Inside SCOOP About Ecuador Mountains vs Coast!
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- Опубликовано: 8 фев 2023
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Our members on Patreon voted for a comparison of expat life in the mountains vs. the coast of Ecuador. So in this video, we discuss the pros & cons of each area, and which one you might prefer based on what's important to you.
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There's something mystical about falling asleep at night to the sound of the ocean. We chose coast and vacation in the mountains.
Yes the coast is more dangerous in general more roberries, drug trafficking, kidnappindg, violence, and gang related.The coast or costeños are more outgoing and super loud when speaking and show there emotions more than the serranos people.
Again WOULd like to know how safe , SINCE THE PRESIDENT Has been assassinated
We just got back from Ecuador. Stayed in the mountains in Quito, Cotacachi, and Cumbaya. Awesome people and places. We’re most comfortable there as we live at 8700 ft in the US. Grew up on the Gulf coast so know how that can be. Ok to visit, but it’s the mountains for us!
hello Amelia and JP, I just spent 2 an a haft weeks in vilcabamba,other than barking dogs all night,I realy liked it there, Did everything from visiting Brian o leary,s house to going to a sweet lodge hosted by Miguel,and a good long visit with Anabudda and Anasha and many others,then had a short stop in Loja ,then a couple days in Quito staying at a hotel built in 1748,next time I come back I will look you up,I liked the mountain towns
We really do enjoy the weather in the Vilcabamba area. It’s pretty hard to find anything negative say about the weather! I enjoy your posts!
Hi Amelia and JP; I want to mention how disappointed I am to have reviewed your Dark Side of Cuenca. I spent 6 weeks in Ecuador in 2013, and 4 of them were in Cuenca. I loved that city, its people, the restaurants, and most of all, the peacefulness I found. $4 for lunch in a white tablecloth restaurant was OMG Outrageous! The cathedral and park across from the main entrance were a joy to spend the afternoons. Children playing, old people strolling. It was all perfecto. To hear about crime up is breaking my heart. I was on an excursion considering a move there but changed my mind. I regret that. However, I am reconsidering because of YOU TWO!!!! I love what you love there, and am itching to make another trip and find a suitable, affordable place and relocate this year. Thank you for all you share in each video. I'm a big fan.
Thank you for taking the time to share your thoughts. We appreciate your feedback and understand your disappointment in hearing about the increase in crime in the city. However, we believe it's important to share both the positive and negative aspects of our experiences in Ecuador.
We're glad to hear that our videos have inspired you to consider returning to Ecuador and potentially relocating there. We hope you have a great time exploring the country once again and finding a suitable place to live.
Thanks for your support and for being a fan of our content!
I came to Cuenca three months ago and my husband almost got robbed and now there are extorsionists everywhere 😢
@@marcelamaria4205 Have they extorted you? Or are you referring to what we read in the papers?
That's it, going to the Mountains. We are kind of the same with the enjoyment of our activities. Thanks.
The cultural diversity, the greenery, the more temperate climate...I'd say the Mountains are the place for me.
Here in Olon right now but live about 40 outside of Mindo.
This is my take... I really like Olon but find that there is not much to do but it was what I was looking for on this vacation. Great people!
I love our location that we chose and hopefully it never changes.
Your "oppressivly cloudy days". I lived in Iceland for over a year, I know all about that! Add in 30 to 60 degrees the whole year. Then maybe let's talk about 3 hours of daylight in the winter... I can't wait for Ecuador!
You two are too polite and diplomatic to say the following, so I'll do it for you:
If you have any intention of mixing with the locals, the coast beats the mountains by a mile.
Costeños are sharp, engaging and sincere, while Serranos are overly polite but very reserved, suspicious and downright odd (exceptions notwithstanding).
Service on the coast is also much better.
We didn’t say that because we don’t agree. We lived on the coast for 2 years and in the sierra for 3 years. We liked both, but prefer the mountains. To reach their own.
Yes. Sounds good!
I ve lived in both and I agree!!!
