That $50,000 Beach Home IS Out There…

Ecuador's coast is the most overlooked and undervalued coast in the Americas.

It was another flaming Pacific sunset, as we sat down to a delicious meal of grilled sea bass and camarones al ajillo, a succulent dish of shrimp, roasted with freshly-chopped garlic cloves and olive oil. Darkness came quickly, as it does on the equator, and from our seat at the edge of the open-air restaurant in the Atamari hotel in Puerto López we could soon hear, rather than see, the waves crashing on the face of the cliff far below.

But then a moment of panic, as we heard something approaching through the brush just on the other side of the handrail. Without warning, the head of a donkey emerged from the darkness and stretched across the small table. In one smooth motion--before I could jump away--she snatched the fresh flowers from between our place settings and withdrew, munching happily. She then took a drink of water from the swimming pool, stepped over a sleeping Labrador, and calmly walked away.

I mention this to illustrate that the coast of Ecuador is different, and quite apart from anything you’ve encountered in the more developed Pacific coastal resorts from California to Chile.

But let me say this, to those of you who are ready to leave the rows of highrises behind: The coast in Ecuador is without a doubt, the most overlooked and undervalued coast left in the Americas.

Think that’s a strong statement? It is. But I’ll guarantee you that it’s one you’re going to think back on as years go by. Think about it, and consider what came to pass in Costa Rica, Panama, and Nicaragua. What ever happened to those $50,000 beachfront lots, and the inexpensive beachfront homes? Sure, there are good buys in those countries, but the days of the pocket-money beachfront lot in those countries are gone…and gone forever.

Not so in Ecuador. Just 3 hours, and 50 minutes south of Miami, a few smart readers are buying up properties, but by and large, the Ecuadorian coast is being ignored. For no good reason. I traveled this coast a number of times, and was truly amazed by mile after mile of undeveloped, pristine beaches, dotted with small fishing villages, surfer towns, and dramatic cliffs. The property values are astonishing, but one thing I never found was a reliable, trustworthy, English-speaking contact who could keep those deals coming regularly.

But that’s changed now, and it’s changed in a big way. Today there are experts in place traveling the coast from end to end, seeking out the best of what the Ecuadorian beaches have to offer.

To cite an example, there’s an eight-mile stretch of beach near Olón, that’s good for swimming, boogie boarding, or just hours of beachcombing. Glistening in the sun, there’s a pristine, white, two-story house with natural wood trimmings, right down to the beautiful bar in the courtyard. The Pacific sunset is right off your deck. It’s going for just $50,000. Property taxes? Only $200 a year.

In the market for something a little larger? A friend just sent me pictures of a large, 3,000-square-foot beachfront home on the central coast of Ecuador. The house has gleaming tile floors throughout, a spiral staircase with brass railings, marble counters, and stained glass windows. To top it off, there’s even a deck with a Jacuzzi that overlooks the ocean sunsets. It’s nicely landscaped, has an outdoor bar and cooking area, and fountains inside and out. The asking price is $180,000. This home does not look across the road to the beach; it’s right on the sand.

Are you more interested in a condo? I know of a two-bedroom, two-bathroom model with killer views that has been on the market for a while, so they may be willing to negotiate on the $75,000 price. Just an hour from the international airport, the new building has a gym, two large pools, a bar, indoor parking, and a private beach.

If you’d really like to get to know the Ecuadorian coast, I’ve got just the resource for you. At the end of his last trip, David Morrill sat down and wrote a special online report called South America’s Last Coastal Frontier. It’s a report that I personally have wanted to see for years now; a timely report, given the rise in beach properties everywhere else.

If you’ve ever considered buying property on a tropical coast--not just Ecuador, but any tropical coast--this report is indispensable. Read it before you put your real estate money anywhere else. More on this later.

First, let me give you a feel for the character of Ecuador, and try to explain what you can expect if you’re considering this country as a potential retirement destination or for the location of your second home. When I first moved here in 2001, we joined up with a group of local friends from the area, and took a ride to the coastal-plain town of Zaruma. On the way, we made the sharp turnoff from a small country road into the brush, and started to climb. After a brief pause to shift into four-wheel drive, we continued ascending through fields of lemons, bananas, and finally sugar cane. The road narrowed even more and finally disappeared altogether as we entered a clearing near the top of the mountain. The Land Cruiser crawled over a deep bed of discarded sugar cane stalks, and we pulled to a stop near an ancient cane-press powered by an antique Briggs and Stratton engine.

Just behind this enclosure we could see the telltale wisp of wood smoke indicating the presence of a “still” just out of sight. As we got out of the truck we were greeted by a middle aged couple emerging from their bamboo house. We noticed an old man back at the still, tending a wood fire under a used 55 gallon oil drum as the clear, anis-scented Mallorca sugar cane liquor dripped from the other end. After exchanging pleasantries all around and having the sugar operation explained, we gathered on wooden stools around the still, and sampled the hot Mallorca as it dripped into our small cups from the copper tubing. As we sat around the fire talking, the sun slowly went down and I knew it was an experience that would be with me forever.

