Dom, I have followed you since I moved here over 7 years ago, but I think you have missed the boat on this one. When we first came to Ecuador we tried several costal villages before settling in Cotacachi. You do have some valid points. It is overpriced. Its popularity with Gringos has driven prices up. Your objection to its isolation is purely a matter of opinion. There are multiple routes out, thru Quiroga or LaCalera to Otavalo as well as the main access to the Pana. It is 15 minutes to Otavalo, 30 minutes to Ibarra. Otavalo is a good sized city with many tourist attractions (Condor Park, Peguchi Falls, Plaza de Ponchos). Ibarra is a large city with a population of over 300,000 with good shopping and excellent, reasonably priced health care. My wife just had major surgery on her foot, done by an excellent surgeon and the total cost was under $1400. As far as airport access, it is 1.5 hours to the airport. I lived in southwest Houston for many years and it was two hours to IAH. I agree with your comment about living in the center of town, but then when we lived in the US we lived out in the country just as we do now. For many of us semi isolated living is a plus. The town is no more dirty than many others (Atacames, Tonsupa, Esmeraldas, Crucita, etc). As for the expat community, there are approximately 500 expats here in a community of over 15,000 and you don’t have to associate with them if you don’t want to. We live in a small gated community about 1 mile out of town. One third of the homes are owned by Ecuadorians. We have many Ecuadorian friends and relatively speaking few expats. All in all the quietness, the friendliness of the indigenous people, the slow pace of life are all pluses. Your words carry quite a bit of wait. You should really try living here for a few months before making judgements based on a few visits. BTW the City has made many improvements in the last several years and the town is both cleaner and more livable than when we first arrived.
@sirgalahad1470
3 жыл бұрын
How about altitude sickness issues? As a gringo who lives at sea level in the US, and gets nauseous when he goes to Denver for a weekend, that worries me.
@mindydickinson2226
2 жыл бұрын
I personally think the Cotacachi is getting better and better.
@dollyllamaranch
2 жыл бұрын
@@sirgalahad1470 If Denver gives you the heebie jeebies, you need to be either on the coast or somewhere like the Eje Cafetero in Colombia. Cotacachi, Cuenca, Quito, Otavalo are all way higher than Denver !
@BPe-ie9je
Жыл бұрын
@@sirgalahad1470 First I visited annually, then I moved to denver, then Summit Co., then Boulder. 28yrs. It takes 30 days to adjust to altitude. Your heart enlarges. Many professional atheletes live there for the body/oxygen advantage. Eat light dinners. Dont drink pm's, drink tons of water and your body will adjust.Also, if you are American, you probably could loose 20#. That will help, too.
@BPe-ie9je
Жыл бұрын
@@dollyllamaranch It takes 30 days to adjust.
@claudiaescobar9442
2 жыл бұрын
Cotacachi is the most wonderful place ever known ! It is special ! Is not overpriced ! Don’t tell lies to people ! I just came from there
@juanbarberis7192
Жыл бұрын
Yes - it is very overpriced! The "viveza criolla" has driven the prices very high
@tinak3271
2 жыл бұрын
Is there anywhere you like in Ecuador?
@claudiaescobar9442
2 жыл бұрын
I am Argentinian and I went to cotacachi and it is not true ! Is not far at all to anything! Don’t tell lies !!
@jimjensen9139
2 жыл бұрын
Nearly every video that I have seen you do is negative. Maybe you are the balance to so many promoting places. But I now usually just skip your videos.
@catherinenicole1253
3 жыл бұрын
You’ve really missed the Mark on this one-I’m guessing you haven’t been here for a while. I’ve been here 7 years and most of my friends have been here this long or longer. I rent a beautiful 1500 sf condo at the base of Mt Cotacachi-killer views, jetted tub, 2 large bedrooms, 2 baths, furnished for $350 a month. That includes washer/dryer and groundskeeper. I hate to tell you this, but during the Paro it was the Panamerican highway that got blocked. And we have 2 new highly trained, English speaking doctors in town plus a new hospital almost complete in Ibarra. This area of Ecuador has more indigenous people than any other area of Ecuador. But hey, to each his own.
@bobfrassetto8837
3 жыл бұрын
any pictures of the condo for rent.? email me...install_specialist@comcast.net
@sirgalahad1470
3 жыл бұрын
@Catherine Nicole You had me at $350 ! If that includes high-speed internet I'm coming down there to marry you LOL
@catherinenicole1253
3 жыл бұрын
@@bobfrassetto8837 I emailed pictures to you.
@catherinenicole1253
3 жыл бұрын
@@sirgalahad1470 lol, sorry, but high speed fiber optic internet is an additional $55
@JohnSmith-SdTkt
2 жыл бұрын
I visited recently. I rent in Cuenca. But I’m considering Cotacachi it is special
@555SwissMiss
2 жыл бұрын
Opinions, shmopinions… It’s heaven for some, but boredom for others. I only wish you gringos would learn to pronounce the name of the town properly. The first syllable is not “coat” - I cringe every time. It’s Koh Tah Kah Chi.
