Expats in Ecuador: Cotacachi could be our goldilocks spot
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- Опубліковано 9 лют 2025
- Welcome back to the channel and a big thank you to our new subscribers!
After our last video we quickly began to realize that our time in Southern Ecuador was coming to a close...and it didn't take long for us to decide to make the move to Cotacachi.
We're going to do a final thoughts video on our time in Malacatos soon, but we wanted to update you on the move first.
We've been here for almost a month and are absolutely thrilled with our decision so far. Stay tuned!
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Hi, we are Matt and Kate! If you're into personal growth via the road less traveled, this channel is for you!
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I just realized the house you are living in. We almost bought that house. That is a big and beautiful home. Congratulations.
Cotocachi is beautiful.
Last year we stayed in Otavalo at Hostal (Hotel) Curinan owned by a wonderful Quichua family whom you must meet.
The purpose of going to Cotocahi was to attend a chili cook-off at L&S Artisan Meats farm, and a tour of La Verde Oveja cheese farm where we saw the many sheep and were shown around the inside of the cheese processing facility.
During our stay in Otavalo, we went to the Poncho Market, Museo Otavalango which was an amazing tour, Parque Cóndor and finally got to see the Harpy Eagle that I have always wanted to see along with many other birds and watched the bird show that was wonderful and an animal market.
I do not know if it was the month we went but found it very cold at night to the point I had a heavy hoodie on under my winter jacket, a scarf, mitts, and a winter hat.
Happy you found your happy place, ours is 45 minutes west of Mindo.
Start registering your marriage now if you have not already done so.
If you need assistance with your Cedula and Visa let us know because there were a lot of obstacles put in our way in Quito.
My friend said to me that it would have been best to do the process in Cuenca because they are used to assisting North Americans and Europeans.
I really enjoyed my stay in Cotacachi earlier this year. The North American expats that I met there raved about their new hometown: the friendliness of the locals, the weather, the affordability, the fresh produce (many had orchards on their property, too), etc. I highly recommend a visit to the beautiful Cuicocha Crater Lake nearby, also.
omw. 30 days to go first for first time. Excited!
We miss you guys!
Miss you guys too ✌️
The indigenous are kichwa. Ecuadorians are mestizos (I hope I'm saying that correctly and respectfully). We'll go in detail on our final thoughts on life in the south in our next video😉
Not all Ecuadorians are mestizos, although the majority are. Same thing is happening in the US with all the mixtures. Give it a few years and you’ll be saying gringos mestizos 🤡🤣
Respectfully “Quechua” is the native language of the indigenous people. The indigenous people that live in the area are Otavalenos, a group with very deep traditions that date back centuries. The textiles sold in the Otavalo market are theirs.
Sorry, I just read that Kichwa is the nationality of the Otavalenos. It appears to be a nationality recognized within Ecuador, first time I see this. You encouraged me to learn something new 😊.
@@TampaVWQuichua and Quechua are variations of the same language. Quichua is spoken in Ecuador. Quechua is spoken in Peru.
I lived there for a year and a half. Great town. I expect you will like it a lot.
Thank you. I’ve added this city to my list ❤
It's worth a look if you like a small town vibe 🌹💀😁✌️
This was great once again! I really appreciate you guys!!! :-)
Thanks BD ✌️
Oh, wow! Just WOW! So happy to see your joy. I love your willingness to seek and and experience and make changes. The greatest challenge in seeking happiness is resisting change whether it be inflicted upon us or of our own making. You are showing others what an authentic growth experience can look like. I am a fellow “traveler” stateside but many of the lessons are the same. Dios los bendigas y divertidos muchos.
Gracias Kathleen 🙏✌️
We purchased land in Cotacachi about 6 months ago and will start building in 6 months. We hope to meet you as new neighbors in the near future.
So glad you've found the spot that's "juuuuust right" for you! (Ya know.... for now... 😃) Our paths have been somewhat similar and Jerremy and I rejected both Cuenca and the Vilcabamba areas for similar reasons. (Luckily, we did that before acquiring excessive "stuff," but that ship appears to have sailed since our arrival in Cotacachi.) I think finding the sweet spot when moving abroad is a lot like online dating. Sometimes ya gotta kiss a few frogs (metaphorically speaking) before you find "the one."
So good to see you two again. Would really love to see more Cotacachi and yor perspective.
Hi Brandon! We have some videos coming out soon 🤞🙏✌️
Truly appreciate your honesty and perspective.
I have followed your videos and enjoyed them. Don't take this personal but i sense in your tone and persona that you are a little disappointed with you expat experiences. I do hope you are able to find the happiness we all seek in this life. I love Cotacachi and have always enjoyed my visits. God bless!
😁 Hello and thank you for commenting! We are still very grateful for this experience and actually very happy here. As you know, this is a special area and keeping the expat community small has benefits 😉🙏✌️
Congratulations on finding a new place that you like! Wishing you all the best! Buena suerte!
Watching your video right now. I’ve been to Cotacachi and I agree it’s a beautiful place. Enjoy the honeymoon period. I can’t help but think that you said the same things about the previous places where you attempted to settle before. There is also a large expat community there. Enjoy!
Yep, we will see how we hold up after 3 months 🤞😉✌️
So great to see your beautiful faces. Wishing you all the best for this adventure as always.
Thanks Karen ✌️
Our first travels there and we knew Cotacachi just felt right from the get go. Coming bank in several months. Will look for both your smiling faces in town!
Good to see you guys. Best to you.
