50 Things to Know Before Moving to Rural Latin America

AKA Things to Remember About Ecuador

We wrote this list in my travel journal while sharing one last cerveza at our favourite beach cabana before leaving small town Ecuador this November. It is composed of any words of wisdom we would have given ourselves or others before coming, and is in no particular order or importance.

1. Always bring sunglasses

2. Buy the chapstick with SPF - you will end up needing it.

3. If red meat is your thing, eat as much as you can before coming.

4. Always have a mosquito net (or double mosquito net if you’re a couple) handy just in case.

5. If you want good strong tea, especially black tea, bring it with you - The Horchata in Ecuador is unique and delicious, but not all day every day.

6. Although mototaxis are only 0,50$, you get a better experience walking - You never know who you will run in to or what random conversations you will have.

7. Headbands - your new best friends.

8. Don’t expect to use your blow-dryer or straightener – it’s not worth it.

9. Don’t bother bringing a shoe collection – flip flops are all you need.

10. Bring sea sickness medication with you, just in case.

11. Go invest in some antibacterial soap, regardless of what they give you.

12. Bring enough Shampoo, Conditioner, and hair products to last you.

13. If you don’t already have one, acquire a taste for fish and rice.

14. Beach wardrobe is now your everyday wardrobe.

15. Buy a volleyball/soccer ball when you first arrive.

16. If you don’t already, learn to love reggaeton.

17. Acquire a taste for beer – it will save you good money in the long run.

18. Have a collection of movies pre-downloaded on your hard-drive before coming, or make friends who have done so and swap.

19. Have a kindle or be ready to participate in book exchanges.

20. Take care of all your medical needs before coming.

21. Try out all “restaurants,” don’t fear them based on appearances.

22. Spend time getting to know the different food vendors at the market. When you find one you like, stick with them – things get cheaper.

23. Water bottles – go big and use it for everything.

24. Any makeup you can’t live without, bring a stockpile.

25. Wait for the hot water, it will come.

26. Don’t rely on the Internet for anything.

27. Ecuadorian planning – they’re punctual, just not prepared. Things will take time.

28. The ceviche is good, but if in Peru, have one last dish before coming.

29. Bring Bug Spray and Calamine, or buy them when you first arrive.

30. Learn to cook with only essential spices.

31. Get used to only buying what’s in season and cooking around it.

32. Learn to do a lot with a little.

33. Don’t underestimate the versatility of a frying pan and bread knife.

34. Don’t get your hopes up for coffee just because it’s grown there – still crap.

35. Make friends with locals.

36. Beer is your friend.

37. Cheese empanadas – NOT the same as in Peru.

38. Let your creativity flow.

39. Don’t get too caught up in the beach vibe – make goals and achieve them.

40. The party doesn’t get going until late – about midnight to 5am.

41. Go to the fish market as often as possible.

42. Accept offers as much as possibly – you never know where you’ll end up.

43. Volunteer – It’s an excellent way to experience the community in a way tourists can’t.

44. After-dark meat stick guy is your friend.

45. Don’t expect to find a mototaxi at night – they’re all drinking at the cabanas too.

46. Get used to the sounds of Latin American life – Don’t fight it. (music, dogs, horns, children, etc.)

47. Be flexible.

48. A moto is a family vehicle.

49. Bathrooms are few and far between – Get used to peeing outside and possible in public. It’s okay here.

50. Be prepared for your bowels to have a mind of their own.