Ecuador forums on Poorbuthappy.com

How not to be a gringo in Ecuador...

By Jamesito on Jul 5, 2009, 03:39.

On other forums, some people believe that you will always be a gringo in the eyes of LatinAmericans if you are white... this is both correct and incorrect. That being said, just becuase you are a foreginer does not make you a gringo... in my opinion a Gringo is a foreigner who has very little spanish knowledge and instead of changing their cultural practices in foregin countries, they try to impose their own. Don´t fool yourself if you have white skin, blue eyes and blonde hair... it dosen´t make you a gringo... I have seen many argentinians and spanish with those physical charactaristics. Your actions are what make you a gringo and a target in Ecuador. So I just wanted to share a few tips on how to intergrate better in Ecuador, some will go without saying and may be obvious, but you wouldent belive the amount of people who forget to do these things. 1. Don´t be frightend to use buses and other public transport - You will get respect from other people if you use the same services available to a normal ecuadorian (When in Rome, do as the Romans do). Gringos don´t use town buses... so you should use them! :) 2. Make friends - Having native friends will boost your level of street knowledge, Spanish and you will gain more respect from just about everybody. You should always offer the hand of friendship to anybody you meet, who knows where it will lead. Exchanging English for Spanish is a good way of making new friends and improving your Spanish. 3. Being in the shopping centre (Mall) all the time is an act of the commun gringo... Visit other places nearby and that are not on the tourist route, reccomendations can be found all over the web. 4. Keep talking Spanish despite the difficulty at first - There is nothing that ecuadorian people like more than foreigners attemping to speak their language... It´s a very nice gesture and you will be rewarded as you gain confidence. 5. No fear - Fear makes you a target and a gringo, This is probably going to be a male only tip (Sorry Girls) I will happily walk in some of the most dangerous neighborhoods in Guayaquil. Some people will say I am playing with fire but my point is that a gringo or vunerable foreginer will not be walking anywhere... Thieves fear confidence... Being in good physical condition is also a good deterrent! (foreign and local grils have to be very careful if walking alone) 6. Don´t get lost - Research or plan your route before you leave home. Try not to use a map in the street. Again thieves target vunerable people, if you are confident and know where you are going and keep moving... you are less of a target. 7. Don´t flash your Cash - Another obvious tip, thieves will target you if you wear expensive clothes, watches or accesories. Being more descrite will go a long way and also makes you more approcahble to most people... wearing expensive things gives the impression that you belive you are better than everyone else. 8. Don´t take Sh$$ - If somebody badmouths you, give them something back in Spanish, it dosen´t have to be aggresive, something humourous works very well and gives the impression that you have understood what has been said. 9. Try copying the local fashion - this goes for clothes or places to hangout... it will help you mix in better. The same can be said for learning popular slang, it will help in all aspects of your stay. Many webpages have some good ecuadorian slang. 10. Enjoy yourself - The ecuadorian people are very animated in how they speak and act. If you respond in the same way you will be sharing their culture and you will become more intergrated.

How much do things cost in Quito?

By adrienne79 on Jun 23, 2009, 14:09.

I would like an idea of how much things cost in Quito. Is it cheaper or more expensive than Colombia? Like how much is a regular lunch? a bottle of water (do they sell water in bags, too)? A bottle of beer from the store? an empanada? an hour of internet? etc.

Border Police are thieves!

By Yoshers on Jun 9, 2009, 09:00.

Word of warning - crossing into Ecuador from Colombia, my iPhone was stolen by the border policeman who searched my bags. He kept asking how much stuff cost while looking through everything, and somehow in all the chaos, he managed to palm it. I didn't notice until an hour later. I went back and offered money, tried everything to get it back, to no avail. Bastard.

Mountain Biking around Quito

By NickZed on Jun 3, 2009, 21:43.

I'm going to be heading to Quito to do 8 weeks of Spanish lessons. On the weekends I'd like to head out and do some mountain biking nearby. Would anyone out there have any idea what the mountain biking in and around Quito is like?

hostel dragonflycali

By la campiña on Jun 1, 2009, 19:11.

heading north to colombia try the dragonfly has to be the only hostel with a pool dragonflycali@gmail.com

Where to get yellow fever shots in Ecuador?

