthetically, Bahia gets a big thumbs up from me, although my personally subjective tastes still run more towards Salinas. My only critique of Bahia has been from an investment perspective and my observations that some sources are promoting the bridge and the yet uncertain reopening of the airport as a reason to "MUST BUY NOW"...just not the case, in my professional opinion. So, I appreciate and support your comments.

HGQ
They who can give up essential liberty to obtain a little temporary safety, deserve neither liberty nor safety. - Benjamin Franklin ry well-balanced perspective.

HGQ2112
  5/30/2010 14:23 EST

BahiaProud - glad you found your personal slice of paradise that works for you and your family. Enjoy Bahia!

HGQ
They who can give up essential liberty to obtain a little temporary safety, deserve neither liberty nor safety. - Benjamin Franklin

HGQ2112
  5/30/2010 14:35 EST

Dr Don - 1) I agree with your observations that the bridge is no friend to the vendors that rely on ferry tourist traffic. I appreciate the candor from someone largely framing the area in a positive light; 2) The fact that I refer to the bridge in my statements as both "positive" and "meaningless" is acknowledged by me and *not* a contradiction. How can the bridge, sans the impact on furthering unemployment, truly be considered a negative? It is positively significant in that it modernizes transportation for the area. However, I continue to assert that it is "meaningless", for the very reason you tacitly hint at - it is a long-term positive, not a short-term or mid-term positive. Bahia needs some immediate "juice" to ramp up and refocus its economic agenda. Not a project that may do some good 20+ years hence; 3) So, my 2nd point, dovetails perfectly with your statement that Bahia requires investment capital, aimed at economic development and job creation. This has been the crux of my critique from day one on this forum. This area, pre-earthquake, had a vision...a plan... a sense of unity and direction. Now...the area seems "lost". No common vision...cohesion... working together to create something that calls for the collaboration of the people, the private sector business community and the local government. What they got, instead, was the bridge. Not enough. Maybe worse than "not enough", because it offered up the false hope of "being something" meaningful. If one does their homework and looks at this lack of community cooperation to expand a vision and compares it to what is happening in Santa Elena...no comparison. I hope folks will compare both...do their homework...and select whichever works best for their own particular circumstance. Bahia is beautiful...charming...relaxed... isolated. Economically...it is stalled.

HGQ
They who can give up essential liberty to obtain a little temporary safety, deserve neither liberty nor safety. - Benjamin Franklin

HGQ2112
  5/30/2010 14:38 EST

For a different perspective..I have not encountered a mosquito problem in Salinas...any of the four seasons...as much as an area "mired" largely in 65 - 85 degree weather can have "four seasons"...lol. During the peak Summer season...I have encountered the occasional "fly problem"...but not mosquitoes.

HGQ
They who can give up essential liberty to obtain a little temporary safety, deserve neither liberty nor safety. - Benjamin Franklin

ILA
  5/30/2010 15:26 EST

I am very interested in the airport situation and rumors as opposed to facts???
It is my understanding that the Manta airport is slated to become the third Ecuadorean International airport,large and on the lines of the other two,Quito and Guayaquil.
What about the Bahia airport ,what is planned there???There is also a small airport in Portoviejo.
It seems that You cannot fly from this area to Guayaquil.???
Also, how about the drive to Quito from Bahia??? How many hours??? I believe the distance is a couple of hundred miles ??? Thanks in advance, for any info of clarification.

ILA
  5/30/2010 15:41 EST

"I am leasing a 3 BR 3 Bath,beautifully furnished on the beach with private swimming pool, villa for little more than $450."
That would do it for most of us
All of your other criteria sound pretty good too.
BEST wishes for your new location.

HGQ2112
  5/30/2010 17:40 EST

ILA - someone on here...I believe it was canman (not sure) wrote a perfect summary of the airport. I, too, have spoken with the local authorities that manage the airport and none of them have been advised of its pending "opening" for commercial flights - even on a semi-regular basis. Now...silly me...but you'd think the guys operating the airport might have a clue, if it were true. Manta will likely "win the race" for the next legit international airport in Ecuador. I think Salinas will follow. Manta just has too much of the infrastructure primed and ready to go, for it not to succeed. Although - and remember now, I like Manta second only to the Santa Elena peninsula - the Manta area has proven an innate capacity to blow opportunity after opportunity as well. In some ways, almost "Bahia-like", but with no earthquake to blame. So, I wouldn't be shocked if the airport project slipped by the way side...but I strongly doubt it.

