LIFE IN BAHIA
Before you go
Visas -Most travelers do not require a visa to visit Ecuador as a tourist for up to three months. Check with the Ecuadorian Embassy or consulate in your area for specific details about visas.
Medication - You will need to consult your doctor or local health department in order to determine if you want to get any preventative shots or medications. Some tourists get Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, Tetanus, and Yellow Fever shots and take an oral Typhoid preventative medication. You will need to consult your doctor or local health department in order to determine if you want to take malaria medications. There are cases of malaria in the region. Locals do not take medications. Some tourists decide to take medications and others do not.
Money - Ecuador uses US Dollars. The ATM machines accept VISA, MasterCard, American Express, Cirrus, Diners International, and Banred at the Banco de Guayaquil and Banco de Pichincha.The Banco de Guayaquil cashes traveler's checks.
Mail, Internet and Telephone - There are internet cafes with internet access and net-2-phone access for international phone calls (US$ 0.10 ctvs/minute USA, 0.20 Canada 030Europe). Internet use costs approximately $1.6 per hour.Volunteers receive unlimited free internet access at Genesis Net. There is an Ecuadorian postal service, but it is very slow. The minimum time to receive mail is three weeks.
Clothing - Bring a little bit of everything. Clothes that you can layer are best. If you are planning on arriving or traveling in the Sierra, you will need sweaters, a jacket, good walking shoes, and other warm clothes. In Bahía, you will need shorts, t-shirts, a bathing suit, and sandals. Long pants and shirts may be necessary for a cool night in Bahía and for classes.
Arriving in Bahia
We recommend that you book your flight for arrival at Quito or Guayaquil International Airports.
From Quito:
You can now fly to San Vicente which is a 5 minute boat trip across the estuary to Bahia. Or by Bus it is an 8 hour trip
From Guayaquil
*The only means of transportation to Bahía is by bus
*It is an 6 hour trip
Living in Bahia.
Nightlife - The discotecas and bars are open on the weekends to dance salsa, merengue, and popular music or just to hang out and have a drink. Sometimes there are programs at the local theatre. You can also rent a movie at the local movie theatre.
Food - You will enjoy the delicious Ecuadorian food, every day from Monday to Saturday. The breakfast at 8:00 am, lunch (main meal) at 1:00 pm, and dinner at 7:00 pm. All the food makes in a clean way and healthy, with a lot vegetables, fruits, etc.. Throughout most of Central and South America, fruits and vegetables should be washed with care and meats and fish thoroughly cooked. Tap water is generally not drinkable and should be boiled or chemically treated. Diarrhea caused by contaminated food or water is potentially serious. Persistent diarrhea may require medical attention.
Spanish Lessons - There is no Spanish language requirement for our program, although we do ask volunteers to try and pick up some basic phrases in order to enhance their experience. The students speak Spanish in the classroom, so you will be learning as much Spanish as they do English! Genesis's team leaders also serve as translators when necessary. Each volunteer receives 25 hours of one on one Spanish Lessons from a local teacher. We also have a Spanish School if you would like to take more lessons. For more information please visit: www.bahiacity.com/spanish
The Weather - The winter months (December-Febuary) are hot, sunny, and wet with an average temperature of 25 degrees centigrade in the day. The summer months (June - September) are dry and cool with a lower average temperature. The nights are generally cooler in both seasons.
The People - The people of Bahia are very friendly and excited to meet foreigners. There are several other volunteer programs that run in and around Bahia, so there is the opportunity to meet other volunteers from all over the world. Bahia is also a popular destination for sailors travelling from the USA.
Things to do on Weekends -Volunteers work from Monday to Thursday, with the option of taking classes Friday or taking a long weekend. There are many popular and beautiful coastal destinations close by to enjoy.
- Canoa - a surf town which is a hotspot for tourists, half an hour from Bahia. In Canoa there are very popular beaches, clubs, and restaurants.
- San Clemente - a small beach town 50 minutes away
- Montanita - With the best surf in Ecuador and nightlife to match the 6 hour bus journey is well worth it for a long weekend
- Puerto Lopez - If you are here in the right season (July to September)you can whale watch from the shore or on special trips.
Local Activities - Bahia de Caraquez is an Eco-City and is a great base for tours of the local environment. There are also lots of sporting and social events to take part in.
Isla de Corazon -
Cerro Seco -
Tropical Dry Forrest -
Salsa Classes -
Caipoiera classes -
Surfing -
Frisbee -
Bike Riding-
