Vilcabamba, Ecuador 🇪🇨
Nomad Score:
65%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Vilcabamba is a small town located in the southern part of Ecuador, known for its beautiful landscapes and laid-back lifestyle. |
| 👥 Population | Approximately 5,000 residents. |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average speed is about 20 Mbps. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | 1 USD ≈ 1 USD (the official currency is the US Dollar). |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Generally not drinkable, bottled water is recommended. |
| 🔌 Power | Electricity is 120V, 60Hz, with Type A/B sockets. |
| 📶 SIM Card | Movistar and Claro offer good coverage and prepaid options. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Local banks like Banco Pichincha and BPA accept major credit cards. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options include hostels, guest houses, and local Airbnb listings. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Limited; cash is preferred but cards are accepted in some places. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Available through Airbnb and local rental agencies. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostal Izhcayluma offers dorms starting from $15 per night. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | The Sacred Valley Co-Working Space offers a peaceful environment for remote work. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Cafe Buenavista has reliable Wi-Fi and a relaxed atmosphere. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Occasional meetups at local cafes and community centers. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Villcabamba Expats Facebook Group for local gatherings and networking. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Local taxis are available, but no ride-sharing apps like Uber. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Bikes can be rented from local shops for around $5 per day. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Villamil Beach is about 2.5 hours away by bus. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Avianca operates flights to major cities. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | LATAM and Avianca connect to international destinations. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | Access via the Pan-American Highway is available. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | No major train service; buses are the primary transit. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | Buses operate with single fare payment, around $1 per ride. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Buses connect to Loja and other nearby towns regularly. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Hospital Isidro Ayora is located in Loja, about 40 minutes away. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Yoga Vilcabamba offers various classes and workshops. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Fitness center options are limited; outdoor activities are popular. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Local laundromats available, around $2 for a load. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | No established food delivery service; local restaurants offer takeout. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Try 'fritada', a traditional Ecuadorian fried pork dish. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | The Oasis specializes in vegetarian and vegan-friendly dishes. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Foodies will enjoy pastries from Panaderia Vilcabamba. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Local markets offer fresh fruits and vegetables at reasonable prices. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | MercadoLibre is popular for online shopping. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Local supermarkets offer delivery options in Loja. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | Most nightlife is low-key; community events occur occasionally. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Cerveza La Casona produces local craft beers. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Few wine bars, but local restaurants serve imported wines. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Local vendors sell empanadas and fresh juices. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Pizza and Italian food are widely available in local restaurants. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | The Podocarpus National Park is a major attraction. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | Limited; however, local art is displayed in cafes and community centers. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | The local church and nearby archaeological sites are worth a visit. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | Capilla de San Pedro is a known site. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | Cultural festival in August celebrating indigenous heritage. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | The town center features local artwork and cultural expressions. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | Limited options; community events are held in public spaces. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Weekly market on Wednesdays for local produce and crafts. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Live music events occasionally occur in local cafes. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Art murals can be found throughout the town. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Class for local cuisine offered at a community center. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Local artists display work in cafés and town halls. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | The old town has preserved buildings that highlight local architecture. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | Cultural fusion from indigenous and Spanish colonial influences. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | The surrounding Andes provide excellent hiking opportunities. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Podocarpus National Park is a must-visit for nature lovers. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | Trails around Vilcabamba are suitable for walking and biking. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | Mirador de Vilcabamba offers panoramic views of the valley. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | Ideal for birdwatching in the nearby national park. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Several designated picnic areas outside town. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | DHL and local couriers operate in Loja. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Limited; shops in Loja offer more extensive services. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Ping pong available at some community centers. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Spanish classes available through local tutors. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | Few dedicated libraries; local cafes are popular for studying. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | The local community center hosts various classes and events. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Limited; most gaming is done at home. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | No casinos in the vicinity. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $1,200 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = $48,000) |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $900 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = $36,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $1,000 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $60,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $800 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $48,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $950 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $76,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $700 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $56,000) |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 22% for corporations. |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 0% for Ecuadorian companies. |
| 🏦 Tax System | Based on worldwide income for residents. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | Maximum personal income tax rate is 35%. |
| 🧾 VAT | Standard Value Added Tax rate is 12%. |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, regulations apply to foreign subsidiaries. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Annual property taxes are based on property value. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | Sales tax of 1% on property transactions. |