Finally something good to both of .u...🇪🇨
good to see you laugh and smile , AGAIN. 🙂 My visa in EC side, is about wrapped up. Consulate side in states, yet to go. Maybe soon. Worried about coming at vacation time, EC ? No places to rent ? your thoughts....... Enjoy. Thanks a million.
Hi B! The rental market here has reported "snow birds" that come in for 6 months+/- to avoid winter in North America/Canada. There usually are apartments to be rented, but houses are way harder to find. We have never gone to the Airbnb route, but we have friends that do and have been pleased ✌️
Ha-ha-ha 🤗
So, - "safe" in the north - between 2 volcanos....yep...you're certainly not boring.....
Could you please tell everyone here, a bit more about your statement, that the south of Ecuador is similar to the south of the US....made my goose bombs raise all over my body..huh...!?!!
And finally, the difference between a local and an indigenous Ecuadorian!?!?
Overall, happy to see you look and behave happy 🤗🤗
Looking forward to hear/see your video about the south...very much so...
My love and a wuf to Lucas - the travelling doggy 🐆
I'm planning to be there this weekend. Maybe I'll run into you guys. Erik
Does the water swirl the opposite direction north of the Equator than south of the Equator? Enquiring minds want to know!
Only at the real equator show 😁✌️
Great!!!! Last time your Dad was sick, too, wasnt he Kate? I've been watching Iceland. Volcanic activity creates ALL electricity for Iceland. Would be nice if EC would put scientists , engineers on that. Matt your skills will be valued. You jumped up 3000 ft. notice anything? Vegan restaurants? Bookstore ? Can you buy dehumidifier? I hear moisture issues in Cotacochi. not a negative. just is. How about Chocolate? Congrats guys. Hope you start your Thurs videos again.
Have your walked PUP with you to town? (dogs??? issues ???) ((bringing my dog)) How did you find home? Sign ? posted ? Easy?hard to find?
Yes, he passed when we were here last. So far so good on the altitude. We haven't signed out book stores or vegan restaurants it, but I imagine they both exist. And I would think you could buy a dehumidifier at kywi in Ibarra. It's been quite dry since we have been here. I could do with a little more humidity myself. Most people love pacari chocolate and you can find that throughout Ecuador. I'm a sucker for the dark chocolate Ritter sport though, and I have been pleasantly surprised to find it available here as well.
We do work into town with Lucas and haven't had any trouble. It's definitely easier when we are both walking, to keep an eye out for the street dogs as they approach. None of them have been aggressive though, we are grateful for that. We asked around and the expat group and we're connected with a realtor to find our house. So long as you are not looking for a garage, seems like there are plenty of options available.
@@FlynnsOnTheFly Thanks, INFO. 🙂 Q:who is 'international living lady? We used to see Donna. She dropped off the radar. You two look relaxed, happy, and ***your humor is back!!!! YES!!!
Oh. I love your baby. He reminds me of poodle who died.
??? food, vegan restaurants, cafes? Are there alot of options? More coming on board all the time ? prices ?
Hello! Retired in Mexico ( its gotten expensive with plunge of the dollar) im considering Ecuador ( yes even now...but I have faith in Pres Noboa) I have 2 senior Chihuahuas 13 and 15 and wondering if the altitude has affected your dog in any way? Thank you!
Hello! Our Dog is from Cuenca, so he's used to the elevation 😁✌️
My wife and I have visited Ecuador twice, once to Cuenca and once to Vilcabamba.
Vilka was a little too small and Cuenca was not our cup of tea.
Cotacochi seems like a much better fit for us is it possible to retire there on SSI income? I am completely aware of the recent crime wave and difficulties, but it is my understanding that the new Ecuadorian president is starting to really get things under control? Do you feel safe and secure their would be my one main question?
Hello Rex! We feel safe here and would definitely recommend everyone to experience any place in the flesh and make sure the vibe is right for you ✌️
I was in Costa Rica in 2000 and there were dogs everywhere
How are the prices, in general from the south, to Cotacachi?
Hi Kathy! Most prices are very similar, but housing can be a better deal and house quality is higher up here ✌️
The nomad life!
Yes. In the southern U.S. people are known as unwelcoming and hostile. LOL. Have you ever been to Texas? Not in 1821 but more recently?
Is it time to revise the 47% rule?
The bell curve will seek balance 😉😁✌️
9:47 well there probably are more stray dogs up here in the north of ecuador comparing to Southern ecuador... Reason, in the south (Loja area) they eat dog :)..... All of my Ecuadorian lojano friends have eaten dog meat while down there soooo, true fact
🫣✌️
I am hearing an echo. Its why I live in the countryside outside Riobamba. First of all, I don't like big cities. Secondly, why move to a foreign country and live in a gringo bubble? You guys have been here a while now. Curious about your visa issues.
Hi Tom, we went the professional visa route and the first go round we had to reapply with different college credentials...Our permanent resident visas might go easier 🤞😁✌️
Cotacachi is being called Gringolandia by the locals. I heard gringos are trying to get the outdoor tiendas in SF Square closed. Leave the bankrupt US culture in the US. It is why youre coming here.
THIS IS ECUADOR!
Are you an Ecuadorian citizen? We can see your marine corps avatar, but you use an anonymous name...
You are not selling, "wolf tickets". lol
Wow, Cotacachi! Good move! Just stay away from Ayaguasca 😅😮🤡
We're safe🙏✌️
Congratulations on new spot.....we have been talking about that area....I won the bet...****...I bet Tina ..that is your next place......lots of luck there....hope to visit early next yr...best to you
We think alike T & T😉 Hope you guys are doing well and we look forward to seeing you both again ✌️