Jason Scott

Co-founder · YapaTree & Expats Ecuador

Jason Scott has been writing about Ecuador since 2014. He co-founded Expats Ecuador, a cultural guide for newcomers, and runs YapaTree, a boutique real estate practice in Cuenca, with his wife Michelle. The writing here is for anyone navigating life, paperwork, or property in the Andes.

Articles by Jason Scott

Ecuador Investment Visa: From Application to Approval

Ecuador is one of the most attractive options in all of South America for investors looking to relocate temporarily or permanently. Not only is it a dollarized country but it is also a country with wonderful landscapes, a unique and diverse gastronomy, and friendly people. It also has one of the lowest investment amounts to […]

Visa Aug 19, 2024

Ecuador Online Visa Applications Now Available

Ecuador is widely regarded as one of the best places to choose to retire. It has one of the most organized migration systems in the region, and every year updates and improvements are generated around the migration policies it manages. The newest change expands the electronic process to include online visa applications, further positioning Ecuador […]

Visa Jul 10, 2024

How to Extend Your Tourist Visa in Ecuador

Editor's note: This article has been contributed by our friend, Ian. Whilst this guide specifically focuses on how to extend your tourist visa in Cuenca, it's a very similar process if applying at other migration offices around Ecuador. You can download the extension application form. Ian originally submitted this article in 2021, it has been […]

Visa May 29, 2024

Ecuador's Visa Changes 2022-2023

It feels like we're still catching our breath from Ecuador's 2021 visa updates. President Guillermo Lasso made numerous changes to Ecuador’s visa requirements in 2022. The new President Daniel Noboa is yet to make any substantive changes. The last updates received before Daniel Noboa became official president were:1. April 2023: Update on consular prices (new, […]

Visa May 27, 2024

Ecuador Visa Requirements

Ecuador is one of the easiest countries to obtain a long-term visa. There are multiple pathways to residency and the investment is relatively low. After reading this guide you should have all the Ecuador visa information you need to decide whether Ecuador is a viable long-term option for you. You may even have 2 or […]

Visa May 27, 2024

Ecuador’s Professional Visa Requirements

Ecuador provides several visa options for expats wanting to stay in the country for more than 6 months. The most popular options for obtaining temporary residency in Ecuador are ‘Investor Visa’, ‘Retirement/Pensioner Visa’, ‘Professional Visa’, 'Rentista Visa' and ‘Dependant Visa’. Each of these visas has its own requirements and bureaucratic processes. Our article on Ecuador's […]

Visa May 23, 2024

Homeowners & Renters Insurance in Ecuador

Homeowners insurance (or home & contents insurance) is available in Ecuador. But, it's likely to be a little different from what you're used to. This insurance market is still immature in Ecuador, with many locals preferring to protect their homes with other means rather than take out an insurance policy. We've spoken with Carlos from […]

Living Sep 7, 2022

We Purchased a Business in Ecuador [& Our Learnings So Far]

2021 was a year of massive change for our family. We welcomed our newest son, Billy, into the family & one month earlier we finalized the acquisition of our 1st business in Ecuador. We’ve spent a lot of time adjusting to these changes but we’re super grateful for the lessons we’ve learned along the way. […]

Money May 16, 2022

Expat Health Insurance in Ecuador: The Complete Guide

One of the key considerations of expats moving to Ecuador is health insurance and the quality of healthcare. And, rightly so. This can be especially true for those coming from the US where the price of healthcare continues to soar, making it unaffordable for many retirees to continue to live there. This guide provides all […]

Living Mar 10, 2022

Do I need health insurance for my visa?

Unfortunately, the answer to this question is more nuanced than it really should be. This has led to some confusion amongst expats, and even lawyers and facilitators. What is clear is that you need health insurance before you can apply for your cédula. This is universally accepted. But, whether you need health insurance as part […]

Living Sep 23, 2021

Traveler Health Declaration now required prior to boarding

New requirements are now in force when entering Ecuador. From 30th August 2021, a Traveler Health Declaration (Declaración de Salud del Viajero) is required to be submitted at the point of origin. Previously, a similar health form was required to be submitted upon entry to Ecuador. [COMUNICADO] A partir de este 30 de agosto de […]

Travel Sep 5, 2021

Ecuador's Visa Updates 2021

Hold up! Ecuador has released more visa changes for 2022. We suggest reading these first. Ecuador routinely updates visa requirements for tourist, temporary & permanent residency visas. They announced numerous changes in February 2021 that may affect you, so we've covered the most important updates below. Not sure which Ecuador residency visas you may be […]

