Hello! We have been living as retired US folks in Vilcabamba, Ecuador for 2 years. I have researched Int. Comm for 20 years, lived in one for one year. Anyway, want to slip some info about this place here. There is an established IC called Chambalabama next door to us that is a growing egalitarian IC. The owner is from the US but most of the members are spanish speaking. There is another US couple who are currently making land available for a small community and another couple selling community land. I can not recommend any of the fincas that ask for volunteers to pay as I have heard the horror stories.
We moved to Ecuador hoping that an IC that suited us and our finances would evolve. Vilcabamba has a perfect year-round growing climate in the Andes. Locals are remarkably friendly and family-oriented. This culture is still land-based and the regulations for food stuff is still minimal, plus there is a market for organic because of the large somewhat conscious community of ex-pats, of all ages, that live here. immigration is a serious expense and red tape nightmare for most of us, but to check the place out for up to 90 days requires no paid visa. There are volunteer and extended visitor visas available.
I am here to help you connect if seriously interested. Probably best to send me an email since I am not on permies much.
gilabooks@yahoo.com
