Our Take on Quito Ecuador (after living there for 2 years)
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- čas přidán 20. 10. 2023
- For the past 2 years since we left Manta, we have received several messages or comments each day asking where we live. Well, it's finally time for the big reveal, which may surprise you!
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I see some expats complaining about the "cloudy weather" of some parts of Ecuador. Actually we all thank God it is that way. The sun light in this part of the world is so strong that if we wouldnt have those protecting clouds, the plant life would be scorched almost to death, not to mention our skin!
Quito was quite the education for me in scams. I had the hotel call a cab to take me downtown -- a five dollar ride. He takes me on a tour of the city, pretending not to understand when I ask questions, and charges me $40 at the end. No sooner do I get out than I'm approached by a little old man who speaks English and claims to have taught high school history in the state I was from. He offers to take me on a walking tour of the old town -- no charge but I can give him anything I want if I care to. About 20 minutes later, when he'd led me into the store of one of his cronies where I was expected to buy something, I realized I was being scammed again and left. Gave him $20, which he complained was insufficient. I know -- they saw me coming, so learn from my naivete. Understand that if you are a tourist there you are a mark, pure and simple. Don't get into a cab without making it clear exactly where you are going and what you will pay.
This happens in every country. It’s not unique to Ecuador.
I find that Ecuador is one of the countries where people will rip you off the least… the cabs will rip locals off as well, so most people avoid the yellow cabs and stick with Uber. Sorry to hear of your bad experience, but I do honestly think that most people generally want foreigners to have a nice time and will go out of their way to help.
@@guayaquilindependiente8763 Thank you for the thoughtful reply. I subsequently spent two weeks in Cuenca and no one tried to rip me off, but if I were ever in Quito centro again I'd keep a close eye on my wallet.
As for whether this happens in "every country," Maybe, but doubtful. Cabs are highly regulated in places like Scandinavia. I've taken cabs in about 30 different countries, some at the same level of development as Ecuador. I encountered predatory cabbies in Romania and Serbia (though the Serb cabbies were up front about charging you more than standard). They charged about double the normal rate to go from the airport or train station to your destination. But the only phony, unrequested tour was in Ecuador. And the little old man -- he was a trip. Watch out for the old scoundrel; he'd be about 80 now. He's a smooth operator.
Hahaha ! Bet you DON'T speak a word of Spanish ! This happens in EVERY foreign country, when Americans show up. Most foreigners think we are all RICH, and only on vacation. So they try to gouge us with the "gringo price" and every other scam you can imagine. SPEAKING SPANISH is a NECESSITY if you intend on living full-time abroad. Either that, or plan on moving to an English speaking country. But the scams will still be there.
@@AmeliaAndJPTrue. I'm from Ecuador and I got scammed twice, as a tourist, in Paris.
Congratulations Amelia and JP on reaching 102k subscribers.
I think it's great that you are experiencing all the different areas of Ecuador and finding the spot that really feels like home. You've always waxed poetically about Cuenca so it's no surprise you're heading back there. Thanks for the update and info and revealing your 'mystery' living location. My curiosity was going a bit bonkers wondering where you have been living. Please share more real estate videos because they are so fun and my favorite content that you post. I adore house hunting and dreaming through your videos.
It's so nice to see this part of Ecuador and another part of the world that most people will never visit but see it from a personal perspective. It's like traveling without leaving your house and enjoying another part of the Ecuador. I wished it wasn't so far from my home because Mexico is such a convenient short flight but so much more expensive than other countries. Thanks for your videos because they are so refreshing and informative.
Thanks! Glad you enjoy them! 😊
Mexico is cheaper than most countries. Stay away from touristic areas like Cabo, Cancun, or Puerto Vallarta.
@@ernesttorres4059 Too late ,I 'm heading to PV for a week in December and got a great package deal and looking forward to some time away from our cool weather below freezing now. It's too convenient to fly non stop to there in 5 hours of so and without food and excursions is less than 2K for 8 days for 2 of us. I know that there are so many places in Mexico and Ecuador that are great places to visit or live and would love to find someone to travel to Ecuador that is more adventurous or a group to travel with.