Visa Jul 27, 2021

Santa Marianita - The Complete Guide

Whilst Santa Marianita has been famous in kitesurfing circles for quite a few years, it's only recently started to emerge as a popular destination for expats and travelers looking for a more rustic alternative to the busier beaches such as Manta, Montanita & Ayampe. On a personal level, I hold this fishing village close to […]

Travel Jul 23, 2021

Opening A Bank Account [How To Guide]

Many expats decide to open a bank account in Ecuador once they've decided to settle for any real length of time here. Once you're ready to take the plunge, this guide will walk you through the process of opening your very own Ecuadorian bank account. But first, you should know that it’s actually becoming a […]

Money Jun 23, 2021

Raising Kids in Ecuador

Considering a move to Ecuador, but not sure whether it's an ideal country to raise your kids? We get this question a lot from potential expats. Whilst all experiences will vary, I can confidently say that Ecuador can be a very rewarding country to raise your kids. But, there's so much to consider before you […]

Living Mar 24, 2021

Why you should consider a Galapagos trip right now

Have you ever wondered what Charles Darwin was thinking as he first set eyes on the Galapagos? Right now could be the best opportunity you’ll ever get to visit the Galapagos in a state that’s as close to when he arrived on his faithful Beagle in 1835. You see, one of the biggest threats to […]

Travel Mar 9, 2021

Bringing Electronics to Ecuador

Whether you're just passing through as a visitor or starting a new life as an expat in Ecuador, you're eventually going to ask yourself: Should I bring electronics to Ecuador? Indeed, I'm asking myself this question again right now as I'm visiting family and pulling together my latest Amazon wish list. The price of electronics […]

Living Mar 8, 2021

Schools in Ecuador

Deciding to take the plunge and move to a foreign country can be very daunting. Multiply that by 100 when you've also got the responsibility of deciding what is the best educational outcome for your child(ren). We've created this guide based on our first-hand experience of schools in Ecuador, supplemented with additional research where required. By the […]

Living Jan 31, 2021

Is Bitcoin legal in Ecuador?

As Bitcoin pushes well past the 2017 all-time high of $20,000, several expats have reached out to ask whether Bitcoin can be legally used and traded in Ecuador. The short answer is that trading Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies is not prohibited in Ecuador. However, this doesn't give Bitcoin the complete green light. The government has […]

Money Jan 22, 2021

Expat Story: Chris' Dragon Fruit (Pitaya) Farm in Manabi

Editor's note: This is part of our Expat Story series where we dive into journies of other expats to learn about practical information on life in Ecuador. Have your own story to share? Let us know by reaching out to us. Chris moved to Ecuador from Canada 3 years ago. Like many expats, he was […]

Real Estate Jan 2, 2021

Which countries offer digital nomad visas? Are they worth it?

Now that many countries are considering offering 'digital nomad visas' or 'remote work visas', it's time to ask ourselves whether any of these are actually worthwhile for digital nomads. Why are countries starting to offer digital nomad visas? It's clear that many countries that started offering digital nomad visas in 2020 have done so as […]

Visa Dec 5, 2020

Piedra de Agua vs Pumamaqui - Battle of Cuenca's Hot Springs

Cuenca is blessed with several fantastic hot spring options. Our two favorites are Piedra de Agua and Termas Pumamaqui. Whilst both are great, they are very different offerings. We love being able to choose the experience that best resonates with us each time we want a relaxing soak. Hopefully, you'll also be able to use […]

Living Nov 16, 2020

Horse Riding at Centro Ecuestre Bellavista (Cuenca)

Our family recently spent a lovely morning enjoying one of Cuenca's best horse riding tours. We regularly go to Centro Equestre Bellavista for classes, but this was the first time we've had the opportunity to go for an extended 2-hour horse ride through the mountains and valleys surrounding the property. And, we loved it. The […]

Living Nov 13, 2020

La Gata Cafe - Great Bolones & Tigrillo!

One of our favorite cafes in the El Vergel area of Cuenca is La Gata. We classify it as traditional Ecuadorian comfort food, but with some modern twists that make their dishes stand out. In fact, we'd go so far as to say this little cafe wouldn't be out of place if they set up […]

Living Nov 10, 2020

Cuenca Horse Riding Tours & Schools

Fast Facts Where 15-45 minutes from Cuenca Cost Private tours around $25/hr, one-day group tours around $80/day. Schools $5-$10/lesson Ages 4+ What to bring Warm clothes, enclosed shoes, water, sunscreen, tips for guides How to book Varies by provider. We've included links for each. Why we love horse riding in Cuenca Cuenca is a great […]

Living Nov 8, 2020

Guaguas de Pan & Colada Morada

I remember my first guaguas de pan y colada morada experience. It was in the neighborhood of Nayon in Quito. Several shops, especially the bakeries, were all selling these colorful breads that were shaped and dressed like baby dolls. These baby-shaped, sweet buns were always accompanied by a thick, purple fruit drink. Only later did […]

