The beaches of Ecuador are some of the best kept secrets in the Latin Tropics. These oceanside destinations are rapidly gaining the attention of expats looking for a life filled with sun, sand, and water as well as foreign investors who are recognizing the potential for strong returns on investment in these communities.
Sprinkled along Ecuador’s Emerald Coast, each of these locations has a unique character that ranges from vibrant party and surfing towns to more sedate, higher end resort communities. The five locations listed below can truly be said to be the gems of Esmeralda.
What Makes Ecuador Beaches Special?
What makes the top beaches of Ecuador special is the fact that they aren’t as well known as other beach communities in the Latin Tropics. In a real sense, expats have the opportunity to explore and discover new and exciting locations that they may not have been previously aware of.
What follows, in no particular order, is a list of the best of these seaside destinations.
Salinas/La Libertad/Ballenita
Perhaps the best known beach town in Ecuador, Salinas offers the high-rise modern lifestyle that many expats enjoy. The combination of modern amenities, combined with a wide variety of outdoor activities, and great weather, have made Salinas the “go-to” spot for foreigners and expats alike.
Whale watching, surfing, parasailing, and even skydiving as well as a vibrant nightlife are just some of the many activities that Salinas offers. For those seeking more tranquil alternatives, the nearby thermal baths and spas are a powerful draw.
For those looking for something a little less crowded, nearby Libertad is a commercial hub that is working to build up its beachfront as well as the pier areas to make it more attractive. For those looking for single family homes, the quiet community of Ballenita has some outstanding bargains for ownership and/or investment.
Olón/Montañita
Montañita has long had the reputation for being the most lively beach town in Ecuador. Native Ecuadorians travel here to enjoy the surf and the party atmosphere – particularly during high season (January to April).
The nearby community of Olón has a growing expat population and is far more serene than its more boisterous neighbor. With stunning beach vistas all its own, living in Olón offers the best of both worlds–a quiet home close to a bustling and energetic entertainment center.
Canoa/Bahía de Caráquez
Two of the most up and coming beach towns in Ecuador are Canoa and Bahia de Caráquez. Canoa is a small village favored by surfers and backpackers but rapidly expanding into a more dynamic tourist and expat destination.
Bahia, just a short distance away, has grown into a mecca for expats looking for high-rise living. Being located on a peninsula between the Rio Chrone and the Pacific Ocean, Bahia has also become a favorite port-of-call for world-class yachtsmen (and women) from around the globe.
This dynamic combination promises to increase property values and development. The modern infrastructure makes it especially attractive to retirees and investors desiring tropical charm with the promise of a good return on initial outlay of investment funds.
Crucita
Crucita has been favorably compared to Jaco, Costa Rica. Like Jaco, Crucita first gained attention as a destination for adrenaline junkies – in this case paragliding and hang gliding, while Jaco focused on surfing.
This has lead to a growing expat community and a continually improving and developing infrastructure. Crucita’s location, close to both Manta and Portoviejo, makes it an ideal spot to access the benefits of major urban centers while still be removed from the more frantic pace of those cities.
While Crucita continues to grow, it still retains much of its small, fishing village vibe. This quality is what is luring many retirees and expats who want a quieter pace but still within easy distance of larger expat communities.
Mompiche
At the opposite end of the scale from high-energy locations like Montañita and Salinas, is the quiet fishing village of Mompiche. It is the most rustic place on the list and is a perfect destination for those looking to disconnect from the 24/7/365 world and just enjoy the tranquility of living by the ocean.
Owning a Part of the Top Hidden Beaches of Ecuador
The allure of these Ecuadorian destinations has increased the interest level of those seeking a tropical destination close to the ocean. The real estate market, while still feeling effects of the 2008 recession, has a number of real jewels that can be had for a surprising affordable price.
A prime example of what you can find in these ocean side communities is this new 2 bedroom, 2 bath house overlooking the ocean for $85,000. Located in Ballenita, it could be the perfect seaside retreat or investment property in a growing area.
Some Beach, Somewhere
As can be seen from the above list, the top beaches of Ecuador provide a range of opportunities from rustic to high-end modern. Exploring them for yourself is the best way to find the sun and sand location that is right for you.
