Are you considering a move to Mexico or Ecuador and wondering which expat destination to choose? Both countries have plenty of options, but two towns that stand out are Ajijic in Mexico and Cotacachi in Ecuador.
These two picturesque mountain towns have a lot in common, but also some unique features that may sway your decision. In this article, we’ll compare the pros and cons of living in each town.
Ajijic Mexico Pros & Cons
Ajijic is a picturesque mountain town on the shore of Lake Chapala, Mexico’s largest lake. The town is located about an hour south of Guadalajara and is close to major cities and airports.
The area is popular with expats because of its incredible views, walkability, variety of restaurants, and outdoor activities.
The town is home to a large number of foreign residents, which means there are many perks available to them, but also a few downsides caused by its extreme popularity.
Ajijic Mexico Pros
Beautiful, designated a UNESCO World Heritage site
Lakeside location
Comfortable year-round climate with lower elevation at 5,000 feet
30-minute drive to the international airport in Guadalajara
Lots of expat amenities and English-speaking locals
Great for retirees
Plenty of shopping options, including Walmart and grocery stores
Nightlife options available
Ajijic Mexico Cons
Housing is expensive
Very populated and touristy
Can feel like “America-lite”
Cotacachi Ecuador Pros & Cons
Cotacachi is a picturesque mountain town located about 90 minutes north of Quito, the capital of Ecuador. It has a population of around 9,000 people, and a lot of them are expats. Cotacachi is also close to major cities and airports and has incredible views and a variety of outdoor activities.
Situated between two inactive volcanoes, the town is small, clean, and quiet, making it feel more authentic than Ajijic. The town is also close to world-famous shopping at the Otavalo market and has a supportive group of expats. However, it doesn’t have major medical facilities, and the full grocery store is 30 minutes away in Ibarra.
Cotacachi Ecuador Pros
Small, clean, and quiet
Located in a picturesque mountain setting with incredible views
Close to world-famous shopping at Otavalo market
Hiking and outdoor activities available
Supportive group of expats
One of the most affordable cities in Ecuador
Weekly organic market
Quito is 1.5 hours away
Cotacachi Ecuador Cons
High elevation can be a challenge for some
Cool temperatures and rainy climate
Major medical facilities are not available in town
Airport is 1.5 hours away
Longer, more expensive flights back to the US
Not many nightlife options available
Conclusion
When deciding between Ajijic and Cotacachi, it comes down to your personal preferences and priorities. If you’re looking for a small community with cooler temperatures, Cotacachi may be the right fit for you. The town is more affordable than Ajijic, and it feels very authentic. On the other hand, if you have a larger budget and want to be closer to the US with a warmer climate and plenty of expat amenities, Ajijic may be the perfect fit.
Watch Our Comparison Video About Cotacachi and Ajijic
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Cotacachi is one of the most popular places in Ecuador for expats to call home so we were really excited to do a real estate tour of several amazing properties for sale in the area.
One of the properties currently on the market is a beautiful four-bedroom, four-bathroom house with a large garden and stunning views of the surrounding mountains. It features high-quality finishes, a modern design, and all the amenities you need to enjoy a comfortable and peaceful lifestyle.
Another great property available in Cotacachi is a three-bedroom, two-bathroom house with an open-concept living area and a beautiful fireplace. It is located in a quiet and secure neighborhood, just a few minutes away from the town center, and offers breathtaking views of the Imbabura volcano.
Overall, Cotacachi offers a unique opportunity for expats and real estate investors who are looking for affordable properties in a beautiful and culturally rich location.
Whether you’re looking for a cozy apartment, a spacious villa, or a charming country home, Amy Prisco and her team, can help you find the perfect property to suit your needs and budget.
Watch Our Cotacachi Real Estate Tour
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https://ameliaandjp.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Cotacachi-Ecuador-Real-Estate-Tour-scaled.jpg14402560JP Stonestreethttps://ameliaandjp.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Amelia-And-JP-Logo-v4.pngJP Stonestreet2023-02-24 00:00:062023-03-20 18:34:53Cotacachi Ecuador Real Estate Tour
We recently visited Cotacachi, Ecuador to film a real estate tour for our YouTube channel. This picturesque mountain town is truly mesmerizing and we always enjoy our time there!
