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Cost of Living: Well Below the U.S.
National Average
~ Article by Linda McFarlin, an expatriate retiree
and resident of Cotacachi, Imbabura,Equador
Nestled securely between two majestic volcanoes, Cotacachi, Ecuador is a charming
village of approximately 7,000 people, located 1 1/2 hours north of Quito.
At an elevation of about 8,000 feet, the weather is cooler than most of
Ecuador. When the sun is shining, which is often, Cotacachi is
paradise--warm and inviting. When the sun hides behind the clouds, the
weather immediately cools, so it is wise to wear layers or carry a jacket
and hat most of the time.
For those seeking a gentle, less stressful life,
Cotacachi is the place, with its friendly people, low cost of living,
incredible mountain and valley views and most of the comforts you are
accustomed to in more developed countries. The expat community is
small, but more are coming, drawn by the safe, easy lifestyle, the village
serenity, very low cost of living and the town's unusual cleanliness.
Nearby lakes and hot springs are a boon for retirees and the incredible
views are beyond compare.
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Church in the Cotacachi City Center Park |
Idyllic is the word that comes to mind when walking the
streets of Cotacachi, so safe that children are allowed to play in the
streets after dark. Furthermore, Cotacachi may be Ecuador’s cleanest
city, rivaling most towns in the U.S. Every morning, shopkeepers can be
seen sweeping their shop entrances while street cleaners immediately clear
the streets of debris and signs of revelry after the numerous parades and
fiestas.
Known for its fine leather products and its music and
parades, yet off the major tourist path, this is a place of serenity,
perfect for retirees who just want to relax and enjoy the natural beauty
that surrounds them on all sides. For more excitement, visit Otavalo, the
largest outdoor craft market in South America.
The mayor of Cotacachi is well-known throughout Ecuador
for his progressive programs. Cotacachi practices participatory democracy
and has been awarded the title of International City of Peace by UNESCO.
An impressive Catholic church dominates the landscape on the palm-lined
town square.
Although Cotacachi is small and has a limited choice of
entertainment, nearby towns and communities offer a wide selection of
things to do. There are two fine lakes within a 15-mile radius of
Cotacachi. One lake, Laguna de Cuicocha, is mystical and secluded. The
twin islands in the center of the lake are off-limits to visitors and the
lake is used by local shaman for ceremonies. Guided 4-hour hikes around
the lake’s perimeter by a medicinal plant naturalist are a great way to
spend a morning. Nice overnight accommodations are available at the lake’s
edge and just down the road.
A short distance away is the town of Ibarra, larger and
warmer than Cotacachi. Ibarra is famous for its helado de pailla, ice
cream made from natural ingredients and a family recipe that has been
passed down for over 100 years. It is hand-made in a large copper bowl set
in straw and ice and stirred with a large wooden spoon.
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Ibarra has a large supermarket called Supermaxi,
where many of the food items and staples you crave from home can
be purchased, a Todorhogar, which is a store carrying household
items, appliances, dishes, and some furniture, plus a Kywi,
Ecuador’s answer to Ace Hardware.
Less than one hour from Cotacachi is a delightful
hot springs where for about $4 a person, you can soak all day in
pools of varying temperatures and enjoy a eucalyptus sauna. If you
prefer more action, another, larger hot springs site up the road
is an Ecuadorian Disneyland, with water slides, a disco,
restaurants as well as a number of healing modalities such as
massage and mud baths. |
While Cotacachi is not yet a major tourist or retiree
hangout, that is changing. There are several hotels, hostels and haciendas
to choose from while visiting the area. The prices range from $7-8 per
person in two hostels to $750 per night for a deluxe cabina at the 5-star
La Mirage, a premier Relais and Chateaux spa. The outstanding restaurant
(with a $35 dinner and $15 lunch,) peacocks, indoor pool, 19 different
massages and impeccable gardens, make this a must-see attraction.
Cotacachi,
Ecuador, Continued...
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