Vilcabamba, Ecuador 🇪🇨
#599
,
Nomad Score:
64%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Vilcabamba is a small village located in the Loja province of Ecuador, known for its scenic beauty and laid-back lifestyle. |
| 👥 Population | Approximately 4,000 residents. |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average internet speed is around 20-30 Mbps. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | Currency is the US Dollar (1 USD ≈ 1 USD). ATMs are widely available in the region. |
| 🚰 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 | Local banks like Banco Pichincha and Banco de Guayaquil are widely used; cards accepted in most stores. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options range from hotels and guesthouses to long-term rentals via Airbnb. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Yes, while cash is common, many places accept cards. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Airbnb and local guesthouses like Hosteria Izhcayluma are available. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostal Vilcabamba is a budget-friendly option. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Tourists | The main town where local amenities and attractions are easily accessible. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads | Areas near the Malacatos River provide scenic views and peaceful surroundings, ideal for remote work. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | La Casa de la Cultura offers a conducive environment for remote work. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Cafe Cultura provides reliable Wi-Fi and a comfortable atmosphere for digital nomads. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Regular meetups can be found on Facebook groups like "Vilcabamba Expats". |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Monthly coffee meetups happen at local cafes, fostering community among expats. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Cabify operates within the region, offering on-demand transportation. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Rent bikes at local shops such as Vilcabamba Bike Rentals. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | The nearest beach, Playa de Oro, is approximately 2.5 hours away by car. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Aerolíneas Ecuador services the region. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | Latam Airlines connects to major international airports. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | Close access to the Pan-American Highway. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | The nearest main transport hub is Loja, which is about an hour away. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | Local bus services are inexpensive, with single-trip tickets costing around $0.50. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Buses run regularly to and from Loja and other nearby cities. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Hospital de Vilcabamba is the primary healthcare facility offering basic services. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Yoga Vilcabamba provides various classes for health and relaxation. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Local gyms in Vilcabamba include Vilcabamba Fitness, catering to expats and locals. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Laundry service is available at various hostels and hotels. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | Rappi operates in Vilcabamba, offering food delivery services. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Try the traditional 'hornado' (roasted pork) during your visit. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | The Living Cuisine serves a variety of vegan and vegetarian dishes. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Helados Vilcabamba for local ice cream treats. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Local markets offer affordable produce and handmade goods. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Amazon is accessible, offering delivery services to Vilcabamba. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Local shops may not offer delivery, but larger stores like Supermaxi in Loja do. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | Local bars such as Café Vilcabamba are popular for nightlife. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Brewery Casa de Cerveza offers tours and tasting experiences. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Vineyards near Loja offer wine tastings and local wines. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Look for street vendors selling traditional snacks near the town square. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Restaurants like The Organic Café serve various international dishes. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | The historic church and local artisan markets are must-see attractions. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | Museo de Vilcabamba showcases local history and culture. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | Visit the ancient ruins of the Vilcabamba Inca City nearby. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | Iglesia de Vilcabamba is a notable church in the area. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | The Vilcabamba Festival is celebrated yearly in July. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | The main town square is the cultural heart of Vilcabamba. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | Local events are held in community centers throughout the town. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Weekly local markets offer crafts and fresh produce. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Live music can be found at several local bars on weekends. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Local artists often showcase their work in the town center. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Classes are offered by local cooks at the community center. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Boutique shops often display and sell local art. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | Ancient structures remain near the town center. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | The rich history of indigenous culture is celebrated through festivals. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | The Podocarpus National Park is nearby, perfect for hiking and nature walks. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Podocarpus National Park is a protected area known for its biodiversity. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | Several trails around Vilcabamba cater to walkers and cyclists. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | Visit the Mirador de Vilcabamba for stunning views of the valley. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | The region is a birdwatcher's paradise with numerous endemic species. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Designated areas along the riverside are great for evening bonfires. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | DHL and local services support parcel deliveries in Vilcabamba. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Local computer service shops are available for tech repairs. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Community centers occasionally offer table tennis facilities. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Spanish language classes are offered at local schools. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | Minimal library facilities; local cafes serve as informal study spots. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Various community events are hosted at the main square's community center. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Limited to informal gaming among locals in community centers. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | Casino facilities are available in nearby Loja. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $700 per m² (e.g., 50 m² = $35,000) |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $500 per m² (e.g., 50 m² = $25,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $650 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $39,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $450 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $27,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $600 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $48,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $400 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $32,000) |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 25% |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 0% for non-resident shareholders. |
| 🏦 Tax System | Tax is based on Ecuadorian tax law; residency status can affect tax liabilities. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | 35% |
| 🧾 VAT | Value Added Tax (VAT) is 12%. |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Not applicable in Ecuador. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | 1% of the property value. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | Standard rate is 1.5% on property transfers. |
| 💻 Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads | Ecuador offers a variety of visa options catering to digital nomads with favorable taxation. |