Much like Costa Rica and Panama before it, Ecuador has gained the attention of expats from the U.S., Canada and Europe. Ecuador’s top five locations for expats offer the unique combination of being largely undeveloped with reasonable real estate prices.
Whether your tastes run to a beach lifestyle, an Amazonian jungle hideaway, or a mountain retreat, Ecuador Real Estate has something for everyone. Supported by expat friendly policies and a commitment to develop and improve the infrastructure, Ecuador is truly on the cusp of a renaissance for those looking to find a new way of life in Latin America.
What Makes Ecuador Special
There are a number of reasons that expats should consider Ecuador as a possible spot to retire or invest. First and perhaps most important is the fact that the U.S. dollar is the official currency in Ecuador. Being able to calculate the costs of things, without having to consider exchange rates, makes budget allocation much easier.
A second important consideration is that non-residents have the same property rights as Ecuadorian citizens. It is not even necessary to apply for residency in order to own land.
Ecuador has some of the most favorable tax rates anywhere in Central or South America. For expat retirees, the already low assessment is reduced even further to 50% of the amount assessed.
Last, but by no means least, is the fact that so much of Ecuador still retains its authentic and rustic qualities. For expats seeking a less hectic, more traditional lifestyle, the small villages and towns in Ecuador are a great fit.
With so many options, looking at available properties and lots in Ecuador is certainly worthwhile. Finding your tropical paradise begins with just a click of a mouse.
Ecuador’s Top Five: Life at the Beach – San Clemente
Located on the Central Pacific Coast, San Clemente has become one of the prime locations for high adrenaline sports like hang gliding, paragliding and kite surfing. Enthusiasts from all over the globe have flocked to this sleepy fishing village to enjoy these adventure activities.
One of the prime draws of San Clemente is its beaches. There are no fewer than seven named beach locations close to town that expats can visit and enjoy.
Being largely undeveloped, San Clemente has lower property costs than larger communities such as Manta or Portoviejo. Similarly, the overall cost of living is much lower for basics such as rent, utilities and other basic services.
In terms of larger investment projects, at present there is only one major effort, the Vistazul Townhouses, in and around the village. Certainly there is ample opportunity for other developers to start projects that will meet the anticipated needs of new expats expected in the region.
Life at the Beach Part II – Bahia
It’s not surprising that Bahia is one of Ecuador’s Top Five. Long a favorite beach community, Bahia, or more properly Bahia de Caraquez, has reinvented itself as an “ecocity” that draws eco-tourists and expats from all over the world.
Located on a peninsula at the mouth of the Rio Chone, Bahia was home to the indigenous native city of Caran before being settled by the Spanish in 1628.
The influx of expats over the last two decades has transformed Bahia into a tourist friendly destination with a well-developed infrastructure. A great example of this growth is the bridge spanning the Rio Chone to San Vicente. This bridge has become the major source of traffic between these two communities.
There are many high-rise properties, hotels, and resorts in the city. Even though the number of cluster-type and high-density units is large, Bahia still retains a cleanliness and calm atmosphere not often found in resort-type areas. Ironically, many of the properties sit vacant expect during the “high” (January through April) season as a significant number are vacation homes only.
With many amenities and a significant expat community, Bahia is particularly attractive for those who want the conveniences of “home” (U.S., Canada, or Europe). As the coastal roads continue to improve, visiting and exploring other parts of western Ecuador becomes more convenient and an additional feature of relocating there.
As might be expected, the cost of living in Bahia is somewhat higher than less-developed locations. While rentals in town can run between $1,000-$1,500 range, utilities are still relatively low and, depending on use, may average less than $120 per month for basic services. Importantly, sales prices just outside the city center are more reasonable even for the higher end units.
Two Costal Lowlands Getaways – Canoa and Ancon
Separated by roughly 125 miles, the two beach communities of Canoa and Ancon both have real potential for expats looking to get away from it all at the beach. With very little development at either location, immersing in a true, rustic Ecuadorian lifestyle can be a dream come true.
Ancon, located just outside of Salinas, was the first oil-producing location in the area, starting in 1911. Originally the village was home base for British petroleum engineers. Nearly forgotten through the years, the town is now regaining popularity as a vacation spot for Ecuadorians living in the U.S. and for expats discovering the great values that can be found there.
