It was 2010, and we had been in Canoa for a couple of years. We weren't as panicked as one might be when first owning a business in a foreign country, where you don't speak the native language and are unfamiliar with local customs and cultures. We were beginning to figure things out. Our little beach bar/restaurant was coming into its own, and we were starting to develop our systems and path forward that didn't involve throwing money at problems. A crucial ingredient for any small business is a cohesive team. For the last 13 years of our Ecuadorian adventure, we've had one constant on our team ..read more

By HiExpat Team 1. Can you talk to us about your family, father and wife? I´m married to Kariam Sabando who is a doctor as well and we have 2 children, our son that will graduate as a lawyer son and our younger daughter that´s 4 years old said that she wants to be a Neurosurgeon. We like going to the beach and love sports. I try to maintain a balance in the phases of my life and my family is always one of my priorities. 2. What is the PRIZE TO THE MEDICAL BY ACHIEVEMENT FOR A BETTER LIFE? It is an international award given by the International Organization for Medical Research Training (IOCIM ..read more

By Marcos Chiluisa The Human Mobility law has changed, and a fulfillment of a certain number of days in Ecuador is no longer a requirement for every temporary resident. They now have three options to choose from when it comes to required minimum stays. None of these options are good or bad, but all depend on the future plans that one has for their travels into and out of Ecuador. A temporary resident whose plan is to become a permanent resident does have to stay a required number of days, while those who are looking forward to renewing their temporary visa do not have to, unless they want to ..read more

By John Williams Along with much of the rest of the world, recent upticks in crime in parts of Ecuador have caused many residents, including many expats and those considering joining us here in Ecuador as a destination, to ask questions about personal safety. My answers to these questions will reflect on the basic character, integrity and honesty of the general citizenry. My adult daughter and I have been residing in the Santa Marianita beach area near Manta since 2017. During that time I experienced petty theft crimes twice. Both of those events occurred in the City of Quito, Ecuador. With a ..read more

By Juan Francisco Carrasco It is no secret that one of the most important natural icons that Ecuador possesses is the Chimborazo. This volcano that imposingly rises 6,263 meters above the sea level has become a national icon creating admiration in tourists, photographers and climbers all around the world, remaining as the highest point on Earth and the nearest one to the sun when measured from the center of the planet. Beside this colossal volcano, you can find the city of Riobamba, also called the Sultan of the Andes, because this beautiful city is not only next to the Chimborazo but is also ..read more

By Lauren Phelps Ever since I can remember, I have had two goals in my life: join the Peace Corps and participate in the reality TV show “Big Brother”. I remember thinking that maybe these goals were too big for me, pipe dreams that would never be attained. I have since let go of my aspirations to become a reality TV star, but I was, however, able to complete my goal of joining the Peace Corps. In June of 2018 I found out that my Peace Corps application was accepted and I would be moving to Ecuador in January of 2019. I was beyond excited and so ready for my new life in a new country. Little ..read more

By Peter Stromberg As I stood on the beach last weekend, I found myself engaged in a conversation with an Ecuadorian businessman who had been involved in international affairs for the past two decades. Having lived in Canada, the United States, Korea, and Japan, he had spent his adult life immersed in various cultures and ways of life across the globe. I was taken aback by his candid assessment of the United States, especially considering the recent assassination of a prominent presidential candidate in Ecuador, just a week before their federal elections and a few days prior to our conversati ..read more

By Claudia Acosta If there is one thing that people from Cuenca are proud of, it is our water. The flavor, quality, rivers, and more that make up this generous and vital resource for our city. Yet, few people know about the importance of its history and origin, something that should truly be taught in schools. We need to understand the journey this precious liquid takes to get from rivers to houses, the networks, channels and above all, where the water source originates from. The water that arrives at our houses originates from the mountains, from the beautiful massif of Cajas, a sanctuary of ..read more

By HiExpat Writers Team Discover the Top 10 Must See Places in Manta: A Guide to Enjoy Your Trip from Beginning to End Manta is a city located in the province of Manabí, on the Pacific coast of Ecuador, known for its stunning beaches and delicious cuisine. If you find yourself in this coastal city, here are the 10 places you shouldn't miss: 1. El Murciélago Beach: One of the most popular and beautiful beaches in Manta. It offers a wide variety of restaurants, bars, and nightclubs, making it a perfect place to spend the day and enjoy nightlife. 2. Machalilla National Park: This park is one of ..read more

By Carolina Segarra The flowering of the Guayacanes is an event that attracts thousands of domestic and foreign tourists every year. The route of the Guayacanes is in the canton of Zapotillo, located in the Cazaderos district, which is southwest of the province of Loja. It has an area of 11808.7 hectares and an altitude of 160 -1000 meters above sea level with an average temperature ranging between 18.3 and 32.3°C. The road is currently easily accessible by SUV, but it is not recommended for sedan vehicles. The experience is completely worth it, so if you don’t have a vehicle, you can certain ..read more