Canoa, Ecuador – Cheap Place To Live In South America
Sunset at the Beach in Canoa, Ecuador
The small fishing village Canoa on the Pacific coast is a very popular tourist location in Ecuador and becoming increasingly popular as a relocation destination also. Many English-speaking expats live in the area (primarily from the U.S. and Europe) full or part-time.
There are expat-owned local businesses (bars, hotels, restaurants, adventure companies) and a lot of interaction between the locals and ‘gringos’. A small, private bilingual elementary school was opened by a group of Americans to serve the local population as well as International children that live in Canoa full-time.
For those who move to South America with the goal of becoming fluent in Spanish, or at least giving it the good ‘ol college try… there is a local Spanish Language School with accomodation available (great place to touch-down and orient yourself to the area while you look for a rental) and classes on the beach – Canoa Spanish Language School.
The main tourist hub is Bahía de Caráqueza – a short boat ride from San Vicente across the Rio Chrone or drive via the new bridge… with more shopping options (larger stores) and bank ATMs that will accept International cards.
There is very little shopping within the town itself, just the usual corner Mom & Pop stores that sell basic food items (canned goods, sugar, coffee, etc.), vegetables, fruit & beer. San Vicente is a short 15 minute bus ride – or drive – away and has a few larger stores that cater to the local expat community stocking their shelves with a selection of imported goods (specialty coffee, cheeses, dry goods, etc.).
Local restaurants serve fresh seafood at rock-bottom prices. A plate of buttered shrimp, fried squid or fresh fish with rice costs as low as $3.50 USD. Throw in a litre of beer for $1.50 USD and you can see how many live very happily for an extended time in Canoa on a small amount of money – eating out daily.
There is not an abundance of low-cost (under $300 USD per month) apartments or houses in Canoa (most expats own real estate) but you can find some rentals in town (room, cable T.V., private bath with shared kitchen) for $150 USD per month.
The Sundown Beach Hostel (15 minute walk from main town, or $1.50 USD shuttle ride) offers beachfront private rooms with bath for $244 USD per month. Site has common room for backpackers and shared kitchen.
Canoa is a great place to learn how to surf with waves year-round and a shallow, sandy bottom. Intermediate surfers will like late November through April when the surf is more consistent and waves more challenging. Many Ecuadorian locals own surf shops and offer inexpensive board rentals plus lessons.
The town is also a hot spot for paragliding in Ecuador with American-owned Canoa Thrills offering tandem rides, instructor certification and contests for those who take it to the sport level. To see the company in action click here: Photos & Video – Paragliding in Canoa, Ecuador
Highlights
- Beautiful location on the Pacific coast with clean beaches
- English-speaking community present to help new foreigners adjust, find apartments, real estate, etc.
- Low-cost Spanish classes available (private lessons $7 USD, for 2 or more persons only $5 USD per hour)
- Surfing (beginner to Intermediate) & paragliding hot spot
- Food costs minimal when buying local products and restaurant meals for $3 to $5 USD
Drawbacks
- Young, party vibe in the town (alcohol & drugs) – may not appeal to older retirees
- Fully-equipped apartments and condominiums (a few modern, two-story or so complexes in town geared towards wealthy retirees) cost $300 and up per month, difficult on a $650 USD budget.
Other Articles on South America You May Enjoy:
Travel in Ecuador – Cotacachi
Living in Uruguay – Travel Hot Spots
Living in Ecuador – How To Buy Real Estate
Photograph courtesy of the Canoa Spanish Language School.
Hello American Expats in Canoa! Am traveling to Canoa via Quito July 2 – 10, 2011 for vacation and to check out area for possible retirement in a few years. I teach Reading but am also certified in ESOL and Special Education (K-12). I speak no Spanish but am interested in opportunities at the schools in Canoa you refer to in your post. Is there a a restaurant / shop that is a popular gathering spot for Expats in canoa? Thanks so much- Jean Anhalt
Hi Jean – we lived in Canoa for a month and it was lovely. The Surf Shack is the spot to go to for info, American-owned, right on the beach, awesome sunsets. Cheers, Molly
WE TRY TO GO TO CANOA BY NOVEMBER 20, HOW DO YOU TRAVEL, IS EASE TO RENT A CAR O BY BUS FROM QUITO OR GUAYAQUIL? PLEASE ANY HELP WILL APPRECIATE.
Hi – you can easily rent a car in Guayaquil or Quito… or take a bus. By bus you arrive first in either Bahía de Caráqueza (from Guayaquil) and take a short boat ride across to San Vincente, or directly in San Vincente (from Quito) – the small town just 20 minutes or so from Canoa – and then transfer to a local bus to Canoa.
Easy to do, tell the bus driver you are going to Canoa and they will drop you off at the connection to the other bus (when traveling from Quito). Molly
Look out for hotel la Greg, nice Americans that look after tourists. We meet them and we are from Australia. Great people great spot on beach.
You can get in touch with Greg at the Surf Shack…
Is it possible to get reliable monthly high-speed internet service here?
Yes – I got a line for a month and had a great connection. There were two options (companies) then, not sure what is available now but you definitely will have decent service available and various options for service – companies are in Bahia, easy to shop around.
Does anyone have an e-mail or phone number for Greg? I am looking for a rental house in Canoa for a few months.
Thanks
Hi Katie – sounds exciting! Greg owns (last of my knowledge) the adventure & paragliding company – Canoa Thrills. Just go to the website and send them an email. http://www.canoathrills.com/
P.S. He is an expert-level paraglider (teaches others) and great (safe!) to go up on a tandem ride with… my son did and loved it.
Best of luck, Molly
Gregs email is rouge_le_neck@yahoo.com
His partners name is Anna she knows a lot of people in town as well, if you don’t have any luck try cafe flor they are good friends.