By HappyHippy on May 31, 2009, 15:56.

I am staying in old town Quito and would like some recommendations on where to get a cheap/free yellow fever shot. Someone has mentioned the Public Health Office in Quito, but I can not find anything under that name. Thanks.

English speaking real estate atorney in Quito

By vicsyk on May 26, 2009, 19:16.

Looking for English speaking real estate attorney in Quito to do closing on real estate transaction. Any referrals? Thank you

Ecuador's Correa: To Audit Media, Root Out 'Corrupt' Press

By tasco66 on May 26, 2009, 11:07.

QUITO (Dow Jones)--President Rafael Correa said over the weekend that his government will review the licenses granted to media outlets to root out the "corrupt press." Last year, Ecuador's National Council of Radio and Television, Conartel, started to review licenses for 229 radio and television frequencies and said that some stations could go under state control. Correa, a close ally of Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez, has come under fire for allegedly trying to curb press freedom. In his weekly radio address, Correa said that the Ecuadorian media regulator Conartel has found "terrible things" and his government "will correct all the corruption" that has led to the awarding of radio and television frequencies. Correa said that the government will soon release a Conartel report about the "complete corruption in the concession of frequencies." He said many frequencies were granted because of influence trafficking. Later at a joint press conference with Chavez, Correa said that a sector of the press is trying to discredit him. Correa said that the government will prepare "stronger laws" to punish the "misinformation, bad faith and corruption," even if the costs are high. Correa also promised to clean up the "corrupt press," which he called an instrument of the oligarchy. Chavez, who has also been criticized for allegedly curbing press freedom, said Ecuador has Venezuela's support in its internal fight against "this phenomenon, which borders on fascist madness." http://online.wsj.com/article/BT-CO-20090525-704104.html

Vaccination Clinic in Quito ?

By youngmogul on May 25, 2009, 16:27.

Does anyone have information for a vaccination clinic in Quito? I want to get vaccinated for Yellow Fever & Thiphoid at a place that is cheap and easy. Thanks for any help.

Quito to Esmeraldas

By sabound2 on May 15, 2009, 00:07.

Heyyy what is the easiest way from quito to esmeraldas? what is the cheapest way?

looking for feedback from someone living the life

By 511southkstreet on May 12, 2009, 08:26.

.....thinking about spending a lot of time in ecuador to check it out. any thoughts as to where to go that would be somewhat equivalent to medellin on some level. trying to decide where to settle eventually. i would have to believe that ecuador is less expensive than colombia. any thoughts would be appreciated.........

Buying land in Ecuador

By freddy on May 5, 2009, 05:51.

Trying to figure out how I bring money into the country. I'm going to need to have about 50k available. Has anyone done this? I do have a Banco del Pacifico account. Can I just transfer funds to the US branch and then withdraw in Ecuador? How does this work? Thanks

Guayaquil to Canoa

By mcoliver on Mar 31, 2009, 23:32.

Heading own to Ecuador for the first time and was hoping someone could help me out...flying in to Guayaquil and need to make my way to canoa....looked at rental cars but figured I'm not going to need it once I'm there so what's the point right? I figured I would take the bus from Guayaquil to Manta and then grab a cab to canoa. Sound about right? Any suggestions on schedules, companies, etc.... Anything would really help. Thanks!!

Puerto del Moro anyone ?

By tigre1981 on Mar 30, 2009, 08:03.

Hello, has anyone been at Puerto del Moro http://wikitravel.org/en/Puerto_Del_Moro ? How to reach it and where exactly it is can't find much information about this place, nor have any idea where exactly it should be. Will be thankful for any ideas, suggestions and experience you would share. Thx

Crossing the Border to Ecuador from Peru

By thepilferer on Mar 29, 2009, 19:07.

1) how bad is the Tumbes-Hauquillas crossing? 2) how much extra time would it take by bus to go to the other crossing from Mancora? 3) is the other border crossing particularly better? 4) is anyone heading to Ecuador from Peru anytime soon who wants to do at least the border crossing with me in the interest of safety, as I am travelling alone? 5) i'm really headed to Colombia, so how's the Ecuador-Colombia borders, as well? p.s.) should this be posted to Ecuador or Peru or both?

