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One of the best kept secrets in international real estate investing is that it is still possible for foreigners to purchase property in the world famous Galapagos Islands.  This is something even most Ecuadorians don’t know since various bills have been drafted and approved to exclude foreign investors and developers, BUT, these bills have never been passed into law.  There is still time to grab a little piece of this wonderland though real estate opportunities are admittedly somewhat limited. Most of the Galapagos is a national park with only 3% of the land being available for development and most owners of private land are not in any hurry to sell.  Savvy investors are snapping up what they can to ensure they and their descendants always have a vacation home in this land that time has forgotten.

The Giant Tortoise of Galapagos

Santa Cruz Island

On top of all this there are 58 resident bird species and over 30 other migrant ones – a bird lover’s paradise.  Sometimes as many as 750,000 seabirds are in residence in the Galapagos (after all its nothing but ocean all around).  Boobies are the best known with their comical high stepping mating antics.  Blue footed boobies with, naturally, bright blue feet.  Red footed boobies and beautiful masked boobies also abound delighting with their unusual plumage and colored bills and feet.  Tiny Galapagos penguins constantly struggle to keep their cool while flightless cormorants dive for food and waved albatrosses tumble and squawk as they attempt their awkward landings.  I can’t describe the pleasure of wondering along the main harbor thoroughfare (Charles Darwin Blvd) and watching the local taxis being forced to halt and wait patiently while a large and stately pelican in the middle of the road stares them down.  Not only are the birds and animals of the Galapagos unafraid of people, they have the same lofty disinterest in the trappings of civilized life.  Because these islands are unique in the world one can certainly understand why they are so protected.

If snorkeling, diving or simply cruising the island is your pleasure, the main boulevard is lined with all manner of cruise operators from half day excursions to trips of several weeks on luxury crafts being offered.  Whatever your budget there is a trip to accommodate.  Surfing is also a big draw.  In between the cruise operators is a variety of excellent restaurants and snack bars, not to mention the ubiquitous souvenir shops.  A good size grocery store together with several mini markets ensures you have all the comforts needed to provide you with a high standard of living and all these are within easy walking distance around the harbor.  Walking distance is, obviously, a very important factor unless you prefer to bicycle your way around and mountain bikes can be rented for a very reasonable daily price.  The highlands contain a number of trails leading into the hills, a favorite with hikers and climbers and spectacular lava tunnels invite exploration.

One must not forget the world famous Charles Darwin Research center located in Puerto Ayora where the very successful tortoise breeding and rearing center attracts all manner of visitors.  The harbor itself has a beautiful new dock and public recreation area, architecturally designed and stunning to the eye.  I don’t think you’ve really lived until you step from this beautiful dock into a water taxi that whisks you to some fabulous restaurant.  There you sit, overlooking the bay and all the luxurious yachts of the truly rich bobbing at anchor sharing a premium wine or beer with someone very special while the velvety warmth of the night mingles with the rustlings and chirps of wildlife setting in for the night.  How romantic is that?  

Best bet is to purchase property with a substantial home already in place since all building materials must be transported from the Ecuadorian mainland and dynamite is often needed to blast for a solid footing.  Building a new home can be a daunting operation even for native Spanish speaking Ecuadorians.

For the more adventurous however, there are occasionally opportunities further inland and there is even a small exclusive subdivision underway at Santa Cruz gardens (visit www.santacruzgarden.com for details) although this has been sold out since it was offered to the public.  Because of an illness within the owner’s family I have come up with 2 exceptionally low priced and very desirable properties for sale if anyone is interested and will keep you posted for more as they arise.  These lots are bargain priced at $18,000 each and are next to each other making the purchase of both a great chance to own a nice sized section (one is a corner lot).  This is an excellent alternative for the more adventurous would be home owner in the Galapagos as the subdivision property owners and management all club together to share information on home building and the best ways to get things done if you are not “on the scene”.  
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I do know of a beautiful new (4 years old) home for sale in Puerto Ayora.  It is of course, within walking distance to the harbor and all the attractions including the Charles Darwin Research Station and is offered fully furnished.  There are 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, separate dining, living and laundry rooms and the property has a security wall around it.  It has been constructed with a second story in mind for the future and so is an ideal base for a time share operation, or a fabulous holiday home for some lucky family.  Since visas are for 3 months a year here several couples could take advantage of this home each year.  It is possible to obtain a residents visa and live here full time and I would be happy to recommend excellent lawyers specializing in immigration visas. .

As our civilized world gets more frenetic and dangerous it seems to me to be very important to have a timeless haven of sanity where one can regroup and recharge.
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