I would definitely pick the mountain towns, less expensive than beach areas, I love culture & history, more things to do, cooler temps, I could always visit a beach if I wanted to,,,,,,thanks again for another informative video……👍❤️
Thank you both so much for your videos; have learned so much!
Having lived close to the coast here in NE Florida for over 50 years now, kinda looking forward to the Ecuadorian highlands but, of course, will spend some time exploring the coastal areas during down season, because the salt air just gets in your blood.
Definitely planing our trip. Thanks for all the ideas.
Another very informative video. Well done and worthwhile. It’s the mountains for me for sure. Can always go to the coast for a vacation :)
Olón has been our go-to spot on the coast for years. Two weeks, max. Can’t beat the mountains here in Cuenca. The climate here is spectacular, the greenery abundant, the chilled people, the abundance of everything you could need. Nope, it’s the mountains for us.
I love the mountains! Very grateful I don't seem to have altitude sensitivity.
Thank you for this new informative video!
I and my wife would prefer the mountains, la Sierra, for the generally cooler temps, the abundant greenery and farms, ranches, the architecture in the cities, the cultures, and the mix of sun and clouds...and that it's wetter. The Coast is also nice, particularly the smaller towns along the shore, with the soothing sound of the surf, though we'd prefer the quieter & less-populated beaches...not the "resort" coastal cities, like Salinas. My wife and I could always visit the Coast in their cooler less humid mid-year months (June to August) if ever we move permanently to la Sierra.
Thanks sooo much❤
They already opened the Manta airport to international flights. Starting June 27/2023. I already booked my flight on Copa airlines.
Amelia ur positively glowing!
Thank you for your hard work!
Gracias!
I have been watching your videos for a long time. You continuously find good content. Thank you!
Happy to hear that!
There is something about the coast that is very appealing.
Been awhile.. started back watching your videos. Another great one. Loved the comparison between the two. I am more coast but the hubby maybe more mountain. But good points on both! Hmmmm ... Decisions decisions..lol
By the way Xavier is such an amazing person. Really connected with him!
I love mountains, History & culture, It's just the Elevation above 5,000' that is my hold back
Great video. Thank You.
Great video guys.
The ideal would be to combine the 2 worlds, coast and mountains, the beach and summer season is from January to May, at that time the weather is perfect, little rain. on the coast, the rest of the year it is cold, in the Sierra the cold is high in October to December, it is when you think about going down to the coast
We lived on the beach in NC for awhile. Same problems as what you encountered in Olon. That is why we chose Cuenca for our first trip to Ecuador. We will be there the end of June through July. From what I’m learning through your videos and other research, I believe Cuenca has everything we want and very little we don’t. I really appreciate your videos. If we do decide to move to Ecuador, we will definitely sign up on your moving abroad site! Muchas gracias! Buenas noches mi amigos! (I’m taking a Latin American Spanish class so perdón mi español. 😂)
I lived in Avon on Hatteras Island 2000 to 2003. The thing that got to me was the greed. Property values took off like a rocket and the huge houses were getting new owners. The rental property management companies were upping their advertising and ideas to get new people in to rent and it was like one of the guys at one of the companies said, we're bringing in party crowds and running out all the families that have been coming here for decades. The last year was pretty bad and a lot of full time residents were leaving. I haven't been to Ecuador yet, I'm planning to sell my house in the US so I don't have to worry about it while I travel but, I'm thinking Olon would have much of what I loved about Hatteras. I don't think it gets as hot in Olon and certainly not as cold. I do think about how close the mountains are to the beach in Ecuador. North Carolina had both but, Avon to Asheville is a 8 hour drive and lodging ain't cheap.
Yu guys are very helpful. 🙏
Thanks!
There are 2 roads that go from the Pana into Cotacachi. One is just north of Otavalo, and the second goes into Cota by the "backdoor", which is at San Roque, south of Atuntaque. There hasn't been a landslide that closes one of those roads in at least 12-15 years.