Wonderful Indigenous Homestay 20 mins from Otavalo

By the1andonly on Mar 17, 2009, 08:46.

Recommended homestay in indigenous village 20mins from Otavalo I stayed with a family in Iluman just outside Otavalo, and would like tor ecommend it to anyone who is interested in mountains/ hiking/ fresh air /a very relaxing traditional village/indigenous culures and shamanism (There is a shamans association because there are so many there, see the Yachac signs on the walls of their houses). Almost everyone in the village is in traditional dress (give or take the odd hip hop/emo teenager) They have a big house with an amazing room up on the roof, with uninterrupted views of Cotacachi (about4600m), and Iluman(about 4100m). To Get There> Take a bus from Otavalo Bus Station to Iluman (every 20 mins until abut 8pm), and get off at the Barrio Rancho Chico sign, or ask someone to tell you when you are at Barrio Rancho Chico (even thought the village is tiny, there are 3 or 4 Barrios within it). The house with the wooden Barrio Rancho Chicho sign outside it , and the shop on the ground floor. It is called El Rancho (no sign yet!). Alejandro and Esthella welcome visitors for short or long terms stays. Esthela is a great cook, using produce from her family's fields, which are really near. They dont check their email or use the internet much, so I advise calling them unless you have a couple of months to make arrangements. Check out their website for more details. there are lots of pictures in the gallery section of the site to get an idea of the area too. www.elrancho.edicypages.com I hope you like it as much as I did!

Recommended homestay in indigenous village 20mins from Otavalo

By the1andonly on Mar 17, 2009, 08:40.

I stayed with a family in Iluman just outside Otavalo, and would like tor ecommend it to anyone who is interested in mountains/ hiking/ fresh air /a very relaxing traditional village/indigenous culures and shamanism (There is a shamans association because there are so many there, see the Yachac signs on the walls of their houses). Almost everyone in the village is in traditional dress (give or take the odd hip hop/emo teenager) They have an amazing room up on the roof, with uninterrupted views of Cotacachi (about4600m), and Iluman(about 4100m). To Get There> Take a bus from Otavalo Bus Station to Iluman (every 20 mins until abut 8pm), and get off at the Barrio Rancho Chico sign, or ask someone to tell you when you are at Barrio Rancho Chico (even thought the village is tiny, there are 3 or 4 Barrios within it). The house with the wooden Barrio Rancho Chicho sign outside it , and the shop on the ground floor. It is called El Rancho (no sign yet!). Alejandro and Esthella welcome visitors for short or long terms stays. Esthela is a great cook, using produce from her family's fields, which are really near. They dont check their email or use the internet much, so I advise calling them unless you have a couple of months to make arrangements. Check out their website for more details. there are lots of pictures in the gallery section of the site to get an idea of the area too. www.elrancho.edicypages.com I hope you like it as much as I did!

Does anybody know anything about Yachana Lodge/ Funedesin????

By moptop on Mar 6, 2009, 19:05.

Hi there, I´m a nurse hoping to go to Ecuador soon with a view to volunteer for Funedesin in association with Yachana lodge´s medical rotation programme in the Ecuadorian amazon rainforest. Yachanas website looks really good and there are a few reviews on the net about them but before I submit my application with the $50 non-refundable application fee I want to check it out a bit more first!! Does anyone know anything about Yachana Lodge or better still has anyone volunteered on Funedesins medical rotation programme??? Look forward to replys, Cheers!!!

Buying goods abroad, and getting them shipped here. Anything I need to know?

By the1andonly on Feb 25, 2009, 19:16.

