Ecuador fishing in Playa Prieta portoviejo

Ecuador fishing in Playa Prieta Portoviejo

 Fishing in the Pond 

Everyone has a fear of something, mine being sharks, but where I went this day puts a whole new spin on fear: snake territory, anacondas!! 

After a cracking day with the Loors at the ranch , we planned to go fishing. Not your normal fishing trip that you are used to at home, using rods etc! 

But this I found interesting: we had 4 poles with a net attached to them, stuck into the middle of the pond, then 1 guy with a small net in his hand and 4 others swimming around in the water.

It took me 30 minutes to get the balls to jump in the water, as this area was renowned for snakes, not to mention the walk to the pond, which involved walking through reeds and trenching through dirt up to my waist in some areas. 
Any how! I was shown how to catch a fish with my bare hands by digging deep under the water! I caught one, but was no match for the experts. It took them just under an hour to catch 25 fish. UNBELIEVABLE! 
I heard a scream from the corner of the water! My heart was in my mouth! Was it a snake grabbing the lad?
No, it was a shrimp! Ha ha! I think the lads are flipping crazy, digging their hands into the bank side. Anything could bite or grab you, but the scream was a shrimp nipping the lad with its claws.
 It is a normal process to catch them, so they said. Two minutes later, another yelp. What a whopper. This shrimp must have grabbed him right on the chest. 
5 shrimp with the 25 fish,not bad for an hour's effort! 
We then packed up and trenched back through the reeds and back to the Loors, where we then had a fish supper! Rico! delicious! That was what it tasted like, but everything tastes great when it is free! wouldn't you agree? 
So to conclude this post, I didn't see any snakes, I learned something new, and what an experience to save in the memory bank. Ecuador fishing in Playa Prieta portoviejo

Ecuador Manabi Day at the Ranch!

I went to my friend's ranch the other day, just outside of Portoviejo. What a place. It was about the size of Newcastle, a large city back home in the UK. The place is covered with trees, plants, and eye-catching beauty spots. This truly was paradise. 
The journey began by visiting my friend's family house, where they have the luxury of coconut trees, mango trees, and other fruits right on their doorstep! Who needs to go to the supermarket when you have all of this? 
After drinking the water from a coconut, by the way, It was time to head up the mountain in my truck with the Loor family.!

  
The roads were very steep and narrow, overlooking the cliff edge! Great views all the way to the top! 
When we got there, we said hello to the locals, who were very warm people. Before we ventured into the back of beyond, I had the opportunity to hold a few wild birds. 
I was amazed by the ranch as soon as we began walking through the forest. Senor Loor explained and guided me through the ranch, showing me what produce he has, what has been used and what is growing now! 

First I was shown the orange trees and banana trees, which we gathered a few bags of and tasted! Then I was shown the coffee plants at early stages and blooming stages, very interesting as I had never seen this before. Chocolate plants were then shown to me and a demonstration entailed sucking the outter pips, thus providing us with the beans. For the chocolate process to begin, pips must be dried out in the sun,as do the coffee beans. Pictures illustrate this.

COFFEE PLANT!

 Cacao plant!

It was quite hot up there and I was parched like everyone else was, so we headed further into the forest to find a pool of water which ran from under the ground. It was the best mineral water I had tasted and very cold!, rehydrating and feeling fresh. We headed for the sugar cane plants, ripped the bark off with a machete, then sucked the sugar from the plant. There was so much more to see ,but doing all of the above had been time consuming!
It was the best experience of my life to be able to do this mini adventure, which brought me as close to the Amazon rainforest as I will ever get! 

We loaded up the truck with the fruit we had picked and back down the mountain we went! 
If ever you come to Portoviejo and are interested in having the same experience as I had, we can arrange this for you. Even if you are not in it for the information on products, at least you will get some spectacular photos, and really appreciate where you are at that time!. My next entry will be another trip fishing in a pond SNAKE TERITORY!

Ecuador visa guide and requirements for Resident and Non resident Visas!!

Ecuador visa!

There are two general categories of visas:

1-Non-Resident

2-Resident (immigrant).

 

Any person from any country can enter Ecuador with a 12-X visa (which is a tourist visa) for a period of 90 days. I did this by having my current passport, which was valid for at least 6 months, along with my return ticket and a simple form you fill out on the plane! The process is easy upon arrival; once your passport gets stamped at the airport, a few questions may be asked as to where you are thinking of going, just general security measures. It happens to everyone, so don't worry.!

Resident visas!

Ok this process can be obtained in many ways, so i will try to keep this simple!

