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Visiting to get an idea for retirement

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dforney
  5/19/2015 10:21 EST

My husband and I are coming to Ecuador in September and planning to visit Quito, Salinas and Cuenca. We are very excited for our trip but need some guidance and would appreciate any tips. Any advice as to the order in which we should visit these cities and how to get between each of them? Also, accommodation suggestions would be welcomed as well. Thanks in advance for your help!

ecuadorjoe
  5/19/2015 11:22 EST

dforney
Are you flying into Quito or Guayaquil?

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dforney
  5/19/2015 12:11 EST

Hello! we are flying into Quito. Thank you for responding so quickly!

ecuadorjoe
  5/19/2015 13:30 EST

dforney

Since you are flying into Quito it would be logical to spend some time there to see if you people can deal with high altitude. Quito and Cuenca are at higher altitude therefore the weather is cooler and more rain. I tested my tolerance to high altitude by jogging at least 2 miles every day, I do not know your ages or health perhaps you should not do as I did. To continue with the answer you can fly from Quito to Cuenca and then visit Salinas. Salinas has a tropical dry climate. On the ocean if you like the beach. I can recommend where to stay in Salinas at reasonable price, someone else here can recommend lodging in Quito and Cuenca.

livefreebstrong
  5/19/2015 15:56 EST

Hi dforney,

I agree with other posts...I would say..

Quito
Cuenca
Salinas
and then back to Quito.

If you haven't purchased your tix. yet, you can fly to UIO then leave from GYE and there isn't a big difference in price especially when you factor in ground transportation and transfers everywhere.

I would fly between Quito and Cuenca (Buy Lan airlines one way which can be had for 40.00-50.00) and then take a bus or van back to Guayaquil from Cuenca. Do the same between Guayaquil and Salinasl. You'll catch the magnificent Andes as well as save some time.

Taxi's are cheap just make sure you take the correct ones. That's another topic.

In Salinas there are some nice B/B's. If you're looking to gather information on the area as well as a place to stay....my recommendation is Oceanhideaway Or, if you want ONLY Salinas, then BigRalphs. The short commute between Oceanhideaway and Salinas is easy and cheap.

Keep posting your questions...it keeps everyone focused.

RedEliz
  5/19/2015 16:09 EST

We have stayed at 3

2 we liked

Hotel Cuenca
http://www.hotelcuenca.com.ec/
ran us about $50 per nigh

and

Hotel Zahir 360
http://www.hotelzahir360.com/
which cost more but was closer to the house we bought, if you talk to the manager you can get a better price, they are listed on expedia for $79 but we paid $115

If you work with a realtor in Cuenca work with a good one, there are lots of scammers. We were very lucky to work with Maribel Crespo
http://www.ecuadorablehomes.com/
even after closing she helped us set up the electric, cable, water, phone, etc. She really cares about people.

Good luck.

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dforney
  5/19/2015 16:18 EST

It seems as though everyone is recommending flights instead of driving between cities. Is it difficult to make reservations on flights? Are they accessible through the internet? Thank you all again for your help!

remoore2001
  5/19/2015 18:05 EST

Flights are available on the internet and easy to book. Remember to check out flights from Salinas to Quito to save yourself some time

ecuadorjoe
  5/19/2015 19:57 EST

There are only 2 flights to the best of my knowledge. One is on Friday and other on Saturday, I might be wrong please check with TAME.

livefreebstrong
  5/19/2015 23:28 EST

Driving is a wonderful way to see this amazing country. But renting a car is expensive, driving can be tough in the bigger cities, and navigating without knowing the roads (or speaking Spanish to ask and understand directions) can be too much adventure for some people.

However, folka have done it, survived, and have great memories of what will definitely NOT be a-smooth-as-buttah excursion.

Buses are good too, cheap- and fairly carefree. If you have the $$$$ to arrange vans, or drivers, that's definitely a first class way of enjoying your trip.

(Although it seems that if you're going to be throwing that kind of cash around, you should just send it to me..and take the bus for the cultural experience of it all--think Romancing The Stone...and Joan Wilder's first bus ride in Columbia). Nah, that's just private buses in the more remote areas...sort of. There's some nice Bus lines in the country)

Ecuador is overwhelmingly diverse..so driving is great to if you can fit it into your budget or schedule.

OceanHideaway
  5/20/2015 00:44 EST

I LOVE THAT MOVIE!

...I admit it ...I am a hopeful romantic ...

...and I do read romance novels...

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livefreebstrong
  5/20/2015 11:32 EST

Yep. It's one of my top ten of all times...for obvious reasons.

DiannEddie
  5/27/2015 09:08 EST

After years of plans, in the making to come to Ecuador, it is finally happening.