Hello PBH Ecuadorians expats, I would like a little info on importing goods. I am looking to buy a nice digital camera, which retail in America at about 1000USD, but are more like 1500 here. My friend wants a computer, again, the costs here are much much higher than the price I can get if I import from he US. Both of us are far from home, with a long long time before heading home, so need to buy here. Clearly the prices from online dealers in the States are much better than shop prices here in Quito. If I buy from the States or abroad, do I have to pay any import duty? Do you always have to pay, or only a few people, like in Colombia. I intend to take the kit out of the country in under 2 months, so I def don´t live here. What is the deal on importing goods? thanks

Volunteer Abroad as an Atlas Corps Fellow

By Atlas Corps on Feb 6, 2009, 09:06.

Atlas Service Corps seeks nonprofit leaders from around the world to apply for their 2009-2010 fellowship positions in Washington, DC and Bogota, Colombia. All expenses are paid in this prestigious, fellowship program, including a living stipend, health insurance, visa, travel, training, and a $2,500 end of service award. Applicants must have 3 or more years of experience in the nonprofit sector, a college degree, fluency in English (and Spanish if applying to volunteer in Colombia), and a commitment to returning to their home country after one year. Candidates from outside the U.S. are placed at outstanding host organizations in Washington, DC including Ashoka, Asian American LEAD, CentroNía, Grameen Foundation, and Population Action International. Candidates from the U.S. are placed at organizations in Bogota like Give to Colombia and Oxfam GB. In addition to volunteering full time at their host organizations, Fellows are enrolled in a management development training program and join a growing network of nonprofit leaders from around the world. For more details about eligibility requirements and the application process, please visit: www.atlascorps.org/apply.html. The deadline to apply is April 1, 2009.

Any good places to party in Guayaquil?

By Buongone on Jan 29, 2009, 21:42.

Nightclubs or such. Any tips on Restaurants, with good food. Any sites to be sure and check out? Thanks

Hot off de press: 2009 copyright: BLACK SMOKE

By goin_south on Jan 5, 2009, 22:23.

by Margaret De Wys:

President says Ecuador plans to buy back of foreign debt at discount after default

By tabla on Dec 27, 2008, 15:32.

QUITO, Ecuador (AP) — Ecuador is looking to buy back its bonds at a steep discount after defaulting on part of its foreign debt. http://www.latimes.com/business/nationworld/wire/sns-ap-lt-ecuador-debt,1,6480496.story

If someone wants to perforate your bills...

By njc on Dec 23, 2008, 02:16.

You should ask for them back. I noticed there's a big trend in Ecuador where vendors will threaten to perforate your bills if [they think that] they're counterfeit. I never actually had this happen to me, but it seems like it could be a great tourist scamming opportunity... seeing as any US currency (in any condition) can be returned at a bank for a new bills as long as the green "stamp" and the serial number are visible. That is, they could perforate and return the bills to their bank. So, I would just ask for the bills back and return them to your home bank when you return home. Remember to always look for the security strip in bills that are $5 and larger. I noticed that a lot of them in circulation in Ecuador are really old, so here's the years of the bills when they started using security strips (i.e., ones before these dates didn't have the strips): $5 1993 $10 1990 $20 1990 $50 1991 $100 1991 If you get a big bill back for change without a security strip, better to ask for another one. Sometimes the notes circulated in Ecuador are so old that it's hard to tell a real from a fake.

Some photos I took in Ecuador.

By Mongo on Dec 6, 2008, 23:37.

Let's see if this works. I've never tried to post photos on here before. [IMG]http://i37.tinypic.com/29f2xcj.jpg[/IMG]

Brutal nightime bus attack in Ecuador

By Mongo on Dec 6, 2008, 17:43.