Real estate!

Real estate and securities investors who are willing to invest in Ecuador a minimum of 25,000, usd plus  500 usd for each family dependent. now for example you buy a house for 25000 dollars and thats it right? wrong! before you buy a house or business, you must get it valued as you may pay 25,000 dollars but it is only valued at 20,000 in the province that you are in! meaning you are 5k short.

so my advice is before committing, ask a lawyer or even speak to the correct department, for a value of the property you are thinking about buying!

If all works out well value being 25k +, Then Congratulations life is allot easier for you now, for a list of properties that will guarantee you residence check out my buyers guide

If you have the cash another option is having 25k put in an Ecuadorian bank, and leave it for a year . this can give you residence also.

There are many lawyers around Ecuador,that prepare you for your required visa! but not all speak English. which can be your main problem. But there are English speaking lawyers i know, which are located in Quito, Ecuadors capital and also Manabi, which is where i am now!

I shall go into more depth with the visa scenario for other applications, but in the meantime here is the contact info of a lawyer in Manabi we know! Very friendly and happy to go through the process with you!

Abogada

Carmen Garcia Alava

Direct emails

 viviangarcia12@yahoo.es

vivigarcia12@hotmail.com

 

Discovering Tranquil Shores: San Clemente Beach, Manabí (Your Midweek Escape)

When the weekday tranquility calls for a beach escape here in Manabí, my go-to spot is undoubtedly San Clemente. You'll often find me loading up the quad bike onto the back of the truck and heading straight for its peaceful shores.

My usual ritual involves parking right outside Meier's Bar. It's a fantastic little establishment run by Meier, a friendly German fellow who made Ecuador his home about ten years ago and set up shop right here. It's the perfect place to start your beach day with a couple of ice-cold beers and some delicious food – trust me, the fresh fish on his menu is a real treat!

Fuelled up and ready for some sun and sea, the beautiful stretch of San Clemente beach is just steps away. Whether you fancy a leisurely stroll along the sand, a refreshing dip in the Pacific waves, or just soaking up the quiet atmosphere, it's the ideal place to unwind and recharge during the week.

More to Discover about San Clemente Beach:

• Part of a Larger Coastal Area: San Clemente is located within the larger coastal area known as San Jacinto-San Clemente. These two towns blend almost seamlessly and share a long, continuous beach. San Jacinto, the northern part, is known for its slightly more developed tourist infrastructure, while San Clemente retains a more laid-back and local feel.
• Whale Watching Opportunities: Between June and September, the waters off the coast of Manabí, including San Clemente, become a migratory route for humpback whales. Keep an eye out for boat tours offering incredible whale-watching excursions during this season.
• Local Fishing Community: San Clemente has a strong connection to the local fishing community. You'll often see colorful fishing boats pulled up on the sand, and fresh seafood is a staple in the local restaurants.
• Artisanal Crafts: Take some time to explore the small shops and stalls in San Clemente. You might find unique artisanal crafts and souvenirs made by local artisans.
• Birdwatching Paradise: The diverse coastal ecosystem around San Clemente attracts a variety of bird species, making it a pleasant location for birdwatching enthusiasts. Keep an eye out for pelicans, frigatebirds, and various shorebirds.
• Relaxed Atmosphere: Unlike some of the more bustling beaches in Manabí, San Clemente is known for its calm and relaxed atmosphere, making it particularly appealing for those seeking tranquility.

So, if you're looking for a peaceful beach day in Manabí, skip the weekend crowds and head to San Clemente. Grab a bite and a beer at Meier's, and then enjoy the simple pleasures of this lovely Ecuadorian coastline

http://youtu.be/fjUDl8w3MNg

Next video is my mate`s first time out on the quad, in San Clemente, then I went to Bahia another beach next to the party zone known as CANOA
http://youtu.be/_vCsRwK-hF8

Crucita, Ecuador: Manabí's Lively Beach Escape (Just Outside Portoviejo & Manta)

Looking for a vibrant beach scene in Ecuador's Manabí province? Look no further than Crucita! Situated conveniently between Portoviejo and Manta, this popular stretch of coastline transforms on weekends into a bustling hub, attracting locals and visitors alike. The long beach is lined with a fantastic array of restaurants and bars, offering everything from fresh seafood to refreshing cocktails, all within earshot of the waves. For the adventurous, water sports and exhilarating paragliding opportunities abound.

