South America

Recently traveled the country from north to south, staying with local residents through the couchsurfing program and meeting a lot of expats living in different areas. Of course, where there are more foreigners, the prices are higher. But here are two examples: – Baños de Aguas Calientes – 2 story house with large fenced in yard just outside of town a little bit: When the resident found the place she wanted she was told $700 for rent. She countered with $200. They accepted. Her local friend told her she should not have paid more than $150. – Another in Vilcabamba which is loaded with foreigners; large house with 6 bedrooms, 2 kitchens, courtyard and gated parking $600 month. Food is cheap. Had plenty of meals throughout the country for $1.50 -$3.50. Groceries are cheap. Fast food chains at the malls or more expensive than local restaurants. Bus fees average out to about, roughly, $1 per hour (not charged by the hour but seem to come out that way). A large city like Quito will of course be more than other towns. I do not know your age but they do have a retirement type plan if you qualify, based on income and savings, and there is an entire criteria with a few factors that come in to play that will have an effect on your health insurance costs if that is a concern. Hope this helps.

I`ll be for business in both countries having a free day in between. Where should I stay for my free day? Guayaquil or Lima? Thanks! Response: Guayaquil is good for a day – a full day. We just recently spent a day and a half in Guayaquil. We stayed at the Manso Boutique Hotel on Simon Bolivar in the Malecon District (main street along the boardwalk by the river). We had a private room with a loft and view of the boardwalk and river for $32 night with a continental breakfast included. Behind the hotel is the central park and plazas. Walk south down the boardwalk to an old historic district that was once in shambles. It has been renovated in old colonial style. Each building has a before photo framed and hanging on the exterior so you can the before and after. Cobblestone streets with colonial architecture, residences, art galleries, shops, restaurants, homemade empanadas, lighthouse and church at the top with a lookout over the river and entire city. Guayaquil presents a balanced mix of old colonial and modern and prices are reasonable. Note: Guayaquil is warm and humid, and there are 442 steps to the very top of the colonial town, so dress accordingly and I might recommend visiting this area in the morning or evening.