http://matadortravel.com/travel-blog/ecuador/jgbrandt/the-great-bus-heist The Great Bus Heist By jgbrandt | Location: Ecuador | 09/06/08 The first blog post I put up when I got to Ecuador was titled, "Alive and Well," and let me reiterate, I'm still alive and for the most part well. Though what you're about to read might seem like fiction or some elaborate farce, it is absolutely the truth. I couldn't make this stuff up. Bryce, Katherine, and myself were coming back from Machala to Quito on the 8:30 p.m. bus Friday night so we could make the Ecuador vs. Bolivia soccer game Saturday afternoon. The ride is supposed to take about 10-11 hours, given that there are no problems. Shortly after the bus started, we were stopped by a military police checkpoint, where the bus and everyone on it was checked, including their bags. About an hour after that, the bus stopped for a bathroom break, and it's here where the story really begins. Somewhere, somehow at that rest stop, someone must have smuggled on some weapons, because in the neighborhood of 11:30-midnight, the bus was hijacked by about 6 or 7 robbers. This is the darkest part of foreign travel. It started innocently enough; a man walked up to the front of the bus and disappeared behind the glass door separating the driver and assistant from the rest of the passengers. I noticed this because I found it difficult to sleep on the long, hot ride. Suddenly a terrible stink blew across the bus, as if the septic tank had just blown, and a man started yelling some inaudible Spanish. I heard him yelling and hitting someone, and thought that he'd awoken and discovered that something was missing, and was blaming someone. But he continued to attack other people and yell, and in a moment, the first man came out of the front wielding a gun, pointing it at everyone. Suddenly, the lights came on and the bus took a sharp turn to the right off the road, deep into a field in the middle of no where. Now everyone was awake, and the screaming man took turns beating and pistol whipping different men. I was a bit confused; at first I thought that we were pulling over to the find the thief, but when I noticed that everyone was closing the curtains and putting their hands behind their backs, I followed suit. My friends Bryce and Katherine were in front of me, and I tried to look up a little to see what they were doing. With a man waving a gun in the air, you tend to forget any premonition of heroism and simply follow what they tell you to do. With my bag on my lap, I waited as each person was searched for money and then taken off the bus. It was clear now that there were about 6 or 7 armed men with pistols and knives. It was odd, because only an hour or so into our trip there was a military police checkpoint where everyone was searched, including the bus. Soon after that we made a stop at a rest area, where the robbers must have gotten on. I don't know if it was an inside job, but they definitely had it planned out. Now, as my friends were being interrogated, my heart rate was at the breaking point. Some men had to be made examples of, and as the cold metal pistols made the thuds into the flesh, one man screamed out for his mother. Some women started to cry, then a baby. I was almost numb, but keeping an eye on the situation. I was sure that this was where I was going to die. If they didn't kidnap the three of us, they'd probably shoot us for being gringos. Bryce pistol whipped and then taken off the bus. Then Katherine was brought up and though she was shaky and on the verge of tears, she held it together with strength and courage that I can't begin to understand. I couldn't see much because I didn't want to risk being beaten for looking up. A slap on the head told me it was my turn. I opened my bag and showed them the contents. They stood me up and took my off the bus where two men were waiting to frisk me more intensely than if I was trying to get into the White House. "Platos, platos!" cried one of the men. But I didn't understand. This was some regional term for money that I wasn't familiar with. Most of my Spanish went out the window as panic came in. "No entiendo, Que es platos?" I said. "Dinero! Money!" said the man. I told him that my wallet was in my bag on the bus with his friend, so he pushed me back in where I showed the man to my wallet, then was quickly taken off the bus again. Now, with my hands behind my head, I was lead to the pile of other men laying face down in the dirt in front of the bus, in a road in the middle of some field in the middle of no where. They placed me next to Bryce, and I quickly asked if he was okay. We didn't know where Katherine was. Next thing I knew, someone was gently taking off my shoes, like a father taking the shoes off a child who was too tired to stay awake the whole ride home. The next half hour included people stepping on me and screams of pain and terror. I tried to go to my backyard porch in the spring and summer, when the wind blows in the trees and the sky is pale blue, but the mosquito's were biting everywhere, probably giving me the gift of Malaria. I tried to get to some beach with a hammock, but the crickets were loud and the dust