The beauty of Crucita is its versatility. During the week, you can experience a completely different atmosphere – a tranquil haven perfect for unwinding, soaking up the equatorial sun, and enjoying a peaceful swim in the Pacific. Then comes the weekend, and the energy shifts. It's the ideal spot to meet up with friends, as I often do, for a few cold beers and plenty of laughter under the warm Ecuadorian sky.

Don't miss Sundays in Crucita! It's a fascinating time to witness the local fishermen, the hardworking "grafters," as they bring in their daily catch. You can watch them haul the fish ashore and expertly clean them, ready for sale – a real glimpse into the local way of life.

I've made some great friends in Crucita over the years. Here are a few photos from a recent reunion with some of the lads I met last year. As you can probably tell, it was a lively affair with plenty of drinks and good times! It reminds me of my friends back home – always up for a laugh and great company. Of course, there's always that one who gets a little too enthusiastic with the drinks early on!

Interesting Facts about Crucita:

• Paragliding Hotspot: Crucita is renowned as one of the best paragliding destinations in South America, thanks to its consistent coastal breezes and stunning cliffside launch points. You'll often see colorful paragliders soaring above the beach.
• "Ciudad de los Vientos" (City of Winds): Due to its reliable winds, Crucita is also popular for other wind-related sports like kitesurfing and windsurfing.
• Local Economy: Fishing plays a significant role in Crucita's local economy, and the Sunday fish market is a testament to this. You'll find a wide variety of fresh seafood available.
• Growing Tourism: While popular with locals, Crucita is increasingly attracting international tourists seeking a more authentic and less crowded beach experience compared to some of the larger resorts

                                                                  

             

  

  















     

Exploring the Wild Side: A Day Trip to the Guayllabamba Zoo near Quito

Our adventure took us north of Quito today to visit the Guayllabamba Zoo! What should have been a straightforward drive from the south of the city turned into a bit of a scenic detour – let's just say we enjoyed the local roads for a good couple of hours before finally arriving!

Despite the initial navigational challenges, the reward was well worth it. The Ecuadorian sun was beating down, making a refreshing helado (ice cream) inside the park an absolute must! The zoo is home to a fascinating collection of exotic animals, many of which were completely new to me, alongside familiar sights like lions and tigers. What really struck me was the excellent condition of the animals – they all appeared fit, healthy, and full of energy!

Beyond the impressive animal collection, the zoo itself offers fantastic photo opportunities and some truly breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. It's definitely a day trip to consider if you're in the Quito area. I even had the chance to chat with fellow travelers from the US, Italy, and Germany, all equally captivated by the wildlife and scenery.

For those needing refreshments, there are several snack bars conveniently located throughout the zoo complex. However, on our way back south to Quito, we decided to stop off in a nearby town for a bite to eat and a well-deserved beer after our day of exploration. Then it was back on the road for the (hopefully less circular!) journey home.

Did you know? The Guayllabamba Zoo, officially known as the Quito Zoo, is actually located in the Pichincha province, specifically in the Guayllabamba parish, which is northeast of Quito. It's one of the largest zoos in Ecuador and plays an important role in wildlife conservation and environmental education. The zoo focuses on native Ecuadorian species, showcasing the country's incredible biodiversity, from Andean condors to Amazonian jaguars. They also participate in breeding programs for endangered species and rescue and rehabilitate animals. Keep an eye out for information about their conservation efforts during your visit!. https://quitozoo.org/

 

  

  

      

  

Saturday Morning Bargains at a Quito Sur Market: A Feast for the Senses (and the Wallet!)

This Saturday morning, I joined my friend Carlos bright and early – around 6 am – for a trip to one of the vibrant markets in Quito Sur. Let me tell you, the sheer volume of fresh produce and goods on offer was astounding! The haul we brought back could easily sustain a family for well over a month. The key to a successful shopping trip here? Don't be shy about a little haggling on some of the prices!

Honestly, it felt like absolutely everything imaginable was right there in front of me. We're talking glistening fresh fish, golden honey, sweet plátano, and a dazzling array of exotic fruits I'd never even seen before. One of the most delightful surprises? Vendors actually offering you samples of the fruit to taste before you make a purchase! I could have wandered through the bustling aisles all day, soaking in the atmosphere.

By the time we were done, Carlos's car was practically overflowing with fruit, fish, rice, and a rainbow of other fresh vegetables. And the best part? The total cost was incredibly reasonable. The amount of food we got for our money would barely buy half as much back in the UK – a comparison that still blows my mind.

To give you a real sense of the incredible variety and vibrant atmosphere, check out some of the photos I snapped at the Quito Sur market! You'll get an idea of the amazing fresh food and local treasures on offer.