The flight from Miami to Quito is only about four hours and the new Quito airport is very nice. The whole experience of getting in and out, through customs and everything, I find much more pleasant than Mexico City airport. Then there are numerous great destinations a short drive from the Quito airport or several daily flights to Cuenca, etc.
Excuse me guys to correct you about Quito’s weather: Quito’s mornings are most of the year sunny and 22-24 of warm. After 3pm it gets chili. Hope I helped here 🌸
Was not expecting all the Juan Valdez cafés - didn't realize they had expanded outside of Colombia.
I fell in love with Cuenca when I was there. Stayed across the street from Picarri at Alcazar . . . as a chocolate maker, are you kidding me? I got to wake up, walk across the street and eat chocolate in front of a chocolate waterfall in the land of chocolate . . . I mean . . . Ecuador. Yes. Please.
Yum! 😋
Yeah it was a big draw for me considering Ecuador. I'm winding up in Montreal so can score decent chocolate there but not the same!
It was so neat to actually meet you in the Quito airport last May. We were living in Cuenca back then and even saw you again with the owner of Paradise Indian restaurant (she and her family are so amazingly sweet!!) as we were eating at the Pio Pio next door. Since then, however, we've moved to Mindo. We bought land there and are planning on building a Casa and a Casita for family, friends and maybe a little air bnb here and there. The altitude is much better for my wife, and the wildlife there is just amazing. (The mosquitos are vicious!) Currently in the US to make a little extra money to build and will build when I return in March. I miss Ecuador!!! Thank you for another wonderful video. My oldest son will be moving to Quito in April of next year, so I will be sharing this video with him for some reference. Wishing you two the best life! (Sorry about your allergies, but your backyard is stunning!)
Mr. JP & Mrs. Amelia:
Tks., much appreciated.
9:23 so happy to see you guys, and to see you still loving living in Ecuador.
We'll be in Ecuador next week on an exploratory. Quito isn't even on the radar and this video just reinforces that decision.
So glad that you still stay in Ecuador, God bless.
My birthplace! We lived on Tamayo near the Swiss Hotel. One of my grandmother's paintings is in the permanent collection of the Colonial Museum. Enjoy Quito!
How cool!
I appreciate and love you you both. You changed my life as I plan to migrate within a year 9 had to push one year) I spent 5 days in quito on my discovery ttrip . I statyed in a beutiful air bnb and loved it and made a real great friend whom was my driverr . One day We went to Mindo on a day trip . WOW ! Mini-OMAMAwasi was the air BNB in the BellaVista Neighborhood. I wish you well on your upcomning adventures. Thank you so very much.
That is awesome!
Glad to see you guys posting again!
You mentioned Parque la Carolina in Quito. We lived a block from it when we lived in Ecuador. We were there when John Paul II visited Ecuador and celebrated an outdoor mass in the park.
Glad that JP kept his distance (albeit small distance) from the speeding bus. It's good to hear about where both of you have been living.
I am so glad you posted this information. My wife and I have a house in Bogota we bought about 30 years ago (she is duel citizenship, I'm a US expat). Now I think it's time to move (we went from COVID lockdown to security lockdown. I feel like with 1.7 million refugees there are likely to be some executive/military level criminals now). However we kind of like city life and we would feel more safe in a 24/7 guarded conjunto than a house in a village. . . .
Covid changed a lot of things. Ecuador is far less safe from drugs than in the past which is a real shame.
Congratulations! So glad to see that you all have found a great place that is comparable or perhaps better than Cuenca. If the city works for you, that is wonderful!
Love you guys. Your videos are always informative and entertaining. I think your heart is with Cuenca. You needed to try out other places to realize that is where you are the happiest. I wish you both well, and thank you for keeping us updated on your life, and your travels.
I like Quito and the surrounding area, I'll be there again next year as the big Floral Expo will be there again in 2024. Once I leave the USA I'm still kinda stumped as to where and in which direction I want to go. Working and being part of the Floral Industry I actually have a lot of options.
Yaruquí is the coolest area in the Quito area. Why oh why would you go to South America only to go to a cold climate, damp and crowded? Stay on the coast. Same weather, no meds for arthritic pain.
The weather in Quito would be a big negative for me. I want warm weather with little rain when I move.
We have been living in la Carolina and it is a delight and quite afordable.