Finding ocean view properties and restored villas for under $150,000 is not an unreasonable expectation. While there is not much in the way of infrastructure at this point in time, as more investors and expats move into the area, improvements and higher prices will not be far behind.
Canoa, to the north, has 17 km of pristine sands, making it the longest beach in Ecuador. The roads in the village are all dirt and the rustic, hippie-like vibe of the place is one of the major reasons that expats have been drawn there.
There are some higher-end properties in and around Canoa but, for the most part, the private homes clustered around the center are modest. As a consequence, property costs remain low and the potential for development is high.
One important aspect to keep in mind is that the lifestyle of both places IS rustic. If a more cosmopolitan environment is a requirement, these small fishing communities may not be for you.
Also, remember that English speakers may not be as numerous as in larger cities. For some expats, having to deal with day-to-day matters in Spanish may be a bit confounding.
Valley Living – Yunguilla: A Hidden Gem
Combining an eco-friendly lifestyle, stunning views, and a true Ecuadorian vibe, Yunguilla is being touted as a more accessible alternative to Vilcabamba. Located a short 45 minutes from the community identified as the “cultural heart and soul” of Ecuador-Cuenca, this area could well become a major expat location as more people discover the potential waiting there.
One big difference is that Yunguilla is not a town but a valley running 104 miles from just outside of Cuenca to the port city of Machala. There are a number of small villages scattered throughout the valley but a large portion has retained its natural, untouched state.
The climate in Yunguilla is very comfortable due in large part to its geography. The valley has an East-West orientation providing ample sunshine and a short rainy season.
Ranging from a altitude of 4500 ft. on the Santa Isabel end to roughly 7000 ft. near Giron, closest to Cuenca, temperatures in the valley range from the low 80s during the day to a very comfortable high 50s-low 60s at night. These moderate numbers also translate into reduced costs for air conditioning; certainly an added benefit not found in most tropical locations.
Although much of the Yunguilla area is underdeveloped, the region is home to a number of prominent and wealthy Ecuadorian families. The result is that most of the development being undertaken is being done by Ecuadorians.
Additionally, the infrastructure is far superior to most of rural Ecuador. Quality water, telephone, and electrical power plus a well maintained and modern highway has made Yunguilla very attractive as a potential expat magnet.
For those seeking an existing residence, the quality of construction in the valley far exceeds many areas of Ecuador. In spite of all the modernization, property values from one end of Yunguilla to the other may range as much as 30% less than comparable properties in Vilcabamba. When the natural beauty and rustic charm of this hidden gem are factored in, Yunguilla can tick many of the boxes expats have for their tropical destination.
Cotacachi – Retreat to the Mountains
Nestled between two volcanoes, Cotacachi is becoming one of the more popular expat destinations in Ecuador. Located two hours north of Quito, this mountain town is next to the Cayapas Ecological Reserve with its 750,000 acres of protected forest land.
After online features about this rustic village appeared in 2007, expats began to move into Cotacachi. Having an established expat community certainly can make the transition to life in Ecuador much easier for those who are experiencing life abroad for the first time.
The beautiful Andean vistas, low cost of living and the reasonable property prices have all contributed to Cotacachi’s popularity. The top leather artisans in Ecuador offer their quality products, including coats, shoes, and accessories for sale at prices far lower than in many other locations.
The mountain climate with temperatures in the low 70s during the day to mid 50s at night makes air conditioning almost unnecessary. Rainfall is very moderate; even during rainy season, it is rare to have more than days out of the month with any precipitation.
Property prices, while on the rise, are still quite reasonable for an area with a good infrastructure and amenities. Utilities can run under $60 per month (electricity, water, heat, telephone, cable, and internet) and rents can be under $600 a month for multi-bedroom units.
For those looking to buy, there are a number of choices from small Ecuadorian homes to well-appointed villas. Lots of all sizes are also available for those expats wanting to build their own vision of paradise.
How to Find the Best Place for Expats in Ecuador
The top five areas described above are some of the hottest locations for expats throughout Ecuador. There are many other options that are worth exploring. Understanding the fine points of property ownership and how it can benefit you is an important first step in becoming an expat in Ecuador. Take that step today!!
Do you ever feel like your dream of living on a tropical coast is just another one that’s far beyond your reach? Maybe you long for a permanent vacation from the never-ending hamster wheel, but you’re afraid you just can’t afford to make those dreams a reality.
