29 June 2012
Construction off Av. Americas in Cuenca. Great question. And one I often get. It was recently reported that as of June 2012, the cost per meter of construction averages at $314.40. It’s very variable depending on quality of materials used, but I’d say that’s a good figure to go on. To be notified of the [...]
Posted in Ecuador for Investors, Ecuador Q&A, Investor News/Analysis
29 June 2012
This week it was announced that Ecuador had been put back on the black list by GAFI, the Grupo de Accion Financiera Internacional, for the first time since 2010 signaling Ecuador as one country of high financial risk. The main reason for their demotion as stated by the organization is Ecuador’s lack of new legislation [...]
Posted in Investor News/Analysis
28 June 2012
Within the last month, a mini-airplane and a mini-submarine presumed to be used for drug-running were found in the south of Ecuador on different unrelated occasions. The plane was found secretly stashed in San Pablo, near Salinas on the coast. The Sub was found on an uninhibited mangrove covered island near Guayaquil… Puna Island. The [...]
Posted in Investor News/Analysis
27 June 2012
This week a Galapagos icon, Lonesome George, the last of his specie of giant Galapagos Tortoise, died without the ability of reproducing. It’s never easy on a place when their icon dies, we’ll see how the Galapagos reacts to this one. Cause of death was “natural causes”. Follow @dombuonamici
Posted in Ecuador for Investors, Investor News/Analysis
26 June 2012
I witnessed something shocking this week… The international demand for “Ecuador real estate” literally doubled according to my website server stats. It caused me to probe further, and sure enough, according to search statistics released by Google, for the first time in recent memory, this week, in June, “Ecuador real estate” was more searched for [...]
Posted in Investor News/Analysis
25 June 2012
This is how a lot of the area around the new airport looks, dirt roads and all. On July 2 the new international airport in Quito will receive its first ever flight. A test flight with real passengers on an American Airlines flight. This marks one of the final tests needed to be done before [...]
Posted in Investor News/Analysis
24 June 2012
Che Guevara, one of the most memorable rebels of the 20th century. With a quick Parlimentary vote Paraguay just ousted their president over the weekend. This would probably make big news in North America, but down here in South America, changing of the political guard is a common occurrence. Chavez is ticked, just cut oil [...]
Posted in Investor News/Analysis
23 June 2012
Ecuador made the headlines this week around the world when WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange stepped into the Ecuadorean Embassy in London with hopes of the government granting him asylum. This is big for Ecuador. If Correa lets Assange in, will that open the flood gates for other wanted fugitives seeking refuge in Ecuador? Would it [...]
Posted in Investor News/Analysis
19 June 2012
“I can’t believe the prices I’m seeing for rentals in Ecuador, hah, I thought Ecuador was cheap, most places are equal to or more expensive than similar properties for rent in Florida these days.” My friend from Florida recently told me in my B&B in Guayaquil. “Well, how ya lookin’?” I inquired. “You know, searches [...]
Posted in Ecuador Q&A, Investor News/Analysis
17 June 2012
$1,100/mon Playas 4 Bedr Villa Rental, furnished kitchen, yard, located in gated community one block from the beach. For more info about this property please contact: Bienes Raices Ocean Salinas Ecuador Cell: 593+ 99675090 – 99641949 – 97320632 Write seller below: And to get notified of the latest unlisted property deals in Ecuador NO ONE [...]
Posted in Rentals
16 June 2012
Beautiful new bungalow for rent near beach in Olon, 1 bedroom with a matrimonial bed, 2 beds for kids with latter to second level, Direct TV, 1 full bath, AC, fully furnished kitchen, social area has pool. For more info about this property please contact: Bienes Raices Ocean Salinas Ecuador Cell: 593+ 99675090 – 99641949 [...]
Posted in Listings by Type, Rentals
15 June 2012
$1000/mon Ballenita Beachfront 3 Bedr Apartment for Rent Fully furnished with AC, American style kitchen, 3 bath, 1 garage parking space, direct beach access. For more info about this property please contact: Bienes Raices Ocean Salinas Ecuador Cell: 593+ 99675090 – 99641949 – 97320632 Write seller below: And to get notified of the latest unlisted [...]
Posted in Listings by Type, Rentals
14 June 2012
It’s is a 2 bedroom condo 2 baths small living room and kitchen attached. Everything in it is brand new. Sleeps up to 8 tight bunk beds have pull out on bottom I can arrange how ever have plenty of bedding choice. It is located in the Punta Centinela the rentals has full access to [...]
Posted in Rentals
12 June 2012
“Wow, that drug is like cocaine, it’s practically a narcotic.” The doctor said in Guayaquil. “She’s had intense foot pain for years and that’s the medication the doctors in the USA had her on.” Her husband explained. The Ecuadorian doctor just shook his head. The women’s husband continued… “The doctors in the US refuse to [...]
Posted in Expat Lifestyle
11 June 2012
How much should you tip in Ecuador? Tipping is not common in Ecuador and often 10% service charge is included in the bill. Basically, you don’t have to tip but tipping change is appreciated. You know, on a $30 bill maybe tipping a buck or two is fine. To be notified of the newest properties [...]
Posted in Ecuador Q&A
10 June 2012
This week the NY Times released an interesting article on colonial restoration in Cuenca. The idea is basically taking an old Spanish colonial building, reworking the interior and selling it off in pieces as individual apartments. And it’s a great opportunity in Ecuador. For instance, the article stated the buyer paid $148k for an apartment [...]
Posted in Investor News/Analysis
04 June 2012
Machala was a dump most quickly passed over just a few short years back, but after the urban-renewel the place is rockin! Well, it still has a small town feel, but it’s well worth a visit if getting off the beaten path is for you. Chances are, here, you won’t see another foreigner around. Where [...]
Posted in Ecuador for Investors, Ecuador Travel Guides
03 June 2012
Have you ever seen yourself as the successful owner of a backpacker hostel? Maybe not. But if you’re thinking about moving to Ecuador, this is one business idea worth considering. Now, a true hostel is a special kind of hospitality business that caters to backpackers, or primarily younger folks, often right out of college, who [...]
Posted in Expat Lifestyle, Investor News/Analysis
01 June 2012
Asking $158k, Hostel for Sale in Old Town, Quito Hostel for sale on second and third floors of old colonial building near Parque Almeida in Quito. Fully functioning business with solid customer base and reputation online. Sold completely furnished, ready to go. Beautiful rooftop deck and BBQ area with outstanding view of old town Quito. [...]
Posted in Andes Mountain Properties, Commercial/Hotels for sale, Over $150k, Quito
27 May 2012
If you are prone to get sea sick, Id highly advise against going to the Galapagos during the months of July, August, September or October. The rest of the year has much calmer seas. Wildlife can be seen year round. To be notified of the newest properties for sale as soon as they hit the [...]
Posted in Expat Lifestyle