During mid October 2015, my new wife and I are coming to spend a 3 week honeymoon, which will begin in a 2 night stay, in Guayaquil. From there, we are totally open to suggestions.

Cuenca is high on the list, but we will probably spend the last 10 days there. So, we might start our search, in beach towns. But if the latter part of October would be warmer, then we could to visit Cuenca first and finish up on the beach.

I realize 3 weeks isn't a very long time to get aptly connected to the country and its' people, but it's a beginning. And therefore, want to spend time in both the mountainous area and the beach area to, at least, get an overall view of Ecuador.

Hoping to hear from lots of you, both ex-pats and past visitors of Ecuador.

Thanks
Diann and Eddie

boogaloo
  5/27/2015 09:55 EST

D & E, what are your goals, your plan? Retirement, relocate and work, interval vacations, or just the 3-week vacation? What are you "searching" for? Do you speak Spanish? Have you ever lived in a foreign country? What will you do here, or is that part of your adventure? Please don't expect to come and have your "experience" shape your dreams - come with your dreams and create the experience if Ecuador matches up with your dreams. Hard to really answer your question with the info your have given.

DiannEddie
  5/27/2015 11:54 EST

My goals initially were to retire to Ecuador and possibly do some photo journaling, either professionally or casually. I spent a decade photographing aquatic life, but I probably wouldn't consider that now. I would probably concentrate on life above the sea now. While additional income is not necessary, it never hurts to either supplement or reinforce one's economic future.
Since meeting and being with Diann, who is more of a world traveler, I am open to Ecuador, as a home base, and travel periodically to other countries, in S. America, Central America and Europe. Europe has been added to the mix due to Diann's tremendous love for that area, that she has visited multiple times. But until much more information is gathered, we are based in SW Florida and live on my retirement income and her paycheck, as well as several rental incomes. In time, these properties could/would be sold.
The main goal for both Diann and me is to enjoy life, one day at a time.
Diann is retiring in April 2016, so we are excited about all of the possibilities, that our future withholds.
As for speaking Spanish, I can get by with my "broken Spanish", if the conversation tempo is slow enough. Diann doesn't speak Spanish at all.

Keep the thoughts and info coming

Eddie

kmoriarty45
  5/27/2015 14:56 EST

D&E,

I'm sure you're going to have a great time here. You are right 3 weeks isn't enough time but at least you're getting your feet wet. My next comment is going to draw a lot of flack from gringolandia ( Cuenca ) . Unless you have friends there, or have some sort of itinerary worked out, why are you wasting 10 days out of your trip in Cuenca ?
Sure, Cuenca is a beautiful city, but then so is Quito and cities like Ambato, Zaruma, Salinas, Catamayo, and many, many others, are worth exploring for a day or two. If nothing else, you'll get a fair sampling of Ecuadorian culture, not just South Florida south. I realize, from your comments, that language may bea slight drawback but don't let that stop you.
Let me jump on my other soapbox for
a sec. Learning Spanish is easy. Practice is the difficult thing. Two suggestions. Rosetta Stone and Nicolas Crowder. The former I am sure you are familiar with and the latter is a gentleman, who occasionally contributes to this forum. He had spent many years in Ecuador and other South and Central American countries. His books are MUST READS if you are planning to move here or want to be able to communicate, not just speak Spanglish, but communicate with the locals. His handle on this site is pubcrowd , if you want to PM him regarding his publications - the are available on line.
Hope you enjoy your trip. As a refugee from Sarasota, I understand you're desire to leave God's Waiting Room. You can PM ( private message) me if you have any other questions or think I can be of hep in any way.

DiannEddie
  5/27/2015 16:33 EST

I take it from your comment, that Cuenca is not that outstanding. We don't know anybody, in Ecuador, at all least Cuenca.
Is there that much difference between towns within the same regional area such as beach towns, mountains towns, etc?
We are not interested in living in the Amazon, however a short trip there could prove very interesting.
My biggest health concerns are regarding possible sinus issues and the humidity, which is the one thing that I'm not crazy about here in Florida. Thank God there is plenty of water here to swim in.
I guess the other "normal" issues of medical attention, general safety, transportation (especially in smaller towns) and cost of living on a permanent basis would be of interest to us.

Glad to here from another (ex)Floridian.

Thanks
Eddie

OceanHideaway
  5/27/2015 19:34 EST

...25 years on the Broward/Dade line...

Nick's books are a must read just because they will balance out the rose tint of the real estate, International Living, Investing, Buy Real Estate Overseas, Live like a King on your Retirement ...uh...BS. They are on Amazon (Nicholas Crowder) He actually wrote the first of the cautionary books Culture Shock: Ecuador.

