English speaking Beach tour of Manabi

English speaking Beach tour of Manabi
From the last post about an English speaking guide in Manabi, I have had numerous emails ranging from where I would suggest living in Manabi to a request for some kind of English-speaking beach tour of Manabi that could be completed over a few days or even turn it into a week's worth of traveling, stopping over night at each beach. 

This is exactly what myself and Marlon are trying to achieve by showing you all of the lovely coastal areas that Manabi has to offer. You can decide for yourself. We don't need to sell it to you.

On this beach tour, which we are currently devising, you will have the opportunity to spend the day and night if desired, itinerary will consist of visiting potential property, walking along the beaches, and finding some areas of outstanding beauty for you to take pictures while soaking up that sea air. Stopping for a bite to eat, whether it is a light lunch and a beer or to taste what the coast has to offer.We will also arrange for you to ask questions of a few locals who will be happy to tell you about the area's history, what it has become, and what they believe it will be like in the future.

While doing all of this, if you wish to participate in any activities, such as boat trips to various islands, or even have a go at fishing, then this can be added to the list.

Every beach has its own uniqueness  By the time you have finished your tour, you will have found your desired hot spot.

So the answer to the first question (where I would suggest living in Manabi?) Really, this all comes down to you. There are plenty of areas to choose from. Either join an existing expat community or search for your own private retreat. For myself, I opted to live in Portoviejo. Why? The main reason was that beach life seemed too hot for me. It was great going for a few days, but full time I may have struggled.

Although most people go for the beach as their first choice, some tend to change their mind through factors such as climate and basic amenities. For example, you can check out my post on why live in Portoviejo over the beach, I shall look forward to your emails and please comment below, as there will be more coming soon once we have completed our packages for the English-speaking beach tour of Manabi.

English speaking guide in Manabi

English speaking guide in Manabi

Well, this is something I get asked a lot, and my answer is that I personally don´t know anyone who specialises in this field,

 so I got talking with my friend tonight, who is Ecuadorian and has lived in Manabi all of his life, and who also speaks English. I have sat on the fence for nearly 6 years, just minding my own business and enjoying family life, until now, when I feel the knowledge and contacts I have obtained can finally be put to good use. Help others.

We plan to look after tourists,who wish to vacation in Manabi ,and ensure they have the best holiday that money can buy,whether that be a relaxing beach holiday, an action packed holiday,tour of Manabi or simply to party and enjoy themselves.

  What can we do for you? An English-speaking guide in Manabi 

For starters, we will pick you up from the airport and sort out reasonably priced accommodation to suit your needs. Depending on your arrival and journey times, the first night you will want to off load and get some shut eye fresh for the next day,

What would you like to do? 

There are many options depending on the purpose of your visit, whether you are on holiday or looking to live here. 

Some like to view all of the coastal areas, take photos, do a bit of shopping,and learn more about the history and culture,more of a tourist holiday. 

Others come to let their hair down, forget their problems, and have a quiet peaceful holiday or to party a few drinks and dance the night away.

And potential future expats like to see what options are available to them. Can they fit into the community and live out their days here?

We will cater to any person's age or interests. Our main goal is to ensure you feel safe with us and you get the most out of your holiday. If you need legal advice regarding a potential move here, visas etc., then we will take you to our first choice lawyer who speaks English and will attend to your needs. 

Finding properties to buy or rent can be stressful if you don't know where to look, so we'll give you an idea of what to expect to pay for a house and what to avoid by showing you around new build projects, land, or houses that need finishing, which may also help you get your residency visa. if the purpose of the holiday is to relocate here.

If you search on Google for pricing of a tour guide, there is normally a set fee per day, normally up to $250 per day,but we will charge $50-100, with additional expenses paid for, such as petrol, food, and accommodation for the guide if you wish to move around. We will be competitive and hopefully a lot more reasonable than others. We want you to get value for your money, and if you enjoy your stay, then maybe you can recommend our services to others.

If this is something that is of interest to you, then leave a comment below or message me,simondo1981@live we would like to hear your input, and also answer all of your questions English speaking guide in Manabi
Before you visit check out this post on life in Manabi Ecuador Expats living in Manabi the truth!

Update start of our    beach tour of manabi post and new housing complex in Portoviejo  by the people who built the solca hospital

Where is Ecuador?

No idea where Ecuador is? Location of Ecuador, Ecuador is in South America between Colombia and Peru being there neighbours north and south, with Brazil being further east,sitting on the equator line, which is what led to the country being named Ecuador yes i am stating the obvious, but not many people know where the location of Ecuador is?
Here is detailed image

Ecuador got its name in 1463 when the Inca Empire began, but prior to this, the land consisted of many indigenous Indian tribes who were at war with each other most of the time.

The Spanish conquered Ecuador in the 16th century and brought Spanish colonial rule to the land over the next couple of centuries. 