Living Oct 29, 2020

Cost of Fruits & Vegetables in Ecuador

Fruits and vegetables are abundant and cheap in most Ecuadorian cities. The low cost is a key input into the overall cost of living in Ecuador and you should pay considerably less than in your home country. However, there is a big difference between the cost of fruits and vegetables in local markets vs the […]

City Guide Oct 22, 2020

Expats Guide to Living & Relocating to Cuenca, Ecuador

So, you’re thinking about moving to Cuenca, Ecuador? That’s great. But, there’s a lot to consider with such a big decision, so we’ve put together this lengthy guide to help decide if Cuenca really is the right choice for you. CUENCA RELATED POSTS Hint - before making a life defining decision like where you are […]

Living Oct 21, 2020

How I Ended Up in Ecuador

Just a few short years ago I hadn't even heard of Cuenca. In fact, I knew very little about Ecuador. Fast forward to now. I'm happily settled in Ecuador and living a comfortable life. Even amidst the global pandemic that has been thrown upon us. This is my Ecuador origin story. It's probably not what […]

Living Oct 19, 2020

Ecuador Facts: The Big List!

Ecuador really has so many unique and interesting facts. We've compiled some of these below to help first-time visitors or even seasoned expats get to know Ecuador a little better. Oh, and once you're done here, feel free to take our quiz on all things Ecuador. Get all 20 questions right and we'll even throw […]

Living Oct 16, 2020

How To Work Remotely From Ecuador

It's almost the perfect storm for working remotely from Ecuador. COVID 19 has forced a re-think of how we work and the growing gig economy means there have never been as many opportunities to work remotely. There were already 7 million people (or 3.4% of the population) working remotely in the US before COVID19 hit in early […]

Money Sep 24, 2020

Horse Riding in Ecuador

Horse riding in Ecuador has a long history. The Spanish conquistadores brought horses with them in 1534, gradually leading to cattle and horses taking over the pastoral lands traditionally occupied by llamas and alpacas. Ecuadorian horse riding has since revolved around haciendas. These large properties are scattered all over Ecuador and some still rely on […]

Living Sep 16, 2020

Do I need a return ticket to enter Ecuador?

Ecuadorian immigration officers are unlikely to need a return or onward ticket, but your airline might! Don't get caught out. Especially with all of COVID related airline rule changes, I wouldn't risk turning up to the check-in counter without some type of proof of onward travel. I've been caught out a couple of times trying […]

Travel Sep 1, 2020

Beyond Meat now in Ecuador

Michelle and I were surprised and happy to find Beyond Meat in the freezer section of our local Ital Deli in Cuenca, Ecuador. You see, we'd been wanting to try the next generation of meatless products for a while, but they've proven difficult to find outside of the US. We'll get to our quick review of the Beyond […]

City Guide Aug 31, 2020

12 Things I'm (Still) Grateful For Despite COVID 19

With so much negativity in the media surrounding COVID 19, it's easy to get lost in a sea of anxiety and forget why we moved to Ecuador in the first place. This article is part of my attempt to refocus my energy on the abundance of things I'm still grateful for. Perhaps even more grateful […]

Living Aug 5, 2020

Tim and Crystal from Galakiwi Adventures - Doing Business in Ecuador

Editor’s note: I interviewed Tim and Crystal at the very start of the COVID19 pandemic when we all had no idea how far-reaching and devastating the virus would become. As I publish this (late July 2020), all tourism business on the Galapagos has been severely affected and it’s still unclear when tourists will be able […]

Money Jul 31, 2020

3 Ways to Get a Driver’s Licence in Ecuador (2020 Guide)

Unfortunately, getting a driver’s licence in Ecuador isn’t as easy as just turning up to the issuing authority and transferring your existing licence. But, the process isn’t terribly painful either - once you know how... I’ve covered the 3 main pathways most expats use to obtain their Ecuadorian driver’s licence below. There is also an […]

Living Jun 18, 2020

Ecuador Blogs Worth Reading in 2020

Finding updated, quality information on traveling and living in Ecuador can be like bobbing for apples - after many searches you might get lucky & find a winner. So, I've compiled the following shortlist of Ecuador blogs and resources that you can use as a starting off point. Each of these resources has been helpful […]

Living Jun 9, 2020

10 Things You Should Know Before Moving to Ecuador

What do expats wish they knew before taking the plunge and moving to Ecuador? Turns out it's a lot. Some of these things might be surface level, and in that case, you have a good shot of picking them up on an investigative trip to Ecuador before committing to the move. Which, I fully encourage […]

