Let’s just say this: if you think you’re ready for South America because you’ve spent a couple weekends in Cancun or Mazatlán, you might want to buckle up. There’s a world of difference between sipping piña coladas at a resort and navigating a bustling mercado while trying to ask (in broken Spanish) if that juice has ice made from tap water. I thought I was prepared—after all, I’m pretty adaptable, right? Turns out, this place has a way of humbling you… in the best possible way.

Adjust Your Expectations—and Fast

I landed in Ecuador thinking I’d take to the lifestyle like a duck to water. And in some ways, I did. But the first thing I noticed? Everything looks half-done. Sidewalks dip and twist like a skatepark. Rebar pokes out of rooftops like they’re waiting for someone to finish the second floor—but no one ever does. Why? Because buildings don’t get taxed until they’re “completed.” So, guess what? They never get completed. Brilliant workaround or urban chaos? Depends on your mood that day.

There’s beauty here, yes, but not the manicured, landscaped kind. It’s gritty, real, alive. Dogs roam freely, streets burst with sound, and there’s a rhythm to life that doesn’t seem to care about your schedule. North America runs on time. South America? It runs on vibes.

The Food: Street Smoke, Sweet Stuff & My “Swamp Water“

Being vegetarian here is a little like asking for decaf at an Italian café. You can do it—but expect some eyebrow raises and maybe a surprise or two. My Spanish is decent, but I once asked for a “falafel taco” and ended up with hamburger patties inside. There I was, picking them out while trying not to look ungrateful. Classic rookie moment. I’ll fall on the sword for this one…I had just gotten in and La Casa Arabe was right across the street. After 24 hours in airports and in-flight, I wasn’t too sharp.

That said, the food scene is an adventure in itself. Street grills fire up as soon as the sun starts to dip. That smoke? That’s your nose being lured into something fantastic—grilled chicken, pork skewers, chorizo, corn, the whole works. Half the time, I don’t even know what’s on the stick, but I don’t eat that stuff anyways. But it smells amazing, it’s a buck or three, and it comes with a nod from the vendor like, “Yeah, you’ll like this.”

Some unexpected delights:

·        Chocobanana: A frozen banana dunked in chocolate and rolled in crushed Oreos or rainbow sprinkles. One dollar. Worth every cent.

      Fresh juices: Maracuya (passionfruit), guanabana (tastes like tropical bubblegum), and my personal favorite—what I dubbed “swamp water,” a mysterious greenish blend that tasted way better than it looked – Pretty much everything in the lineup.

·        Crepes and helado: Cafés with crepe menus longer than your arm and ice cream shops that rival anything I’ve seen in Europe.

Cooking at Home: Market Wins and Strange Substitutes

I love to cook. Always have. It’s part meditation, part survival skill. Down here, I live near a Mercado and a grocery store, and let me tell you—prices are unbelievable. I once filled two bags with fresh produce—bananas, cauliflower, peppers, beans, strawberries, tomatoes, apples—for less than $5 USD. Back in Canada? That would’ve been a $20 swipe at the till.

Now, there are a few things I miss that I wish I’d stuffed into my bag:
• China Lily soy sauce – What they call soy sauce here is sweet and syrupy. Not my jam.
• Heinz ketchup – Don’t get me started. And yes, I should have smuggled a bottle down.
• Condiments in bags – Everything comes in pouches. Mayo, mustard, hot sauce, yogurt. It’s a bit weird, but it works just fine. Easier to pack in the fridge as well

• Pro tip: Tomato Sauce is ketchup. It didn’t taste very good on my spaghetti…groan.
• 
  Meat is fresh and local—everything from chicken and pork to cuy (guinea pig), which yes, is a delicacy here. And no, I haven’t tried it. I’m not emotionally ready to eat something that looks like a childhood pet with grill marks, and ass I mentioned, I’m a vegetarian for this very reason.

Panaderías & Coffee: Where $5 Goes a Long Way

The local panaderías (bakeries) are basically therapy. For 5 bucks or less, you can walk out with a sack of goodies: sweet rolls, banana bread, pastries. My personal fave? A thick slice of banana cake—moist, dense, and just the right amount of sweet.
Coffee here is mostly solid. Yeah, some places serve instant, but stick with cafés and you’re good. My go-to spot is Juan Valdez in Baños. Great Canadiano, clean washrooms (you’ll understand why that matters), and a cozy upstairs overlooking a bustling street, perfect for working or people-watching. I often sit up there and write these blog posts. They have lots of outlets and it’s never that busy. The sights and sounds really get the creative juices flowing, and I can see the main square from here. If you see me, say hello!