And although this kind of experience is not why I moved to Ecuador, it’s the reason I stayed.

To be honest, I originally came for other reasons.

I came because I could buy a 5,000-square-foot home in the nicest part of the city for just $151,000--because I could live like a wealthy person on just over $1,000 per month. I liked the idea of paying virtually no property tax and no income tax.

I was attracted because I could have a healthy, fixed-price lunch with dessert for under $1.50, and spend under 50 bucks for a nice dinner for two--wine included--in the city’s best restaurant. Diesel fuel for my car is just $1.03 per gallon and regular gas is $1.48.

I enjoy gorgeous, spring-like weather every day of the year, in a climate that’s never too hot or too cold, while benefiting from the health benefits--and savings--of having no heat or air conditioning in the house. The sun rises and sets at the same time all year, allowing your body to fall into a rhythm with your environment and stay there. We don’t even have daylight savings.

And I particularly enjoyed giving notice of my retirement at the age of 48, even though I made less money than most of my peers back in the U.S., and had less of a nest egg.

These are the things that originally brought me here, and most likely, they’re what will draw you, to the promise of a relaxed, healthy lifestyle, an early departure from work life, and a standard of living that would be impossible in most of the world. The promise of your pension check stretching farther than you could imagine.

You may want to enjoy a comfortable, active, and early retirement. Or maybe you’re more interested in a second home on a beautiful undeveloped tropical coastline for $50,000. Perhaps you’re ready to reinvent yourself overseas with an import-export business, a restaurant, or a line of work that you could only dream about before.

But while these obvious things will attract you to Ecuador, they’re just the beginning.

In the end, you’ll stay for the jungle…

There’s nothing quite like traveling deep into the Amazon basin, riding a small dugout canoe in its headwaters, or hiking its trails. While living in Ecuador, this profoundly mysterious land will be at your fingertips: an easy hop or a day’s drive from just about anywhere in the country. For a real out-of-culture experience, try staying with a host indigenous village as they go about their daily life…a trip that’s easy and inexpensive to arrange.

You’ll stay for the Andes…

Cruising along the continental divide, with jagged peaks rising between the lush, green valleys is a driving experience like none other. Friendly farmers will wave as you pass, taking a break from tending their crops and animals as they’ve done for hundreds of years, while llamas peek inquisitively from the brush.

I have yet to grow tired of the Andean culture, with its colorful markets, festivals, and people who remain proud of their indigenous heritage. Some expats want their overseas experience to be as much like the U.S. as possible, while others want something dramatically different. In Ecuador, you’ll know you’re in a new environment.

You’ll stay for the Galapagos…

From the time you land on the Galapagos Islands, you’ll know that you’re in an environment that’s unique on this planet. You’ll see miles of pristine beaches with pure white sand, sparkling blue waters, and wildlife that has evolved nowhere else in the world…wildlife that you can see up close and that knows no fear of man. Ninety seven percent of the Galapagos Islands are a national park, and serve as one of the world’s foremost wildlife preserves, with only 3% available for private ownership. As you might expect, a fair number of IL readers already own property here.

The best part is that as a resident, you’ll be able to fly to Galapagos for half price…and then enjoy an 80% discount off the park entrance fee.

You’ll stay for the colonial cities…

Both Quito (the nation’s capital) and Cuenca (its most beautiful colonial city) are UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and qualify as one of the world’s few remaining Spanish colonial treasures. As you walk Cuenca’s cobblestoned streets, you’ll feel like you’ve traveled back in time.

You’ll stay for Vilcabamba…

Whether or not you choose to live or buy a second home in Vilcabamba, I’m sure you’ll never get tired of visiting. I bought a second home here in 2002, and the magic of this enchanted valley has only grown stronger over the years. You won’t find a healthier lifestyle or a more comfortable environment. I’ve maintained for years that Vilcabamba has the world’s best weather, and no one has come close to proving me wrong, or even coming up with anything close. They claim that Vilcabamba has the largest percentage of people over 100 years of age of anyplace in the world, and after one visit to this mystical valley, you’ll see why.

…Or you’ll stay for the beaches

The beaches of Ecuador are the last frontier for the foreign expat. These days, IL readers can be found all around the country, with the exception of the coast.

But that’s about to change. Once people get their hands on David’s new special report, South America’s Last Coastal Frontier, new expats will inevitably move in that direction, and things will change. As always, those who are first on the scene will get the best selection, the best deals, or the best returns on their investment.

This special report is not for sale. But you’ll get it absolutely free, with your purchase of Ecuador: The Owner’s Manual.