was in my nose and mouth from breathing deeply. At this point, I gave up hope. I didn't think we'd be kidnapped anymore, but I no longer expected much. This is the pain and suffering my grandparents had to go through, the torture of so many other generations, lying in a field waiting to die. And now I was throwing it all away because I wanted to spend a year in Ecuador, instead of starting a career in the United States. I was ashamed. My heart rate slowed as I accepted my fate, but I didn't make any promises to a higher power or pretend that I was suddenly religious. I simply accepted that there were men with guns who held my life in their hands, and all I could do was lay there with my slowly numbing arms and breath my last breaths. In the middle of a foreign country, I fully expected my life to end, and I couldn't help but think of the revolutions of the past. All of the towns people would be rounded up. Those with manicured, neatly kept hands and finger nails were killed. Those with callouses and dirty hands were spared, because they were the workers who didn't exploit anyone. All of those hours spent in the gym, all of the callouses on my hands, all for nothing now. A little gentle music to fade out my life, Nude by Radiohead. Something to ease my mind. For a long time we sat there in silence, occasionally hearing someone come back to yell at us or tell us it was going to be okay. Suddenly, the man two over from me started to groan in pain. He'd be stabbed too many times in the chest and groin, and was bleeding to death. He got up on his knees in pain, and a few of us around him tried to help. The robbers soon realized that they'd gone too far and needed to leave, and after a long period of silence, we knew we were alone. Slowly, we got up and looked around. The man who was bleeding to death was an employee for the bus company who must have put up a struggle. He was taken into the bus where he soon passed out. I called out for Katherine, and though I got no response, we soon found her unharmed on the other side of the bus. Now came the pandemonium. Everyone crowded back on the bus looking for their belongings, and people were passing objects around as they found them. It was a mad house. Bryce and Katherine stayed outside while I tried to find a phone to call the U.S. Embassy representative. Finally I got through to my program director, and 5 minutes later was contacted by the Embassy representative who took down all of the information. Because of his skill and professionalism, he was able to help us through the situation. We were stranded in the middle of no where and the bus was stuck over a ditch. The men tried to push it out, but to no avail. After about a half hour, the police showed up and took the passed out victim away. Katherine told us that the women were left in the bus after the men were taken out and a woman next to her was raped by three men. The police asked some questions, but didn't seem to be in too much of a rush to find the robbers. A tow truck eventually got us out of the ditch and we got back on the road. Few people know what their lives are worth. My life was worth about $45, a credit and bank card, a new phone, an old watch, and a new iPod. The robbers left my pants, shirt, tie, glasses case, toothpaste, and notebook with a years worth of notes and entries. The iPod was gone, but the charger remained. As we finally got moving again, the whole thing was just a shock. The bus stank and was filled with dirt, garbage strewn everywhere. The robbers were looking for specific goods. Luckily, I didn't bring my cameras with me on this particular trip. We had to stop in some middle of the road town for an hour and a half while we waited for a new assistant, and it wasn't until about 10:45 a.m. that we finally rolled into Quito. Tired and numb, we were greeted by our Field Directors who listened to our story. I can't say with any certainty was this whole experience has taught me, and at this time, I might still be a bit numb to it all. This is exactly the kind of thing my family warned me about. Only the night before I saw a girl get attacked by 4 guys who stole her bike, right in front of me and another man in front of my house in Machala. I thought that was the worst thing. Any ideas of Post Traumatic Stress aside, I don't know what you'd call it. But for a few minutes there, I did expect to die, and I didn't. There have been moments in my life when I've wanted to die, or to disappear, just as most people have in their growing pains. But the beat of my heart and the fear in me told me that I wasn't ready for it, and that life is a precious thing. Any gun-wielding idiot can gamble with someone's life, and it's too important to let it be that easy. So now we have to move on. I'm not going to leave Ecuador. I'm not going to give up and hate everyone I see. But I have serious doubts as to whether I can trust the majority of people I see and don't already know, and for that, I truly hate the robbers. At the bare minimum, I won't be taking any night buses any time soon. And now it's just a matter of getting back on the horse and moving on with my life, no matter how uncomfortable it may seem.

