I’d like to think that I am adventuresome when it comes to travel, but I’m rather on the strait and narrow when sampling local cuisine and didn’t budge an inch here in Ecuador. For those traveling in the Andean regions of Ecuador such as Banos, Cuenca and Otavalo, you will eventually see one of those oversized rats being skinned, butterfly split and skewered, roasting in the open air markets. I am referring to the Cuy(a Quechua word, pronounced Kwee) or as we call them, guinee pigs.

Hailing from the same famed family of the fabled bringer of middle age European population control, the black rat,  rodentia are so-called for their large incisors. The root of rodentia, the latin verb rodere, literally means to gnaw. And so it is that when you see them skinless and brazen, it’s their white shiny incisors shinning out at you that will  turn your head away and shy from any inclination to adventuresome experimentation.

Now, I’ve been confronted with fertalized chicken eggs in Cambodia, crispy cockroaches in Thailand, raw chicken in Japan, from which I have always balked, so why back from a good system. It’s kept me alive thus far.  Look, I know, meat is meat and the Donner party would not have shied away from eating these vermin in the stead of each other.   Neither would your average starving Somalian and neither would I if it came down to munching on rat or  the shank of  Uncle Steve. But should you want to partake and do as those Quechuans when in old Quechua, then just say the magic words: “Kwee, por favor!”

Anyhow, when not being roasted, Cuys will be found roaming around the homes of Andean People. They are said to bring good luck, heal the sick and help keep the house warm. A survey amongst most who have eaten Cuy is that it tastes like(Yes, you guessed it, chicken, albeit very oily and chewy chicken). A plate is popularly served up with potato and cholclo(corn) and the meat is actually very healthy and low in fat, though in some areas they do deep fry it which sort of nullifies that nutritional fact.

A plate will set you back from 5 to 10$ depending  whether you eat on the streets or in a restaurant.

For a bit more on cuisine in Ecuador check out these related articles:

Uncle Ho’s: West meets East way down south in Quito’s Mariscal

Don Carbon—A Vision for Restaurants in Montanita

Now all we are waiting upon is the opening of the San Vicente Airport. This is the final piece of the infrastructure puzzle that will shoot prices up around here. Flash back to Costa Rica’s Gold Coast 1983. international Living reported that this hidden gem in Costa Rica north was highly undervalued compared with all the pristine beach-front available and all the government imfrastructure improvement that was opening the area. At that time beach front was a five-figure investment—now 25 years later were talking million dollar investment.

Flash forward to Bahia and the North Coast Manabi present day. International Living is once again reporting that the bubble is about to blow up. Now’s the time. Lots for as little as $25,00o in towns just a couple blocks off the beach. Pay about $50,000-$100,000 for lots of about1/4 acres right on the beach. So why hasn’t it blown up? Who knows and who’s to say how much longer it will last.

I think the final piece of the puzzle is the San Vicente Airport. Now you must fly to Manta and take a taxi or a series of buses north to Bahia and Canoa. This will take 1-2.5 hours. But a touchdown in San Vicente will give you access to Quito in about 30 minutes. So what’s holding it up? The airport is built in good order and at one time ran international flights. Well, changes in the type of planes operating in Ecuador’s domestic fleet warranted changes to the length of runway. An extra 800 meters were need as well as new improved radio operation systems. Which, as I read have all been or were being installed as of early this year.

So how much longer? Any moment. Don’t wait around. This is the hot spot on the coast. Get while the gettings good and before the flights start bringing them in by the droves.

To learn more about Manabi living check this site: http://www.ecuadorpropertyservices.com/

Have something to say about this post?  Have any questions or Comments about Ecuador?  Leave a message below.

Being a poet already, I was fitting into this evening like a glove and knocking back a couple beers on this splash-out of a stay. Having just escaped Quito I needed a bit of space and perspective along with a good view of the surf. Hotel La Barranca gives the ol’ eagle-eye of Montanita’s point break—of special interest to traveling surfers—but a splendid sight for any and all. Located about a km from the banging and booming of Montanita’s hectic nightlife, Hotel La Barranca provides respite for all those wanting to get away from it all—but not too far away.

Meet Cesear Junio, the owner of Hotel La Barranca. When I did he was reclining in a hammock in the hotel’s main patio and dining area talking to a young couple interested in buying property. New Yorker by birth, living in Ecuador for the last 10 years, Cesear easy going style and calling card New Yorker accent treats each guests with abundant friendliness, service and advice. Cesear’s robust kindness carries onto his staff as well. I have found that top service is a drop-down kind of thing. If management is treated well by owners then so is the staff friendly and helpful to guests. Here the staff was genial and quick on the draw when called upon, always ready to assist.

