Where is the Quinta located?

The property is located on the coast of Ecuador in a community called Rio Chico near the town of Salango, about 1.5 hours south of Manta and 3 hours north of Guayaquil by car. For a map view see the map below. 

Where is Ecuador?

Ecuador is in South America with Colombia and Peru at its borders.  The capital is Quito, a UNESCO Heritage site. The next largest city, Guayaquil, is located within driving distance of Oasis. Manta, 1.5 hours from our property, is a seaport that is full of restaurants, bars, movies, shopping and activities. There is a thriving ex-pat community in Manta as well.

Where do I fly into?

You would fly into either Manta (1.5 hours north) or Guayaquil (3 hours south), depending on flights. There are regular flights from Quito to Manta.

What is the currency and voltage?

Ecuador uses the USA dollar and the same voltage as the USA.

What about the food?

Manabí is world renowned for its seafood dishes. The fish is very fresh, and their cooking is flavorful. There are some traditional dishes you will want to try. We always recommend you order the daily "almuerzo" which is the lunch of the day only served between noon and 200pm. You can be sure it is fresh. We do not recommend drinking tap water, only bottled water and beverages. The Ecuadorian drip coffee and hot chocolate are very good. 

What about the weather?

The property is located at the equator. It's a good excuse for taking a trip to nearby MonteCristi where they make the Panama hats. 

The province of Manabí has one of the most perfect climates you could imagine. The average range of temperatures here year-round is nighttime lows in the high 60s to daytime highs in the mid-80s.  The seasons are characterized not by temperature but by rainfall. On the property, there is always a mild ocean breeze because we are high on a hill. Lounging in a hammock under your casita will be one of your pleasures!

The rainy season is between January and March (that varies depending on where you are exactly). Mostly, it rains at night, sometimes during the day. The rains are a delight, adding to the deep greens of the vegetation and to the growth of our fruit trees and gardens. It is also welcome in our community because many of our neighbors are farmers and live from their harvests.

Between April and October, we experience what they call here ‘garua’, which is drizzle. The days tend to be cloudy and often drizzle all day with occasional showers. Temperatures during the day remain in the 60s and, on sunny days, rise to the '70s. It's perfect sleeping and activity weather. The whales migrate to this area to mate during this time because of the Humbolt current.

The best time to visit if you're looking for beach weather is between October and January. The temperatures are in the 80s, and evenings remain warm until late. The skies are clear, making for some amazing sunsets. The ocean water is warm too.

The sunsets are not to be missed!

From the balcony, you will watch the day drift into the evening. Or watch the sunset from nearby Puerto Lopez with a "batido" as the fishermen bring in their boats.

I like a bit of adventure as well as quiet. What is there to do?

Relax on the property, swim in the pool, attend an event, walk to the beach, or visit Puerto Lopez and Montañita. For more adventure, you will want to visit La Isla de La Plata, an island with similar animals, birds, and flora as the Galapagos. it is only a 60-minute boat ride to the island, and naturalists will take you on a hike and snorkeling. Salango Island is closer should you wish to spend time at the beach, snorkeling, or kayaking. 

Our area offers so much to do!  Check out the Local Activities page for more things to do in our area. There is also a vibrant ex-pat community on the coast with frequent gatherings in nearby Puerto Lopez, Olon, Puerto Cayo, and Manta.

Peak season on the coast arrives with the humpback whales. They arrive in June and stay until late September, dancing their joy out in the ocean. With a pair of binoculars you won't need to go far, just out on your balcony to watch them dance and play. Or take a tour on one of the whale watching yachts from Puerto Lopez and get a close look!

One More Thing

Come live and play the Ecuadorian way and embrace the wonders that can be found simply by sitting on your balcony in the evening or taking the short walk to the beach.