This 2,400-square-foot beachfront house in Crucita costs $49,900.

Dear International Living Reader,

I reported to you in July about a very cheap beachfront property in Manabi, arguably Ecuador’s nicest coastal province (see "Ecuador Beach House For $39,500" below). As it turned out, that beachfront home–with a small pool–sold for just $28,000, almost 30% less than the asking price.

Well, I’ve found another one.

First, let me back up and say that Manabi beach properties are not for everyone. The beaches are typically isolated, quiet, and without services. There are no boardwalks, shops, or cruising strips that marked the beach towns of my childhood in Wildwood, New Jersey.

But if you like the idea of horse riding for miles without seeing anyone…dazzling pacific sunsets…and being far from the noise of cities and motor vehicles… then welcome to Manabi. Plus, the area is rich in culture and history–several pre-historic digs in the area are finding many interesting artifacts.

A beachfront home here, a short walk from the town of Crucita, is for sale for $49,900. It’s a 2,400-square-foot, two-story, four-bedroom, three-bath house with maid’s quarters.

Also for sale is a 543-acre lot with 0.75 miles (4,000 feet) of beachfront. It has 65 acres of rolling buildable land back from the beachfront, after which it becomes a beautiful area of hills and valleys, perfect for horseback riding or hiking…an ecolodge here would have it all. The asking price is $199,000.

For more information on these or other coastal properties, contact James Cheek of Miravista S.A. (contact details below).

Lee Harrison
For International Living

P.S. I just learned that the famous Madre Tierra hotel and spa is for sale. In the heart of Vilcabamba’s Valley of Longevity on seven tropically landscaped acres, the hotel has 11 uniquely designed buildings, a full service spa, pools, a bar, and a restaurant. Total capacity is 50 guests. Easily the most successful hosteria in the region, it’s been a top travel guide choice since 1983. The price is a negotiable $695,000. Expat owner Jinette Mignault has a certified accounting report available to interested buyers, showing a net income that would provide a reasonable return on your investment. For more details, write to ecuador@internationalliving.com.