Should I move to Ecuador in 2024?

[@AbundantLivingEcuador]

🎯 Key Takeaways for quick navigation: 00:00:00 - Humor in Adapting to Ecuadorian Culture 🤣 00:02:00 - New Year Celebrations in Ecuador 🎆 00:03:05 - Unique Effigy Tradition in New Year's Celebrations 🎊 00:04:06 - Differences in Christmas Traditions Between Cultures 🎄 00:05:01 - Exploration of Local Ecuadorian Christmas Carols 🎶 00:08:14 - Charity Work and Community Involvement in Ecuador 🤲 00:11:02 - Bicycle Donation Initiative and Community Impact 🚲 00:17:06 - Considering a Move to Ecuador in 2024: Prospects and Challenges 🌍 00:21:02 - Distinguishing Between Passion and Fear in Moving to Ecuador ❤ 00:26:02 - Embracing Ecuadorian Culture and Lifestyle Adjustments 🌐 00:31:10 - The Importance of Flexibility and Adaptability in Ecuadorian Life 💡 00:36:02 - Practical Tips for Settling in Ecuador: Bureaucracy and Local Customs 📋 00:41:06 - Navigating Business and Professional Relationships in Ecuador 💼 00:46:04 - The Impact of Expectations and Cultural Differences in Adaptation 🔄 00:51:04 - Overcoming Challenges Through Community Connections and Patience 🤝 00:56:03 - Opportunities for Tourism and Business Ventures in Vilcabamba 🏞 00:59:21 - Potential for Increasing Tourism and Recreational Activities in Vilcabamba ⛷ 01:00:09 - Closing Remarks and Invitation to Visit Ecuador 🛫

[@zambranito23]

Thanks for your kind words about my beautiful country 🇪🇨 🇪🇨 We have so beautiful towns and cities and greenery is everywhere 🇪🇨 🇪🇨 . But in terms of taking action against problems we are sooooo much “tranquilo”. Neither the panic-mode among gringos nor the so-calm vibe among us is good. Something in between is better. While living in Peru , I saw how they prepare for El Niño way better than us. They clean-up the riverbed "descolmatacion de rios", + huge water reservoirs for not having water shortage or power outages, DPA fishing ports for faster and cleaner unloading fish and seafood catches. More pro-active against criminality , catching gangs, supporting their police.

[@AbundantLivingEcuador]

Thanks the kind words and for sharing your perspective! We love Ecuador ❤️ 🇪🇨 Appreciate your support! 🙏

[@Hotdog_Water]

Your comments regarding getting frustrated or angry when things don’t happen when they are supposed to are so important to take to heart. The “tranquillo” vibe of Ecuador is infectious and in a good way. My 3 months there last winter were the most relaxing I’ve ever had. Numerous power outages on the coast actually had me laughing because there’s no website to check on when power is expected to be back on and the guy fixing it often showed up on a bicycle with a backpack full of tools to fix things. Back home, I’d be more than irritated at that many outages but there, I just took in stride and that’s something that was easy to adjust to. In Ecuador, If I was any more relaxed I would have slipped into a coma. Looking forward to my return!

[@nathanhoss81]

Very true see soon 🤗👊🏻⛰️😎

[@Chriznis]

Wish you the best of luck. With todays declared of emergency by the Ecuadorian president.. this is just gonna make things a lot worse for Ecuador in general. Stay safe out there

[@Cuprum46]

This is the best information yet. Thank you Jesse B. and Carl M. I have to confess, I would be running from some thing and it is this Canadian winter and snow. Greetings from Sault Ste Marie ON.

[@AbundantLivingEcuador]

Our pleasure! Come on down! Let us know how we can help: [e-mail]

[@glenbirbeck4098]

All good points. Are you fleeing something? or seeking something. Are you easilly frustrated? Do you enjoy learning new stuff. Can you adjust? It is an adventure and thats a good thing, for me. But I have seen so many folks come here and wait for Ecuador to adapt to them vs the other way around. Ecuador is a litmus test...come on down and put a toe in. Dont forget the clean air, water, healthy & inexpensive fresh food, nice people, beautiful countryside. AND, a great environment to learn Spanish. All thats worth some effort, right?