Nestled between two inactive volcanoes, Cotacachi and Imbabura, the views are simply stunning with clouds forming over the top of the volcanoes. The town is walkable and incredibly clean with bike lanes making it even easier to explore.
The town has many restaurants and coffee shops, perfect for taking a break and enjoying the local cuisine. It’s also a great place for window shopping, with numerous stores selling handmade items and artisanal crafts.
In the center of town, Parque Central is a highlight with its beautiful old church, large palm trees, and colorful flowers. Parque San Francisco also has a church and often vendors selling food and crafts.
Cotacachi is a popular destination for expats from the US and Canada because of its affordability and high quality of life for a low cost of living. We can see why they have chosen to make this town their home, as it truly offers everything you could need in a peaceful and beautiful setting.
Overall, we had a fantastic time in Cotacachi and would highly recommend it to anyone looking for a charming and affordable mountain town with breathtaking views.
Watch Our Video About the Pros & Cons of Cotacachi Ecuador
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https://ameliaandjp.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Cotacachi-Ecuador-Cover.jpg7201280JP Stonestreethttps://ameliaandjp.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Amelia-And-JP-Logo-v4.pngJP Stonestreet2023-02-19 08:00:112023-03-20 18:34:59The Panoramic Beauty of Cotacachi Ecuador
Cotacachi, Ecuador, is one of the most popular cities in Ecuador among expats. It’s a small, slowly growing and developing town in the Andes Mountains gaining popularity for its rich culture, climate, low cost of living, and scenic beauty.
Tucked between Volcan Cotacachi and Volcan Imbabura mountains, Cotacachi, Ecuador, is the ideal expat destination for several reasons. Individuals and families looking to enjoy the pleasures of small-town life will love this location.
If you are wondering whether you should retire or move to Cotacachi, we’ll discuss the pros and cons of this town to help you make an informed decision regarding your new life abroad.
Pros of Visiting/ Moving to Cotacachi, Ecuador
Also called the “City of Peace,” Cotacachi, Ecuador offers tranquility and serenity at its best. Here are some advantages of moving to a small, hidden town with a casual, low-key reputation.
1. Affordable
Ecuador is a generally affordable country with a low cost of living. Affordability is particularly at a peak in smaller towns, including Cotacachi. It is the perfect location for expats and retirees on a budget.
For example, the pleasant year-round weather in Cotacachi, Ecuador, eliminates the expense of a heating system in the house. That way, you can save money on your electricity bills. Similarly, you can buy locally-grown produce at mercados to avoid expensive grocery shopping.
Although monthly expenses largely depend on personal needs, managing finances in Cotacachi is not usually a struggle for expats. You can enjoy the scenic paradise on a low budget for the rest of your life, living a dream.
While everything is budget-friendly in this Ecuador town, real estate is the most significant variable. The housing may be expensive, though you can easily find affordable apartments and homes for your family. For instance, local builders offer appealing condos and houses for foreign retirees and expats.
2. Lots of Restaurants
While many expats overlook this consideration, understanding the importance of cuisine is essential. You cannot enjoy your time in a country that does not offer a variety of food. Ecuador is diverse when it comes to cuisine.
Throughout Cotacachi, you can find a vast variety of local and international cuisine. The town’s expat community cannot stop raving about their love for Cotacachi’s ethnic restaurants serving cheap and delectable food.
Many restaurants, like Vandanam Indian, have a “menu del dia” or “almuerzo” consisting of a salad, soup, main course, dessert, and beverage. Eateries in Cotacachi, Ecuador, are almost cheaper than cooking at home.
There are also cozy cafes and coffee places like Rio Intag Café, Red Rabbit Coffee Lounge, and Café Roma offer welcoming spots to relax and hang out with friends or family.
3. Fun and Exciting Activities
Cotacachi, Ecuador, maybe a small town, but it offers a lot to visitors, expats, and retirees.
Even with its slow pace and relaxed vibes, the town does not disappoint social and outgoing people. Cotacachi may be the ideal location for such people. Making friends and having a fun and exciting time are easy tasks here. While the locals make great friends, you can join expat meet-ups to interact with people with similar stories.
Festivals and parades occur throughout the year, and expats can participate alone or with their family/ friends. If you like exploring new places, Cotacachi offers plenty of fun day trips you can choose from. Similarly, you can indulge in physical activity by hiking around the rim.