Much of the indigenous tribes were literally wiped out due to illness, as the spanish brought over with them a mixture of small pox and measles.

The 18th century took its toll and Ecuador's hope for independence was looking slim as most of its cities were in total ruins, but after much blood shed over a long period of time, independence was achieved in 1830. The land was ruled over the next 140 years by military and various political groups.

Through it´s neighbours in Peru, Ecuador lost many territories conflicting with it´s neighbours in the early 1900´s, then also a border war in 1995 that wasn´t resolved until 1999.

There has been 7 presidents since 96, which shows sign of instability
Ecuador is split up into different areas, on the North west just under 1400km from Quito Ecuador´s capital city are the Galapagos islands, which attract a lot of tourism due to it´s wildlife and beautiful coast lines.
Quito is a very large city surrounded by mountains(Andes) and also volcanoes one being very active at present (Cotopaxi) the climate is cooler  and high up can be difficult to adjust to the climate with the altitude. sierra region

Down the east you have the oriente,which backs on to the Amazon rain forest, eco lodges and cabins are a popular attraction for tourists who wish for some adventure or just to get out of the cities. Amaon region

The west consists of  a lovely coastal area starting from Esmeraldas at the most northern point  down past Santa Elena  going through small fishing villages,some busy with tourism and others completely untouched  Coastal region
For more information on the North side and equater here

Here is a brief layout of these 3 regions,

To break it up some more here is a map of all the provinces, I live in the Manabi province the coastal area of Ecuador, but slightly inland  residing in a city called Portoviejo

Ecuador is quite a big country to explore ,so when visiting it is always good to have an idea on where it is you would like to be,  If life on the coast appeals to you then you can do some research on the villages and cities below that Manabi has to offer

The sucre highlighted in yellow seems to be an increasingly popular place for foreign expats to retire or begin their quest for beach life paradise little fishing villages such as crucita and san clemente you will find many foreigners living there.

For further information on areas in Manabi leave a comment and i shall get back to you, in the meantime you can browse through expat guides of ecuador  that will give you a further insight

Ecuador why living in Portoviejo has it´s benefits

This post will cover why living in Portoviejo has its benefits. 

So I have been living here for over 5 years and it is safe to say I know my way around the city, who to see if you have a problem of any sort and where the nice areas are.

I joined an expat page on Facebook as it interested me to see how many people are living close to me. From browsing, I found that there are only a few expats living in Portoviejo, who I have never met, as most live on the beach nearby.

When I was asked where in Manabi I lived, Portoviejo seemed like a big shock to everyone, all with the same question of why? 

Well, there are many reasons why I ended up living here rather than at the beach, and here they are.

Health San Clemente has nothing; maybe one doctor, but if you have a problem, you'll need to go to Portoviejo or even Manta for treatment. Portoviejo has many hospitals and clinics. The Solca specialises in cancer, along with other major illnesses. Many people come from all over the province for treatment here. Even the public hospitals, I feel, are at a decent standard with English-speaking doctors and just a general relief that you are in safe hands. There are trained specialists around the city. 

My doctor is a perfect example of someone who speaks English, is very well educated and looks after you as if you were some sort of celebrity. Everyone will have a different experience with hospitals. I have seen a few gringos complain about public hospitals and opt for the private or clinics, which are scattered around the city. If you have children, there are some brilliant paediatric doctors around, so really you have it all here and everything is generally close.

Shops In Portoviejo, there really is a shop for everything. In the centre of town, there are many outlets for electronics,clothes,car parts, specialist services, etc., which you won´t find at the beach, so you will have to come here at some point. There are numerous department stores and two shopping malls, one on Paseo Shopping and the other on Avenue Manabi. The list goes on. If you need something, you will be able to get it in Portoviejo.

Food and Drink Coastal food is generally delicious, fresh fish, shrimp, etc.,and boasts a nice nightlife with beach front bars open all day and night, and in fairness, over the years there has been a nice variety of food, but again, Portoviejo being a small city has it all; restaurants, fast food, you name it, we have got it; Italian, Chinese,and typical Ecuadorian food., Ceviche and Encebollado have to be my favourite food here. Many outlets, but I normally stick to my local a few minutes from home. There are many bars around the city's avenue universitaria where it is mainly students having a beer with friends, but the main area is avenue Manabi leading to the airport where you can find some lovely bars that also do food and a mixture of night clubs or shall we say discoteque if you fancy a boogie or a karaoke night.

Services There are many services you will require over time, legal or seeking specialist people. I will start with mechanics, body repair and parts. Like most things, cars need parts, things go wrong and you need someone who you can trust to get the job done. Again, there are many mechanics here. Some are good, some are bad, some are cheap, some are also expensive. Luckily, my father-in-law introduced me to the good ones, so any issue I take the car there or he will come and get it. If you were at the beach, what would you do? 

