Thanks to Gringo Tree ————————– GringoTree Survey #4: Expat Demographics February 1, 2013 This is a simple 13-question survey, completed by 661 respondents, of whom 301 (45%) are current expats and 360 (55%) are prospective expats. Of the prospective expats, 86 plan to move within six months, 99 within 12 months, 105 within two years, 59 in more than two… Read More
Category Archives: Info
Otavalo/Cotacachi area – Things to see
Otavalo crafts market – One of the largest indigenous crafts markets in the world. Also one of Ecuador’s biggest tourist attractions. The best days to visit the market are Wednesdays and Saturdays. Saturday is the biggest day with the most vendors. Cuicocha (Guinea Pig Lake). Volcanic lake about a 15-20 minute drive from Cotacachi. A taxi could take you there.… Read More
Hotels/Hostels (Mindo)
Dragonfly Inn http://www.dragonflyinn-mindo.com/ El Descanso hostal http://www.eldescanso.net/ El Septimo Paraiso Hotel http://www.septimoparaiso.com/ La Casa del Camino http://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Review-g609138-d2212920-Reviews-La_Casa_del_Camino_Mindo-Mindo_Pichincha_Province.html Sachatamia Lodge http://www.sachatamia.com/ Mindo Gardens http://www.mindogardens.com/ Cabañas Bambu http://www.hotelbambuecuador.com/pages/mindo.html El Abrazo del Árbol http://www.elabrazodelarbol.com/
Hotel Patio Andaluz (Quito)
Hotel Patio Andaluz. Charming and elegant – fabulous staff! Not inexpensive but at least worth a stay once (if you look you can find good rates off season). Hotel can arrange airport transfers for you. Great location to check out the Historic Center (walking distance). http://www.hotelpatioandaluz.com/Ecuador-Quito-Hotel-Situated-Old-Historic-Center-Quito-Hotel-Boutique-Quito.html
Hotel Boutique Plaza Sucre (Quito)
Hotel Boutique Plaza Sucre. Lovely & charming, friendly staff that speak english. Located in the heart of Quito’s historic centre. Beautiful art work on display (for sale) through out the hotel. Fabulous breakfast (eggs made to order). Great price! Hotel can arrange airport transfers for you. http://www.hotel-plaza-sucre.com/
Rancho Santa Fe (Cotacachi)
Rancho Santa Fe. A resort/convention center near outskirts of town. Don’t know if it’s still open. The website is still up. http://ranchosantafehotell.com/home.html
Tierra del Sol (Cotacachi)
Tierra del Sol (Land of the Sun). This is Gary Scott’s place. It’s right near the center of town. Food there is awful. http://www.hoteltierradelsollandofsun.amawebs.com/
La Mirage (Cotacachi)
La Mirage. A 5-star hotel. The Queen of Spain once stayed there. Rates start at $366/night. http://www.mirage.com.ec/en-us/mainpage.aspx
Computer Techs (Cuenca)
In Cuenca call Mauricio Astudillo. He is my new tech. Speaks English very well. Went to the US when he was 12 and did all his schooling there, including his tech training, staying there 14 years. Has wheels and will travel around town to come to you. 098 723-3698. In addition to all the computer wizardry his card says, “Internet,… Read More
AA Meetings (Quito)
The meeting will be on Mondays at 6:00 p.m. and on Saturdays at 11:00 a.m. Isabel La Catolica 1439 y Orellana / Iglesia Alemana Lutherana (Diagonally to the residency of the American Ambassador and behind Hotel Quito).