Vilcabamba's Evolution: Time Travel with Peter Owner of Eco Resort Izhcayluma

[@AbundantLivingEcuador]

🎯 Key Takeaways for quick navigation: 00:00 🏞️ *Vilcabamba in 1997 was smaller with cobblestone streets, limited transportation, and fewer foreign residents.* 01:07 📞 *Until 2001, Hosteria Izhcayluma had no telephone number and no cable, relying on a shared phone in the village.* 02:45 🌍 *Peter's journey from Germany to Ecuador was influenced by a desire for adventure and a slower-paced Latin American lifestyle.* 06:54 🌅 *His decision to settle in Vilcabamba was based on intuition and the magical feeling of the valley's unique ambiance.* 12:55 🏘️ *Vilcabamba in 1997 was smaller, with fewer buildings and dirt roads, and the cityscape has significantly evolved since then.* 17:46 🌍 *Ecuador faced socio-political challenges in the late '90s, including frequent changes in leadership and currency instability.* 19:27 🐎 *Horses were the primary mode of transport in Vilcabamba in the late '90s; limited infrastructure and dirt roads made travel challenging.* 21:43 🌀 *Ecuador experienced frequent changes in government in the late '90s and early 2000s, leading to strikes and disruptions in daily life.* 23:05 💡 *Infrastructure in Vilcabamba in the late '90s lacked internet access and had limited telephone facilities until cell phone towers arrived around 2005-2006.* 24:30 📬 *Mail delivery was once a week in Vilcabamba, creating a romantic feel with handwritten notes and limited facilities.* 25:40 🌮 *Vilcabamba, once with only a few small tiendas and restaurants, now boasts a diverse international culinary scene with various cuisines like Mexican, Indian, Korean, and more.* 26:43 🛒 *Early 2000s Vilcabamba lacked grocery stores like Super Maxi, necessitating requests for imported goods like German chocolate from visiting friends and family.* 27:09 🚖 *In the early days, there were no taxi companies, and the first taxis were old pickup trucks with minimal regulation, one driven by an elderly man nicknamed Don CeSar.* 28:05 🌐 *Life in Vilcabamba became more comfortable with the advent of the internet, offering better connectivity than some places in Germany or the US.* 28:31 💸 *A period of hyperinflation led to a drastic devaluation of the local currency, causing surging exchange rates and a subsequent freeze on bank accounts for two years.* 30:33 💰 *The bank holiday and frozen accounts resulted in severe economic turmoil, bankrupting numerous companies and creating a significant crisis, affecting salaries and cash flow.* 31:51 🌍 *The impact of hyperinflation was dire, leading to increased crime rates and hardship for those left without support, showcasing the extreme consequences of such financial crises.* 33:29 📉 *Pre-dollarization, Ecuador was significantly cheaper, with normal construction workers earning as little as $2 a day, representing vastly different economic circumstances.* 34:41 🏨 *Vilcabamba had a tourist presence even before the brothers arrived, mainly Backpackers attracted by the San Pedro cactus, a known tourist attraction in the region.* 36:31 🏠 *Property acquisition in Vilcabamba was challenging due to the absence of real estate agents, requiring personal interaction and Spanish language proficiency to find available properties.* 42:21 💰 *Property prices were incredibly low, with an example of a property costing 120 million sucres being unbelievably cheap due to its perceived agricultural value and location.* 45:01 🌎 *Varying foreign influences and marketing efforts, particularly by International Living Magazine, transformed Vilcabamba into an attraction for those seeking alternative lifestyles.* 48:36 🏡 *The increase in foreign interest in real estate in Malacatos and surrounding areas like Vilcabamba began around 2010-2012, attributed to political stability, economic growth, and newfound safety in Ecuador.* 49:54 🏨 *Founding Hosteria Izhcayluma: Purchasing the land required a substantial amount of money, involving a cumbersome process of dealing with large bills and transferring funds between banks. Construction materials were scarce, requiring sourcing from multiple small hardware stores, even for basic tools like hammers and nails.* 52:53 🏗️ *Challenging Construction: Building the hotel was a labor-intensive process, from cutting palm trees for the roof to handcrafting the entire establishment, including the swimming pool, without the aid of machinery.* 54:21 💼 *Business Growth: Hosteria Izhcayluma initially had nine rooms catering mainly to backpackers. Over 23 years, it expanded to 25 rooms, four apartments, and a spa, financing its growth solely from the hotel's income.* 56:37 🌎 *Diverse International Guests: The hotel attracts guests worldwide, from the United States, Canada, Europe, China, Australia, and Latin America. The range of guests varies widely in age, creating a unique environment as a meeting point for different generations.* 59:28 🌄 *Love for Vilcabamba: Despite considering other places like Costa Rica, the exceptional climate and community keep Peter in Vilcabamba. He appreciates the area's weather, despite acknowledging changes over time.* 01:01:42 🛤️ *Embracing Change: Peter reflects on change, understanding that it's inevitable and not always positive. Despite changes in Vilcabamba over 20 years, he cherishes the local community and acknowledges some positive changes, like new restaurants and conveniences.* 01:06:47 🇪🇨 *Tips for Ecuador Explorers: Advice for those interested in Ecuador includes experiencing the country firsthand, embracing diversity in climate and lifestyle, learning Spanish, respecting local culture, and taking time to travel the country to find a suitable place to settle.* 01:08:54 🍺 *Izhcayluma's Unique Policy: The hotel only accepts direct bookings through its website, emphasizing that it's not just a business but a shared home. Guests are welcomed as long as they are respectful and decent human beings.*