In fact a writer for IL wrote, by mistake, that Nicks books are recommended because they do give the "other side" and IL gives just the dream ... and if that is not an endorsement even by reverse, nothing is.

Susan

Hwy101
  5/27/2015 21:14 EST

Cuenca is OUTSTANDING!
No Bugs to Speak of.
But, it is Cool to Cold!

DiannEddie
  5/27/2015 21:37 EST

That is what I am quickly learning. Sounds like we need to head more to the coastline.

Please keep in touch.

thanks
Eddie

cccmedia
  5/28/2015 03:44 EST

I agree, you're learning fast.

Head to the Pacific Oceanfront after the first night. No need to spend even two days in EC's hot-humid-crime challenged biggest city. Do you think the Clooneys considered spending the first two days of their honeymoon in GYE?

It's only 90 minutes by ground transportation between Guayaquil and the ocean.

There's lots of beach folks on this forum who can suggest a honeymoon venue there.

By the way, I thought Nick Crowder's handle was crowdpub not pubcrowd.

cccmedia in Quito

withoutego
  5/28/2015 07:17 EST

Eddie,

Check your PM.

sinego

DiannEddie
  5/28/2015 08:04 EST

Thanks for your input. Unfortunately, we have already booked 2 nights, in GYE. But on the morning of the 14th, we will be headed towards the ocean beaches.

We are looking for the "elusive" combination of Ecuadorian culture mixed with slightly upscale lodging. After all, we are not the Clooneys, in any shape, way or form.
If you have any suggestions, they would be greatly appreciated.
What are you thoughts on Mompiche, Canoa, Banos, Olon, Puerto Cayo and Salinas?

Thanks
Eddie

dforney
  5/28/2015 11:33 EST

DianneEddie,

We will keep you posted! We are checking out Quito just to see it. We really have no intention of landing there permanently, but we like to check out big cities. Ecuador is just our first pass at international living for retirement. We are looking at several other countries as well. We lived in Australia for 2 years and loved it, but it's just too expensive to live there (even though we would love to retire in Tasmania).

janemckay
  5/28/2015 18:59 EST

I would strongly suggest visiting Manta and Bahia. For useful, general information on Ecuador, check out mantaexpatsonline.com.
We lived in Puerto Cayo for six months and moved to Manta 1 year ago. We love it here.

boogaloo
  5/28/2015 20:52 EST

One of the things that needs to be weighed when deciding on an area (or country) is what it is it you "love." My wife loves me, but believe it or not, not all other women do. It is important to, on your own, decide what it is you "must have," what it is you "would like to have," and what it is you definitely "don't want."

Everyone is different in what they want. Some want lots of English-speaking gringos nearby, others want a knock-out view, or to play golf, or to live with a dirt floor, etc.

Sometimes we read on the forum what others love, and subconsciously start making decisions based on the feedback and experiences of others. Make your own list, experience everything for yourself,

Another important thing to remember is, 'nothing lasts forever.' What happens to that dream spot if the bulldozers roll in next door one day and build Ecuador's largest discotheque? Or 300 other people build houses around "your view" starting the week after you move in (and the realtor didn't mention that)? What if the local real estate market crashes, and you just bought at top dollar? I know more Expats than not who wish they had not bought quickly.

Some folks check their brains at the airport as soon as they arrive, and forget to pick them up. Some folks do things in a new country they would never do back home. Many want to open a bar, restaurant, or B & B the week after they land - and they have never done that before.

The Expats who tend to do well in making decisions, staying more than the first year, not losing money, finding their dreams and enjoying happiness and peace of mind
tend to be the pragmatic realists. The starry-eyed, emotional types and those who think nothing will change are more often disappointed.

"Back home," there is more of a tendency towards drive and focus. Not so in Ecuador, and it may take you some time to adjust to the concepts of 'internal time' and the ordering of importance in a new country. There will be many changes that await you, and it is important to be receptive to them and evaluate them within your own personal context. Ask yourself a lot of questions, then pretend you are asking yourself the same questions one, three, five years from now.

As retirees, some things begin to change faster than others. Sometimes there is a new ache each day, and it doesn't help when you don't speak the same language as the doc. It is tempting to "live in the now," but let's be realistic. Plan. And plan for contingencies.

"Live long and prosper."

Willie
  5/28/2015 23:41 EST

good job--boogaloo

CuencaCarShare
  5/29/2015 10:17 EST

deforney My partner and I own CuencaCarShare. Our prices are very reasonable compared to Avis/Buget. Look us up at [email protected]. You and your husband will love Cuenca. Quito is too big but has beautiful historic area. Salinas is hot and not the prettiest town and I recommend Las Palmas del Mar in Punto Canero which is just 10 km South. Very quiet and peaceful. It's owned by American couple name Heather and John. Great B&B

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