Hotel La Barranca sees to everything you could want. A/C, Cable T.V., WiFi, hot water and private baths, bar and restaurant, several decks with hammocks and hanging chairs, jacuzzi under the stars and, of course, Montanita’s best view. Hotel La Barranca is the hotel for a Montanita holiday. And now is the time to come to Montanita. The busy season is just ending. The crowds are thinning out while the sun is still strong. Come to Hotel La Barranca for Montanita’s best service and best amenities at a fair price.

Single person: $35 high season/ $30 low season

Couples: $50/$40

Triple occupancy: $90/ $70

Quadrupal occupancy: $120/$80

Quintupal occupancy: $150/ $120

suite: $240/ month/ $180 month

a la carte menu (Br, Lu, Di$3.50-$6.50

drinks (water, soda, beer)$1-$3.50

check out the website: http://www.labarrancamontanita.com/

First off, don’t be afraid of hospitals here in Ecuador. The major cities of Ecuador offer quality doctors in safe facilities. The better doctors and shorter waiting lines exist at the more upscale clinics, though, so I would side on going to a private clinic or hospital over the public facilities. Many of these better doctors here in Ecuador have been trained abroad, with most having a rudimentary understanding of English—if not, there will be some attendant on hand that can translate. Quito and Guayquil, the principal cities in the north and south respectively have modern hospitals and top equipment. In Quito I can personally recommend Clinica Pichincha and in Guayquil it’s Hospital Kennedy. All types of specialists are on hand. I have seen both Dermatologists and Pain specialists for persistent skin and back problems and both have handled everything as professionally as any back home.

And what if you’ve been robbed. Always a possibility. Well, don’t believe that justice will be served upon the perpetrators. Such a thing is too common here and there are too few cops to do any real investigation. But if you have travel insurance you will need to report the incident within 24 hours to the local authorities. You will have to make a “denuncia” in local speak and this can be made at any police station. Here in Quito, there is the office of the tourist police, who are specialized in handling the affairs of foreigners. The procedure is strait forward—I’ve had to do it and there the police at least know basics of English and will help you through the procedure.

For both medical and stolen items, remember one important thing: have all your documents in order. Make sure you have the doctors note, signed and stamped. The same goes for the police report—signed and stamped. Some insurance companies might ask for the report to be translated. There are professional translation services available here in Quito and Guayaquil. And finally have all receipts—they’ll probably ask for originals—so be prepared. Any thing stolen or lost will need some proof of purchase, though sometimes companies ask for a notarized declaration that such and such was yours.

Following is some contacts for above mentioned facilities and services

Hospital Kennedy, Guayaquil

Hospital Pichincha, Quito

Tourist police: Quito : La Mariscal area, Roca and Reina Victoria Tourist Police HQ, or call 254 3983

Translation Service: Quito

Guayaquil Translation

Notary Service—both US and Foreign nationals can use US Notorial services

Quito

Guayaquil

Meet Dan and Andrea, the two forces behind Por Que No. Dan’s an expat from Conneticut, who originally came and taught at an American school in Quito before really throwing it all in and opening Por Q No. Andrea is a French-Canadian who threw it all in back when he moved down to Ecuador and started living the dream, buying a house on the beach and a surfboard. I had to laugh when Dan told me that he bought a copy of Restaurants for Dummies when he originally took on this project. But being a smart guy, Dan’s restaurant leaped up through time. Andrea’s background is food and Beverage having run a top club in Quebec and provides a solid grounding in running a styling and attractive restaurant and bar

And the verdict: good Pizza and fresh Sushi. Dan’s recipe is arguably the best I’ve had here in Ecuador. I’m a thin crust lover and it’s all you’d want it to be—thin and crispy, with piles and piles of meat for you carnivores and fresh veggie style for you salad lovers. And for Andrea, well the coast of Ecuador is as ideal as any of the best ports of Japan for fresh, quality fish—the principal part of any good slab of sashimi. Andrea makes regular runs to Libertad, the local port, where he inspects and selects only the best. The best on tap are the Tuna and Dorado in my opinion and the rest is in the wrist. A bit of nigiri and rice, a dash of sesame oil a shaving of carrot and cucumber, and voila, a winning roll.

But Por Q No is not just the food. A full bar and blender serves up winning Mojitos—rum,sugar, citrus and mint coctails, I find the best for a bit of evening refreshment and social lubricartion. Health wise, there is always a fresh selection of fruit that makes for great smoothies—my personal pick in blackberry for flavor. And then there is a pool table, darts, a used book selection, and even WIFI for free to keep you occupied and entertained. Come with a friend or a whole group. There’s always plenty of space and plenty of food.

Location: in Montanita,

Hour :Open Tuesday to Sunday 5-late

Prices: Pizza about $7

Sushi:about $5 for a roll

Beer:$2

Mojito: $3

Juice: $1.50

Find them on facebook too.