[@FlyDreamEcuador]

I came to Vilcabamba when I was 18. It seemed like a strange place to me, with weird people. Now I'm 30. Living in the Yangana valley connected me through a process of giving up ideas, giving into life. Accepting my being. There is a great value living in nature and connecting with the simple, balanced, beauty. Now, every day is. Simply being. Enjoying the rising and sinking of ideas and emotions. Admire the movement of the whole universe around us, whilst being still in the universe we are. LOVE

[@EricandSarah]

Love Peter! Izhcayluma holds a very special place in our hearts from a time when we were travelling through Ecuador. Vilcabamba is a unique place and it's so cool to hear the perspective of someone who has been there for so long. Thanks for taking us back to a little slice of heaven!

[@AbundantLivingEcuador]

Thank you so much for your kind words! It's always heartwarming to hear from people who hold Vilcabamba dear. We're thrilled to bring a piece of this paradise to those who've experienced its magic. Stay tuned for more content that we hope will keep this special place alive in your hearts. ✨💕

[@marcinep8323]

A huge advantage for those of us who are adverse to bus travel is the Van service they provide to Cuenca. Especially when we were dealing with acquiring our visas and had to travel several times up there. We hadn't used the van service for several years, and then with convid didn't get to dine there, but even after all those years, we were remembered by these lovely brothers. Always grateful that Izhcay was our introduction to Vilcabamba and its magic. It really does feel like you're being invited into their home.

[@AbundantLivingEcuador]

Thank you for sharing your journey with us! 💕✨

[@mikeA2010]

Great interview! Looks like he uses the same " blue screen" as you Jessie for his backdrop! Lol😅

[@asdrubalvivanco2301]

How interesting to hear him talking about his beginnings and the stories lived in that magical place of Vilcabamba. Another thing that I liked, of the many others in the interview, is when Peter recognizes the good work of Rafael Correa in his ten years of government and I agree too. Thanks Jesse for that great interview. Good luck to all of you.

[@AbundantLivingEcuador]

Thanks for sharing this perspective Asdrubal!

[@jessiesheldon-huffey1824]

We are looking forward to our week long stay at Izhcayluma over Christmas! It was a pleasure seeing this interview with Peter and learning about the history of Vilcabamba from his unique perspective.

