Digital Nomads & Ecuador: Experience or Invest
A "digital nomad" is essentially any person who has the ability and mobility to work remotely and chooses to do so.
Often, digital nomads are seeking beautiful and exciting places to explore and experience while they work remotely. Many digital nomads also appreciate when these locations provide a low cost of living and a high quality of life.
That highly sought-after balance of beauty, adventure, quality of life, and low cost of living is precisely why Ecuador has been on the Digital Nomad's treasure map for so long.
Digital Nomads in Ecuador... circa 2006
The Digital Nomad movement has been around for about 15 years depending on when you draw the line in the sand on its origins. It was a fringe lifestyle that grew slowly but steadily in popularity. The limiting factor to the growth of the digital nomad movement was the lack of remote work jobs available.
That limitation was effectively removed in 2020 with the worldwide pandemic as companies and individuals were forced to adapt and create remote work solutions for their workforce. The result has been a drastic increase in the number of remote-work jobs.
So what does this turn of events mean to the digital nomad world? This situation has created many new opportunities for individuals and families to opt into the nomad lifestyle and also created a huge opportunity to provide exciting destinations designed for this new type of client.
Thermal Hot Springs in the High Andean Grasslands of Ecuador
The first priority for a digital nomad is finding countries with ease of access for longer term stays. Ecuador meets this key requirement by providing a 90 day tourist visa that can be easily extended to 6 months for a low fee.
To promote this new form of tourism, Ecuador has recently created a specific Digital Nomad Visa! Now, if you own your own company outside of Ecuador and/or have a work contract with approximately $15,400/year income, you AND your spouse and dependents can qualify to live in Ecuador for up to two years. Here is a link summarizing Ecuador's new digital nomad visa.
Next, Digital Nomads need good web access and Ecuador is well positioned with excellent fiber optic internet available. Even small coastal fishing villages now have easy and inexpensive access to bandwidth with 100mb download speeds.
Aside from the core requirements, these traveling workers are seeking destinations that offer diverse experiences and Ecuador fits the bill with its 4 distinct geographic zones, all within an area smaller than the US state of Colorado!
Ecuador boasts warm coastal beaches, mountain cities with amazing vistas and volcanoes, the Amazon jungles, and the Galapagos Islands.
Meandering Rivers in the Amazon Region of Eastern Ecuador
Ecuador also delivers on the cuisine front with diverse, regional specialties. Everything from gourmet food experiences, small family-run restaurants, and street food vendors abound. You can even get cooking lessons from local chefs and learn the traditional cooking secrets. All this adds to the experience for the Nomad who will have months to explore and sample this array of culinary options.
Ecuador is also a very warm and welcoming country; the people are open and friendly, making it easy to feel at home here quickly. In most areas of the country you will find English-speaking expat communities. It is easy to find other world travelers to connect with and to share experiences, collaborate or just have a drink, relax and have a great conversation.
Beautiful Coastal Towns with Wide Beaches and Quality Accommodations (San Clemente, Ecuador)
This fluid travel/work lifestyle has created new opportunities for businesses to cater to these digital nomads.
This new traveler is looking for a slightly different travel experience. They need comfortable space with excellent internet to settle in and work from as well as a base to explore the surrounding areas.
Since they are working most days, not vacationing, a quiet and relaxing space is ideal…far enough away from noise and traffic but close enough to restaurants, beaches, etc. Digital nomads tend to engage in activities both active and social (recreational activities like kayaking, game nights, cooking classes). They seek experiences and connections with the local communities, cultures, and other like-minded people.
They are different than the usual vacationer/retiree in that they go from country to country specifically to gather experiences and connect with like minded people. An existing hotel / hostel or B&B could shift to attract and cater to this new longer term client with a bit of work. Finding ways to create connections and facilitating social activities (or working with a local provider) will be a key component to adding richness and value to the experience of staying in the area.
An investor looking to start a new hotel, retreat or similar rental business could design into the facilities many of the details and amenities these travelers need. They also happen to suit regular clients so you don't have to sacrifice one to satisfy the other.
Spiny Lobster-a-Plenty, Usually around $6.00/lb. in Ecuador
The Digital Nomad lifestyle is now available to a much larger percentage of the population and has moved from a fringe lifestyle to a more mainstream option. As a result there is a need for more accommodations tailored a bit more to this new type of visitor since the average hotel or B&B is not set up for or connected to the social, cultural aspects and activities these travelers look for.
If you are in the hospitality industry, this new customer is one you should be aware of. They will have a growing impact in countries that make them welcome.
If you are one of these travelers, consider Ecuador for your next long-term stay and explore all this diverse country has to offer.
Contact us if you are looking for a long term rental or are interested in Investment Properties catering to digital Nomads. We'll look forward to speaking with you about your ideas.
Is Ecuador right for you? Come find out.
Would you like a personalized intro to Ecuador real estate while you enjoy great food, excellent accommodations, and a memorable beach vacation?