Living in the valle de Los chillos is also very good.👍
Yes, I ended up near Quito as well, mostly for airport access, but for the reasons you mention. Cuenca is a cool place and its isolated.
Especially if they close the airport for 3 months to repair the runway.
Oy! Thank you for this tidbit.@@AmeliaAndJP
Are they actually closing the airport for three months? That sounds impossible. They can't divert air traffic back to the old airport in Quito as it's GONE.@@AmeliaAndJP
@@AmeliaAndJP wait what? Which airport? Easy airport access is a priority for us as well. Our latest schedule has us at the airport every two weeks (boy am I TIRED). That’s why, for example, I don’t think San Miguel de Allende would work for us.
it is nice, it is expensive,it is a bit safer.Glad you guys can take advantage of this little bubble. Cuenca is also beautiful, I wish I could move there although may be too tranquilo compared to Quito.!
You should do a cost of living expense analysis for comparison sake. We have our second Ecuador exploratory trip early next year but just came back from a Spain/Portugal one, and I think Europe is taking the #1 spot. We need to do more research on Spain taxes, but due to where we are from, it would only take two years to obtain citizenship.
Spain's global wealth tax is an absolute no go for us.
I just returned from both places. I might have to look for the next popular (or unpopular) destination as lots of people are piling in.
I was at Pacari just the other day and loved it!
Loving the flow of the video, and as always, great content and vibes.
I head a few slips into the past tense, so guessing you’re only sharing because you’ve left or quickly on the way to your other international travels! 😉 Smart cookies!
9,400'...OMG! We have been at sea level so long that it was an adjustment to be at 5,000' and then later at 7,000' in Patzcuaro, Mx. I guess 9,000' isn't too much of a leap after that but it the altitude changes certainly kicked our butts for a while. We think we're good to go exploring and living in central Mex. but also checking out places like Ecuador in case we decide to go elsewhere... Gracias por tu videos.
let me guess, Orange County, then Denver or Flagstaff area, then MX.
@@azdbuk Nope. None of the above.
yes, too high for healthy life. Up to 2km is ok, but 3km is too much. I feel exhausted walking uphill even at 1.7km.
It's great that you enjoyed your time there, when you get back from your travels, please take us house hunting with you.
The Quito area was my personal first choice over Cuenca actually! Gerald really liked Cuenca however and Cuenca was a very very close second for me so that’s how we chose it. Looking forward to seeing you around Cuenca at some point in the future!
They’re both good options, but Cuenca is significantly more affordable.
enjoyed the video, I like to visit the CumBUYa area for a minute now and then but not sure how you guys could stay there for two years! I have a great friend that lives and has a business there but he is an Ecuadorian so it's normal for him. LOT of traffic doesn't even begin to cover it - impossible to explain to anyone that hasn't been there lol - many years ago my Dad made a tape explaining that Italy had the craziest drivers in the world.....but he had never been to Quito
The traffic is crazy!
Hey ...I'm Italian living in the States but traveled to many other countries. After witnessing other countries driving , we Italians are total angels 😇 compared to others ! 😂😂😂😂
Nope did not wonder but nice vid and informative plus educational. Thanks
The Guayasamin Museum was the highlight of Quito for me
Yeah, there's no way I'd move to a city. High crime, very dangerous traffic, high cost of living, allergies and add really bad air pollution, I have all of those here. I'm really regretting that I didn't sell my house and do an extended visit in Ecuador (Olon area). I don't know why I think I can't do that this time of the year but, the thought of all of that when it's cold, dark most of the time and bad weather just seems impossible.
We met you on the Chaquiñan when you first arrived and were surprised to find out where you ended up. Glad the secret is finally out.
Thanks always for your excellent videos, which really helped me feel comfortable about coming here. I am now in Cuenca (my happy place) and my visa is in process. So I hope to meet you when you return here! Yer' awesome!!!!!
Nice video. Well done!
Cuenca my favorite place too! Haven't found a better city.
Amelia has learned the secret to aging backwards. Just beautiful.
Thanks for the video. Very interesting.
I think Ecuador is known for its medical tourism actually
She really is beautiful. 🥰
As always great video! You are still exploring and that’s great, you get a chance to know what each city & country is all about, kind of like nomads! I think I’d like Cuenca, Cotacachi or Panama…….hello from Phoenix 🌵🌞
So true!
