Puerto López, Ecuador 🇪🇨
#1568
-1.559054, -80.811266
Nomad Score:
62%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Puerto López is a small coastal town located in the Manabí province of Ecuador, known for its beautiful beaches and vibrant marine life. |
| 👥 Population | Approx. 15,000 |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average 30 Mbps, with options for higher speeds in some local cafes and coworking spaces. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | 1 USD = 1 USD. ATMs are available, with some accepting international cards. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Not drinkable; bottled water is recommended. |
| 🔌 Power | 120V, 60Hz, 🔌 Type A/B sockets. |
| 📶 SIM Card | Claro and Movistar are popular mobile providers, offering good coverage and data plans. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted; local banks like Banco Pichincha provide services for expats. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options range from beachfront hostels to vacation rentals on platforms like Airbnb. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Partially cashless; while many places accept cards, cash is still favored in markets and small restaurants. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Popular platforms include Airbnb and local listings on OLX for various short-term housing options. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostel La Isla offers dorms starting around $10 per night. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | Turtle's Cafe offers a cozy work atmosphere with reliable Wi-Fi and good coffee. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Cafe Del Mar is known for its beachfront views and comfortable seating, perfect for remote work. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Occasional meetups organized through local Facebook groups and community events. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | The 'Puerto López expats' Facebook group regularly organizes gatherings and activities. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Uber is available, but local taxis offer more convenience for short distances. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Bikes can be rented at several shops along the waterfront for around $5 per day. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Los Frailes Beach, approximately 30 minutes away, known for its pristine beauty. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Avianca provides domestic flights connecting to Quito and Guayaquil. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | American Airlines and LATAM have flights to and from major cities. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | Road access via Ecuador's coastal highways, primarily Ruta del Sol (E28). |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | There is limited train service; buses are the main form of regional travel. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | Local buses in Puerto López are very affordable, around $0.25 per ride. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Buses connect to nearby cities like Montañita and Machalilla National Park frequently. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Hospital Básico de Puerto López serves as the main healthcare facility. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Yoga classes are offered at places like Yoga Eco Lodge, fostering a healthy lifestyle. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Limited options are available; local gyms may charge around $20 per month. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | There are several laundromats around town, typically charging $5 per load. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | Rappi is gaining popularity in the area for food delivery from local restaurants. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Ceviche de concha, a refreshing seafood dish, is a local favorite. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | La Terraza offers great vegetarian choices with many local ingredients. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Panadería La Mejía for delicious local treats and pastries. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | The Puerto López mercado (market) features fresh produce and local goods at low prices. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Local e-commerce platforms like Mercadoni are developing, but choices remain limited. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Some grocery stores are beginning to offer delivery services, check local shops. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | The beachfront boasts several bars offering live music and refreshments after sunset. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Cervecería Santa Fe is popular for its craft beers; tours are often available. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Casa de Vino serves a selection of local and international wines. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Street vendors sell delicious empanadas and local snacks near the market. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Juli's Pizza serves a variety of pizzas and pastas in a casual setting. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | The local malecon (boardwalk) and Puerto López Fishing Pier are key sights. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | The Museo Arqueológico de Puerto López features regional exhibits. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | The ruins of the nearby Machalilla National Park tell the story of the Valdivian culture. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | Iglesia San Pedro is a local church worth visiting. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | The Festival de la Ballena Jorobada (Humpback Whale Festival) is celebrated every June. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | The waterfront area is bustling with local art and craft markets, especially during weekends. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | Local venues host periodic performances; check community boards for schedules. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | The weekly artisan market offers handcrafted goods every Sunday. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Live music is prominent at beach bars, especially during weekends. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Local murals capture coastal life and environmental themes throughout the town. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Local chefs offer cooking classes that highlight Ecuadorian cuisine. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Small galleries exhibit works from local artists, especially during festivals. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | Old colonial buildings dot the town, showcasing traditional architecture. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | Indigenous culture is celebrated in various local festivities and events. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Machalilla National Park offers diverse ecosystems and wildlife. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Machalilla National Park, accessible from Puerto López, is known for its natural beauty. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | Coastal paths near the beaches provide scenic views and leisure activities. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | Mirador de Los Frailes offers stunning views of the coastline. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | Machalilla National Park is a hotspot for birdwatchers. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Designated areas on Los Frailes Beach allow for bonfires and gatherings. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | DHL and local courier services operate in Puerto López. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Local shops offer phone and electronics repair services. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Some community centers offer recreational activities including table tennis. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Spanish classes are offered locally, especially targeting expats. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | Community centers and cafes can serve as study spots. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | The Centro Cultural de Puerto López hosts events and workshops for locals and visitors. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Limited gaming lounges are available; local cafes sometimes host game nights. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | Puerto López does not have traditional casinos; entertainment is mainly local bars and events. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $900 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = $36,000) |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $700 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = $28,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $1,200 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $72,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $1,000 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $60,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $1,400 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $112,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $1,200 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $96,000) |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 22% |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 7.5% |
| 🏦 Tax System | Progressive personal income tax system applies to residents. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | 35% |
| 🧾 VAT | 12% |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, foreign currency income may be subject to local regulations. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Annual property taxes are based on property valuation. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | Approx. 1% for property purchases. |