Originally published May 27 2009
Health Ranger Endorses Vilcabamba Real Estate Company for Ecuador Homes and Land
by Mike Adams, the Health Ranger, NaturalNews Editor
(NaturalNews) Over the last two years, Vilcabamba, Ecuador has become one of the most sought-after destinations in the world for adventurous, health-conscious individuals. With its pristine environment, remarkable Spring-like climate, and productive soils, Vilcabamba is a food-lovers paradise. My own garden, for example, produces fresh, raw berries, oranges, figs, vegetables and roots every day of the year, without exception. See photos here: http://www.naturalnews.com/PhotoTou...
The increasing popularity of Vilcabamba has caused a bit of a land rush in the Valley of Longevity, with more open-minded visitors from all over the world coming to the valley to seek a new life, surrounded by nature and blessed with an astonishing abundance of natural foods and natural medicine. During the time I've lived here, I've been asked by literally hundreds of people for a recommendation of a local real estate company.
While I previously had recommended a real estate company in Vilcabamba, I have come to see the importance of remaining 100% neutral in such recommendations, especially as a journalist who is covering the area. The company I previously advocated was very professional and did a fantastic job working with clients, so I have no complaints about them whatsoever, but as of now, I see that I must remain neutral on specific real estate recommendations and simply remind customers to practice common sense when engaging in any real estate deal: Ask for references, make sure people are licensed, double-check the contracts, etc. If you do that, you will have a positive real estate experience in Vilcabamba.
Vilcabamba land is some of the most beautiful and most pristine land you'll find anywhere in the world. It's truly world-class. But acquiring the land definitely takes some professional assistance. The laws are different in Ecuador than in first-world countries. There are no zoning laws, for example, except in certain city areas. Real estate deals require some extra assistance, so always be sure to work with professionals in order to help protect yourself in any real estate transaction in Ecuador.
In full disclosure of my previous recommendation of a real estate company, with my previous advocacy of one professional real estate company in town, a small percentage of the real estate commission was donated back to our community fund which we have used to raise money for the construction of a new library for Vilcabamba. This was, of course, fully disclosed to everyone right here on the web, so it wasn't a secret. Through this donation process, we were able to raise enough funds that we are now able to begin construction on the library this year! The town mayor has already set aside the land for us (near the coliseum), and a local architect has volunteered to handle the design of the building for free. We will be using the funds we received from the real estate transactions to purchase all construction materials and pay for the construction maestro (the head builder).
This is how we worked to put real estate money back into the Vilcabamba community. It is a crucial element of living in Ecuador: You've got to be willing to reinvest in the local community and do your part to humbly, gently and proactively pursue such important projects. Another group in Vilcabamba recently took charge of cleaning up the town dump, and yet another group has helped start a recycling program. We are working on building this library, so in all, many different people are working on various projects that can help give Vilcabamba residents a brighter future -- as a way to give back to a community that has given us all so much!
This is the key part about living in Vilcabamba: Giving back to the community without dictating to the community. Arrogance doesn't fly in Vilcabamba. Don't come to Vilcabamba hoping to "change things." That's a sure recipe for disaster. Rather, come with the intention of contributing in a small but consistent way that allows the locals to decide for themselves how they want to change things. Be available to support them, but don't preach to them. Be kind with your compassion, but always remember that you are their guest! You are the foreigner, not them, so it is your duty to learn their language and work to understand their culture before trying to suggest any changes. Don't try to turn Vilcabamba into a mini version of America, please!
(I personally learned some of these lessons the hard way. Like many Americans, I came to Vilcabamba full of enthusiasm for making changes. After making some mistakes myself, I learned the important lessons that all gringos eventually learn if they stay in Vilcabamba. YOU do not change Vilcabamba. Vilcabamba changes YOU!)
Vilcabamba is a wonderful place, and it is rich with some of the most kind-hearted locals you'll ever meet. If you come to Vilcabamba, please leave your excess baggage at home, and bring only humility, an open mind and a willingness to learn new lessons from a remarkable town filled with truly amazing people. And get ready to enjoy some of the best land, the best climate and the best year-round growing season in all of South America!
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