[@rosezaz6607]

I love your pod casts and really helpful for me to discern my values for my next move and steps with Vilcabamba still top on my priority list. Thank you so much.

[@AbundantLivingEcuador]

You are so welcome! Thanks for the support Rose! ❤️ 🙏

[@jessiesheldon-huffey1824]

We learned and loved so much about our visit to Ecuador this winter.! 3 weeks total. Started off in Quito ( renting a car in Ecuador is a crazy experience BTW), drove to Cuenca, Vilca, back to Cuenca, Ayampe, an overnight in San Domingo and then back to Quito. Vilcabamba was my favorite place, Ayampe ( small coastal town) was my hubbys favorite place. To help us make a final decision, we will likely rent in both places for a few months before making a decision.

[@AbundantLivingEcuador]

Sound like a great plan! Selfishly we hope you end up in Vilca but Ayampe is great! Splitting time between each place will be fun! Thanks for sharing! ❤️ 🙏

[@Devesci]

Really enjoyed the chat guys, very informative. My only concern about making Vilca VERY attractive to tourism is that the big money will move in and drive up the cost of living. We don't need a Lahaina situation here. I'm not really a golfer, but a golf course would be cool, also increasing the appreciation of baseball is a really nice idea. I love baseball. I also like the idea of a swimming hole, as long as it's not surrounded by hotels. We don't want to mess with the culture too much.

[@AbundantLivingEcuador]

Thanks for sharing your perspective- appreciate the support! ❤️ 🙏

[@elizabethheyenga9277]

have you seen the size of houses and communities these guys build? it is not in line with the lives of Ecuadorians, let's not pretend anything but. Builders and developers generally are pretty clear in their goals (contractor's wife, not developer's wife)

[@Devesci]

@@elizabethheyenga9277 I'm not sure what you are getting at Elizabeth

[@krystelvalverde7976]

Just discovered your channel! So happy to hear the LOVE you both have for Ecuador - Beautiful country - beautiful people ❤

[@AbundantLivingEcuador]

Thank you so much!! Welcome to the channel! Where are you watching from?

[@Kelly-ln9mp]

Jesse & Carl... Great video.... I'm Kelly my wife Suleiman is from Colombia. I'm recently retired at 58 My wife is 51 & we our considering moving to South America. I'm leaning to Ecuador because of the Dollar. I think we will come for extended visits B4 we will Actually physically move. I'm looking forward to meeting you both.

[@AbundantLivingEcuador]

Hi Kelly! Thanks for watching - send us a note to [e-mail] and we’d be happy to answer any specific questions you have and help get you down here sooner! ❤️ 🙏

[@marceloarboleda2980]

America has Been Great to Me I am Glad My Country is Giving Back the Same.

[@maidpretty]

You really need to address the problem of homicide rates skyrocketing in the recent years and an ongoing narco war that can suddenly enter a hot phase.

[@Michelle.A79]

Exactly!

[@trekbiker5110]

Not good for business!

[@AbundantLivingEcuador]

We share on the ground insight from our perspective and folks we know (both Ecuadorian and expat). We do that honestly, forthrightly and authentically. We cover any trends or topics of interest from our area. We’ve discussed the increase in homicide rates (which are concentrated in the port cities and related to the criminal drug trade) many times. We don’t sugar coat things. Ecuador isn’t for everybody. You can disagree with our perspective of course! Check it out for yourself to find out! Thanks for watching! 🙏 ❤️

[@jessiesheldon-huffey1824]

It really doesn't make sense that they would address in detail any trends that are not specific to the Vilcabamba area. From the reverse perspective, I don't see any United States Realtors talk about issues outside their local area of expertise unless it significantly affects the local community.

[@AbundantLivingEcuador]

Thanks for adding that color Jessie. ❤️ Right on 🎯

[@JohnZingerellaFLORIDAPETS]

All of the comments about attitude and perception. Yes. Very important. Helpful words.

[@bradj6985]

Great video. Thank you.

[@AbundantLivingEcuador]

Glad you liked it! Thanks for watching!

[@danielalford5116]

Been giving a lot of thought moving to Ecuador Cuenca. My wife and I are retired and looking for outdoor nature experiences. My wife speaks the language and this would be a a good and healthy challenge for me that doesn’t. We’re both 71 but healthy and active. It looks like a good environment to slow down and smell the roses.