Bird watching is another popular activity in Cotacachi, Ecuador, while you can also try photography at horse processions and other events.
4. Safety
Cotacachi, Ecuador, is home to several hundred expats. Each expat can vouch for the town’s safety, among other benefits. The crime rate is generally low, even at night. Cotacachi is not a late-night community, reducing the risk of petty crimes like snatching and theft.
The little mountain village has a population of 9,000, and approximately 45 indigenous communities live in the surrounding countryside areas. Unlike other expat locations in Ecuador, over half of the Cotacachi population is indigenous. That is another reason why people are friendly and caring.
5. Shopping Opportunities
You will love Cotacachi if you are an outgoing person who enjoys shopping. Cotacachi offers many shopping opportunities for visitors, locals, and expats/ retirees.
This Ecuadorian expat location has everything from affordable groceries to high-end goods. For example, Sunday is a market day in the mountain village when you can find various items, including fresh vegetables and fruits, flowers, and ground spices. There is a weekly organic market that is excellent for fresh produce.
In addition, the local stores are full of great-value products, including shoes, garments, woven baskets, etc. The mercado and Otavalo Market are ideal places to find affordable and quality products. You can also find high-end textiles from local artisans to decorate your new home as an expat. There are also small mom-and-pop stores scattered throughout the town.
6. Large Expat Community
The entire country of Ecuador has become an expat magnet in recent years. While several Ecuadorian towns are home to many foreign retirees and expats, Cotacachi has one of largest expat populations.
The town in the Northern Sierra’s central location has a very active expat community. Foreigners continue to pick Cotacachi for relocation, given its fantastic benefits. The low living costs, scenic landscape, and pleasant climate are a few of the top reasons expats choose to locate here.
Cotacachi is excellent if you want to minimize cultural shock and make your move as smooth as possible. The welcoming expat community will ensure a comfortable transition, helping you adjust and settle quickly.
Not to mention, a large expat community means you can find many people who speak English.
7. Beautiful and Clean
Cotacachi is true to its reputation of being a beautiful and clean Ecuadorian town. You will never find the peaceful village’s plazas dirty; they are always kept tidy. That may be why you will not find any pesky insects in the town.
While the clean buildings and streets are compelling, the fresh air keeps expats flocking to Cotacachi. Families enjoy the cool and crisp air, sitting amidst an abundance of palm and eucalyptus trees. Given the stunning scenery and perfect weather, it may be the cleanest and most scenic town in Ecuador.
What is the best part? Two majestic mountain ranges flank Cotacachi, and you can see several volcanoes, including Volcan Pichincha and Volcan Cotacachi. The clean environment calls for different bird species to make homes in the town. The birds add to Cotacachi’s natural beauty.
8. Easy to Get Around
Cotacachi’s nice weather makes it an excellent place in terms of health, but the greenery and fresh air are not the only things that can help improve your health. Cotacachi is a walkable town, thanks to its small size, clean streets and roads, and safety.
Whether it is grocery shopping, meetups with friends, or errands, you can walk to the location. Many Cotacachi expats and visitors lose excess weight only after a few months in the town.
That said, Cotacachi also offers reliable transport, including plenty of buses and taxis. Traveling around and outside the mountain village is easy- it only takes ten minutes to go to the Otavalo commercial area and one-and-a-half hours to reach the Quito airport!
Cons of Visiting/ Moving to Cotacachi, Ecuador
Cotacachi, Ecuador, is the perfect expat destination if you enjoy the natural beauty and a casual, laid-back lifestyle. The Ecuadorian town is also safe, easy to get around, and offers many activities.
However, you might not like a few things about Cotacachi. Here are a few advantages of relocating to Cotacachi, Ecuador.
1. High Elevation
You probably love mountain living if you enjoy peace and quiet. However, not everyone prefers making a home in a town at a high altitude. Although the untouched nature of a mountainous area may want you to live there forever, it has drawbacks.
Cotacachi, Ecuador, is situated at 2400 meters/ 7900 feet above sea level. You must be prepared to experience an entirely different life if you plan to move here from a sea-level city. For example, mountain living presents accessibility difficulties. You may not be able to find many amenities usually available in cities.
2. Chilly Weather
A higher altitude means thin hair, which leads to a cooler atmosphere. While many people love the cooler air in a mountainous area, they may not prefer it for a lifetime.