I've had my rights to the backdoor in Cota withdrawn. Oh, wait, sorry, that's "culo." Nevermind. 🙂
I have lived at the beach and I know I'm one of those weird people that can watch the waves roll in for hours on end so, coast for me. I haven't been to Ecuador yet so, I know nothing but, I was kind of thinking along the lines of what you were saying at the end. It's not far from the coast to the mountains in Ecuador and lodging can be so inexpensive, it may be a plan to live somewhere and short visit someplace else. As far as crime, there are still random shootings where I live, all parts of town, all times of day. The newest development, stores are still closing due to shoplifting loss but now there's arson. People walk down the aisle and start a fire. They aren't saying exactly how they do it for obvious reasons but, you can probably see how to make that small incendiary device on YT or TikTok. Grrrr!
You guys are awesome!
Dear friends, I must give you the good news that on June 26, 2023 the first flight Panama / manta is born and on July 3 the manta to Galapagos, baltra .. 🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉Es el comienzo de una nueva conexión entre manta y Galapagos y Panamá 😊
You guys need to go to Ibarra, Otavalo, Ambato in the highlands
7 months of "pretty cloudy" would be depressing. I'm74, live in Toronto and I'm looking for somewhere to live where I never see snow,
sleet or ice ever again. My mental health is greatly affected by the weather and I need sunshine. Every year in late September I
suffer from SAD(seasonally affected disorder). Also I don't want to think of how many layers I need to wear when I'm dressing to
go outside.
I live in Pittsburgh PA. We have 59 days of sunshine in an average year (more rain than Seattle too). Definitely not looking to move to another gloomy city.
@@GUITARTIME2024 Sounds beautiful. But isn't living in the U.S. similar to Canada? Expensive? I get combined pensions of $ 3100/month CAD.That's about $2300 USD. Is that livable?
@@GUITARTIME2024 Good Luck.
Thanks for the informative videos. Are real estate prices high like the elevation in that area?
For an upcoming episode, someday, you may want to discuss a dull ... but important ... element: Mail in the US. How do people deal with mail, which is such a part of the US (but as you know, not in Ecuador). Where do you establish domicile, and how? Friends? Mail Service? We had to do some work to make a break from our state (Colorado) to prove we don't own income tax. NYC is famous for chasing people for income tax. All interesting and it needs to be dealt with before you leave, establishing a driver license and voter registration. Worth getting people to think about.
How long would you suggest for an exploratory trip and which areas areas would you suggest exploring? We're not big fans of cloudy, rainy weather but I'm guessing there is no escaping that when you live in an equatorial climate, lol.
Thanks for these videos, I'm learning a lot about what to look for not just in Ecuador, but anywhere I might consider living!
I suggest testing a place for a month. That's long enough to stop being a tourist and start buying groceries. AirBnB or other services now make that easy to book. That's what we did, a month in Bogota, a month in Manta, and a month in Cuenca. It really helped us. A full month means you need to learn where to buy food, fruit, find stuff, etc., and really figure it out. I am glad we did it (ultimately, we chose Cuenca because Bogota was just too big, Manta had the hassle of undrinkable water, and Cuenca proved to be perfect for us)
Hi: Is there nothing in the 3000 - 4000 foot elevation ? Wher it would not be so cold at night and warmer in the daytime ????
Thanks for debating this! We're in Ecuador right now and keep going back and forth about where to head next: beach or mountains?! Glad to know we're not the only ones who have trouble deciding.
Thank you!! We re not the only ones!!! My family in NJ think we re crazy!!!
I like your videos. My wife and I are planning on a relocation and are seriously looking into Ecuador. I like the mountain towns for the reasons you cited. My concerns are the altitude, and the weather. you've mentioned cloudy weather in a few of your videos. By your estimation, how many days are overcast in a given month? Is there a season that's more or less cloudy?
Cuenca it's Cuenca!!! Rain and sun most everydays...on the same day!!! At night and mornings are 48 f....no heat...
Try lemon juice and salt for mildew and mold.
Have you heard of Zerust? I got some from Amazon to put in my tool cases. Supposed to keep the rust off .