[@AbundantLivingEcuador]

Send us a note to [e-mail] and we’re happy to help where we can. Thanks for watching.

[@joshuacarpenter4477]

That's one heck of a view! Is that from a balcony/apartment? I've been struggling with choosing between El Salvador, Nicaragua, Ecuador and Uruguay. You two seem fun to hang out with. Canadian here 👍

[@AbundantLivingEcuador]

Rooftop deck 😉 Come visit! Let us know if we can help: [e-mail]

[@joshuacarpenter4477]

@@AbundantLivingEcuador I'd love to come visit brother. Finances is what's holding me back at the moment but I'll be sure to remember to contact you if and when I go! The hardest part is figuring out how to earn income being where you are. It might be worth doing a video on what expats do for a living. I've always been curious about how that's done. ✌️

[@AbundantLivingEcuador]

We’ll put that on the list for a future pod. Keep grinding Josh… you’ll get here when it’s meant to happen! 💪 ❤️

[@joshuacarpenter4477]

@@AbundantLivingEcuador Thanks Jesse. I see you're in relocation/real estate services. Hope business is going well!

[@AbundantLivingEcuador]

Appreciate it Josh… let us know if you have other questions, we’re happy to help. 😉

[@elainescribner5582]

Hi guys. My family are looking at moving to Ecuador in the next 12 months. My sister, Janet, will be coming down in a few months and would like to get with you all and have a discussion regarding the best way to get moved, rent a home and buy property. The first thing that is a must in this move it is there will be horses involved in this endever. Look out for my sister to get in touch with you to network with. Thanks for a very informative video

[@AbundantLivingEcuador]

How exciting Elaine! We’d be happy to help where we can. You and Janet can reach us directly at [e-mail] with any specific questions. Thanks for watching! ❤️ 🙏

[@susans7091]

I've been to Vilcabamba and it has become too full of foreigners, especially North Americans, who don't seem interested in learning Spanish and pay too much for things. So many of the longtimer Ecuador families now have a really hard time affording to live there.

[@AbundantLivingEcuador]

Thanks for sharing your perspective Susan. Vilcabamba isn’t for everybody, that’s for sure. There are some foreigners that don’t attempt to integrate. How long did you live in Vilcabamba? How long ago?

[@bennorthwood3434]

Really cool to see how much you interact with your audience, do you have a rough estimate for the number of expats that are either transient or full time live in Loja region?

[@AbundantLivingEcuador]

Thanks for the feedback! Our best guess is 1,500-2,500 expats in the greater Vilcabamba area.

[@nathanhoss81]

Very true 🧘‍♂️

[@AbundantLivingEcuador]

Thanks for watching Nate!

[@TheRockInnRobin]

Just made it to the end of your podcast. So you need a Texan who wants to build an Ecuadorian Schlitterbahn. I’m totally down. Vamos!

[@AbundantLivingEcuador]

How do we get you down here Robin!?!? Thanks for watching! ❤️ 🙏

[@PB-to6jd]

I think is pretty move down there it’s cheap. The cost of living is much better than United States. That’s for sure but there’s no security too much corruption in that country. I will be scared to leave it down there. It’s not like United stay safe and some part of the pen where you live, but definitely looks beautiful.👍

[@AbundantLivingEcuador]

Thanks for sharing your perspective!

[@Itsallmeagain]

Hey! Let’s talk about building that lake!

[@AbundantLivingEcuador]

Would be epic!

[@glenbirbeck4098]

The gloom and doom media cycle up north isn't just for politics and culture...its for the weather too. Right now there are little disaster movies on youtube involving snow storms in north America. Technically its the same material found in snowcones here in Vilcabamba but salty vs sweet. Trauma, as in combat or commuting in a snowstorm, tends to freeze memories. So my little window on winter, the pc screen, evokes in me a gut feeling to match. A memory of "the commute". Rear tires slipping rear end fish tailing. My hands in a deathgrip on the wheel. But I relax and look from the PC's winter scene to a window showing reality, Mandango and a blue sky. The temp is 70F or so. The breeze russling the palms. It made no sense to me to stay in North America when I had the choice. Thanks to Dios I have the means as well. The longest journey begins with a single step, That step is a visit to this beautiful and welcoming country. Come on down!