Living Jun 7, 2020

Bolon de Verde (Fried Plantain Balls) Recipe

Bolones de verde are one of the most common snacks you’ll find throughout Ecuador. You’ll find them sold on the street, in markets, bus stations, cafes and restaurants. But, my favorite are the homemade bolones you’ll find in grandma’s kitchen. The below recipe is adapted from a simple recipe used by Michelle’s mom – an […]

City Guide May 17, 2020

Where to Find Ecuador’s Brilliant Hummingbirds

Ecuador is the Mecca for hummingbird watchers and photographers. With more than 130 of the world's 340 species, it's no surprise Ecuador is known as the "Land of Hummingbirds" and the hummingbird capital of the world. Hummingbirds (colibríes in Spanish) have long fascinated us with their speed, agility, compact size and perfectly adapted beaks and […]

Travel Apr 26, 2020

Is Ecuador Safe?

When you start planning your move to Ecuador, you'll most likely be constantly asked, "But, is Ecuador safe?" I know I've been asked this question many times. And of course, it was a key consideration for me when I decided to make the move to Ecuador. There are a few caveats, but yes, I consider […]

Living Apr 6, 2020

How to Send Money to Ecuador with WorldRemit

Need to send money to Ecuador quickly and cheaply? WorldRemit may be the best provider for you. I've had to transfer cash into Ecuador for numerous reasons and WorldRemit has been my go-to for the majority of these situations. Once you've read this article you'll be armed with a step-by-step guide on how to send […]

Money Mar 21, 2020

The True Cost of Living in Cuenca, Ecuador

The cost of living in Cuenca, or Ecuador in general, is often cited as one of the core reasons why expats move here. It was a consideration for Michelle and me too. In particular, the cost of schools in Cuenca is approx half of that in Quito. So, we decided to move from Quito to […]

Living Feb 2, 2020

Sweet &Coffee - Ecuador's Starbucks

If you've spent anytime in Quito or Guayaquil, you've come across Ecuador's chain of coffee shops, Sweet & Coffee. The chain currently has over 100 stores nationwide and has a Starbucks feel to it, even the colors have a passing resemblance. However, the pastries have kept to their roots with local treats like torta de choclo. Sweet […]

City Guide Feb 1, 2020

Las Herrerias - The Best Tortillas in Cuenca?

When we first visited Cuenca on our holiday/scouting trip, Michelle's mom told us we NEEDED to visit calle Las Herrerías. I had no idea why and honestly it just slipped our minds. Then, we ended up staying at an AirBnB right by Las Herrerías and I'm so glad we did. Why? The tortillas of course. […]

Living Jan 28, 2020

Stop Buying (Fake) Vega Ceramics!

Eduardo Vega is an iconic Cuenca artist renowned across Ecuador and Latin America. He is responsible for the distinctly styled ceramics and murals you've most likely seen in museums, galleries and souvenir shops. Visiting his workshop and gallery is one of our favorite Cuenca activities for new visitors as it's located at one of the […]

Living Jan 23, 2020

Top 5 Yoga Studios in Cuenca

Can I practice yoga in Cuenca? Yes! There are numerous options for practicing yoga at different levels in Cuenca. We've included a map and a comparison of 5 different yoga studios that we've practiced in at least once whilst living in Cuenca. This map is not meant to be exhaustive as I'm sure there are […]

Living Jan 22, 2020

How to Transfer Money into Ecuador

One of the first questions new Ecuadorian expats ask is 'how do I send money to Ecuador and is it expensive?' The answer is, well, it depends. Like many Latin American countries, transferring money in and out of Ecuador has traditionally been problematic, expensive, and time-consuming. These difficulties arise through the combination of weak governmental […]

Living Jan 14, 2020

The Ultimate Guide to Cojimies Beach

Cojimies beach is a popular weekend destination for Quiteños seeking a no-frills beach escape. We arrived at this beach just a few days after visiting one of Ecuador's finest beaches; Los Frailes. So, our expectations were super high. Cojimies Fast Facts Activities Swimming Lounging on a super wide beach Tour of la isla del amor (Island […]

Travel Jan 2, 2020

Is Los Frailes Ecuador’s best beach?

Playa Los Frailes sits inside the Machalilla National Park in Ecuador’s coastal province of Manabi. Los Frailes Fast Facts Getting There Bus From Puerto Lopez: the 10km ride will take 15 mins to arrive at the entrance to Machalilla National Park. Cost approx $0.5. From Montanita: 53km journey will take about 1.5 hrs and cost […]

Travel Dec 26, 2019

How One Cuenca Apartment Was Used to Scam Multiple Renters

When you’re new to Cuenca, finding a place to live can feel exciting, and overwhelming, at the same time. Unfortunately, that mix of optimism and urgency is...

Living Jan 29, 2026