Parts for the car as i said previously, Portoviejo has a shop for anything, so you should be able to source the car parts you want. If you require a hand-made part or modification, there are many highly skilled people here who can perform some amazing tasks at affordable prices. Cough, cough. I couldn't say the same thing about the UK without having a bill over a grand.

Lawyers Keep it brief again, there are many about. Mine speaks English, did all my visas and even helped me get a visa for my wife when I went back to the UK for a holiday. No hiccups, everything has always run smooth. I will name drop Flori Zambrano if you want to mention my name  simon the english man it´s up to you, but she is in my eyes the best very professional

Climate We all like the sun, or we wouldn´t be living here, but for me the beach gets too much for me. It is an English man s dream to live on the beach. Well, for most it is drinking cocktails watching the world go by,but I am fair-skinned, so instant red lobster, plenty of suncream, and plenty of after sun later on. 

I love a good day at the beach with my family, but could I do it every single day? No, definitely not. Even my wife ( Ecuadorian) and son only like the odd day out there, so if moving to the area with children, really think about it before you commit to anything. Many a time I have seen people on these Facebook pages move after 2 weeks of being on the beach, because it is too hot. The rainy season can't be fun on the beach. From previous visits, the roads become destroyed and not to mention the houses, so be careful when buying a beach house.

Power and water Ecuador has improved a lot since I first came here, but you have more chance of the power going out living on the beach than you do in the city, so it is a case of how long will it take until you are back on? It can t be fun. Most properties on the coast don't have running water, so you will need to hire a (tanquero) man with a water truck to empty into your cisterna. How much water will you use on the beach? I don't know, but in the city you are looking at about $15 per month, which is regular running water. A tanquero can be anything from $15 to $30, which is not fun when you run out or the man has a shortage or is busy the day you need it. But in time, the beach villages should have running water when though? I have no idea.

Safe secure living Although living on the beach is nice, people take security for granted, with literally no security other than a bamboo kind of front gate. big mistake. Although locals are lovely people, the tourism side can attract the odd bad apple who stays over night and decides that they will take a chance of opening up your house. by all means, that is the worst case scenario, but looking at some of the houses, if it were to happen, you are not very safe. .

Schools for your kids  This is only relevant if you have children, but Portoviejo has a wide range of schools to choose from, from public to private, with varying prices. 

Things to do Living on the beach I feel you are very limited to what you can do, so if you want a change you will need to take a bus or drive, Portoviejo has many activities/places to go, like the local parks,swimming pools, cinemas, or shopping. You won t get bored, but the sun plays a big factor in what you can do..

Housing and accessibility  For housing, there are more and more projects, gated communities being built here in Portoviejo at reasonable prices, which will gain you profit in the long run. Beach houses in San Clemente and San Jacinto are way overpriced, and an Ecuadorian will never pay those prices. Portoviejo is an up and coming city. Plans to develop the airport into a mini Dubai are on the agenda, funded by a Spaniard. 

Accessibility really means living here in Portoviejo. You can get to any destination you want. There is a bus station that fires out buses to every area in Ecuador; Quito, Esmeraldas, Guayaquil, Cuenca, and all the small surrounding villages and cities. 

You have a choice of which beach to go to: Manta Crucita or San Clemente leading to Canoa, or you can head the other direction down the route del Sol, Puerto Cayo, etc. 

Don´t get stuck in a rut. Generally, living here, everywhere is easy to get to, which is why, without being bias, Portoviejo is everything I need in my life..

So I hope this clarifies a few things about why I don t follow the crowd and live in those coastal villages. Paradise is where you feel happy, not just because there is a large community of expats at the beach telling you to move there. English speaking guide? if so check out my  guide post

For more information on life in Manabi here is a new post Ecuador Expats living in Manabi the truth!
UPDATE NEW HOUSING COMPLEX IN PORTOVIEJO  BY THE PEOPLE WHO BUILT THE SOLCA HOSPITAL 

Thinking of Moving to Ecuador? A Few Honest Thoughts for New Expats

Thinking of Moving to Ecuador? A Few Honest Thoughts for New Expats

Hola everyone! I've noticed a recurring theme in the questions landing in my inbox lately: many of you are contemplating the big leap to Ecuador but are still figuring out what you're truly looking for. For all you Ecuador expat newbies out there, I wanted to touch upon some key initial considerations. Think of this as a brief overview; I'll be diving deeper into each of these points in future posts to give you a comprehensive understanding.

One of the most crucial pieces of advice for any future expat is to visit Ecuador first. Take the time to explore different regions and truly understand what kind of lifestyle and environment suits you best. Are you dreaming of a hot climate or preferring the cooler air of the mountains? Is it the buzz of city life or the laid-back vibe of the beach life that calls to you? Once you have a clearer picture, it's time to do your homework. You'll find expats scattered throughout the country, from the heights of Quito to the colonial charm of Cuenca, and a good number of us enjoying the Ecuadorian coast.