[@AbundantLivingEcuador]

Thanks for sharing Glen! The words you share with us are often so full of wisdom, insight and love. We really appreciate and feel blessed that you’re willing to share them on our channel! Thank you brother! ❤️ 🙏

[@HappyOlGrringo]

No receipts means more unclaimed income

[@AbundantLivingEcuador]

Thanks for sharing! 😉

[@chussung9909]

I would like to start off by saying I enjoy your insight and opinions and I'm in favor of many of the plans for future businesses and activities, etc. you mentioned. But just playing "devil's advocate," is there any thoughts that this might be viewed as gentrification? I am genuinely considering Ecuador for my retirement home about 7 years from now. My wife is from Guayaquil and I have visited beautiful Vilcabama as well as many other parts of Ecuador in my 12 or more visits to this beautiful country. What drew me to Ecuador, even before I met my wife, were many of the things you discuss in your videos, e.g., the natural beauty, good people, calm living, etc. I'm curious what your thoughts are if many of those plans for new business would detract from the natural beauty, alienate the people or change the charm of the beautiful small town vibe? If the new businesses (and others) come to Vilcabama as the town grows, would more of the "negative element" that exists in other large cities in Ecuador be drawn to Vilcabama disrupting the tranquility? Once again, I'm not opposed, just curious on what you think and how you believe it would be received by the community as a whole. FYI, I've lived most of my life in a small town not far from Jesse's former home, Winnebago, IL.

[@chussung9909]

I meant Brandon's former home, lol.

[@AbundantLivingEcuador]

Thanks for sharing your perspective and playing devils advocate. We believe in doing the right thing all the time. What we believe to be the right thing of course. And we’re doing that in the most respectful, grateful and integrative way we know how. If you meet us and really get to know us you might agree with how we do things. Or perhaps not, who knows. We’re definitely mindful in all endeavors and strive to continue to do so moving forward….Heart centered ❤️ 🙏

[@AbundantLivingEcuador]

P.S. Brandon said he misses the Winnebago County Fair! 😉

[@605pilot]

Vilcabamba, Ecuador is a beautiful place to live. Like many places in the world, especially in the United States, home invasion is a threat. In 2014 there was a home invasion at a Vilcabamba 10 acre farm owned by an American family and the wife, Francesca Williams, was murdered. The 4 killlers were never caught. Consider owning at least two intimidating dogs to prevent this type of crime.

[@AbundantLivingEcuador]

The tragic death of Francesca Williams did not take place in Vilcabamba. It sadly took place on a rural mountain property outside of Malacatos, approximately an hour away from Vilcabama. Thanks for watching.

[@Tearanew]

Have there been more frequent power outages since last weekends outbreak of violence? Some of the European news outlets have reported that airlines are cancelling flights. But I haven't been able to confirm. Is there any such news on your end?

[@AbundantLivingEcuador]

There haven’t been any significant power outages that we’ve experienced in Vilcabamba. Thanks for watching!

[@nathanhoss81]

🥶 Brandon is that you ?

[@AbundantLivingEcuador]

Brrrrrrrrrrr…. in 2 weeks, I only saw the sun one day… my last day in Illinois. Great to see family and friends though, so it was worth it! Glad to be back home in Ecuador! ☀️ 🇪🇨

[@marceloarboleda2980]

Can I Bring my Tesla?

[@AbundantLivingEcuador]

Are you an Ecuadorian citizen?

[@JuanPerez-sn3jw]

Hi you talk like if USA or Canada are paradise in reality must cities In North America are in ruins and very dangerous places like Detroit you can buy a house for a Dollar. Paradise indeed .

[@AbundantLivingEcuador]

Thanks for sharing your perspective Juan! Where do you live?

[@cryptogringo2440]

Everything is mañana 😂

[@AbundantLivingEcuador]

🤣 true, true…

[@juanarcos4902]

No sea malito 😝

[@AbundantLivingEcuador]

😮

[@toastoftowne1076]

No

[@AbundantLivingEcuador]

We’ve always said, Ecuador is not for everyone! Thanks for watching.

[@felipedasilva8722]

This aged like milk

[@AbundantLivingEcuador]

Thanks for watching!

[@BluesBoyKing]

No.

[@AbundantLivingEcuador]

Thanks for watching!