Does an all-inclusive real-estate beach vacation sound good? Yes, please!
Interested ?--Let us help you take the next step!
Discover Ecuador's stunning central coast and its varied real estate options in an easy, fun, secure, and laid-back environment.
Here's How:
In order to provide you with a truly immersive experience, we will introduce you to Ecuador’s coastal towns, local cuisine, outdoor and cultural activities, and the coastal real estate market.
Who We Are:
Ecuador Beachfront Property is a licensed real estate brokerage that has been bridging the gap between foreign buyers (US, Canadian, European, Asian) and the Ecuador real estate market since 2006. We work with experienced English-speaking agents and guides to provide you with a secure, fun, and immersive introduction to Ecuador.
Why Do a Tour?
Take advantage of our tour to maximize your time in Ecuador.
Our tour offers an immersive, toes-in-the-sand crash course that will be tailored to your individual needs.
Skip the hassle and insecurity of piece-mealing your exploratory visit to Ecuador. Let our experienced team of real estate and service industry experts do the work for you.
With our friendly, English-speaking guides, you will:
- get a jump start on discovering the best locations (for YOU) to live and invest
- gain firsthand insights into day-to-day life in Ecuador (medical, shopping, banking, etc)
- meet other expats and hear about their real-life experiences of transitioning into a new way of life
- have fun while you explore real estate opportunities that match both your dreams and your budget
Click here to Read Brett and Anna's complete review of their tour experience
Contact us today so we can help you to start planning your visit!
_20150831_1332232769.jpg "Beach lots for sale in Canoa")
Coastal real estate opportunities include condos, single-family homes, land ranging from small lots to large parcels, and commercial properties such as farms, hotels, and restaurants.
What is Included?
Our one-week real estate vacation package for two people includes ALL of the following:
- Airport pick-up
- Secure transfer to/from the Guayaquil (GYE) or Manta (MEC) airport by our trusted professional driver
- Accommodations
- Six-night stay in a hotel, condo, or bed & breakfast. We will work with you to determine the best accommodations for your needs.
- Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
- All meals are included: breakfast, lunch, dinner, and your first drink at a local “best of” restaurant each day
- Transportation
- Secure and comfortable transport for all your tours and activities
- English-speaking guides
- Don't worry if you aren't fluent in Spanish! We will have English speaking guides assisting you at each step of your journey.
How Much Does It Cost?
The tour price is $2,450 (US Dollars) for an all-inclusive tour package for two people for 6 nights/7 days. We accept payment via Zelle, credit card, or ACH transfer.
Click here to read River and Carolyn's complete review of their tour experience
What to Expect:
- Once you contact us, we will set up a Zoom call with you to determine your specific interests and needs, and answer any questions you many have.
- Payment is made at the time of reserving your tour. It is fully refundable until 48 hours prior to your tour start date (minus any processing fees if paying by credit card).
- Prior to your arrival, we will confirm with you a list of real estate properties you wish to view in addition to scheduling any "a la carte" activities you wish to add.
- We will tour local coastal cities and towns includuing Canoa, San Vicente, Bahia de Caraquez, San Clemente, San Jacinto, Crucita, and Manta.
- You will be introduced to local markets, larger shopping centers, notable tourist spots, and spend time just exploring and getting a feel for each of the different areas and local services and amenities.
- You will walk through real estate listings only of your choosing.
- You are unique--We understand! Your real estate vacation package may be customized to suit your interests and needs including integrating "a la carte" outdoor and cultural activities. We will do our best to accommodate special needs and dietary restrictions.
Can I Customize the Tour Package?
Yes, absolutely.
Modifications to the standard tour package can be made and will be priced accordingly. Send us a message to get a quote.
Some examples for customizing your tour include: changing the number of people and/or the number of nights; opting to exclude meals; requesting separate rooms instead of a single room; viewing additional towns, etc. Just fill out the contact form and we will be in touch.
A la Carte Activities Include:
- Whale Watching for 2 (Seasonal, Local Departure, $72)
- Kayak/bike/paddleboard rentals ($32 pp)
- Pacoche Coastal Rainforest Tour (See/hear the Howler Monkeys, $160)
- Isla de La Plata (Boat trip, whale-watching in season, blue-footed boobies, plus snorkeling to the “Poor Man’s Galapagos", $265)
- Mangrove Boat Tour ($14 pp)
- Montecristi Souvenir Shopping (Panama Hats, hammocks, coffee, custom furniture, $66)
- Iche Culinary School Tour & Lunch (Delicious food with an Ocean View, $86)
- Paragliding (depending on weather, $65)
- Sosote Tagua Tour (See how tagua is made, souvenir shopping, and lunch, $45)
- Sainanda Tour (Visit Miguelito, the 130 year old Galapagos Tortoise, $38)
- Cerro Jaboncillo (Pre-Incan archaeological site, $150)
- Bahia Historical Tour (Includes translator, $180)
- Surf Lesson (1 hour, $20)
- Horseback Tours (To a Local Craft Brewery $110 or On the Beach $125)
- Manabi Coastal Cuisine Cooking (Lesson at the Boca with Edita, $75)
- Deep Sea Fishing - TBD based on options
DOWNLOAD A SAMPLE 6-DAY ITINERARY
We are flexible and can make adjustments to our standard 6-day tour package to best suit your needs. Please reach out to us with any questions. We look forward to seeing you here soon!
