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We knew before we moved to Ecuador that we were gringos. And we have been called gringos frequently – by store clerks, friends, and even strangers on the street. I’ve gotten so used to it that I describe myself on the phone as “el Gringo” because it’s the easiest way to describe who I am. …

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Do you drink the water in South America? The topic of safe water is a hot one. Frequently new expats will confidently state: “We always drink the tap water and we’ve never gotten sick … since we arrived 3 months ago!” How to Drink The Tap Water in Cuenca Well, that’s good news. It’s good …

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Cuenca is a beautiful city high up in the Andes Mountains. The climate here is spring like cool-warm during the day and cold at night. From what we have experienced the health care system is good here: good doctors/specialists and clean modern hospitals. The health concerns that we (more specifically Bryan) have experienced are somewhat odd. But because knowing our little story may help others, I’m going to make a short-story, well … long.

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Its a noble idea. Avoid taking taxis and buses and buy your own vehicle. If you had a vehicle back home – why not buy a car here too?
The price of gas is super low (USD$1.48/gallon) and it isn’t that hard to buy a vehicle here. Of course, many expats swear off driving after they arrive. Usually for one of two reasons:

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In this post, you’ll learn about horses in Ecuador. We cover wild horses from Southern Ecuador, horse care, and what you need to know about owning horses in Ecuador.  To begin, we have a section by Christina Ring, an expat living in Otavalo Ecuador with her family. Christina and her family were profiled a few …

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This is part of our Ecuador Expats Series. Ecuador Expat Profile: Jamie Stambaugh Living in Cotacachi The Expats: Jamie & Bo Stambaugh and Family Where are you currently living? Cotacachi, Imbabura, Ecuador What’s Your Story? We are a family of 4 living in and traveling around South America for 12-15 months. My husband, Bo, worked for …

Read More about Ecuador Expat Profile: Jamie Stambaugh Living in Cotacachi

This is part of our Ecuador Expats Series. My Life in Ecuador: Gary Sisk Living in Cuenca The Expat: Gary Sisk What is your blog url? Blog: gas2335.blogspot.com Facebook: gas2335   Where are you currently living? Cuenca, Ecuador for three months. What’s Your Story? I am a single 63 year old man still seeking new adventures …

Read More about My Life in Ecuador: Gary Sisk Living in Cuenca, Ecuador

This week we finished filming a House Hunters International episode in Cuenca. (Our episode aired February 15th, 2012.) This part was our house-hunting component which was shot Sunday through Tuesday. Our back-story (the why of our move) was shot while we were in Miami last month. The shoot is a reenactment of our actual move …

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This is part of our Ecuador Expats Series. Ecuador Expat Profile: Christina Ring, San Pablo del Lago, Otavalo Ecuador The Expats: Christina Ring & Family What is your blog url? Website: 4volcanoes.com Facebook: 4Volcanoes Where are you currently living? We live in San Pablo del Lago, 15 minutes outside Otavalo. We have always lived around the …

Read More about My Life in Ecuador: Christina Ring Living in San Pablo del Lago, Otavalo

If you are planning on moving to Ecuador you know it can get pretty complicated. Packing is always one of the last minute things that doesn’t get much thought – until the few days before you leave. At least that’s how it was with us – and is one of those things we wish we …

Read More about What Can I Bring to Ecuador (and Back)? Ecuador Customs Legal Limits