Amo Ecuador ❤
We love Cuenca and we are staying in Cuenca.
When you return to Cuenca are you considering a place with lower altitude nearby or the charm of the city? There are some tradeoffs as you know but the the cold damp days were hard on me inspite of the many benefits of Cuenca, If you are traveling I can imagine it will be a great home base, but those bus drivers make it down to Loja and beyond, as you know. Wherever you decide I hope happiness and prosperity are constant companions for the humble Kansas boy and his lovely wife. Do they have Rock chalk in those Andes?
Gracias por compartir. Saludos desde el usa 🇪🇨
Exciting!
I thought you lived either in Quito or Cotacachi, good luck on your next move. I think you're going to love Portugal. Muchas bendiciones!
So back to Cuenca after the circle. Cuenca-Olon-Manta-Quito-Cuenca.
Greetings from Quito, Ecuador. I have lived here for over twenty years .The city has grown very much over the years,. Quito has gone from a small city, to a medium size city over the years. Much like yourselves Amelia and J.P. I would not go back to live in the states ever again. The recent elections for the president of Ecuador took a turn for the better, and the future looks promesing. Are you a chiropractor , who speaks Spaniish ? We should talk !
Like your look in this one, Amelia!
❤ can't imagine being hunted by followers even well intended you deserve your space on your terms
I'll be visiting Quito in a few weeks, mainly to resolve my curiosity. I need to finally check it out. I have spent a lot of time in Peru by comparison. Looking for somewhere to fall in love with. It's probably not Quito lol. I'm not sure what to think based on your comments and from information read online. I live at 5800ft with lots of sun currently. So the gray skies, cost, and potential for crime and danger just makes it sound so unappealing. I look to South America for affordability and clear cut benefits. Cuenca sounds a bit more livable? I will watch your videos on Cuenca. Thank you for all the helpful information and insight.
Have you visited Ibarra? We have been here 13 years and it is a very easy town to live in with many benefits.
It's hard to find info on Ibarra, but I'd like to check it out on my next trip.
@@kristiG5259 bien venido, we have an organic farm with a Laboratory that produces a microbiological inoculant...no fertilizers
Come back to my beautiful City Cuenca. ♥️♥️ the weather is beautiful now 😅
Gracias
Excellent video, thanks
Glad you liked it!
I remember the altitude was an issue for JP in Cuenca, and as Quito is even higher, is the altitude no longer a problem?
I've heard a lot about this area. I'm glad you feel safe there. That's very important. Plus it sounds like there is a lot to do, and lots of stores. You guys put in the hard work to be able to live in a more expensive place. So let's hear about your apartment. I'll bet it's pretty. Don't tell where though. Stay safe and I'm glad you're happy.
actually Ecuador's biggest city is Guayaquil
Yay, Cuenca! Still the best, IMO!
Didn't see that coming!
We recently spent a week in Quito and did the Teleferico the day after it re-opened. We enjoyed it and never felt unsafe, but we are definitely beach people. Did you keep your e-bikes? If so, are you getting as much use out of them as expected?
You guys are amazing! Amelia love your hair color it is beautiful, good luck and many blessings to both of you. 🙌
I was born in Cuenca, but living 37 yrs in NYC, but still love my Cuenca hermosa so much, so always say Cuenca is Cuenca.
This video is the first of yours I have seen so I don't know specifically about your politics but thank you for discussing your life in Ecuador without bashing the United States. It seems so many You Tubers cannot share the joys of their adventures without somehow making it some kind of judgment against another country.
thanks
Omg congrtas, looks amaizing
Kumbaya my lord, Kumbaya...sorry can't help it.
Thanks for this info on Quito. I'd have never guessed you were there all this time.
Sorry for an off topic question, but I have just started planning my exploratory trip and wonder if you think I should avoid traveling in Ecuador this January and February due to El Niño?
It’s difficult to know since we haven’t had an El Niño in several years. They are predicting more landslides but we don’t think it will be too bad in the cities.
is it easy to buy Indian food in Ecuador like dal, moong dal, red lentils, sesame oil, basmati rice and so on ?