While searching through the top 10 Google I stumbled into William Russel’s plans, and suffice it to say I was impressed. What I found very impressive with this type of insurance is that it offers a much more comprehensive term for a cheaper price than what I have with my Blue Cross coverage back home. Not only is all the normal hospital stuff covered i.e. ambulance, physiotherapy, hospital stay and the like, but even dental !? Preoccupied with having to recover from a prolonged illness alone,

expat coverage actually reimburses the accommodation of another who might have to come to care. W. Russel’s coverage connects you with loved ones back home and alleviates, for me, one of the biggest preoccupations I have being the stranger in the strange land.

William Russel’s insurance comes packed full of other impressive benefits to assist you abroad. It offers compensation for compassionate travels home should a loved one fall ill or pass away and emergency evacuation should you be somewhere far from any decent hospital. Also, they offer for supplemental coverage for trips you might take to go visit the family and friends back home as well optional add-on travel insurance for when you are vacationing out of your designated country of residence—covering the normal lost luggage, missed connections, and infirmities while on the go. Expat insurance leaves nothing to chance.

Now the turkey talk: cost and benefits—what about them?. Well our test subject, a white, single male at 34 in perfect health lays out the bill of sale. For the bronze plan—the middle of the ground plan with a million dollar annual limit, 0 out of pocket, including the three add-ons: a 45 day, 100,000$ US coverage per annum option, travel insurance, and a 75,000$ life insurance plan one pays a mere 161.83 per month or $1849.64 per annum. Not bad.

I encourage you to explore more. Search on Google and compare different plans. One might work better for you than another. But do it. Don’t leave anything to chance while far away from home. Hey, and with rising health costs in the states and with plans like this, it might just be a whole lot more economical to reside abroad.

To check out more about expat insurance see William Russel’s website.

Also, if you are just heading to Ecuador for a trip, you should check out these travel insurance plans.

Travel insurances vary from all inclusive full coverage to basics.  Basic components of insurance include trip delay/cancellation,  baggage loss/delay,  medical/dental, and accidental death and dismemberment.   Some plans let you opt for different components  and some are all inclusive.  Obviously there are different factors that should be considered when choosing.  Length of stay,  where you go,  cost of the trip,  activities undertaken,  and how much you are willing to fork out for a coverage are going to factor into any choice.  Personally,  I don’t think that cost should ever be a factor when choosing insurance.  Think of the 50$ spent on coverage compared to three weeks in a hospital after a motorbike accident and a couple of surgeries on a your leg to sew it all back up—which is more expensive you think?.

First let’s break down what is included in a typical plan.  Trip delay and cancellation covers you for any changes in flight plans due to work plans changing,  airlines going bankrupt, acts of war, etc.  Any reason that you can reasonably come up with (I don’t know if sleeping off hangovers count)  to explain why you weren’t on the plane—your plan will reimburse you for your flight and any other expenses incurred.    If your bags get stolen or lost by your carrier—you’ll want this to replace all your belongings.  Break your leg skiing?  Fall over and break your front teeth—anything can happen while traveling.  Medical coverage will even pay for an emergency evacuation to a suitable place for treatment should you find yourself far from a decent hospital.  And, heaven forbid, tragedy occurs and you lose an arm or even your life, wouldn’t you want your loved ones looked after in case of your loss or inability to work?  The great thing about insurance is that it covers such a broad range of categories wrapped into one coverage.  These are all things you need.

So who to choose?  If you do a search for travel insurance on Google you’ll come up with 44,600,000 results.  Well,  I have dealt consistently over the years with two carriers:  STA Travel and World Nomads- both are reasonably priced, reliable and offer extremely helpful service.  First the cost.  For one week STA comes out at 48$  compared to 65$ for World Nomads, but head up to 3 months and you have $240 vs. $200.  So both are about the same cost wise—effective coverage varies though and one should consult each policy very carefully to see what and for how much one is covered for.  But one will be covered well.  Expect at least a $100,000 for medical, $2000 for luggage loss, and $10,000 for trip cancellation—very ample in most cases.   What’s most important is that both offer excellent service, underwritten by large insurance companies and financial institutions—all info is public access and you can rest assured that they will pay out.  Both have long standing histories and are well recommended by all.

While STA provides slightly higher coverage, I found World Nomads to be easier to work with.  Firstly, World Nomads is the only insurance out there that allows you to pick up coverage AFTER your trip has begun.  Normally with insurance companies, you must order your insurance a day before you leave your home destination.  But World Nomads lifted this limitations.  So if you forgot that one little thing before you left,  World Nomads won’t penalize you for this.  Secondly, World Nomads allows you to make claims online and check the status of a particular claim online with their easy to use customer profile interface.  Quite helpful when you are playing the waiting game for money reimbursements, one can see their paperwork has been received and processed and then if their claim is approved or denied.  This saves you having to spend long hours on hold on the phone trying to speak to a customer rep.  Any inquiries can be sent via messages via your profile page and problem are usually resolved within 24 hours.  With STA you must make phone inquiries to check the status of a claim which consumed painful hours on hold sometimes.  I quite like checking in  and seeing how things are going and knowing the instant that something comes up.

