Canoa Ecuador - low key surf town

Summary

Canoa, Ecuador, is a tranquil beach town beloved by expats, offering a quieter alternative to the more tourist-heavy Montañita. Despite challenges like a 2016 earthquake and recent political protests, the town remains a hidden gem with a rich fishing history, beautiful beaches, and a relaxed surf vibe. The local economy struggles with tourism decline, but the low cost of living and natural beauty continue to attract foreigners. Expats enjoy good food, a laid-back atmosphere, and the close-knit community. While the town faces setbacks, Canoa remains a special spot for those seeking serenity and an authentic Ecuadorian experience.

Takeaways

• 😀 Kanoa, Ecuador, is a favorite beach town for the speaker due to its calmer vibe compared to other towns like Montanita.
• 😀 The town is smaller than official statistics suggest, with a population closer to a rural, surf-town feel.
• 😀 Kanoa retains its fishing roots but has adapted to tourism by implementing practical solutions like garbage cans on the beach.
• 😀 The off-season in Kanoa is marked by gray, cloudy weather and cooler temperatures, which the speaker personally enjoys.
• 😀 A surprising number of the fishermen in Kanoa are kids, showcasing their remarkable ability to handle dangerous work.
• 😀 Kanoa suffered significant damage from a 2016 earthquake, which still impacts the town’s recovery and tourism.
• 😀 Protests and riots in Ecuador in 2019, related to an IMF loan, further decreased international tourism to Kanoa.
• 😀 Despite tourism struggles, Kanoa remains an attractive destination for expats due to its affordable cost of living and laid-back atmosphere.
• 😀 The surf in Kanoa is small during the off-season, with some days being completely flat, making it less ideal for surfing at this time.
• 😀 Popular expat-owned businesses include the Surf Shack and the Bamboo Restaurant, both contributing to the town’s charm.
• 😀 The speaker's favorite food spot is a local restaurant serving authentic and affordable Ecuadorian dishes, attracting both tourists and locals alike.

Q & A

Why is Canoa considered a great expat destination?

Canoa is considered a great expat destination because of its wide open beaches, great climate, affordable cost of living, and a welcoming community of expats. The area offers a peaceful atmosphere, in contrast to more tourist-heavy locations like Montanita.

What makes Canoa different from Montanita?

Canoa is described as a calmer, smaller version of Montanita. While both towns share a surf town vibe, Canoa has a more laid-back environment with fewer tourists, no big nightclubs, and a more relaxed atmosphere overall.

How has the 2016 earthquake affected Canoa?

The 2016 earthquake, which was centered north of Canoa, caused significant damage to the town's infrastructure due to poor building styles. The town has not fully recovered from the event, and it had a lasting impact on tourism.

What are the current challenges for tourism in Canoa?

Canoa is facing a significant downturn in tourism, mainly due to a combination of the 2016 earthquake and the protests and riots in Ecuador in 2019, which scared off international tourists. While things are returning to normal, tourism levels remain low, affecting the local economy.

What efforts have been made to keep Canoa clean and environmentally friendly?

Canoa has implemented practical measures to keep the town clean, such as placing garbage cans along the beach and raising them off the ground to prevent animals from rummaging through them. These efforts have helped maintain the town's natural beauty despite challenges.

How does the fishing industry in Canoa involve children?

In Canoa, many of the fishermen are young children who take boats out to fish, a practice that is both impressive and concerning due to the dangerous nature of the work. It highlights the importance of the fishing industry in the community.

Why is the off-season period in Canoa different from the tourist season?

During the off-season, Canoa experiences cooler, gray, and cloudy weather, which contrasts with the warmer, sunnier conditions during the tourist season. This is why the town feels quieter and less crowded during these months.

What are some of the local businesses that have been popular with expats in Canoa?

Some well-known businesses in Canoa that are popular with expats include the Surf Shack and Bamboo Restaurant and Hotel. These places are part of the original expat-owned businesses in the town and offer a relaxed, community-oriented atmosphere.

What is Rio Muchacho and why is it notable?

Rio Muchacho is an eco-farm located about 20 minutes from Canoa. It's an educational space where kids can connect with nature and organic farming. It's a great example of sustainable living and a place that aligns with the local expat community's values.

How affordable is accommodation in Canoa?

Accommodation in Canoa is quite affordable. For instance, the Hotel Cabanas Ruta del Sol offers private rooms for as low as $10 per night, complete with Wi-Fi and a pool. This is an example of the low cost of living in the town, which is appealing to both tourists and expats.