HGQ
They who can give up essential liberty to obtain a little temporary safety, deserve neither liberty nor safety. - Benjamin Franklin

DSanders
  5/31/2010 13:22 EST

HGQ, we are on the same page and paragraph as to Bahia. From a invstment standpoint, Bahia is stalled with regard to the govt planning. However a local business person says they are pressureing the Mayor to form a better planning committee. The present committee seems to only be feathering their own nest, Providing for some local improvements, and little long tern efforts.
For the local govt to do much, in a physical sense, they have to budget and apply for grants from the Ecuador assemblista, etc. This takes time and effort. So anything large will take several years, but needs to be started with a long range plan.
In the short time however, several large properties have been purchases recently by developers and there will be home sites available in a couple years. This will increase the value of other properties.
There are properties in the main town and in the neighboring pueblos that are still a real good value for anyone wanting to remodel and live in, rent or resell these to folks moving to Bahia area.
A friend just bought a small lot with a bamboo house on it for $2000. It is rented but he plans to build a house on it to sell in a couple years.
Whether someone picks Bahia area, Santa Elina or other town in Ecuador will depend on their needs and finances. There is definitely a place for everyone.
Dr Don

ILA
  5/31/2010 13:25 EST

Hey Doc,
I'm not getting the hang of the private e-mail system.
I can be slow.
I received your e-mails through expat.
Thankyou.
The one today,I hope you would post it on this site.It is very helpful and interesting.
BEST
ILA

boncur
  6/1/2010 14:00 EST

I will comment on Bahia de Caraquez--but only from a romantic perspective--and from one who doesn't live there. I have always loved the place when I visited. I don't live there, so don't know the infrastructure. I have always found it to be a little "casablanca" sort of place, and the Herradura, was the only place there years ago and had old world charm, looks out over the beach, once with elegant male waiters attending and I believe we saw the governor in there one time (I'm sure all of that has changed now). It is a quiet staid conservative little town and the people from Manabi are different from the northern and southern coastal peoples. I think the people in Manabi are very sincere, and bear a resemblance to the people of the "Sierra" and I think there is less crime in Bahia. Boats from Europe at the turn of the century would pull in to the Bay of Caraquez to purchase Tagua for the buttons in Europe and especially Austrians have left their genes in the area, hence, the blue and green eyed people in Manabi. They are exceptionally good and pretty honest people from what I have uncovered--quite different from their coastal counterparts up in Esmeraldas, and with a different heritage. Of course, it's a really quiet place, not conducive to action or too much culture and night life--although it is the site of alot of ruins and many of these old 'seaside gravesites' are now washing up on the beach and you can find lots of ancient shards right there on the beach. I remember staying at the Herradura years ago and I sent the cook out to the fishing boats one morning to buy some lobster if it was to be found--but there was no butter to be found in the whole town! That was of course years ago. I can see where folks who are looking for a little stimulation would not want to settle there permanently. Since the last big earthquake there years ago, in the 90s, the infrastructure has been lax. One of the ex-presidents, Sixto Duran, had (or still has) a condo there. Canoa and Pedernales are up the pike after you take the ferry to San Vicente. A very quiet area. I can see where gringos would want more of an infrastructure in Salinas and surrounding areas.

HGQ2112
  6/1/2010 14:39 EST

Boncur - 1) As of the last credible national data, Bahia (proper!) had the lowest per capita crime rate in Ecuador, followed by Salinas...so your perceptions, at least from the best available current data, is correct; 2) President Duran *used* to have a home there - past-tense, just as an FYI; 3) And, at least for *this* Gringo...it wasn't so much the *existing* infrastructure that lured me to Salinas over Bahia, but rather a forward looking analysis as to economic development, infrastructure development and business/job creation (inclusive of the tourism and hospitality industry). I enjoyed your observations.

