Thursday, November 05, 2009
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A Hidden Paradise in the World's Top Retirement Haven
Dear Reader, Ecuador's Vilcabamba has long been well-known to backpackers, who stop here on their way to Peru following the Inca Trail. It's also home to a small, bohemian mix of pioneers from around the world who, since the '60s, have been willing to leave First World comforts behind in order to move to paradise. And little Vilcabamba continues to draw the focus of scientists who are studying why such a large part of the population lives to be over 100 years of age. I've brought many readers on tours of Ecuador, and Vilcabamba is where the majority of the people decide they want to buy. But two problems kept cropping up. One was the small inventory...you could only see one or two houses in your price range at any given time. The other problem was that if you don't want to live in Vilcabamba full time, you'd have to hire a caretaker to look after and maintain your property while you're not around...someone to remove a fallen tree, or pay your electric bill and taxes. Now there is a new option, allowing you to take pleasure in one of the most naturally beautiful valleys in the world...while still enjoying most of the amenities that make life pleasant. Just over three miles outside Vilcabamba village on the banks of the Vilcabamba River, lies Hacienda San Joaquin. Importantly, the infrastructure is already complete. This is the best-run project I've seen--and I've seen dozens throughout Latin America and the Caribbean. It's well planned, well executed, well managed, and imaginative. I'm writing to you today because Hacienda San Joaquín--almost sold out--now has three newly-created home sites. These sites are around one third of an acre in size. Originally intended for model homes, the pace of development (39 lots sold, and X homes constructed by owners to date) meant that the lots were no longer needed for that purpose...so they were placed on market for sale. At $40-43,000, I don't expect they'll stay there for long. Click here to find out more...or read below to find out why I believe this will be perfect for many of you who wanted to settle in Vilcabamba, but were unable to find the right property. You want the world's best climate...the healthiest lifestyle, dramatic mountain scenery. You want to live well for less than you could imagine. You'll find it all at
Comfortable, active living in the Valley of Longevity Dear Reader, Finally, a property that makes the most of Vilcabamba. For years, Vilcabamba has been the most popular destination in Ecuador for the potential expat. The majority of those who make it this far down the Inca trail want to remain and be a part of this enchanted valley. Until now, they've had few options with respect to quality property, and very little available. Today, that's changed, with Hacienda San Joaquín.
The developer carved a limited number of exquisite properties from the original Hacienda, surrounded by vast tracts of natural vegetation, hiking trails, and spectacular Andean scenery. Now you can live in one of the world's most prized locations without having to do it alone. You're part of a community of individuals who appreciate the active, healthy lifestyle, and the tranquil atmosphere, of Vilcabamba. If you don't want to live here year-round, you can leave your home at the hacienda, secure in the knowledge that it will be safe and sound when you return. The hacienda is the only property of its kind in Ecuador. Ecuador: the world's top retirement haven Ecuador is one of the most beautiful, diverse and exotic countries you'll ever find. From the Amazon rainforest to the peaks of the Andes...from the miles of Pacific shoreline to the Galapagos Islands...your own sense of adventure is your only limit. In addition, Ecuador makes obtaining permanent residency easy, allows free importation of your household goods, and has a great retiree program that even includes half-priced airfares. And the people? Ecuadorians, warm and appreciative, are friendly, helpful and polite. They smile easily, look you in the eye, shake hands and kiss on the cheek when greeting and parting. Ecuador also offers a low cost of living, and quality healthcare. For all these reasons, Ecuador topped International Living's Annual Retirement Index in 2009. One of the world's truly premium locations Vilcabamba sits at a perfect 5,000-foot altitude--near the equator--enjoying warm balmy days and cool nights all year. There's no need for heat or air conditioning. Nature has set the temperature on perfect. The air is crystal-clear, the water pure, the food organic, and the lifestyle laid-back and healthy.
Due to the unique mix of healthful conditions, Vilcabamba has the highest percentage in the world of people over 100 years of age. Vilcabamba has the highest concentration of English speakers in Ecuador, too. Perhaps it's the small village's colonial charm, the beautiful square, quaint restaurants, spectacular views or the valley's perfect climate; maybe it's the low cost of living...but those who make it this far down the Inca Trail have trouble tearing themselves away. Actually, it's a combination of all these factors.
You need a great site to make a great community Andean peaks surround Hacienda San Joaquín on three sides, stretching to the horizon. On the fourth side is the refreshing Vilcabamba River, tumbling its way from the cloud forest in Podocarpus National Park to the Pacific Ocean. The hacienda starts where a small village road ends. There's no through traffic. The home sites utilize half of the 663 acres. The remainder is riding trails, and hiking paths, in some of the most dramatic mountains, canyons, and valleys you'll ever see. You'll enjoy the River Park and the Equestrian and Hiking Center, gathering places for residents. At the Center are two large stables, a horse grooming area, and an Organic Ranch Store and Outdoor Café with wonderful views of the Andes. Those with horses are welcome to board them at home or at the hacienda's stables. A property style for everyone Properties currently available range from around one-third of an acre to more than four acres. Mountain lots and riverfront estates, each unique, with combinations of size, seclusion and mind-boggling views provide a diverse menu of wonderful home site choices. High-quality construction with high-end finishes costs about $60 per square foot. Turnkey professional legal, design and construction support is available. The three newly-created home sites are also the lowest-priced, from only $40,000.
You're not gambling on the infrastructure: it's already in place, from asphalt roads and water to electricity and internet. More than 25 homes have been built or are under construction, and there are 22 residents living here. The Equestrian and Hiking Center, Organic Store, and Café aren't just renderings on a master plan...they're finished, and in use.
The Hacienda's Sunrise Hotel is under construction, and a Health Spa is next on the schedule.
Hacienda San Joaquín is an established community, of like-minded individuals, enjoying first-world comforts in a unique setting.
One of the owners searched the world for twenty years. When he visited Hacienda San Joaquín, he knew within fifteen minutes he had found the home site and community he was looking for. If you'd like to know more, Sincerely, Lee Harrison
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Ecuador’s Best Little Mountain Town
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