Thank you for your honest assessment. Well done. Muchas gracias!😊
I've always known it would be the mountains for me, as I absolutely despise humidity, and I'm not a big fan of bugs either. I think many people romanticize living on the beach, but coastal Latin America doesn't have the same pleasant weather you find in coastal California, or Hawaii.
Unless you're in Coastal central Chile & Argentina..especially Chile.
In every coastal city insects and rodents without a big problem even bats are a plague... In the mountains there are no mosquitoes or flies, worse toads or bats.
@@D_Marrenalv any coastal area with a Mediterranean climate should be pleasant.
@@dh2392 I agree👍🏻👍🏻
Ya should have moved up here to Estes for a while before leaving CO. Coulda got acclimated to the elevation.
Thanks for the video. Very informational. Which mountain city do you prefer? Are both of you still in Cuenca?
High or low in budget as well. Another important decision.
Amélia and jp, the manta airport issue will already be a reality, it happens that air issues are very strict, permits take their time to regulate travel, for now the route Panama to Manta in June will be a reality, and to Galapagos possibly by August, and only the environmental permits of Galapagos that has a special regime and its own autonomous government are missing, but already the airports are ready only missing environmental permits, Avianca and requested several frequencies.
The foremost factor in choosing where I lived was the crime level. I know you have crime everywhere but I always wanted to minimize the odds. I would do extensive research for other factors but high crime was rule out #1-a real deal breaker with no exceptions whatsoever. So.................head to the mountains. :)
My wife has spent years doing science work on ships around the world and Antarctica. She grew up on the beach, and loves sailing and the water. And for living, she rigorously avoids port and beach towns. She's seen some stuff.
Cuenca is getting crime too...after living for 7 yrs in Salinas and no problems, we came to Cuenca, the next day there was an earthquake, pretty strong!!! My husband almost got robbed in the Centro and now we re hearing that the extortionists are here!!!😢
@@marcelamaria4205 Time to move on. When crime reaches that level you must get out of "Dodge". You life is not worth it. I can't go back to many places I have lived/enjoyed due to high crime. Getting fewer and fewer places to live with low crime. In general, moving out in a non-high population area would be the best alternative.
@@marcelamaria4205 I was in the shower in a 100 year old building when the terremoto hit. It was crazy intense. All I could think of was electrical lines going into my water supply and electrocuting me. I got out ASAP.
I'm not worried about the vaccinators, as I do not own a business. I'm not worried about getting robbed in Centro since I don't bring anything but pepper spray and a stun baton with me. I don't go to the river path at night. I survived harsh times in Mexico, Honduras, Alaska, El Salvador. Not saying I am immune, but Cuenca doesn't register all that high at the moment.
Moved to Cuenca, huge earthquake and we almost got robbed at an ATM full of people in a "safe zone". My question to all of you....would you bring your small children to live in Ecuador???
I have seen cruise ships in Manta. Is it possible to take a trip to Caribbean or Elsewhere from Manta?
So what elevation would be recommended if it affects you as much as it does JP? Because I know you can move a little "down the mountain" but is it realistic? Are there areas that you could potentially go that aren't hot?? I would love the mountains because I am sick of the Florida HEAT... but I don't want to be sick, either.
Loja and Vilcabamba are lower elevation areas.
Ooooo, Florida heat! I guess I stayed in SW Florida too long, 4 years, thinking of that smothering heat and humidity makes me feel sick. From what I've heard you have to try the elevation before you know how it's going to affect you, what elevation is good for you and how high is too high. I think the word for Ecuador is micro-climate. A little distance can change the climate completely.
Hello, you have to live in cities of less than 2500 meters above sea level, moreover, they say that at that point health improves, for example the city of Ibarra to 2000, loja 2000, Guayllabamba to 1800, ambato 2500, Santa water baths 1600, the valleys of Quito such as tumbaco and cumbaya at 2350 ... are ideal. Vilcabamba to 1500..
I just returned from my 4th trip to El Salvador. The trash in the streets, the burning trash in the streets, the diesel spewing trucks... Makes it difficult to want to hang around them there parts...
Any problems with safety in El Salvador?