I’d consider South America’s Last Coastal Frontier to be worth every penny of the $69 that you’ll pay for the Owner’s Manual, all by itself. But when you order the Owner’s Manual, you’ll be getting so much more.

Ecuador: The Owner’s Manual can lead you to a life you could only dream of until now.

Just when you thought that the days of the $16,000 apartment were gone…

In Quito you can still find a 3,500-square-foot Spanish colonial available two blocks from Plaza San Francisco, selling for just $55,000, complete with typical 18th-century courtyards. You’ll see a 6,000-square-foot fixer-upper for only $70,000 or a brand new 1,000-square-foot condominium for just $28,000.

In Ecuador: The Owner’s Manual, you’ll meet the contacts who can put you on track for properties like these…

How about this secluded mountain retreat? It’s a four-year-old cottage on 2.5 acres just outside Cuenca, Ecuador’s premier colonial city. The well-built, 1,300-square-foot house features a bar, stone fireplace, and fabulous views over the Tarqui valley. You can feed your llamas, horses, or cattle in the lush pasture in front of the house, and they’re only asking for $38,000.

Also outside Cuenca, there’s a fabulous mini-hacienda in semi-tropical Paute, with 2.4 acres, four buildings, fabulous views, a productive fruit orchard, and spacious terrace. The four structures include the living quarters with glass-roofed sitting room; a two-story party or meeting house with verandas on two sides; guest or caretaker’s quarters; and a chapel. Total living space is 6,490 square feet and includes three kitchens, four bathrooms, and seven bedrooms. The orchard and gardens produce star fruit, apples, tree tomatoes, avocado, pears, and raspberries. The asking price? Just $85,000.

In the city of Cuenca itself, a good friend of mine named Mike just found himself a new one-bedroom apartment, with a great view of the jagged Andean peaks of El Cajas national park. He paid only $16,000! Even more surprising, his condo fees are only $15 per month…his taxes just $58 for the YEAR.

In Ecuador: The Owner’s Manual, you’ll meet Mike, and the others who can line you up with properties like these…

How about a secluded haven in one of the world’s most idyllic locations? As you drive down the country road alongside the rushing Vilcabamba River, a left turn will take you into a hidden lane that leads to a secluded valley, surrounded by tall peaks on three sides and lush with natural vegetation. The owner of this giant panorama is selling a few parcels of 2.5 acres, tucked away within the valley. The price? Just $28,000 each.

If you’re looking for something already built, consider this: a large, two-story, modern home located just three blocks from the picturesque main square in the village of Vilcabamba. It has six bedrooms, with a separate entertainment building and courtyard. Due to the unique layout, the house can be configured as two apartments (so you can live in one and rent the other) or one large home. The asking price is just $87,500.

In Ecuador: The Owner’s Manual you’ll meet my friend Larry, who can show you these properties, as well as many others throughout the mystical Valley of Longevity.

If you’re a beach person, you’ll be in for a treat. Not only will the Owner’s Manual familiarize you with the coast and what it has to offer, but the brand new special online report, South America’s Last Coastal Frontier, will give you an in-depth, up-to-the-minute look at this precious commodity.

When you buy Ecuador: The Owner’s Manual, you’ll not only learn about the coast and its properties, but you’ll even meet fellow expats who can pick you up at the airport, and take you from one end of the coast to the other until you find your own dream spot.

I’ll put it simply: this book will do three things for you

First, it will introduce you to the country, its regions, its people, and its character. This broad overview is for people who want to learn more about Ecuador, to see if it’s really for them.

Next, it goes to the various regions for an in-depth look, including property and cost of living examples. This is for people who’ve decided they like the country, and want some hard details on what it’s going to cost to buy in Ecuador and to live there.

Third, the Owner’s Manual gives you the tools to make the move, from visas to pets, from the language to all the contacts you’ll need. For those who are serious, Ecuador: The Owner’s Manual will give you the no-nonsense, practical, “how-to” information you need to make the move to this paradise.

When you buy Ecuador: The Owner’s Manual, you get a complete tool kit covering everything from a regional country evaluation to residency

Personal contacts: This list alone could be sold as an independent publication, and could well be the most valuable part of the book. Whether you want a trustworthy, English-speaking lawyer in Quito, a good real estate agent in Cuenca, someone to take you on a property tour of the coast, a contractor, a Spanish school, a good hotel, or the best Spanish food in Guayaquil, you’ll find it on this list.

The language: you’ll get the ins and outs of Ecuadorian Spanish, including a real estate dictionary for property hunting.

Property purchase process: compiled by our expert legal team. You’ll know exactly what to expect, and what it’s going to cost.

Residency: Want to find out which visa is the best for you, and how to get it. In this section, you’ll find up-to-date information that’s far better than even the consular employees have at their disposal.

Bringing a pet: We’ve got the latest requirements on how to get them in without a hitch…or a quarantine.