@carlitops2601
2 жыл бұрын
I think you have never been to Cotacachi, so you have the wrong impression of the city. What do you mean by isolated? Cotacachi is just 1.5 hours from Quito's airport, 20 min from Ibarra (a medium-size Ecuadorian city). Overpriced? for locals it is, the reason? Maybe because foreigners have money and they want to live there for many reasons. Hence, they are willing to pay more than a local (supply and demand, which happens everywhere. It's sad that this is happening in Cotacachi :( ). No green spaces? Man, Barcelona does not have green spaces, Cotacachi is a very small town with forest and green spaces around. Do you wanna hike? you can start a route 5 min from home. Two big volcanos are around the city (Imbabura and Cotacachi)... What about cycling? the routes over there are nice with green everywhere. If you mean that Cotacachi does not have big parks like central park, yes, that is true, but the magic behind Cotacachi is that you basically do not need that because you have plenty of nature around the city. Keep in mind that Cotacachi is a small town.... People are always nice, especially with "gringos". Living in another country is not easy at the beginning, but it is not hard to make friends. The language is for sure a barrier because Ecuadorians do not speak English!! However, when you destroy that barrier, you will have very nice moments. Making friends in other places, in Barcelona, for instance, is very hard, even if you speak Spanish or Catala. Remember!!! you have to learn the local language, not the locals have to lear your language... If you do not believe me, come to live in Barcelona and you will figure it out.
@rg3746
3 жыл бұрын
been there and really a nice place to visit, but not to live there. For over five years, Salinas is still a paradise for me. Most of my good friends are the locals, not gringos.
@claudiaescobar9442
2 жыл бұрын
I am Argentinian and I just cameback from there ! I am moving soon there because I felt in love with it! As much as I love NY and big cities but cotacachi is more peaceful and people are so nice
@hiindandes
2 жыл бұрын
I agree, mostly. Cotacachi was a sleepy little town before the Gringo Invasion. A home could be rented for less than $200 a month. We are talking more than 20 years ago so don't any of you newbies try and call me a liar. When Cotacachi became instantly the place for retirees to move to, the prices soared. What was $200 became $600 or $700 over the course of perhaps 2 years.This higher rent made it too expensive for many of the locals to remain there. This more than anything else has turned local sentiment against the expats. Not everyone is like this but you will experience it if you live here. As far as being isolated, I dont think so. Probably 99% of the USA is more than 2 hours from a major airport. Most of the US is served by small regional hospitals as well. The hospital in Cotacachi has excellent attention that saved my life. Thank you DR. Lucas! Eternally grateful. When there are indigenous uprisings, you can't go anywhere anyway. All major roads get cut and every city is paralized so thats kind of a non issue. Not a lot of green spaces in the city but it is a small community and if you walk for a half hour in any direction you will be in the countryside. It is a nice community. I guess it all comes down to what you are looking for in a place to live. Ecuador is very diverse. Come visit, travel around and find somewhere that suits you. One word of advice, learn some basic spanish before you move here. If not, you will be isolated wherever you decide to live. Make yourself a part of the community. Volunteer to teach English or math at the local school, help out at the old age home, join a church. These types of things will make you a part of any community. All that being said, the city of Cotacachi is not for me. I live in the countryside outside of town. Our children attend local schools and we have been welcomed into the community here.
@JourneymanJackinEcuador
3 жыл бұрын
I predict the follow up video for today will be about: ...drum roll plz? - Lovely Cota neighbor to the North: 'Atuntaqui'...!!!
@Mexicobeanpole
2 жыл бұрын
Why do you make videos about a country that you have nothing nice to say about? I like honesty, but also a negative attitude can get in the way of a rational and fair assessment.
@tjrioux3059
2 жыл бұрын
Lacking in hard information - “just my opinión” isn’t very helpful.
@HumanMrs
3 жыл бұрын
Thanks for the video, and for the thoughtful and respectful responses. This was very helpful.
@alistairfreedom2456
2 жыл бұрын
When I was there it was muy frio!! Its a very cold place
@BPe-ie9je
Жыл бұрын
all year round > or seasonal? when? tks.
@M5tworude
11 ай бұрын
I'm going to check out some of tour other videos to see if you actually have a positive video. The few I've seen are negative.
@BibleSamurai
Жыл бұрын
bro..your nickname is Mr.Bad News. You give good insights and vids but bring in more optimism. pros and cons everywhere. not just cons. Keeping it real goes both ways for the good and bad. But good content. I'd rather ur vids than other KZitemrs that just give over-hype reviews
@MrSecondPassport
Жыл бұрын
Hah nice nick name. I agree with you on that but o just post what im seeing and feeling, sometimes more negative than positive i guess. I try not to fake it either way. Nor do i search for clicks (believe it or not)
@amanwithadream6894
2 жыл бұрын
It's interesting to see how home prices have gone up in an area that, I believe was already a bit overpriced. I'm curious as to what or who's behind this effort. I'm open to suggestions.
@martika324
2 жыл бұрын
The realtors selling properties are behind the escalating prices
@BPe-ie9je
Жыл бұрын
same in USA. Are prices negotiable? are there lots of rentals?