👉 Feeling a little isolated on the road? Here’s how I’ve dealt with loneliness as a digital nomad in South America.

What to Pack (and Not Pack)

Don’t bring much. Seriously. The weather can shift three times a day—rainy morning, blazing afternoon, chilly evening. Pack layers. A windbreaker, a scarf, and a light hoodie will go a long way. I bought my scarf on the street. Super cheap and in my opinion, trés chic
And clothing? You’ll find cheap knockoffs everywhere. You can snag a pair of knockoff Chuck Taylors for 10 bucks, and you know what? They’re just as uncomfortable as the OG’s. Need “North Face” hiking boots? Yup. $20…
Umbrellas. Get a small collapsible one early in your trip…you can thank me later. They’re about 4 bucks So if you forget one, no big deal. Just don’t buy one during a rainstorm unless you like paying tourist prices (potentially, but I haven’t experienced it).

👉 Wondering what gear actually makes life easier? Check out my guide to must-have productivity gadgets for nomads.

Getting Around: Buses, Bargains, and Volcano Views

Transportation here is dirt cheap and surprisingly fun. I took a 3.5-hour ride from Quito to Baños in a semi-private car for $25. My driver, Xavier, is an engineer turned Uber-driver/volcano expert/friendly tour guide who stopped to show me a waterfall, picked up fresh fruit on the side of the road, and obliged my “coffee to go” habit. Xavier makes daily trips from Quito to Banos and speaks great English. His number on WhatsApp is 098 109 2930. Tell him Rik sent ya!
Long-distance buses are $3–$6. Xavier told me that he took a charter flight from Cuenca to Quito for $15. That’s not a typo. That’s a plane ride cheaper than lunch at Tim Hortons.

*Pro Tip: While in Quito, take the subway. It’s modern, clean, and super safe….and the best part? A One-way trip from the North side to the South side is $.45. Super cheap, super convenient, and even takes you to the Historic Centre from the early 1500’s. Super cool!

Still Figuring It Out—and That’s Okay

I have to come back into Quito to finish my VISA application in a while, and will be moving to Cuenca for a bit before then. Since I don’t know where I want to put down roots yet, I’m spending about a month or so in a number of places, seeing what my “jam” is, and I’ll likely do this for about 6 months or so. Do I like the ocean breeze, or the mountain air, or is it a city with services? That’s what I’ll find out. I’ve heard of people that immediately bought a home in the first town they visited, then toured around, only to find that they’re stuck selling their home. I’m going to do my best to avoid that pitfall. And you know what? That’s part of the charm. You don’t need all the answers before you go. You just need a passport, a laptop, and a bit of nerve.

👉 If you’re thinking about testing the waters too, here’s my post on becoming a digital nomad in 2025—no fluff, just real talk.

Final Thoughts: You’ll Learn As You Go

If I had waited until I had everything figured out, I’d still be in Canada, scraping ice off my windshield and wondering “what if.”
Instead, I’m figuring it out as I go—laughing at my mistakes, savoring the wins, and learning that South America has a way of teaching you exactly what you need… even if it’s not what you planned.

👉 Curious what’s driving others to leave home too? Here’s why so many Americans are heading to South America in 2025

👉 And before you book that flight, don’t skip this: my top safety tips for digital nomads in South America

🔗 Related Posts You Might Like

Looking for more real-talk tips on living and working abroad? Here are a few posts that go deeper into the nomad life:

• 👉 Thinking About Becoming a Digital Nomad in 2025? Here’s What You Need to Know
  Real stories, no fluff—just what it actually takes to live and work remotely.
• 👉 Why Americans Are Leaving the US for South America (and Abroad) in 2025
  You’re not the only one dreaming of a one-way ticket out
• .👉 The Ultimate Guide to Micro-Retirement Abroad in 2025
  Who says you have to wait until 65 to live your best life?
• 👉 Safety Tips for Digital Nomads in South America (2025 Guide)
  Freedom’s fun—until your stuff goes missing.

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