@donh5794 none whatsoever. And I'm tall and pale. Many police roam the streets, security guards everywhere. I went all over on 4 visits @ 1.5 years. San Salvador, Apopa, La Libertad, El Zonte, Sonsonate, Routa des Flores, La Majada, San Luis Talpa, Santiago Nonualco. Only Quezaltepeque was a little sketchy
@@CORVAIRWILD Thx, good to know.
En Puerto vallarta Mexico se puede vivir en los dos lados al mismo tiempo!
thanks you two. chow
It’s spelled chao in Spanish. Ciao is Italian.
@@AmeliaAndJP Thx Guys. always on top of it. cheers
So where are you living now? Did I somehow miss the episode covering the move from Manta?
I'd prefer the warmth of the coast as I do here in Corpus Christi, Tx, but as you say, EVERYTHING rusts, and that gets old real fast. I use a Mr. Heater in my RV. Would that not be an option for heat, or are portable heaters not allowed? It runs on propane.
Portable propane heaters are common in the sierra. The connectors are different than the US, though.
@@AmeliaAndJP Thank you
You mentioned cycling as a good outdoor activity in the mts. As a cyclist I sorta ruled out Ecuador when I kept hearing stories about Richard Carapaz (the current Olympic road racing champion and an Ecuadorian) needing a police escort when he goes out training in his native country. This, I suppose, to keep the bad guys from robbing his bike, etc. We used to hear similar stories about Colombia but now hear it’s not as bad there. What say you?
It's mostly because Richard is a celebrity, when he wasn't he didn't need all the entourage, now he does.
@@LiMuBaithat’s a simple explanation as it gets
@@GUITARTIME2024 You failed to add $10,000 there.
Do houses in Ecuador ever have wood burning fireplaces?
Yes. We’ve seen several.
2nd view!!!
🥳
Hi guys. When I hear your comments about the side effects of the altitude of those Ecuador cities...
I would like to ask you: Those cities up high in Ecuador are higher than Denver, or even higher? I have traveled to Denver a few times from my hometown in Virginia, and I feel some of those symptoms.
I am wondering if those cities are as bad as Denver (altitude-wise).
Denver is at 5280 feet. Quito is 9200 feet. Cuenca is 8400 feet. We have an article about it here: ameliaandjp.com/how-to-avoid-treat-altitude-sickness-in-cuenca-ecuador/
@AmeliaAndJP Thanks so much! It would definitely be a challenge to live at such altitude. You guys make Ecuador sound so cool for retirement... but having visited Medellín several times, it also seems a strong option.
Thanks for the great content. 👍
I would like to know if I can Trout fish in the streams in the mountains?
I heard another RUclipsr (Mr Second Passport) say that the rivers are all fished out
That moth or butterfly with that large owl eye thing on its wings is actually nasty to other species and it beats the other species to death with its wings - a guide in Costa Rica told us all about those things haha
Well it's got to the point now I may be stuck in Canada the rest of my now miserable lifee if I ever do get visa for Ecuador I would be in the higher elevations I don't like humidity or bugs I love overcast days I never get tired of them I had mostly that in the interior of BC in my mid 20's and love it the cool moist rainy days soooo LOL
My wife likes the coast she grew up in Puerto Rico. However, I prefer the higher elevations, not mountains. We live in Florida mostly but travel up north during summer and middle fall. We hope to visit Ecuador soon. Love your videos.
Low (me)...I eat things out of the Sea.
☺️
I was looking at Santo Domingo, which is at a much lower elevation (550 mts), but not as low as Guayaquil. Daytime temperatures average about 28º with nighttime temperatures around 19º. The coast at Pedernales is 2h15 min. away by car while Quito is 3hrs away. Why don't ex-pats ever mention it as a possible city to live in? You wouldn't need AC or heating and the altitude wouldn't be a problem.
That sounds perfect!!
Santo Domingo is grey and drizzly almost every day of the year. Depressing.
It isn’t very popular with expats so it doesn’t have a lot of expat-oriented services. It’s a very local experience.
@@AmeliaAndJP I guess I am weird because that would be the place for me.
2:28 cut out all kind of sugar. Check out Dr Berg.