But don’t take my word for it.  Check online and view all the ins and outs:

Travel Insurance with Star Travel

World Nomads Travel Insurance

Want more information on how to travel safely in Ecuador check out this post.

Most popular amongst the tours is the Colonial Hacienda tour.  Imagine setting off on beautiful grassy tracks taking in the Northern Highlands of the Andean Valleys all the way through to the arid plains of Cotopaxi national parks.  Each day of the seven day tour takes in a new Hacienda.  These are a select bunch of Haciendas chosen for their historic and luxuriant appeals—some date back to 1600′s and one of them has taken existing ancient Incan structures and incorporated them into the existing walls.  And what an incredible way to arrive—kick your boots up and warm to a fire and delicious home cooked meal well earned after a canter through some of Ecuador’s stunning scenery.

Owned and operated by Englishwoman, Sally Vergette,  Ride Andes has been long established for 15 years since 1996.  Sally still guides many of the tours and has a highly devoted and experienced group of native guides.  These folks know these hills like back of their horses hooves.   Other than the Hacienda tours, one has the option to circle Cotopaxi on another 8 day option, taking in all the beauty of Cotopaxi National Park.  The itineraries are 8 days and require an intermediate to advanced level of horsemanship, though the tours can be adjusted to shorter itineraries to encompass any riders needs and time constraints.

Contact Ride Andes for more info and a full list of all riding options here in Ecuador and throughout South America:  www.rideandes.com

Not a huge fan of horses? Tour the Andes on a bicycle.

I just wanted to start this blog off with a bit of an apology to all my readers for being very slack the last couple months in answering comments.  I just went through a back log of them and finally gave some responses.  I became a bit preoccupied upon finding out that my dear Grandfather made the dignified decision to end his battle with cancer and to let life do what it wants.  At the end of January I made the trek home to see him and honor him in his life.  Truly a great man, he was a hard worker and dedicated to his family and his community for all his years.  Thanks for everything Grandpa.

Grandpa  loved to travel.  He racked up Southwest miles flying around the states.  I don’t know him to have made it out of the country so much, though, next to all the old b&w of grandparents and great grans, there is a shot of him with one of those funny furry Russian caps standing on the Great wall of China with his girlfriend.  After the death of my Grandma, he sought to do everything he wanted and a keen wanderlust kept him moving.  And he was doing late in life what he’d always wanted to do, seize and make the most of each day.  Travel is a reminder of that.  The world rapidly changes and as such is uncertain—so eat dessert first.  It is the common criticism of Americans that they bury themselves in there careers and travel far less per capita than any other economically well-to-do nation.  Go to college, get a job, get a career, get a car, house,401k, etc. etc.  It is the Protestant history of the
hard working citizen that has us put off what we could really enjoy now for the hard work and sacrifice in the hopes of receiving something greater in the afterlife of retirement.

Now I am not criticizing my Grandfather.  He worked hard his whole life farming the lands of his birth and he raised a large family and provided for all his brood.  And neither am I criticizing anyone who works.  But I do think that many Americans are forced in the work-debt cycle early on while still in the prime.  According to Liz Pulliam Weston’s recent post on MSN Money The average college grad leaves school owing something like $20,000.  How can one think of traveling  while having that debt accruing interest?  Talking to my friend, Cat recently, an Australian Law School grad now living here in Quito and  teaching English on about $800 a month, I learned the essentials of the Australian student loan system.  Aussie grads are able to  defer their loans  if the leave for travel/work/ study abroad until they return home.  Now what a great idea!  Australia recognizes the benefit that one gets from experiencing the world and how this will well-round an individual.

Now if only we had the same system in the states instead of enslaving so many to their debts strait away.  If only more Americans were allowed to travel a bit more after graduation.  If more American’s were encouraged to travel instead of the only 10% with passports now.  But systems change slowly if at all so we must live with what we have.  Anyhow, the point is: get out and do it.  We only have one go round and at the end you want to look back without regrets.  Whether you are starry eyed at 21 and looking for a bit of adventure or at  the ready-to-retire-age and looking for that second home down south here and whether you are any age in between—come check out Ecuador or anywhere.  The world is a red eye flight away.

**Interested in retiring in Ecuador? How about Costa Rica? Want to travel to Panama? Check out our whole network of Central and South American Blogs on the Gringo Travel Network.