Besides the cold, the mountain village is often cloudy and rainy throughout the year. Cotacachi’s elevation can cause altitude sickness and unfortunately you probably won’t know if it will affect you until you are there.
3. Limited Medical Services
Excellent healthcare is among the most critical things people look for in an expat destination. Like most small mountain towns, medical services are basic in Cotacachi, Ecuador. At most, you will find an IESS hospital and a small private clinic in the town.
4. Small Town
Cotacachi is a small Ecuadorian town, which some people may find unappealing. Although it is still bigger than Olón, Cotacachi is smaller than other cities.
Small-town life can make many individuals and families feel isolated. They may feel cut out or too far from the rest of the world. Additionally, small areas can create more opportunities for conflicts, rumors, etc.
Bottom Line
Cotacachi has seen an influx of foreigners, including visitors and expats/ retirees over the past decade. More people are picking the village town to relocate, for several reasons. Although small, Cotacachi has a lot to offer for expats. It is affordable, allowing expats to enjoy a comfortable life at a low price.
Additionally, the Ecuadorian town is beautiful and clean- precisely what a nature-loving expat individual or family might want! What else? You will find reliable transport, excellent shopping opportunities, and a large expat community in Cotacachi.
Lastly, the town is also incredibly safe, with a low crime rate. Cotacachi, Ecuador, also offers a lot to do in the town!
Watch Our Video About Cotacachi Ecuador
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https://ameliaandjp.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/Why-Expats-Love-Cotacachi-Ecuador-1.jpg7201280JP Stonestreethttps://ameliaandjp.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Amelia-And-JP-Logo-v4.pngJP Stonestreet2022-12-28 10:00:322023-03-20 17:21:41Why Expats Love Cotacachi Ecuador (mostly)
This newsletter covers topics we don’t share ANYWHERE ELSE! You’ll get all sorts of timely information about living abroad and expat-relevant news that might affect your plans to travel or move abroad.
https://ameliaandjp.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/Cotacachi-Ecuador-PROS-CONS.jpg7201280JP Stonestreethttps://ameliaandjp.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Amelia-And-JP-Logo-v4.pngJP Stonestreet2021-11-23 04:07:382023-03-19 18:16:05WHY MOST EXPATS LOVE THIS PLACE (and why SOME don’t) // Cotacachi Ecuador PROS & CONS (final video)
Amelia And JP VLOG 272: We’re often asked by our viewers to show properties for sale in Ecuador so they can see what’s available and more easily visualize themselves living here. And since we love looking at properties, we have a lot of fun doing it!
In this video, we show you four properties for sale in and around Cotacachi. The first property is in La Casa de los Sueños, which is a picturesque condo development on the southeast side of town.
The second and fourth properties are in Sisipacha (aka the countryside) between Cotacachi and Otavalo about a 10 minute drive from the center of town.
The third property is in the beautifully landscaped gated community of El Encanto located about a 10 minute walk due north of Parque Central.
This newsletter covers topics we don’t share ANYWHERE ELSE! You’ll get all sorts of timely information about living abroad and expat-relevant news that might affect your plans to travel or move abroad.
https://ameliaandjp.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/maxresdefault.jpg7201280JP Stonestreethttps://ameliaandjp.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Amelia-And-JP-Logo-v4.pngJP Stonestreet2021-11-05 11:00:452023-03-19 18:16:06YOU WILL BE SHOCKED BY THESE HOMES FOR SALE IN COTACACHI ECUADOR (Real Estate Tour)
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Amelia And JP VLOG 271: When we were considering a move to Ecuador, Cotacachi was near the top of the list along with Cuenca and Loja.
However, back in 2016 when we were researching our move abroad, we couldn’t find very much information about the neighborhoods and housing options around Cotacachi, which is why we wanted to record this video showing you where the expats like to live.
Our next video is a real estate tour showing some of the houses in a few of these areas so hit the subscribe button and like this video so YouTube recommends it to you!