Bring your household goods, duty-free: It’s not hard, but you’ve got to know the rules. We’ll spell it out for you step by step.

And perhaps best of all, you’ll hear the tales of those who have gone before you, so you’ll benefit from their experience, good or bad.

Thinking of starting an overseas business? A lot of fellow expats have come to Ecuador to do business, and many of them--including a number of IL readers--are doing quite well. Restaurant owners, exporters, and entrepreneurs of every stripe are in residence, and in Ecuador: The Owner’s Manual, you’ll hear their story. Also, you’ll hear our ideas on the best opportunities that are still out there.

But it’s not all business

While the book is loaded with indispensable, practical information, there’s a fun side too. You’ll find out the best places for eco-touring or birding; where to find leather, ponchos, jackets, blankets, silver jewelry, the best markets, and best days to go; you’ll learn of world-class, luxury spas, and where to find original Panama hats.

We’ll also give you a few insiders’ picks on where to stay, and where to eat. In fact, our hotel pick in Vilcabamba is just $8 per night…with breakfast. A hotel in the shadow of Ecuador’s highest peak (it’s actually a country ranch) with a roaring fireplace, steam baths, horseback riding, and white-water rafting...where you can stay overnight for about $55 a couple. Oh, and that includes three sumptuous meals.

We’ll tell you where to stay in Galapagos, and the best month to go.

The lowdown on practical matters…

The Insiders Guide to Ecuador. This will help you with setting up a bank account, paying utility bills, registering the car, or even buying a firearm. Whether you want to know what’s not in the grocery store, how to use the post office, or what to expect at the hairdresser, you’ll find it here.

Etiquette: This section will save you from many an embarrassing social situation by telling you the rules up front: rules that are unheard of in our culture, but important here.

Believe me; what you’ll read in this section is all stuff that I learned the hard way…

And when you’re ready to have a look at Ecuador for yourself…

Ecuador: The Owner’s Manual even helps you with planning of your exploratory trip to Ecuador. You’ll take a virtual tour around the country, taking advantage of travel tips concerning everything from car rentals, to airlines, to the bus system.

And we’ll also tell you about some fun things to do and see along the way.

You need to know if Ecuador is for you

Ecuador still enjoys about the lowest cost of living that you’ll find in any desirable country in the Americas, along with inexpensive housing and properties. Residency is easy to obtain, and income requirements are low. You’ll enjoy a freedom and lack of regulation that exists almost nowhere else.

But perhaps best of all, you’ll have a rich and exciting life, as you explore the Galapagos, the Amazon, the Sierra, and the coast. You’ll have it all, within a day’s travel, in one small country.

The way to find out if Ecuador is for you is to learn as much about it as you can. And the way to do that is to buy Ecuador: The Owner’s Manual.

If you’re even thinking about evaluating Ecuador further or planning a trip, this Owner’s Manual is an indispensable aid in your preparation

And I’ll take that a step further: If you’re considering retiring anywhere in Latin America, I think you should buy this book first, and get to know Ecuador before you make your final decision.

Let me give it to you straight and simple. Ecuador is one of the world’s most beautiful and diverse countries. You can find homes on the beach for $50,000, enjoy a beautiful house in the mountains for even less, or find an apartment for under $20,000. It has some of the world’s most beautiful colonial cities and a rich culture, and you’ll get by on a thousand bucks a month. This is a package that’s tough to beat.

What’s more, buying the Owner’s Manual is risk-free. You’re not risking a single penny

In case you think I’m giving you an unbiased opinion about Ecuador, be assured that I’m not. I’m anything but impartial, because even after five years, I still consider it the world’s best place to retire. As far as I’m concerned, nothing compares.

But in case you don’t agree with me, this book--and Ecuador itself--come with a money-back guarantee. If you buy Ecuador: The Owner’s Manual and decide that the country is not for you, just send it back: your money will be refunded, no questions asked. Further, if you explore Ecuador and don’t like the country, you can still send the book back for a refund (less a handling fee in both cases). And this isn’t just for 30 days, it is a lifetime guarantee.

Either way, you’re free to keep South America’s Last Coastal Frontier as IL’s gift to you. But be quick. The coastal opportunities detailed in it are limited, and market conditions will change as visitors begin to buy. So order now, and secure your copy of South America’s Last Coastal Frontier today.

Just click here...and before you know it, you’ll be exploring the incredible potentially life-changing opportunities that Ecuador has to offer.

Sincerely,

Lee Harrison
Roving Latin America Editor, International Living

P.S. Before I actually made the move, I was an IL reader like you. I went to my job every day, but dreamed of retiring overseas. Reading a book like this inspired me to turn that dream into reality before I was 50. Don’t get me wrong: I liked my job a lot. But I like this better. I’ve never looked back. Order Ecuador The Owner's Manual here.