HGQ
They who can give up essential liberty to obtain a little temporary safety, deserve neither liberty nor safety. - Benjamin Franklin

TheIrvines
  7/17/2010 17:58 EST

I expect you have moved to Salinas now. Are you happy with your decision?

We are trying to plan our exploratory trip to Ecuador, and are very interested in this topic.

High speed Internet is important because we also have Internet businesses. How is the service where you are at in Salinas?

HGQ2112
  7/19/2010 01:20 EST

Interesting thread on this somewhere on the forum, which sort of stalled in a stalemate. Since I haven't set up permanent shop yet, I've just relied on Porta wireless. This has worked well, although like most wireless, it can be a bit glitchy at times, but very workable. However, Grupo TV Cable is supposed to have a broader "Ecuador-style" broad band option available in Salinas, however it is site-specific, so it is not simply available "everywhere". Also, it is intended for commercial use. Having mentioned this and confirmed it directly with TV Cable, someone else weighed in and offered that they have received contrary info from TV Cable, suggesting the service was not ready for roll out in Salinas. I inquired as to whether they had specifically asked for "commercial service" and also if they had cited a specific site. No reply received. So, don't have that feedback to report. Then other folks chimed in with alternate options and opinions on the wireless and TV Cable issue. You might want to search for that thread.

HGQ

I can resist everything except temptation -
Oscar Wilde

ILA
  7/20/2010 15:14 EST

"also San Vicente will be the airport of choice rather than Manta,in the near future"
WHAT!
I was under the impression that Manta airport was going to be the THIRD international Airport in Ecuador?? Am I behind the times???

HGQ2112
  7/20/2010 17:35 EST

ILA - bet on Manta...heavily.

HGQ
I can resist everything except temptation -
Oscar Wilde

todmary
  7/31/2010 16:46 EST

Hi Susan, my email is [email protected]

todmary
  7/31/2010 16:50 EST

Hi, what would a furnished beachfront 2/2,3/2 condo rent for in Bahai for 6 months?

Thanks,
Tod
[email protected]

HGQ2112
  8/23/2010 01:42 EST

Tod,

Sorry. Been off the forum for a bit. Getting ready for the move to Ecuador...and swamped taking care of business and a host of other factors. Prices quoted can be all over the place. I mean for the same quality of place. Marketing efforts catering to foreigners are going to be significantly higher. At the end of the day, it is going to largely depend on the quality of the building, the unit and the furnishings. Those are your three key variables. Prices can range from $450-$1,600/month for something habitable by "Western-standards". That latter point is meant to emphasize that expectations can vary.

HGQ
I can resist everything except temptation -
Oscar Wilde

artic
  8/23/2010 15:14 EST

Interested in such a deal
Less than 500 dollars per month, by the beach in Ecuador. Give some tips that I could rent for approx that amount.

boncur
  8/23/2010 19:23 EST

There are good deals, as Hector has said, BUT you have to come here to look for them! Have you ever been here to Ecuador? You just can't snap a finger and have these "deals" come to you! In Ecuador, unlike up north, things are personal and done face to face. That is really the only way.

HGQ2112
  8/23/2010 21:02 EST

Arctic - What specific area? When are you coming? For how long do you need it? What comfort standard are you looking for - 1) Luxury?; 2) Western Modern?; 3) Ecuadorian Modern? 4) Western "Average"?; 5) Ecuadorian Average?; 6) Rustic?; 7) Ecuadorian [*really*] Rustic?. How much square footage is comfortable? If I quote you three bedrooms, donuts to dollars, you are probably getting a bare bones minimum 1,200 sf in the USA. If I quote you 3 bedrooms in most of Europe, you'll be lucky to get 900 sf and in resorts on the coast...likely less...maybe much less. So, it is important to convey both # of bedrooms desired and overall space requirements. That's the tip of the iceberg. Complicated? Sure...real estate "ain't" simple anywhere. And when you find someone that says, "Hey, I can simplify the process and make it easy", it generally translates into, "Please buy my particular property in my sales inventory, for which I can earn a big chunk of cash". So...be leery...be weary...of "simple".

HGQ
I can resist everything except temptation -
Oscar Wilde

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