The Wonders of Cotacachi, Ecuador
81Why I love it here.
So, you might be wondering why a math teacher from South Florida ended up living for at least 3 months in Cotacachi, Ecuador. Easy... it is beautiful. My parents and I happened upon Cotacachi when we were taking Spanish Lessons in Quito. It is a 2 hour bus ride from Quito into Cotacachi. Getting into town either from the Pana or the back way is beautiful. The Pana way offers a river and valley view and the back way offers the smell of eucalyptus trees. Cotacachi is famous for its leather works and the main street in town is filled with stores selling anything and everything made of leather. If you care to venture from the main street (which you should), you will find great restaurants and stores. I personally love Colors and Flavors. I don't remember what street it is on but just ask anyone where it is and they will tell you how to get there. Everyone in the town is so friendly, even if you Spanish is less than perfect. Eventually you will be able to get your point across. Now, if you love churches, you will love the one on the main square in Cotacachi. It is seldom open to see inside, but I do love the out side. I also love walking through the organic veggie and fruit market the town has. You can get anything in this market. The best days are Saturday and Sunday, but it is open everyday. If you have time, walk around in this town. It is very safe and you never know what you might find. I live here for June, July and most of August. My favorite thing to do is walk into town (I live just outside the town limits) and see what I might find. I really love school supplies stores (remember I am a teacher) and I love seeing what they have to offer. There are so many places you can go to in Cotacachi. If you ever need any advice, just email me and I will be more than happy to answer. It truly is one of my favorite places in the world.
Cotacachi, Ecuador
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I will be loading pictures this week. Thanks for reminding me.
very good report Thank you..
I have just read your very interesting article as I am researching the option of visiting & staying in Ecuador next year for 3 or 6 months. I need to know how to rent an apartment & would appreciated any advice. Thank you, Margaret
One of my favorite places. we will be returning in October. I love to stroll the streets, window shop (just how much leather do you need, and avail myself of the internet cafes.
We are considering possibly moving to Ecuador. Your comments have peaked my curiosity. would you recommend this beautifull place for living? Would you say that one could set up a business there or teach english in a school there and live ok? Or is it too small of a place?
Burr, I am 48 and wanting to opt out of winter and looking for a new place to call home. This sounds like a beautiful and safe place to live. So I am a Natural Chef and would like to start a business maybe a small cafe or personal chef business. Is that a possibility with out a lot of hassle?
Do they let outsiders in easily?
We spent a couple weeks in Ecuador in Nov., one week in Cotacachi. What a wonderful town! Lovely people, weather and awesome scenery. We took several treatments at a local naturapath and had noticable good improvements. Cotacachi is definitely a place we want to return to and possibly a place to retire. Housing is reasonable and new housing is being built constantly it seems. We saw some nice places. I envy anyone who is able to spend time there!
We are looking for a place to spend a year abroad with our 12 year old son. We keep seeing great things about Cotacachi. Do you know of any schools you could recommend? What is the best way to find a rental apartment or cottage?
Thank you.
Natalie, I would google American schools in Quito. There are not any schools that I can think of in Cotacachi. As for the rentals, go here. They are an American couple that I know who used to do rental properties. Not sure if they still do, but they can give you info. His name is Gary. http://www.pro-ecuador.com/pro-ecuador-services-co
My wife and I are making our first trip to Ecuador in May. We currently live in Venice, Florida and want to find a place to escape the heat of summer. We plan on flying into Quito and staying a few days there. I have been reading about Cotacachi and definitely want to stay there for a few days. Do you have any reccomendations for a good local hotel and any good vegetarian resturants.
Doc,
Being vegetarian, too, you will find that almost every restaurant in Ecuador has options for you. In Quito, I like to eat in the Carolina Park section of town. There are many Italian and Ecuadorian options to choose from. I use Trip Advisor to judge the quality if I have not been there before. As for Cotacachi, restaurants change so frequently there, I can't give you a definite. I usually go to Colors and Flavors or La Mirage (expensive, but good). Several of the local Americans have restaurants in town, so ask around. Hotels in Quito, I would recommend Lugano Suites. It is a smaller hotel in a nice and safe area. The staff are great. There is a really good Mexican restaurant down the street from the hotel. Hotels in Cotacachi, I would recommend Hotel El Meson de las Flores. It is centrally located and their food is good. I know the people who own and work there, and they are all wonderful people. El Arbolito is another option. It is nice with clean rooms. It is simple, but still very nice.
I hope this helps.
You mentioned you were going to Cuenca. How did you like it? We are planning a trip in a few months and Cuenca is one of the cities/towns we will be visiting.