NightLife in Quito

By iggy on Nov 15, 2008, 09:48.

I m planning to visit Quito after 10 days. Any suggestions from anybody for the nightlife in Quito will be nice. Thanks in andance.

Job oppourtunites in quito

By craigr34 on Nov 13, 2008, 06:34.

My partner is wanting to go to quito to find work, she is 24, she is currently in Bastion, are the plenty of oppourtunites there for her, shew wants me also to go and live there with her, i am currently in the UK, i thought maybe i could teach english, so if anyone can help me on this or my partner it would be great if you could point me in the right dirrecion. My partner as no experinece only working in a internet cafe Is quito a nice place to live? Would love to hear from anyone thanks in advance

What is Bastion like

By craigr34 on Nov 13, 2008, 06:30.

Is bastion a very very poor place, my current girlfriend is there, she wants to go to quito in the hope of finding work there and a small aprtment, any advice people thanks

Americans brutally attacked in Ecuador, officials say

By Mongo on Oct 26, 2008, 04:17.

http://edition.cnn.com/2008/CRIME/10/21/americans.ecuador/?iref=mpstoryview From Elise Labott CNN State Department Producer WASHINGTON (CNN) -- An extended trip to Ecuador by two Americans changed from a dream to a nightmare after a brutal attack last week, according the couple's blog and U.S. officials. State Department spokesman Robert Wood confirmed Tuesday that the U.S. Embassy in Ecuador had been told that two Americans from Bend, Oregon, were attacked in the city of Esmeraldas, on Ecuador's northern coast. But he said he could provide no further information because of privacy laws. Two State Department officials, however, said that the man was stabbed more than 24 times and that his fiancée was beaten and raped. CNN does not name the victims of sexual assault and has removed publication of the man's name to help protect the identity of the woman. The couple was evacuated to the United States on Tuesday for treatment, the officials said. The couple wrote a blog throughout their trip. In the most recent post on Monday, the woman wrote that her fiance was in intensive care after three surgeries. Don't Miss Ecuador's Correa heads toward charter win "I was informed by the head surgeon there is no certainty he will survive," she wrote. The earlier postings were happier reflections on their visit to Ecuador, a year-long trip they planned after getting engaged and selling all their belongings. In the blog, the couple seems unconcerned about safety, posting that they occasionally hitchhiked, visited the homes of strangers and posed for pictures with new friends they made on their travels. One senior official told CNN that the victims' parents complained to U.S. consular officers in Ecuador that the Embassy did not do enough to warn Americans that many people have been attacked in Esmeraldas. The State Department's Web site advises caution when traveling to the northern border region of Ecuador, including Esmeraldas. The travel advisory section notes that "U.S. government personnel are under limitations with respect to traveling alone and over-nighting in these areas due to the spread of organized crime, drug trafficking, small arms trafficking, and incursions by various Colombian terrorist organizations." The Web site says that since 1998, at least 10 U.S. citizens have been kidnapped and one killed near Ecuador's border with Colombia. Wood on Tuesday expressed the State Department's "deep sympathy" for the victims and said the department worked with the victims' families to provide assistance. "It's a horrible and shocking incident" he said.

Can anybody comment on Manta ?

By pilotguy on Oct 17, 2008, 18:02.

Anybody know Manta, compare to Colombia, etc. thanks, joe

SUV for sale

By davidyamiga on Oct 7, 2008, 17:12.

I have a 2008 Chevrolet Captiva I would like to sell. Reason being that am moving to Colombia. Car is 13,000 kilometers and is in excellent condition. Color is black.

Questions about moving to Ecuador

By wiechoice on Sep 29, 2008, 06:56.

Hello all, I am looking into purchasing some property in Ecuador and was wondering if anyone here could give me some insight as to which coastal towns would be the best to look into. I am in my mid-thirties and single and very much looking for good surfing, good nightlife, safety and low prices. Going down in January to do some scouting but any advanced help from this knowledgeable group would be much appreciated! Cheers!

Banking in Ecuador

By twmcm on Sep 25, 2008, 12:32.

What is the banking scene in Ecuador? Can a foreign individual usually open a bank account with a passport?

I Teach Salsa for free...!!!

By Gabitoec on Sep 9, 2008, 09:05.

Want to Learn how to dance salsa? I love teaching,...! don´t doubt to contact me during your time in Quito, also ask for accomodation options from 10USD daily, great places all around the city! Welcome to Ecuador Carajo..!

need onfo on bussiness idea

By merceytwo on Jul 27, 2008, 13:08.

i am looking at a 2 story house in montinita 5 bedroom up stairs and restturant down stairs. was wondering if you guys think having a bar ba que resturant would do good there? would have side disdhes also. what yall think?

