Moving to Ecuador Orientation Tours

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Here's a letter from a reader who is considering the possibility of moving to Ecuador. This ties right in with the Moving to Ecuador Orientation tours we are planning. It is quite amazing how many people are in the same frame of mind as this reader.

Dear Gary,

My husband and I have been spending literally hours on your website lately. Very informational, great reading! Thanks so much for sharing your passion and knowledge of Ecuador. We are seriously looking for retirement opportunities where we can escape the cold winters of the Colorado Rocky Mountains and the associated high cost of living. After much research, we think Ecuador is the answer.

We plan to visit Ecuador in the fall of 2008 and would be interested in making personal contact with you and any other ex-pats who have become full-time residents of Ecuador. Please respond if you would be interested in meeting with us. Also would be open to any week-long organized tours that you either put together or recommend. Our initial trip will probably be for two weeks with an organized tour for the first week, and on our own for the second.

My Reply

Hi J,

Spending hours on our web site? Wow!! It is exciting and rewarding for us that people are actually reading our creation. Can you imagine, yesterday we had inquiries from Afghanistan and Turkey? Yes, we would love to meet you when you arrive. Just let us know.

Regarding your question about tours, we are putting together as we speak "Moving to Ecuador Orientation" tours. These tours are designed for people just like you who are considering moving to Ecuador either part or full-time, and could use a bit of initial hand holding as you dip your toes into the waters of ex-pat living.

The tours include informal classes and discussions about expat life in Ecuador. We will cover things such as visas, legal issues, medical care, cost of living, property ownership, real estate opportunities, rentals, public transportation, auto ownership, insurance, etc. along with travel to the most likely retirement spots in Ecuador.

The Cotacachi/Ibarra/Otavalo area, the Cuenca area, the coastal regions, are on the itinerary and perhaps, if those who sign up are interested, we can include Vilcabamba, the famous valley of longevity in the south of Ecuador.

Visits with people who have already made the move are included. These are the best people to answer your questions, because they have done what you are contemplating.

Of course, there will be ample opportunity for sampling Ecuadorian culture and food. Visits to some of the primary tourist sites will be highlighted.

We expect these tours to be relatively small and informal, and will be to a certain extent tailor-made to fit the desires of the people who sign up.

Let us know your tentative time frame for a visit, and we will put you on a tour mailing list. Also, tell your friends who may be interested. Watch the newsletter (sign up at http://www.pro-ecuador.com) and blog for formal date announcements.

Best,
Gary