Start here to learn more about the coast of Ecuador!
- Peruse our in-depth Frequently Asked Questions
- Explore maps of the areas where most of our properties are located
- Learn about our all-inclusive Real Estate & Vacation Tours
We hope these pages help you become better informed in making your decision to buy, invest, and live in coastal Ecuador!
Feel free to contact us! We look forward to hearing from you.
We here at Ecuador Beachfront Property are very proud to support the non-profit Fundación A Mano Manaba and their inspirational children's library project.
In small villages along Ecuador's coast, the beloved public libraries that we are accustomed to having at our fingertips in the US or Canada, simply do not exist. Children are very rarely exposed to any kind of reading or art outside of their classrooms.
Following a catastrophic earthquake along the coast of Ecuador in April 2016, Rut Roman and Esteban Ponce, two tenured literature professors living in the rural fishing village of Don Juan near Jama, Manabi were inspired to create a children's library as a safe place to help children cope with the severe devastation and loss that surrounded them.
Beginning simply as a daily reading hour on the beach under a thatched roof, then to a roving library in the form of a donkey named Domingo, the project is now working towards both the creation of a cultural center and the purchase of a library bus to reach children in more remote villages.
Please read this beautiful article entitled "On How Libraries Save Lives," written by Rut Roman who is spearheading this inspirational project.
There are TWO ways YOU can join us in contributing to this important initiative:
- Bring children´s books in SPANISH for the library. Or, bring children´s puzzles, games, coloring books, crayons, markers, watercolor paint sets, or anything you or your kids enjoyed as children. Ecuador Beachfront Property has a special box in our San Clemente office to receive all donations when you come to visit. We will see that they arrive safe and sound to the library. If you leave a note with your email on your donation, Fundación A Mano Manaba will send a thank you, and keep you informed on progress with the library and the children´s reading program.
- Make a donation via their site on GLOBAL GIVING. Here, you can also learn more about the project and the sponsors: www.goto.gg/25409
Thank you!
Donate NOW: www.goto.gg/25409
Like on FB: www.facebook.com/pg/amanomanaba
Introduction to the Best Places to Retire in Ecuador and their Surroundings
While the locations of our listings span much of Ecuador's coastline, the majority of our properties are concentrated along Ecuador's Central Coast, between Manta and Canoa in the Province of Manabi.
The locations of the prominent cities and towns in this region are shown in the image image below.
Manta
Manta is a major city (pop. ~218,000) and is one of Ecuador's important ports. It is currently the only city with an operating airport along Ecuador's central and north coast with daily flights to/from Quito. Because of its proximity to conveniences such as the airport and shopping, Manta has attracted a large community of coastal expats. Learn more about the city of Manta.
Portoviejo
Portoviejo is the capital of the Province of Manabi and has a population of 207,000. It is s not a tourist or retirement destination and we don't have any properties there but we have it listed here because it is an important expat destination for shopping, universities, and hospitals. Learn more about the city of Portoviejo.
Crucita
Crucita is a small laid-back fishing and vacation town (pop. ~15,000). It is a popular site for paragliding and hang-gliding. Learn about the town of Crucita.
The Boca
The Boca is the stretch of beach just south and north of the mouth of the Portoviejo River as it empties into the Pacific Ocean. Here the beaches are wide and sandy and the location is relatively remote. The south bank of the river mouth is part of the outskirts of Crucita and and northern bank is part of the town of San Jacinto. Learn more about the Boca.
San Jacinto/San Alejo/San Clemente
The three small fishing towns of San Jacinto, San Alejo and San Clemente blend into one another along sleepy beaches that come alive during weekends and holidays. Palmazul, an upscale resort in San Clemente and the accompanying condos have helped to attract foreign visitors and investors alike. View a street map of San Jacinto to San Clemente with restaurants and points of interest.
Bahia de Caraquez
The city of Bahia is a resort town popular with expats and upper-class Ecuadorians alike. It has a permanent resident population of ~20,000 and sits on the southern side of the beautiful Chone River and Estuary. Learn more about the city of Bahia.
San Vicente
San Vicente is a small, yet bustling city that sits on the northern side of the bay, across the bridge from Bahia. Learn more about the city of San Vicente.
Canoa
Canoa is fast becoming a top coastal destinations for both tourists, expats, and real estate investors in Ecuador. And it is not surprising due to its expansive sandy beaches, great surfing, and cliffs that create ideal conditions for paragliding. Learn more about the town of Canoa.