t was 2010, and we had been in Canoa for a couple of years. We weren't as panicked as one might be when first owning a business in a foreign country, where you don't speak the native language and are unfamiliar with local customs and cultures. We were beginning to figure things out.

By HiExpat Team 1. Can you talk to us about your family, father and wife? I´m married to Kariam Sabando who is a doctor as well and we have 2 children, our son that will graduate as a lawyer son and our younger daughter that´s 4 years old said that she wants to be a Neurosurgeon. We like going to the beach and love sports. I try to maintain a balance in the phases of my life and my family is always one of my priorities. 2. What is the PRIZE TO THE MEDICAL BY ACHIEVEMENT FOR A

By Sara Moore As a self-proclaimed food aficionado and an ardent explorer of unique dining experiences, stumbling upon Eva Cafe was a stroke of pure luck. Nestled inside the cozy lobby of the Santa Fe Hotel, this small cafe-style restaurant instantly won me over with its warm and inviting atmosphere. With an extensive menu featuring delectable desserts, refreshing drinks, and tantalizing snack foods, Eva Cafe became my go-to spot for an indulgent culinary journey. Led by the

By Marcos Chiluisa The Human Mobility law has changed, and a fulfillment of a certain number of days in Ecuador is no longer a requirement for every temporary resident. They now have three options to choose from when it comes to required minimum stays. None of these options are good or bad, but all depend on the future plans that one has for their travels into and out of Ecuador.

By John Williams Along with much of the rest of the world, recent upticks in crime in parts of Ecuador have caused many residents, including many expats and those considering joining us here in Ecuador as a destination, to ask questions about personal safety. My answers to these questions will reflect on the basic character, integrity and honesty of the general citizenry. My adult daughter and I have been residing in the Santa Marianita beach area near Manta since 2017. Durin

By Juan Francisco Carrasco It is no secret that one of the most important natural icons that Ecuador possesses is the Chimborazo. This volcano that imposingly rises 6,263 meters above the sea level has become a national icon creating admiration in tourists, photographers and climbers all around the world, remaining as the highest point on Earth and the nearest one to the sun when measured from the center of the planet. Beside this colossal volcano, you can find the city of Ri

By Lauren Phelps Ever since I can remember, I have had two goals in my life: join the Peace Corps and participate in the reality TV show “Big Brother”. I remember thinking that maybe these goals were too big for me, pipe dreams that would never be attained. I have since let go of my aspirations to become a reality TV star, but I was, however, able to complete my goal of joining the Peace Corps. In June of 2018 I found out that my Peace Corps application was accepted and I wou

By Peter Stromberg As I stood on the beach last weekend, I found myself engaged in a conversation with an Ecuadorian businessman who had...

By Claudia Acosta If there is one thing that people from Cuenca are proud of, it is our water. The flavor, quality, rivers, and more that make up this generous and vital resource for our city. Yet, few people know about the importance of its history and origin, something that should truly be taught in schools. We need to understand the journey this precious liquid takes to get from rivers to houses, the networks, channels and above all, where the water source originates from.

By Carlos Ramírez The COVID-19 pandemic has demonstrated the importance of having solid and comprehensive health insurance. Now more than ever, people are seeking options that provide adequate coverage to protect them in case of any medical emergency at a moderate cost and with excellent coverage. That's why Bluebox Asesores, in partnership with the prepaid medical company Humana, is pleased to introduce its new health product. This new plan is designed to offer broad coverag

By HiExpat Team "Ah, to be in Ecuador, now that spring is here!" These words, paraphrased from Robert Browning's famous poem, echo the sentiment of countless North Americans seeking a new chapter in life. Picture yourself, dear adventurer, on the captivating shores of the Ecuadorian coast, where dreams intertwine with the ebb and flow of the sea. Retirement is often seen as a time to sit back, relax, and enjoy the fruits of our labor. It's an opportunity to embark on a new ch

By Peter Stomberg If you've lived abroad long enough, you know the type. They just can't seem to figure out their new environment. Bless...

By HiExpat Team Ecuador is a country full of culture and art. With a rich history dating back to pre Columbian times, Ecuadorian culture...

By HiExpat Team Taking care of health is of vital importance for everyone, especially for older adults. That's why it's important to discuss recommendations and tips from a doctor for taking care of the health of older adults. In this article, we will focus specifically on what older adults living in the city of Manta can do for their health. First, it is important to mention that engaging in morning exercises is an excellent way to maintain good physical and mental health. T

By Marcos Chiluisa We are all familiar with our national IDs, driver license, or other types of country official IDs, but foreigners that travel around the globe must also bear their official international ID, which in this case is the passport. A passport is a travel document issued by your country of origin needed to leave a country and enter another one, but that is not the only use.

By Carolina Segarra The flowering of the Guayacanes is an event that attracts thousands of domestic and foreign tourists every year. The route of the Guayacanes is in the canton of Zapotillo, located in the Cazaderos district, which is southwest of the province of Loja. It has an area of 11808.7 hectares and an altitude of 160 -1000 meters above sea level with an average temperature ranging between 18.3 and 32.3°C. The road is currently easily accessible by SUV, but it is not

By HiExpat Writers Team In the current digital era, technology is constantly evolving and changing the way we interact with the world and with each other. Technological innovations have dramatically improved our lives, but what are the risks that may come along with these advancements? From the invention of the personal computer in the 1980s to the popularity of smartphones today, new technologies have significantly enhanced our lives. Nowadays, we can instantly communicate w

By HiExpat Writers Team Discover the Top 10 Must See Places in Manta: A Guide to Enjoy Your Trip from Beginning to End Manta is a city located in the province of Manabí, on the Pacific coast of Ecuador, known for its stunning beaches and delicious cuisine. If you find yourself in this coastal city, here are the 10 places you shouldn't miss: 1. El Murciélago Beach: One of the most popular and beautiful beaches in Manta. It offers a

By Mark Bradbury Most of you reading this will remember the hot coffee case that changed the way US courts looked at civil cases. Liebeck v. McDonald's Restaurants, also known as the McDonald's coffee case and the hot coffee lawsuit, was a highly publicized 1994 product liability lawsuit in the United States against the McDonald's restaurant chain. Quick summary: A woman had purchased a cup of coffee at a McDonald’s Drive Through and while attempting to remove the cover she s

By Terri Carroll There was a lot going on in 2020. Amongst the chaos of a global pandemic, civil unrest, and a general feeling of unease in my own personal life, I began researching how to make a permanent move out of the United States. I had planned to retire to a country with a lower cost of living, but retirement at that time was still 10 years away. I felt the need to make an immediate move, and Ecuador came into view.