I Am Moving to Cuenca, Ecuador

by ROD ATKINS
(NASHVILLE, TN)

HEY STAN, JUST RETURNED FROM ECUADOR LAST MONTH AND I AM MOVING TO THE CUENCA AREA AFTER THE FIRST OF THE YEAR.

I AM VERY INTERESTED IN THE POSSIBILITY OF PROSPECTING IN THE REGION. I CAN'T WAIT FOR THE INFO... I JUST HOPE IT IS AFFORDABLE AND NOT A PIE IN THE SKY "GET THE STUPID GRINGO" VENTURE.

I WAS BESIEGED BY REAL ESTATE SHARKS THE MOMENT I GOT OFF THE PLANE AND DISCOVERED THE ONES YOU REALLY HAD TO WATCH OUT FOR ARE THE AMERICANS TRYING TO HOO DOO OTHER AMERICANS WHO ARE WILLING TO PAY WAY TOO MUCH FOR LAND, TOO UNINFORMED TO KNOW HOW REALLY CHEAP THINGS ARE THERE.

ROD ATKINS

Stan's response: You are absolutely right about the "Stupid Gringo" syndrome here. It started in Costa Rica, moved to Panama and now it is finally arriving in Ecuador. It is good that you are getting here before the big immigration wave. I guess you already know, Cuenca is currently rated as one of the best places in the world to retire.

Real Estate prices have already been completely destroyed in Vilcabamba, Catacocha and now it is happening in Cuenca. Fortunately, the stupidity has not yet spread to most of the outer lying areas in the countryside. Prices are still nice and low in those places.

I, for example, would never work with a real estate agent at all, no matter what their origin. A few years ago, I privately purchased 52 hectares of land for $5,500 for Hampton Court Resources. We extracted millions of dollars of gold from that property while we enjoyed life in the country.

Sorry about getting sidetracked with my real estate rant.

Anyway, this gold mining opportunity is designed to only make money for the concession owner and project owner when the gold operators make their money. It is NOT an "upfront loaded" deal. It is truly a win-win-win situation.

The local Native concession owner and community make a share, the project owner makes a share and the producer makes a fair share as well. Everyone wins and the local Natives are happy to have us there in the process.

Native sensitivity and environmental responsibility are at the top of our priority list. Everything must be done by the book. There will be rules to follow so that this is a long-term opportunity for all of those involved.

I appreciate your contribution on this Forum Rod. Welcome to Ecuador!