[@avatara_777]

I so agree with your comment, we are definitely looking to book at the Eco-resort at Izhcayluma for the new year, great interview Jesse! Greetings from Canada!

[@bertbert13bert]

One thing that they didn't really say is that the food at the resort is fantastic. We constantly decided to eat at the resort because not only is the view beautiful but the food is fantastic! It really is a fabulous place. I miss being there.

[@avatara_777]

Thanks for your kind review, well noted@@bertbert13bert 🙏

[@jamiemacintyre]

excellent video. it's always interesting to hear about the history, the challenges and the way of life that people pursue.

[@Hotdog_Water]

An amazing story! Thoroughly enjoyed meeting Peter during my stay at Izhcayluma in March.

[@Buildingenjoyment]

Doing the exact same 10 minutes from Loja. Completely removed from the world. Our story is very similar.

[@suetrublu]

Do you have a resort in Loja?

[@mars54mars54]

Fantastic, interesting convo... amazing recent history lesson with some understanding of how quickly things change! Gringo watching 🤣🤣🤣

[@dianamayfield5615]

Wonderful. Thank you for this wonderful video.

[@aylex1974]

Algun dia ire. Me encanta este lugar

[@Jetmab04]

Thanks a lot for sharing yet another interesting interview, with yet another interesting person whom I will contact when arriving - directly via his website 🌹🌹🌹

[@ladiascc1934]

Mr. Peter is very knowledgeable. Very good tips for integrating to the local community. I know that saludos in Ecuador are a must. A Buenos dias shows you have good manners and that you are respectful . I keep on asking my kids to never forget to greet people when they go to Ecuador, if you don’t greet people specifically the elders, they are going to dislike you right away. When I was a child my parents were very strict in that area, they wouldn’t look good if they’re children lacked basic manners and good education. Hopefully one day very soon, I can join the community. Even though I was raised in Cuenca, every time I go back to Ecuador I feel that I don’t belong, things have changed a lot to when I lived there. I would have to reintegrate, but I’m sure it will take just a little while. My kids on the other hand are so scared, specially the smaller one because she doesn’t speak Spanish, though she understands most of the words.

[@AbundantLivingEcuador]

Great insight - thanks for taking the time to share it! ❤️ 🇪🇨 🙏

[@america5936]

Excellent interview. I just purchased hotel Veneto in chipipe Salinas. I don't know why i moved to Ecuador from California, but looking at this German shepherd, in Germany i worked for 5 years

[@AbundantLivingEcuador]

Thanks for the feedback! Congratulations on your recent hotel acquisition! 🙏 ❤️

[@glenbirbeck4098]

Good overview from one who knows. Thanks Peter

[@AbundantLivingEcuador]

Thanks for the feedback Glen. ❤️ 🙏

[@scareybailey]

Peter is a very interesting guy. Great insight and video, thanks!

[@kernsmith8418]

Thanks Peter for great share of your experiences in Vilcabamba since 1999..Love to meet you some day ! Faddy Daddy Bozo

[@AbundantLivingEcuador]

Maybe one day! Thanks for watching!

[@suzannedavidson3708]

I really enjoyed your story and adventure! 😊

[@AbundantLivingEcuador]

Glad you enjoyed it! Thanks for the feedback!

[@The-way-of-the-peacefulwarrior]

Nice interview!

[@AbundantLivingEcuador]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@allthatglittersisold]

great info, thanks!

[@AbundantLivingEcuador]

Glad it was helpful! Thanks for watching!

[@edgarmanuelluzuriagabricen4745]

Very interesting , nowadays I read a book written for Johhny Lovewisdom, that talk about the respect of nature and have a healthy diet. Go on with your interviews friends

[@jimmyroman5329]

I can't find the website

[@AbundantLivingEcuador]

izhcayluma.com/en

[@Jennifer-Lilly]

With that expertise, why not help😢he community and create a security business to help rebuild safety

[@diyproject2476]

Vilcabamba is a big deal. I just would say that safety would be the priority in Vilca. Every foreigner need to vote for more safety if they need.