Hello and thank you. Whats the best way to travel from Cuenca to Loja
I wonder how the high elevation affects senior citizens.
Good morning,
I am new to your channel.
Thank you for your very interesting videos!
I am French and I want to move to Ecuador.
1) Can you tell me what are the entry requirements for Ecuador, please? (or tell me what your video is on it?).
I was told that it was necessary to come with a contribution of 40,000 dollars, is this still the case? (and how many extra dollars per additional person, please?).
2) I would like to first rent accommodation locally in Ecuador and end up buying this one, is this possible? I think I need the "investor" visa in this case, don't I?
Thank you very much for your valuable answers!
Anywhere in Ecuador that doesn't have problems with mosquitoes?
The highlands aren’t too bad. We’ve only seen a few in 3 years of living in the mountains, except on the Cuicocha hike, which we were told is very unusual.
How about snorkeling in Olon and cost of monthly rentals?
I'll be starting out high at Cuenca. I'm looking to arrive there in June on a long term basis.
Mountains rule. Just don't go too high.
I liked Otavalo
So where are you living now？
I am a mountain cool weather person. My wife on the other hand is a beach person. We are going to see what works best. Currently living in the Dallas Tx area.
I live at about 6,000 ft altitude in Southern Colorado, so I should hopefully be able to adapt to 7,000 or less. I'm a little surprised that JP had so much trouble, having lived in Denver. I'm sorry it worked out that way.
My laptop's screen started separating after a few months on the coast. I can only imagine what was going on inside that computer 😬
😵😵
80 Fahrenheit is 27 Celsius. It's very hot, and combined with the humidity of the coast, it's quite awful. You'd think the desert areas would be dry, but no; while it doesn't rain much, the air is very humid. For that alone, I couldn't live on the coast.
Add the bugs and crime and lower development level and "careless" culture, and there's no way I'd live on the coast rather than the mountains.
@@GUITARTIME2024 At that temperature, all I can do is sit in my underwear and sweat. I wouldn't be able to perform any physical activity.
I've been doing a lot of research and while I love a good U.S. East Coast beach, I'd pick the ECU mountains for the all the reasons you stated in your video. Sending a link to my hubby. BTW, where did you wind up moving to, back in the mountains?
Tarantula hogs?
When is the low season?
Hi...I love your videos.... I get a question to you...what is the name of your health insurance in Ecuador?
Thanks!
We use Blue Box Insurance.
Here's the link to their website: www.blueboxinsurance.com
Your Spanish has greatly improved!!
Thank you!
After spending a month in Ecuador, I really don’t understand how you can promote Ecuador to people looking for a new place to live. It is a very poor country which made me extremely uncomfortable to live there way beyond the standard for the majority of the population. We traveled the highlands and the beaches, no where did we find Ecuadorians that were overly welcoming. The only positive was it was cheap. Do not go to Salinas, and Montanita was filthy.
Agree with you totally. The govt is not the stablest in South America and Ecuador has no defense system. Manta use to be nice but now the rents are getting outrageous. What's the use of moving to the ocean in a developing 3rd world country if one cannot live on the beach. Plus we're not talking about turquoise water and snorkeling coves.
Don't come..not safe!!!
Appreciate the videos!! It is a toss up for us between Salinas and Manta. Under the same circumstances of comparable time in country, similar apartments, similar eating out habits etc.. would you say there is much of a difference in monthly costs all in between both locations?
No me gusta los insectos. Es las montañas para mí.
@AmeliaAndJP My father is selling 2 pieces of land in Ecuador. #1 in Santo Domingo and the other close by Bahia De Caraquez directly in front of the ocean ! .... We are trying to find Expats, as the locals, well.... they always seem to have something up their sleeve ..... No taxes owed.... The deed is in my fathers name .... all paperwork in order, and can be verified.... Can you provide assistance??? We are willing to give a % but thats TBD.......Hope you can help!
Peruvian cockroaches- are so pretty! The little ones are nightmareish!
I'm a chronic pain patient and is looking to move to Ecuador
Please, dont