@amanwithadream6894
Жыл бұрын
Unlike the US, there are no comps here. The prices here in Cotacachi, as well as other ex-pat cities and communities, are driven by the agents who target foreigner money. I've spent a lot of time looking at land and homes and they are all overpriced. The main ex-pat communities here in Cotacachi also have a high HOA fee, ranging from $160 and over $240. The other issues that face these communities is the moisture issues that have been sold by agents as "quarterly maintenance". Home construction here in Ecuador doesn't include any measures to deal with the humidity levels and moisture, such as moisture barrier's or proper primers and sealers so moisture eventually works it's way from the foundation through the exterior walls and into the interior walls. If not constantly repaired every 3 to 6 months these homes eventually get mold. One home I visited in a "paradise community" had the tall tail signs and smell of mold and mildew. Although it was a nice home compared to what one might expect for Ecuador, they had used wainscoting/waynes coating up from the floor to about 3ft to 4ft up all of the interior walls through the home. They tried masking the smell with glade plugins throughout. As far as rentals are concerned, there are plenty as we have recently looked due to pulling out of a project where we had a deal to build a new home on a lot we purchased. One must take a lot of precautions to insure their rights are protected. There are people here that are quick to smile while they present you with a glamorous picture, but then don't deliver the goods as promised. Rentals are anywhere from $160-$450 a monthly. Since the locals also target foreigner's, some of these rentals go vacant for periods of time rendering them to theft. In these cases the monthly rent can be negotiated. Hope this helps.
@eileenvandernoot3867
3 жыл бұрын
It’s stinging flies are the worst and they are not anyplace else! UGH!
@estequetedije
10 ай бұрын
What is the alternative you promised?
@stephenwells9574
3 жыл бұрын
thanks for information Dom
@spanishwithrobyn
Жыл бұрын
I live there and I love it. But it's true that it's 1.5 hours to the airport.
@surf01er66
2 жыл бұрын
Beach properties please .....
@dollyllamaranch
2 жыл бұрын
I like Cotacachi. It's very mellow and relaxed, but it's...O45 (over 45). It's good for retired folks who maybe travel internationally once a year and can be flexible with scheduling. Cota is best for folks who aren't into the nightlife and who also don't need big city services such as high-quality bilingual schools. You won't get much nightlife in either Cotacachi, Otavalo, or Cayambe. People just don't really want to be out at night in chilly places. For nightlife, try either the coast or Baños or maybe Quito. For families needing international schools, you're best off in the Quito or Cuenca areas. Cotacachi has a cool climate and I wouldn't recommend it for those who prefer warm and sunny. Head toward Ibarra for services like health care. You can catch a bus from Cotacachi for 35 cents to Otavalo, but that's more for daily purchases, artesanías, etc.
@evelinholmes6401
2 жыл бұрын
Yes it’s a cute little town . Nice to visit but I did not get feel of coming home.
@celestecarrera2963
3 жыл бұрын
If you are young this setting might be for you. I noticed that home prices are as high as in the USA where one can get a better looking home.
@lvovodessa
3 жыл бұрын
The main problem is that the ratio expats/locals is too high. This causes tensions. To feel being welcome as an expat, it's best to look for other places, like Baños or the villages around Cuenca, where the ratio is lower and where locals are also more receptive to expats.
@amanwithadream6894
2 жыл бұрын
I believe you may have hit the nail on the head (lvovodessa). I'm hoping that Cotacachi and surrounding areas haven't been inundated by investors. I also hope people understand the importance of protecting the few natural wonders that haven't been touched by commercialism or big development, while respecting the long established local traditions. We must tread lightly and work towards a mutual respect in this culture clash.
@donk.2070
Жыл бұрын
Thank you for this Dom. I am glad you gave your reasons why you don't like something. Then I can understand more of what I would like . Others here perhaps want a rosey smiley- Betty Crocker review. Just stick you always explaining reasons why you do and don't like a place. Keep on putting out videos. At least I can count on what reasons to look for in any place. ONE QUESTION: Do you have any interest in reviewing (again) the Shrimp Farming industry and those rental leases. Are they still available? Love to hear more about that. Cheers, Don.
@swissrootful
2 жыл бұрын
have not been there, but now that I heard you, I will take you up on it, - maybe you missed some level...
@JuanPerez-sn3jw
2 жыл бұрын
Them you are so negative .you should talk about all the slums in the cities of USA like Detroit .
@janajoujan7658
2 жыл бұрын
You're missing the point - his videos are about Ecuador. What it's like somewhere else doesn't matter.
@JuanPerez-sn3jw
2 жыл бұрын
@@janajoujan7658 when comparing places you people talk only of the great USA Neighborhood’s and you know there’s a lot of shi.. places in the land of the free like Detroit and hundreds of cities more And all the surviving indigenous people live in reservations and forced to a life of alcohol and misery .
@spanishwithrobyn
Жыл бұрын
That's true it's over priced
@elliecohen6344
3 жыл бұрын
Plus it's cold and windy, the restaurants are pretty awful with the same menus in all of them and the town is one street of "Larry's Leather World"
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