I have been to Ecuador several times over the years. I specifically went to Manta because of JP and Amelia. We went there and came across a new development, Grand Manta Bay. Loved it so much we bought a condo in tower 2. Tower 1 and 2 are nearly sold out. Our condo is going to be completed in January 2025. We can’t wait. Right on the ocean. Quito isn’t for me. Too big of a city.
If you haven’t been to Manta, you should go. The city is growing by leaps and bounds.
Which city is not growing by leaps and bounds? It may eventually be too expensive and have growing issues.
sometimes i see in the news in quito, they still do the "pico y placa". is there a reason for that? I thought that was only during the pandemic
It’s also about traffic congestion and air quality.
I've been wondering forever!
Guys,
Can we get a video on Ecuadorean restaurant food? I’d love to see if the nation has delicious food.
What does one do when one gets to be 80, Move back? 65 years home country, 15 émigré country, and back to home country?
Yo tambien vivo en Quito es mi lindo Quito ❤
Always wanted to live in Ecuador but having a Sailboat and helped a friend went there to return a boat to thev USA. The marina on Salinas area were rude a the people also. Was not impressed at all. It is like Costa Rica they charge Americans more. Met a Filipina online when covid was slowing and relocating to the Philippines very early 2024 to Cebu city. Her family
Iives there also. Born in Denver and lived there for many years in Longmont and Fort Collins and earned 2 degrees. Worked on aircraft at the airport there. Most of my recreation was in thev mountains. Would not ever return. The Philippines are not inexpensive as you heard and yes if you are a foreigner prices are inflated. Many old expats live there and traffic very young province Filipinas and money goes to the parents. These old boys have very young Filipinas and brag of it, like 50 years younger. My girlfriend is 40 and younger than myself. My choice to relocate to is Portugal, Spain or Crete.
I was hoping we would see the house.
Great Video
I was going to guess Tumbaco - I was close
I think I'd like someplace quieter and cheaper. What about Vilcabamba?
Here’s a video about Vilca: ameliaandjp.com/vilcabamba-ecuador-pros-cons/
Yes to quieter and cheaper. I have looked online at Vilcabamba. Just like most places, some people love it, some people hate it, some people live there for a while and then something there starts to annoy them and they leave. The thing about Ecuador is there is so much variety packed into a relatively small space. I think Amelia and JP have the right idea of living one place for a while and then another. You can stay if you want to if you find a place you like.
Beautiful place lo live!!!
👌
It really is!
Hope you guys saw the Museum of the guy that turned his house into a Museum. It blew me away ...
Thank you, excellent vlog !!! No more Olon ? Aloha
Would you recommend an accommodation in Quito in a safe area near the historic district ?
A nice hostel or Bed and Breakfast
We will be visiting in January
Our rough idea is
A couple days in Each place
Quito
Bonos
Mindo
Otavalo
Throw me some ideas 😊
I don't know why this comes as a surprise to anyone. Both Cuenca and certain suburbs of Quito are the stereotypical places for Americans to move, in part because they take comfort in the many other Americans who are there too.
East Saint Louis! Gah.... I'm such a bad guesser.
It was so nice to see you guys post again! I have my eye on Ecuador for the future. Maybe spend part of the year in Ecuador, the other in Thailand. I speak Spanish and some Thai. Have lived in Thailand (highly recommended) but so far haven't ventured more south than Costa Rica in the Americas, but used to live in Spain. (also very highly recommended). The good thing is you all have your self-contained support system and also touch base back in the US. Very very important to keep that culture shock at bay.
Love this video. Not relevant to say but Amelia ur getting even prettier! If Ecuador doesn't feel as safe? Did Ajijic or Chapala or Guadaljara feel safer?
You guys look great! I wanna know if it's the better quality food or do you guys have a training plan?
Thanks! We’ve been eating a whole foods plant based diet for almost 8 years and the quality of produce in Ecuador is much higher than the US.
It’s getting dangerous there and lot of the country. My friend is from there and he left unfortunately.
Enjoy your time in Kansas.
Scala! ❤
Surprised I never run into you guys!
Why did you leave Cuenca?
Saludos, buen día.
Hola!
Is there anywhere else in Quito that's sunny and not as expensive? Lol.