Ecuador Scouting Trip
Cuenca & Manta
From cobblestone charm to breezy coastline, explore life as a local on this 7-day journey through Ecuador.
Whether you're dreaming of a relaxed retirement or a flexible life as a digital nomad, this 7-day scouting trip through Ecuador offers the perfect balance of exploration, insight, and inspiration. From the cobblestone charm of Cuenca to the breezy coastline of Manta, you'll experience life as a local—touring vibrant markets, meeting fellow expats, exploring real estate options, and learning the legal and financial steps to make your move with confidence.
Explore Ecuador
Cuenca
Manta
Culture
Trip Itinerary
Day 1 – Cuenca: Real Estate & Legal
Start your journey with an overview of expat life in Ecuador and explore a selection of rental and purchase-ready homes in Cuenca, plus explore legal pathways and visit the supermarket.
Day 2 – Cuenca: Explore Markets & Meet Local Expats
Visit Cuenca's bustling central and flower markets and hear from Americans who love living in Ecuador.
Day 3 – Cuenca: Custom Exploration & Cultural Insights
Choose between an in-depth tour of real estate or visiting the artisan town of Chordeleg.
Day 4 – Cuenca to Manta: Transition to the Coast
Fly to the coastal city of Manta and gain insight into Ecuador's broader appeal with expert tips on legal steps, expat life, and success stories.
Day 5 – Manta: Coastal Real Estate
Begin with a local breakfast experience, then explore beachfront properties and investment opportunities with tax planning tips included.
Day 6 – Manta: Markets & Nature
Discover the flavors of Manta through its seafood and central markets, then explore the lush tropical forest of Pacoche and its wildlife.
Day 7 – Manta: Relaxation & Sustainability
Unwind at Tanusas Eco-Resort with a culinary sustainability experience, featuring a farm-to-table meal and insights from local chefs.
Join a Q&A Session to Learn Details & Ask Questions
What to Expect
Community
Meet other people who want to move abroad and enjoy exploring and getting to know each other. There will also be opportunities to meet locals and other expats.
A Learning Experience
Stay with fellow guests in great locations to get a feel for how you might like living in each of our destinations. Meet local experts like realtors, immigration attorneys, or local expats who know the ins and outs of moving to the local country.
Life as a Local, Not a Tourist
We'll bypass the touristy parts of town and experiences like visiting museums and landmarks. Instead, we'll see livable neighborhoods, markets, and where the locals hang out.
Fun!
We're all moving abroad for a better life, so we'll work on giving you a taste of what that means to you.
Meet Your Guide
Your expert guide through Ecuador's expat journey
Marcos Chiluisa
Founder, EcuaAssist
Marcos Chiluisa brings over two decades of experience in Real Estate, Corporate, Labor, and Immigration law, as well as a background in public service and environmental law. His leadership and hands-on approach have positioned EcuaAssist as a key player in Ecuador's expat support ecosystem.
With Marcos as your guide, you'll have direct access to expert knowledge on navigating Ecuador's legal landscape, real estate market, and expat community.
What's Included
Included
- Eight nights of lodging in Cuenca and Manta, choice of single or double occupancy, breakfast included
- Orientation session before the trip to meet other guests and ask questions
- WhatsApp group and Trip Plans app to ask questions, get to know your fellow guests, and follow the itinerary
- Access to travel agent for booking flights
- Contact info for experts to schedule appointments to get started on your move abroad
- Guided tours of popular towns and neighborhoods with a focus on lifestyle
- Real estate tours of typical homes for sale or rent in each area
- Private ground transportation for tours and transportation between cities
- Information on immigration and taxes
Not Included
- Airfare & airport transfers
- Food or drink, aside from what's served at the seminar and daily breakfast
As Featured In
What Past Travelers Say
“You realize you're stuck with us forever, right?”
— S.S.R.
Join a Q&A Session to Learn Details & Ask Questions
Next Steps
- 1Attend a Q&A session if you have questions
- 2Make sure your passport is valid for six months after the trip ends
- 3Book your trip with us
- 4Complete required forms from us
- 5Attend trip chats and use WhatsApp to ask questions and meet fellow travelers
- 6Schedule your flight
- 7Get excited!
Got Questions?
Join virtual to meet others considering the trip and ask us questions about the cost, itinerary, and more.
You can also join our Community to meet people who've gone on past trips or people considering an upcoming excursion.
Not ready to book?
Join a waitlist for upcoming tours!