I have been studying my Spanish in the meantime. I have joined many ex-pat forums to continue my learning. I almost procured a very nice apt. that an internet friend of mine offered me. It didn’t pan out after he closely rethought the low interest rate I was offering (it was necessary to make it affordable for me). I offered more for the apt. than it was worth to offset that fact, but in the end he switched gears and offered it to me as a rental. It still is not a bad deal, but I will pass for now.

I have discovered that even on Craigslist you can find rentals. I have re-looked at Costa Rica and Uruguay as well. I really like Ecuador, I actually embrace their President Correa. I find his policies refreshing and innovative. That is not a negative in any way for me, despite my well-meaning relatives telling me it is a “Communist” country. LOL

My granddaughter found her 2nd grade backpack buried way back in my closet this weekend. In it were general words for them to study for spelling, etc. I have snatched them & am going to put the Spanish words on the back for small flashcards. I think that will be a big help for me. My pronunciation of Spanish is getting better.

So Ecuador is still on my wish list, but I am just getting there a little slower than I had wished. Oh well – slow & steady won the race didn’t it?

I have loved this concept ever since I heard of it. I wasn’t sure if many, if any, wanted to swap in Ecuador. Lo and behold, yes they do. So, this is yet another way you can vacation in Ecuador and make your lodging as cost-effective as it gets. Even if you don’t vacation in Ecuador you can swap with someone else either in the same country or your dream spot.

From all the reviews I have read, tonight and before, the general consensus is that Home Swapping is a viable & rewarding way to tour the world. You may never have even thought about going to Taiwan, but someone there may have a “home to die for” and need a place in the states just when you have a vacation coming up. You never know what experiences life will throw at you and Home Exchange is a good way to get your feet wet.

One listing currently is a gorgeous home in Quito that says “Beautiful house in Quito Ecuador, quiet and safe residential area, 20 minutes from one of the most gorgeous colonial centres.” and another example is “Explore Ecuador from Quito for a great family!” – that home is to die for, OMG, stately and then some!

The site has a gallery/slideshow of the homes in detail, information about the owners, locations, amenities, directions, maps, and much more. Check them out today!

Ecuador Condos

When I searched for Ecuador on the home page I came up with quite a few hits. Beware of “Bella Costa” as it is NOT in Ecuador but on Ecuador Street – guess no way to prevent this. All in all, this site gives you some good choices ranging from $42,000 and up.

I believe this would be a good site to list your condo for sale, not just purchasing another. They are extremely professional and know their stuff. Below is a demonstration on how to use their site:

Use Condo.com to buy condos for sale and Ecuador real estate. Use our search tools to find condos for sale and real estate in Ecuador and research all aspects of the Ecuador condo market including prices, bargains, deals and cheap location condos for sale and rentals. Whether looking for new Ecuador condos or older condos in Ecuador, Condo.com can help.

Our Ecuador real estate market analysis gives you an average price and price per square foot so you can do the proper research necessary to find an affordable Ecuador condos for sale.

Ventana B&B

I visited their website & it was lovely. Their prices range from $40 to $80 a night. They are a GREAT choice.

Ventana Bed and Breakfast is just 20 km/12 mi. from the capital city of Quito. At the Italian villa styled property, guests can stay in one of our 9 charming, comfortable and modern rooms, each with gorgeous mountain, valley or river views.

Enjoy a fresh and healthy bite at the Café de Las Cinco, where the menu includes contemporary international cuisine and weekly live jazz. A guesthouse that welcomes weary travelers to the ‘mitad del mundo,’ middle of the world, Ventana invites you to take a rest and relax, while feeling safe and enjoying the beauty of our natural setting among magnificent views and beautifully landscaped gardens.

Marma Bed & Breakfast

This one doesn’t have as many rooms but is quite warm and inviting. The owner speaks English, so that is a plus for sure.

Located in Cumbayá (just 15 minutes outside of Quito) in a spectacular natural environment and offers you private and comfortable accomodations for your stay in Quito. If you are tired from all the tourism or find yourself exhausted of a hard day’s work, you may return to the bed & breakfast and enjoy one of our famous Thai or Ayurvedic massages.

Our center focuses on your physical, mental and spiritual well-being. Or you may take a plunge in our heated pool and then relax with a glass of wine in the jacuzzi. Or if you still have some energy left, you may exercise in our fully equipped indoor gym. Or you may just sit and enjoy a movie in our sitting room. Your entire comfort is our only priority. We speak English and French for your convenience.

Bed and Breakfast Tumbaco

This has only 2 rooms available, however, it boasts of disabled parking in the rear. I am not sure if any of the rooms are handicapped accessible. You would have to inquire about that.

Bed and Breakfast Tumbaco is located in the Cumbaya / Tumbaco valley of Quito, known for its “everlasting spring” and for being warmer, greener and less contaminated than the capital city. At the foot of the Ilaló magic mountain, the hacienda style main house features spacious gardens, a bio-orchard, swimming pool and jacuzzi, with private cottages painted in tropical colours.

This unique site offers personalized service, peaceful country atmosphere and, definitely, a truly great breakfast. Last but not least, the house is located in a very safe neighbourhood.

Hanging Gardens in Manta, Ecuador

Quite pricey but breathtakingly gorgeous. Rooms $100-$200. This one says “Access for the disabled.”

Enjoy a retreat to nature in our privately owned and managed 5-Bedroom, 7-Bath beach house that offers surprising extras and special touches around every corner. What sets this property apart is not one, but two KING master suites – one with a Jacuzzi tub and another with a traditional dining room table. Enjoy sleeping in a brass double bed with a blackout canopy. The children’s room has one queen sized bed with two twin beds.

Nestled on four lots of land, the house has a spectacular Mountain and Ocean View from almost anywhere. Kids and adults alike will enjoy the pool table, wireless internet, and satellite tv. Located only 9 miles from Manta and Porteviejo, overlooking the Pacific ocean, you will love the private location yet convenience to Hanging Gardens, Crucita, Ecuador. AeroGal services the airport and the Galapagos Islands.

Directions to property:
We offer a car service from both the Manta and Porteviejo airports for a nominal fee of $15.00.

There are a few other listings in Quito and elsewhere in Ecuador without information. These are worth checking out as well:

• Casa Sol Bed & Breakfast – Quito
• Confort Suites Azucenas – Quito
• HOSTAL EL BATAN – Quito
• Hostal Huauki – Quito
• Black Sheep Inn – Chugchilán
• Hostal Casa Real – in Baños
• Volcano Hotel – in Baños
• Casa Ordonez – Cuenca, Ecuador
• Galapagos B&B – Guayaquil

Is A Bed & Breakfast Stay Right for You? Explains why Bed & Breakfasts are a good choice and some of the advantages.