I am considering packing up my family and moving to South America. The rat race here is destroying any family values we ever had. To many i-pods, cell phones and cable channels. Would you reccomend this town? How do I check on renting a home for us. Single mom, 3 kids...I too am a teacher. High School English. Is there any work available?
Nice pics. We currently live in Cuenca and may come up and spend a month in Cotacachi. I understand Cuenca and Cotacachi are the only two towns in Ecuador where the water is safe to drink. (Cuenca has the best water in South America)
Hi Susan,
Have traveled extensively in Ecuador, and would love to check out Cotacachi. Right now am living in Granada, Nicaragua, another beautiful town. Can you tell me how the weather is in Cotacachi? I'm a little worried it might be too cold for me.... Hey come visit in Granada, maybe we can do a house exchange.
It sounds like the ideal place to live in for 3 months of our cold winters..How is the weather & is the elevation a problem whatsoever??? globalmjm@rogers.com
My family and I are planning on moving to Ecuador in a few months. There will be three sets of families moving with us. And I am drawn to Cotacachhi. We plan on buying an estate also in Vilcabambra...anyway thanks for everyone sharing on this site.
I have read from the US.travel warnings that Ecuador has many dangerous areas and taxis are really bad there as well as buses. What has been your experience travelling from Quito to Cotacachi for 2 hours on bus? Also read that water is unsafe. Is it really worth the expense to get there from Atlanta? Thank you.
Very helpful. I have a trip planned to Cotacahi 24 January for a couple weeks. I've carried out a pretty exhaustive search for realtors in the area without success. Can you make a recommendation or indicate where I might find a list?
I am not sure what you read Suzanne, but I travel on the buses everywhere I go and have never had any problems. And, I stick out like a sore thumb. It is a 3rd world country, so, yes the water is not safe to drink. Bottled water is just fine. I have not been sick yet and I brush my teeth with the water all the time. Use caution, but don't be afraid. And, YES... It is worth the expense to go there from Atlanta. Quito is not as safe as Cotacachi or Otavalo. But, enjoy Quito. Do not go to Mariscal (the gringo area) at night. I get taxis all the time in Quito and I am always quite safe. But, I usually don't travel alone. I am sorry if this is random, but I guess I type as I think. Enjoy your trip and let me know how it goes.
Inveresk, I am not sure about Realtors. All the people I know who were doing it are no longer in it and have moved on to other businesses. I know that when you get to Cotacachi, ask around at the restaurant "Serendipity" and someone there will know someone.
I am trying to start a new life for my son and me. Cotacachi has really piqued my interest. How hard is it to find work there for a single mother such as myself?
Rebekah, I have no idea about finding jobs. I go only for pleasure. There are many Americans there, and they all work. I guess it depends on what you want to do.
My dad is starting a website listing events and activities in Cotacachi and the surrounding areas. It is http://accesscotacachi.yolasite.com/ He just started it and will keep updating it everyday. He lives there most of the year. If you have any questions, you are also welcome to email him thru his website. Since he lives there, he might be able to help better than I can. Enjoy.
I was in Catacachi last Jan 10. I'm surprised I didn,t meet you folks. I'll Be there in Feb 2011 hopefully to stay. You were spot on about your resraruant picks. Hope to see ya soon. Garland
Hi Garland. I will let my parents know you will be there in February, and have them keep an eye out for you. Enjoy.
Hi!
My fellow student Katia and I are going to spend one month doing fieldwork for our bachelor thesis in Cotacachi. We are trying to find an apartment we could rent for one month at a reasonable price, do you have any tips?
Anything would be of great help:)
Saludos, Therese (from Norway)
Hi!
Thank you for this lovely description of Cotacachi. My husband-to-be and I are spending the first 3 days of our honeymoon at La Mirage (very excited!). I just wanted to know how practical it is to take a bas from Quito to Cotacachi and either walk or get a taxi to La Mirage?
Thanks in advance!
Eve
My soon to be husband and I have visited Cotacachi twice, two weeks this past Sept and three weeks at christmas. We are planning to move there soon.
I would not recommend the bus if you have luggage,to watch over. Quito is a big city and you must be careful. We feel very safe in Cotacachi. We have always hired a car and driver for the trip to and from Quito. A taxi should charge you $50-$70 for the trip. The La Mirage is only blocks from the main part of town.
Hope this is helpful
Donna
Thank you very much for the very helpful information. My husband and I plan to visit Cotacachi in the near future.
I am looking for a house to buy. I need to stay in a hotel that offers airport pickup, and possibly rides to perspective homes.Maybe that is too much to ask ,any ideas?Mary
Peggy W Level 8 Commenter 2 years ago
You painted this town with colorful descriptions and words. Do you have any photos that you could include in this hub?