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Puerto López, Ecuador 🇪🇨
#1568
,
Nomad Score:
62%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Puerto López is a coastal town located on the Pacific coast of Ecuador, known for its whale-watching and beautiful beaches. |
| 👥 Population | Approximately 5,000 residents. |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average download speed is around 25 Mbps. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | Currency is USD. Most major ATM cards are accepted, 1 USD ≈ 1 USD. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Not drinkable; bottled water is recommended. |
| 🔌 Power | 120V, 60Hz, 🔌 Type A/B sockets. |
| 📶 SIM Card | Movistar and Claro are popular mobile providers with good coverage. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Banks like Banco Pichincha and Banco Guayaquil are popular; international banking services also available. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Various options including beachside hotels, hostels, and Airbnb rentals. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Moderately cashless; cards accepted at some businesses, but cash is still widely used. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Airbnb and local rental agencies offer short-term options with beachfront access. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostel La Terraza offers budget beds starting at $10/night. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Tourists | The beachfront area near Playa Puerto López is recommended for tourists. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads | Consider staying near the town center for a mix of local culture and coworking options. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | Café La Bonga offers quiet space for remote work with good Wi-Fi. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Café Tigrillo is popular for its coffee and work-friendly environment. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Digital nomad meetups occur monthly, check local Facebook groups for more details. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Join the 'Expats in Puerto López' Facebook group for community events and meetups. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Use the local app 'Taxi Puerto López' for safe rides around the town. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Bicycles can be rented from local shops for around $5/day. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Playa Puerto López is the main beach, just a short walk from the town center. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Avianca and TAME offer regional flights to Quito and Guayaquil. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | Latam Airlines operates international flights from Quito and Guayaquil. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | Accessed via Highway E28, connecting to major cities. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Puerto López does not have a train service; most travel is by bus or car. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | Bus fares to nearby towns are around $1-3. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Buses connect Puerto López with Manta and other coastal cities. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Hospital de Puerto López is the primary healthcare facility. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Yoga classes offered at 'Ocean Yoga' on the beach. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Several small gyms in town offer memberships starting at $10/month. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Laundromat services are available at 'Lavandería La Playa' for convenient washing. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | Rappi is available for food delivery, offering local and international cuisine. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Try the ceviche de mero, a local specialty featuring fresh fish. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | 'Vegan & Raw' offers a variety of plant-based dishes. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | 'Helados Los Chiquitos' serves delicious local ice cream. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Mercado Municipal de Puerto López offers fresh produce at low prices. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Use Amazon or local sites like Linio for online shopping. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Grocery delivery services are limited; local markets are the best choice. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | Local bars near the beach like 'Bar Playa' offer nightlife options. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | 'Cerveza Manabita' is a local brewery worth trying. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Local wine bars are rare; look for imported wines at markets. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Enjoy street food at the market, including empanadas and fried plantains. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Restaurants serving Italian and Argentine food are available. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | Visit the famous whale monument and local fishing port. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | Museo de Puerto López offers insights into local history and culture. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | Check out old fishing vessels and traditional boat-building areas. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | Iglesia de Puerto López is the main church in town. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | Fiesta de la Ballena Jorobada (Humpback Whale Festival) occurs each June. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | Explore local art and crafts in the town center. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | Cultural events are held at local community centers and plazas. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Mercado Municipal de Puerto López is vibrant and full of local goods. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Local bars feature live music and cultural performances regularly. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Colorful murals can be found throughout the town; several artists showcase their work. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Attend cooking classes focusing on traditional Ecuadorian cuisine in local homes. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Small galleries in town feature local artisans. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | Explore the unique coastal architecture around the main plaza. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | Traditional fishing methods and cultures are central to local life. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Machalilla National Park is nearby, offering hiking and wildlife viewing. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Machalilla National Park provides rich biodiversity and protected beaches. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | Beachfront promenades are great for walking or cycling. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | Lookouts along the coast offer stunning sunset views. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | Nearby coastal areas are excellent for birdwatching, especially around the park. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Designated beach areas allow for bonfires, especially near Playa de Los Frailes. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | Local offices for DHL and FedEx are available for shipping needs. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Few local shops offer phone and laptop repairs; ensure to check reviews. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Community center near the church hosts table tennis events. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Spanish classes are available at local schools and community centers. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | The community center serves as a quiet study and gathering spot. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Various local centers host cultural and social activities. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Limited gaming options, primarily in local cafes. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | No casinos present; local entertainment is mostly bar and music oriented. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $800 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = $32,000). |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $600 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = $24,000). |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $750 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $45,000). |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $550 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $33,000). |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $700 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $56,000). |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $500 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $40,000). |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 25% standard corporate tax rate. |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 20% withholding tax on dividends. |
| 🏦 Tax System | Tax residency is based on physical presence; income is taxed locally. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | The maximum personal tax rate is 35%. |
| 🧾 VAT | Value Added Tax is 12% standard rate. |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, Ecuador has CFC rules that need to be considered. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Municipal property tax is assessed at around 1% of property value. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | 3% property transfer tax is applied during sales. |
| 💻 Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads | Ecuador offers a relatively simple tax system; nomads can stay tax-resident in other jurisdictions. |