If that’s the case, then you can’t afford not to look at Ecuador’s seven best budget beaches.
You can scale down (or up) for less.
Despite its reputation as a budget destination, Ecuador also has plenty of popular upscale beaches. Atacames and Salinas are two. If you’re looking for Miami on a budget, then look at real estate here. You’ll be surprised how much you get for your money.
You can salsa your night away with well-heeled partiers at the yacht club. Or dine in a luxurious high-rise with five-star accommodations. You’ll love the crowded umbrella-lined beaches, glamorous vibe, and South American prices.
But if you’re looking to scale down, then one of Ecuador’s seven best budget beaches can easily accommodate your lifestyle. Ecuador has one of the lowest costs of living in Latin America, and its real estate market offers many of the same bargains you’ll find across the board in this destination that’s long been a favorite among North American expats.
Another great selling point is that much of Ecuador is experiencing rapid growth in its expat communities. So much so, that in many cases, the available services and consumer offerings can’t keep up.
So if the lower price tag still isn’t enough to help you realize your goal of starting a new life in Ecuador, there’s always the opportunity to parlay the opportunity to move abroad into twice the adventure by starting an expat business.
Here are 7 of the best budget beaches in Ecuador where you can enjoy paradise without breaking the bank.
You can live in Ecuador on a budget. It’s not just a dream.
1. Olon has many treasures for you. Settle in for an up-tempo, yet tranquil lifestyle. Tropical jungle flows to the sea. Hike trails and swim in waterfalls. Watch hummingbirds, iguanas, and even wild horses.
Surf conditions are excellent. Olon’s wide, long and sandy beaches host a myriad of restaurants and kiosks. One drawback (or potential opportunity, depending on how you look at it) is that convenience shopping doesn’t exist here. Residents of Olon travel far for shopping, groceries, and services.
This gap in consumer offerings equates to the perfect place for entrepreneuring expats to open an apparel shop or maybe a convenience store for food items and sundries.
2. Canoa has a quaint, laid-back character. It’s small, but solitude is never hard to find. The long, wide beach stretches for miles.
Canoa is becoming more and more popular with foreign travelers, but it’s still mostly a small fishing village. As a result, accommodations are still limited here. So now could be the perfect time to open a guest house or lodge.
3. Ayampe is the place to go for complete serenity and tranquility. It’s essentially a wildlife sanctuary – a divine spot for yoga and meditation. From your rainforest or seaside perch, you’ll love the picturesque Los Ahorcados Islands views.
Picture a large, inviting family home made of cane and wood in a jungle setting. Or a rustic cabin with a straw roof. Ayampe is the ideal spot for building your holistic retreat. Your health-conscious customers won’t be able to resist organic fruit jams, natural soaps, and fruit-infused herbal teas.
4. Montanita (Guayas Province) means action-packed days and nights. Get ready to live it up in this multicultural party town. Picture “Little Amsterdam.”
When you’ve relaxed and people watched enough, go surf. With some of the region’s best conditions, Montanita even plays host to international surfing competitions.
If residents and visitors want to sleep soundly, they’ll most likely have to get out of town. As a result, the even more affordable areas around Montanita might be a great place for an adventure-based resort away from the noisy beach crowd.
5. Mompiche (Esmeraldas Province) Beach thrives on ecotourism. Backpackers and surfers trek to this black sand beach for one of the best surf breaks in Ecuador. But that’s not the only attraction.
Mompiche’s proximity to Mache Chindul National Reserve opens a whole new world of adventures. Whale watching is a favorite pastime. Canoe or kayak the mangroves and Rio Verde River for bird and monkey watching. Head to the jungle for a hike or horseback ride.
Like most other budget destinations, Mompiche still lacks an abundance of variety in its accommodations and services, including restaurants. As a result it’s a great up-and-coming spot where expats could get a steal on their dream property or savvy investors could find the perfect niche for launching a successful business.
6. Salango (Manabi Province) is for history, culture, art enthusiasts and conservationists. You can stay busy attending artisan workshops or spending time at the Pre-Columbian Archaeological Museum. If that’s not enough to keep you busy, Machalilla National Park outings will.