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This newsletter covers topics we don’t share ANYWHERE ELSE! You’ll get all sorts of timely information about living abroad and expat-relevant news that might affect your plans to travel or move abroad.
https://ameliaandjp.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/Ep-271-Cotacachi-Neighborhoods.jpg7201280JP Stonestreethttps://ameliaandjp.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Amelia-And-JP-Logo-v4.pngJP Stonestreet2021-11-01 10:49:092023-03-19 18:16:06WE WISH WE KNEW THIS BEFORE MOVING TO ECUADOR!!! (Cotacachi Ecuador Expat Neighborhood Tour)
Amelia And JP VLOG 270: Even though we have two wedding dates, our first NON-date is the most memorable and meaningful because it was so much fun and it was the start of something truly special.
This year, we were in Cotacachi, Ecuador for our anniversary and took the opportunity to film several videos while we were there.
Laguna Cuicocha or Cuicocha Lake is one of Ecuador’s most popular tourist attractions. It’s located a short 20 minute cab ride from the center of Cotacachi and costs $6 or $12 roundtrip.
If you want to hike the entire loop around the volcano crater lake, it’ll take about 5 hours so wear sunscreen, mosquito repellent, comfortable hiking boots, and several layers of clothing. Also take plenty of food and water.
After our hike, we went to Vandanam Indian Restaurant in Cotacachi, which is owned by Francis, our friend and Chinnu’s nephew. If you visit, be sure to tell him you saw this video!
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This newsletter covers topics we don’t share ANYWHERE ELSE! You’ll get all sorts of timely information about living abroad and expat-relevant news that might affect your plans to travel or move abroad.
https://ameliaandjp.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/Ep-270-Cuicocha.jpg7201280JP Stonestreethttps://ameliaandjp.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Amelia-And-JP-Logo-v4.pngJP Stonestreet2021-10-22 10:35:372023-03-19 18:16:06WE WERE TOTALLY UNPREPARED FOR THIS AT LAGUNA CUICOCHA (near Cotacachi Ecuador)
Amelia And JP VLOG 269: A trip to Cotacachi wouldn’t be complete without a visit to Plaza de Ponchos, the world famous indigenous market in Otavalo, Ecuador!
We took a $6 cab ride from Cotacachi to the market on a Tuesday. The best day of the week to visit is on Saturday when they close off the streets and the market explodes to several times its normal size.
Unfortunately, Saturday was the only day we could film a real estate tour so we couldn’t go to the market that day. Besides, we try to avoid large crowds when we’re filming for a variety of reasons.
When you visit Plaza de Ponchos, be sure to tell Emelia that you saw her on our video!
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This newsletter covers topics we don’t share ANYWHERE ELSE! You’ll get all sorts of timely information about living abroad and expat-relevant news that might affect your plans to travel or move abroad.
https://ameliaandjp.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/Ep-269-Otavalo.jpg7201280JP Stonestreethttps://ameliaandjp.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Amelia-And-JP-Logo-v4.pngJP Stonestreet2021-10-14 16:00:032023-03-19 18:16:07We Went to the WORLD FAMOUS Indigenous Market in OTAVALO and THIS Happened! (near Cotacachi Ecuador)
Amelia And JP VLOG 268: Las Cascadas de Peguche, or the Peguche Waterfalls, are located on the northeast side of Otavalo, Ecuador. It’s about a 30 to 45 minute walk from the center of Otavalo to the entrance to the park.
The Peguche Waterfalls sit at the base of the inactive Imbabura Volcano and the area surrounding the waterfalls is known as the most beautiful rainforest in Northern Ecuador.
The trails are well maintained and it’s a pretty easy hike up to Mirador Arcoiris (Rainbow Lookout). You’ll also find some volcanic warm springs (we’ve been told they aren’t very hot), campsites and cabins that are popular with tourists.
We went on a Wednesday so there weren’t many people around. It was super relaxing and muy tranquilo.
FREE Weekly Newsletter
Sign-up for our FREE weekly newsletter and get immediate access to:
This newsletter covers topics we don’t share ANYWHERE ELSE! You’ll get all sorts of timely information about living abroad and expat-relevant news that might affect your plans to travel or move abroad.
https://ameliaandjp.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/Ep-268-Cotacachi.jpg7201280JP Stonestreethttps://ameliaandjp.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Amelia-And-JP-Logo-v4.pngJP Stonestreet2021-10-07 14:00:132023-03-19 18:16:07EXPATS LOVE THIS WATERFALL HIKE NEAR COTACACHI!!! (Peguche Otavalo Ecuador)
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