Permethrin available in Ecuador

By mattkru on Jul 18, 2008, 21:57.

Hey all-- This post isn't specific to Ecuador per se, but Ecuador is the place this issue is likely to come up for me. I plan on treating my clothing and mosquito net/sleep bag with permethrin before I depart, but I will be traveling for 4-6 months, well beyond the advertised lifetime of one permethrin treatment. I want to think that I won't have to carry around several bottles of the stuff in my pack throughout the trip! Can anyone tell me if I will be able to purchase permethrin as I need it in Ecuador, or the surrounding area? Thanks! =)

Cuenca vs Vilcabamba - Ecuador

By bickerss on Jun 22, 2008, 04:53.

As well as beaches, I am interested in comparisons between these two cities. I have only been to Cuenca and thought it was the best place I had visited in Ecuador. How does Vilcabamba compare? thanks,

Beaches - Ecuador

By bickerss on Jun 22, 2008, 04:52.

Best Beaches in Ecuador I travelled to Ecaudor a few times last year and really enjoyed it. I am heading back there and I am up for advice on peoples opinions of the best beach places. I am looking at two different ''types'' ofbeach getaways. One where there is a nice beach and 24 / 7 type party and the secopnd maybe a much more quiet place where these is a decent bar scene, not too heavy, and the possibility exists to go to beautiful beaches nearby. Last year i went to: Manta - didnt really rate it as a town. Not the nicest beach. Went kite surfing on a beach about 30 mins sth which was OK (but windy - so sucks if you are not into wind sports). Maybe I didnt see enough? Crucita - found this place an absolute dump with no redeeming features. Canoa - thought this place was great. Small but a happening nightlife, great beach, surfing etc. Guayaquil - didnt spend enough time there to rate the beaches nearby. I was considering checking out Salinas, Atacames, Montanita, Esmereldas on my next trip. What are your impressions of these? Anyone heard of a place called San Clemente? Thanks for your help.

Quito hostels

By Peter on Jun 18, 2008, 13:54.

I added a list of Quito hostels (with websites) on the Quito page: http://poorbuthappy.com/ecuador/travel/place/quito/ Feel free to add more picks!

Is Ecuador a better dollar deal over Colombia?

By wannabe on Jun 17, 2008, 08:26.

The Colombian peso strength and the US dollar dip have got me pulling my hair. I've got a trip scheduled for November, flying San Fran into Bogotá (about $650 RT ticket), but I'm thinking about writing it off. Colombia just sounds too expensive for my bottom-line $60 day budget. So I was survival-thinking about maybe heading straight to Ecuador. I've heard that their economy might be more conducive to US tourists; i.e. that it's cheaper. It sounds like a better deal; but I really don't know for sure, so that's while I'm asking here. Having to weigh every cost "down to the penny" pretty much sucks and cuts into the overall pleasure. I'd just rather save myself from that miserly feeling that accompanies a "I can't afford it" realization at every juncture, but especially for lodging. Anyone have any views/opinions about shifting gears to Ecuador? I appreciate your insights.

Looking fr Apartment and/or hotel

By vaughnyb on Jun 14, 2008, 15:19.

I have been thinking of moving to guayaquil outside of the city, wheree its quie. I need someone to help fiind an ineexpensive hotel for me and my novia. $30 bucks a nite is my budget. I plan to look for an apartmeent during the two weeeks we stay in a hotel. For an aparttment my budget is around $500 per month. I am American and she is Peruvian. Are ther numbers possible. The dates Im planninng are July 16. please let mee know. Thanks

AN ARTICLE ABOUT QUITO (ECUADOR)

By kat1 on Jun 10, 2008, 03:03.

http://www.eltiempo.com/vidadehoy/viajar/2008-06-05/ARTICULO-WEB-NOTA_INTERIOR-4234325.html

Quito hostels emptier?

By Peter on Jun 4, 2008, 03:18.

I heard hostels in Quito are emptier than they used to be, now that a lot of travelers are staying less time and moving on to Colombia faster (Colombia used to be considered too "dangerous"). Any truth to this?