There’s always scuba diving, whale watching and endless snorkeling. You’ll adore the shallow natural aquarium and sea excursions. But your experience won’t be complete until you hit the trails on foot, horseback, or bicycle.
An outdoor outfitter store could be your calling. Everyone in Salango is hooked on nature. Stock quality hiking and biking gear, camping accessories, cameras, and binoculars.
7. Sua (Esmeraldas Province) Sua is a super tranquil setting surrounded by hills and cliffs. If you like calm water sports and little wind, Sua is the location for you.
You’ll have fun sunbathing, swimming, rowing, stand up paddle boarding, and walks around the beachfront promenade. Aside from that, there’s not much else to do.
You can always take a quick boat ride to Bird Island or the Cave of Love. Or jaunt on over to party down in nearby Atacames.
Restaurants are limited in Sua. So are activities. As a result, properties are incredibly affordable. It’s a great place for expats seeking a simple, relaxed lifestyle.
You Can Live Your Dream in Ecuador
Now you know Ecuador offers many beach communities where you can afford to simplify your life. But you can’t just dream about it. You have to dive in. Pick a spot (or two) that sparked your interest. Explore the real estate opportunities there. Your dream home (and your escape route) will suddenly become clearer. And if you still need to earn a living, there are plenty of niches ready to be filled.
If you’ve never traveled to Ecuador’s northern coast (or if you haven’t in a while), Bahia de Caraquez, known to the locals as Bahia, Ecuador, is one city that’s worth a second look.
Once a bustling port city, Bahia was virtually devastated by El Niño rains and an earthquake in the late 1990s. Determined to overcome these tragedies, the town re-established itself as an up-and-coming eco-city, and the results have been astounding.
Bahia’s Climate Makes It an Ideal Coastal Destination
Although it lies just 40 miles south of the equator, on a peninsula at the mouth of the River Chone, Bahia’s climate is surprisingly comfortable. The city lies in a dry tropical belt that experiences relatively low humidity and temperatures averaging around 80 degrees from May through November.
A wet season begins in December or January and can run as late as April. During those months, the sky is often overcast with evening showers and temps closer to 85 and moderate humidity.
There’s a constant breeze blowing off the ocean, which helps considerably with the heat. As a result, there’s less need for air conditioning. You might even find yourself reaching for a sweater or blanket at night.
Such conditions are considered by many expats to be a breath of fresh air from a lot of the hotter, more humid coastal cities. Many also find they prefer mild, coastal living to the thinner air that plagues the colonial cities that lie at higher altitudes.
Bahia Offers a Great Mix of Residents
Bahia, Ecuador is a city of only around 30,000 regular inhabitants, which allows it to maintain a small-town feel, despite its popularity as a beach destination. Most of the locals come from very meager backgrounds, but they aren’t looking to take advantage of visitors and expats.
Instead they’re warm and welcoming to the many middle- and upper-class citizens from Quito and Guayaquil who have vacation homes in the area. In fact, Bahia has a reputation for being an incredibly friendly city.
It’s also extremely safe, with the lowest crime rate in all of Ecuador. Just like with any other foreign city, you should use care not to carry around wads of cash or flash extravagant items. But in Bahia you don’t have to worry about getting swindled by the locals or walking around late at night.
Because Bahia has historically been somewhat cut off from much of the rest of the country, it doesn’t see a lot of international travelers or expats. However, that seems to be changing.
In fact, on my last visit I was surprised to see that an established expat community does exist, albeit a small one.
Bahia, Ecuador Has Just Enough of the Attractions You Crave
Whatever your tropical passion, you’re practically guaranteed to find a place to enjoy it at least near to, if not in, Bahia. Yet at the same time, it’s not overrun with tour buses or overpriced souvenir shops.
There are beaches with small waves that are safe for swimming, yet at times steady enough for long boarding. You can also go water skiing, sail boarding, or fishing. Both hang-gliding and surfing lessons are available just up the road in Canoa.
Bahia offers a plethora of birds and other wildlife. The nearby Isla Fragatas and Isla Corazon are home to a variety of birds. Saiananda is a local park that’s home to deer, donkeys, ostriches, geese, and sloths. Whale-watching is also a popular pasttime.
There’s also the Chirije archaeologial site and the Rio Muchacho organic farm to explore.