Personally, I've found my sweet spot in the Manabí province, specifically in the city of Portoviejo. It offers a great balance for me, providing everything I need while also being a short drive away from fantastic beaches like Manta, Crucita, and San Clemente.

When it comes to property – whether you're looking to rent or buy – prices can vary significantly depending on the location. However, the general advice I give most people is to rent first before committing to a purchase. This allows you to truly experience an area before making a long-term investment. A useful resource for getting an idea of average house prices and rental properties across Ecuador is the website www.olx.com.ec. It's worth browsing to get a feel for the market in different regions.

Now, this is a point I feel strongly about: be aware that sometimes, the biggest financial pitfalls for new expats can come from other expats. Unfortunately, there are individuals who prey on newcomers, inflating prices for rental properties and land. They might paint a picture of paradise and then charge significantly more than what a local Ecuadorian would pay. Remember that the average basic Ecuadorian wage is around $370 per month. While there's nothing wrong with someone running a business, it's crucial to do your own research and not solely rely on the word of another expat. Introduce yourself to locals, gather information from various sources, and make informed decisions. Thankfully, alongside these opportunists, there are many genuinely kind and helpful people here.

The next fundamental question to ask yourself is: what kind of expat are you going to be? Are you retired with a comfortable financial situation, or are you looking to make a living in Ecuador? This is a crucial distinction that often gets overlooked, as many assume all expats are retirees. I, for one, am not retired, and my daily life and considerations are very different from someone who has come here solely to relax and enjoy their retirement.

If you fall into the non-retired expat category, there are several key factors to consider. Do you have a profession you can utilize here, or are you thinking of starting a business or finding a job to get by? If you have a profession, you might find work, but be prepared for a lower salary than you were accustomed to back home.

Creating a business in Ecuador can be particularly challenging. It requires a deep understanding of the local culture and thorough market research. What works successfully in your home country might not translate well here. Trust me on this – I've tried bringing numerous business ideas from England to Ecuador, and most have not succeeded.

Here's a crucial insight into the Ecuadorian market: while platforms like OLX and Mercado Libre are used for online listings, Ecuadorians generally prefer physical shops over online purchasing due to a significant lack of trust stemming from past and present scams. For example, a business Facebook page might garner many likes, but actual sales are often minimal without a physical presence.

Pricing is another area where you'll need to adjust your expectations. If you're selling something for $80, it's common to receive offers in the $40-$50 range. Don't be offended; this is a standard practice. You'll rarely get your initial asking price unless you stand firm.

Living in Ecuador requires an open mind and patience. The concept of "Mañana Mañana" (tomorrow, tomorrow) is a common expat frustration. Things often don't happen as quickly as you might be used to. While I still have my moments of muttered frustration, it's part of the experience.

Be prepared to encounter poverty. It's a reality here and might be outside your comfort zone. Try to navigate it with sensitivity. Remember that what seems cheap to you can be expensive for many locals, so perhaps keep your incredible deal on that $200k house to yourself.

Blending in is generally a good strategy. Try to dress modestly and avoid displaying expensive jewelry. While crime exists everywhere, you don't want to make yourself an obvious target.

Regarding animals, it's important to understand that not all dogs you see are pets. Many are street dogs, often unwanted and struggling to survive. It can be heartbreaking to witness. While your instinct might be to help, the scale of the issue can feel overwhelming.

When it comes to money, it's wise to avoid using large denominations like $50 and $100 bills for everyday purchases. Stick to smaller notes ($5s and $10s) and even change when out and about. Many smaller businesses won't be able to break large bills. If you're in a bind, petrol stations are usually a good place to get change.

Cars are a significant consideration. Some expats prefer public transport, but personally, I rely on my own vehicle. However, car prices here are generally very high, and it can be difficult to reconcile paying a premium for a car that would be much cheaper back home. Think long and hard before making a purchase. My personal advice on buying cars in Ecuador: steer clear of big, new, expensive vehicles. Why? Driving a brand-new BMW in a place like Manabí can attract unwanted attention and even envy, potentially leading to your car being damaged or stolen. Again, blending in is key. You don't need to buy a complete wreck, but adjusting your expectations and opting for something more modest is advisable. My turbo car days are definitely behind me here!

I'll leave it here for now, as there's a lot to digest. But I want to reiterate that I'm not trying to discourage anyone. My aim is simply to open your eyes and help you be prepared for the realities of expat life in Ecuador. I've found my paradise in Portoviejo, and I truly believe that you can find yours too once you have a clear understanding of what you're seeking. Please feel free to leave any comments or questions below, and I'll do my best to respond as soon as possible.