It’s worth mentioning here that Bahia’s beaches are somewhat limited. Due to significant beach erosion in recent decades, the south shore of the peninsula is narrow and often crowded. At high tide it can become almost completely submerged. The north (bay) side of the peninsula is polluted and unsuitable for swimming.
In terms of consumer options, Bahia has everything you’d expect to find in a mid-sized tourist destination, including a new modern supermarket. What you can’t find in town you can easily get from a nearby large city like Manta or Portoviejo.
One other area where some expats might find Bahia a bit lacking is in its cultural offerings. While it does have a few attractions, like a great museum, it doesn’t have a lot of them.
Bahia’s Eco-friendly Initiatives Keep Everything Nice and “Green”
Bahia is known throughout the country’s as Ecuador’s cleanest coastal city, ever since it established itself as an eco-city, and the benefits are obvious as you stroll along the beach or through the pristine streets of the city.
Eco-friendly behaviors are a part of life in Bahia. Residents are encouraged to recycle and employ other sustainable practices. There’s daily garbage service, and the town even has its own paper recycling plant.
It was also the first coastal city in Ecuador to ban the use of plastic bags.
Living in Bahia, Ecuador Won’t Break the Bank
Like the rest of Ecuador, Bahia de Caraquez enjoys an extremely affordable cost of living. A mere $1,000 per month could buy you a very comfortable life there.
Factors that contribute to the low costs include government subsidized fuel (currently around $1.50 per gallon) and low wages. As a result, almost everything is cheaper in Ecuador and particularly in Bahia.
An almuerzo (a typical lunch of soup, salad, rice, and beans with meat) is only $1.50. You can enjoy the fresh juice that comes with it or spring for a $1 beer to wash it all down.
Other affordable perks include the services of a domestic helper, such as a maid or gardener, as well as inexpensive Spanish schools.
Bahia Has Bridged the Gap for Expats, Tourists, and Investors
What’s kept Bahia de Caraquez off the radar of most expats and international tourists, has been the fact that it was more than a little off the beaten path. Even merely crossing the Rio Chone, on the most direct route to Quito, once took three hours on a small ferry that held only 12 cars.
After the 2010 completion of the 1.25 mile (2 km) Bahia-San Vicente Bridge, however, the river can now be crossed in only 15 minutes. This longest bridge in Ecuador is expected to considerably boost trade and tourism to the area, as Bahia is now connected to nearby San Vicente, the fishing village of Canoa and basically the entire rest of Ecuador’s northern coast.
Getting to Bahia has never been easier thanks to the new bridge. There’s an airport in San Vicente, but it’s small and doesn’t run regular flights. The next closest are in Portoviejo or Manta, both of which are about 90 minutes or less by bus. The flight to these airports from Quito is only about a half hour.
There are also bus services that run to and from cities like Quito, Guayaquil, and Esmeraldas.
Why Now Is the Best Time to Purchase Bahia, Ecuador Real Estate
Bahia, Ecuador is a town that has clearly reinvented itself. Although it was due to unfortunate circumstances, the city has no doubt benefited from its fresh new eco-friendly image. This fresh start, combined with the drastic increase in accessibility from the new bridge, has brought new life and new interest to Bahia.
In addition to the renewed appeal of Bahia itself, the town is also strategically positioned for growth in the surrounding areas. The area across the bridge just north of Bahia is a naturally beautiful, and largely underdeveloped, coastal region. With the new infrastructure in place, it’s primed for a big surge in property values.
The bridge has also opened up a new path for the transportation of merchandise that can now be brought through Bahia on its way to the port city of Manta just 30 minutes south of town, making what could become a stop on a major thoroughfare.
As a result, the time is right to buy or invest in Bahia before prices start to rise. Here are a few examples of what you can get for your money in Bahia, Ecuador.
- Just $75,000 buys you a 2-bedroom, 2-bath beachfront penthouse with an ocean view in a gated complex with a pool and landscaped grounds.
- For $170,000 you can have a 3-bedroom, 3-bath condo in a high-rise building with panoramic views of the bay, the beach, and the city.
As you can see, Bahia is still a place to score a great bargain on real estate in an area that has the potential for tremendous growth in the near future. Consumer and cultural options that are currently lacking in the area are likely to be introduced soon.
Who knows? Maybe you could be the one to fill a much-needed niche in the city’s scene.