Escape Artist
  • Features
    • Interview
    • Expat News
    • Field Notes
    • Trending
  • Your Plan B
    • Finance
    • Real Estate
    • Second Citizenship
    • Digital Nomad
    • Healthcare
    • Plan-B Summit
  • Destinations
    • Europe
      • France
      • Germany
      • Italy
      • Portugal
      • Scandinavia
      • Spain
      • United Kingdom
      • Rest of Europe
    • Central America
      • Belize
      • Costa Rica
      • El Salvador
      • Guatemala
      • Honduras
      • Nicaragua
      • Panama
    • Others
      • Africa
      • Asia
      • Australia
      • North America
      • South America
      • Middle East
      • Rest of the World
  • Travel Tips
    • Know Before You Go
    • Packing List
    • Food + Culture
    • Health + Wellness
  • Subscribe
Escape Artist
  • Features
    • Interview
    • Expat News
    • Field Notes
    • Trending
  • Your Plan B
    • Finance
    • Real Estate
    • Second Citizenship
    • Digital Nomad
    • Healthcare
    • Plan-B Summit
  • Destinations
    • Europe
      • France
      • Germany
      • Italy
      • Portugal
      • Scandinavia
      • Spain
      • United Kingdom
      • Rest of Europe
    • Central America
      • Belize
      • Costa Rica
      • El Salvador
      • Guatemala
      • Honduras
      • Nicaragua
      • Panama
    • Others
      • Africa
      • Asia
      • Australia
      • North America
      • South America
      • Middle East
      • Rest of the World
  • Travel Tips
    • Know Before You Go
    • Packing List
    • Food + Culture
    • Health + Wellness
  • Subscribe
👤

THE NUMBER ONE SOURCE FOR BUILDING A LIFE ABROAD

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.
  • Your Plan B

Yachay – The Silicon Valley of Ecuador

  • BY EA Editors
  • April 22, 2012
Total
0
Shares
0
0
0

Ecuador’s progressive, even if oft misunderstood, President Correa has recently launched yet another vibrant economic development project.  This time he applied his Master’s Degree in Economics, from the University of Illinois, to the technology sector, drawing his inspiration from both Silicon Valley, in California, and the Research Triangle of North Carolina.  The exciting new vision has been dubbed, “ Yachay – City of Knowledge ”.

The Yachay project, slated to be nestled in the fertile valley of Urcuqui, is intended to create an entire city, dedicated to the long-term exportation of knowledge and technology, on a global scale.  Yachay is a Quechua (Inca descendants) word meaning “The utilization of knowledge, with wisdom”.  Certainly one could argue that President Correa’s vision certainly is a wise application of knowledge, as this could well be Ecuador’s most ambitious and forward-looking economic development project to date.

The vision is of an integrated city, which blends the best education environment, within a high-tech campus setting, along with the economic means of production to foster the development, implementation and exportation of the high-tech initiatives produced at Yachay.  A symbiotic techno-sphere, if you will, aimed at educating, cultivating and manufacturing products for the technology era.  The perfect diversification tool, to move Ecuador away from its heavy reliance on the oil industry, as well as fishing and agriculture.  President Correa seeks to diversify the Ecuadorian economy, focusing on tourism and high-tech, as two core components essential in orchestrating the perfect capitalist expansion plan. While the project remains at its infancy and in need of extensive funding, it is a well-planned and well conceived initiative, strongly capable of further enhancing Ecuador’s core economic development potential.  Expertise in many fields is required to turn Yachay into a reality.  The obvious sectors of education professionals and high-tech specialists are high on the list of required skill sets at Yachay.  In fact, an ongoing volunteer program, complete with stipends, exists to lay the basic groundwork for Yachay.  However, maybe less obvious, the financial sector has a great opportunity to “mine gold” for a second time.  If funding sources felt left out of the Silicon Valley (USA) explosion, especially at the early stages, opportunity has come knocking a rare second time.  Nestled in the bosom of the South America growth explosion, the Yachay Project stands ready to feed the high-tech needs of a dynamically growing South America region, for generations to come.However, there remains an even more promising and less obvious opportunity.  Reserved for rare moments, like raising Las Vegas, literally, out of desert sand and dirt, many were equally skeptical of the success that awaited Silicon Valley.  Sitting in a not too attractive location, with little but a dream and a promise, obscure Silicon Valley real estate values soared, right along with the success of the high-tech initiatives, which proliferated from the early vision. The Yachay valley offers similar virgin real estate investment opportunities, against an already much more attractive backdrop.  An entire city of knowledge will require housing, support services and commercial locales.  The town of Urcuqui, in its current iteration, is ill-equipped to handle this imminent growth.  Possessing a current population of less than 16,000 inhabitants, it is currently a sleepy agricultural hamlet.  Land values reflect this sleepy agrarian history, even with the Yachay news now fully in the media. However, this situation will not last for long, as the actual project site begins to evolve. Urcuqui has several advantages to offer the erstwhile, “boots on the ground”, pioneering real estate investor.  For one, it offers some stunning scenic beauty.  From its rolling foothills, to the beautiful Cascada de la Virgen (Cascade of the Virgin Mary) waterfalls, to sections of the surrounding territory that can only be described as “jungle-like” in setting.  All this natural beauty, however, is even further enhanced by Urcuqui’s excellent strategic location.  This tranquil town, poised to erupt economically, sits only 82 kms (51 miles) from Quito, the capitol city of Ecuador.  Contemplate that for one moment.  An exciting and innovative project, modeled after the success of Silicon Valley, sitting on rugged and pristine land, with excellent pricing valuations, all barely 50 miles from the heart of Quito!If anyone just  has an interest in learning more about the Yachay – City of Knowledge Project, or if you want to become more intimately involved with the evolution of this high-tech community, please contact me at, Hector G. Quintana, HGQ@ecuador.escapeartist.com or at my global telephone number, +1.786.220.4987.  I can place you in contact with numerous knowledgeable government and private sector individuals, actively working to make this project an immediate success.  If you are interested in exploring the real estate investment opportunities, both of a residential and commercial nature, I can personally assist you with any information you seek and some choice investment opportunities to consider.

Contact Author

"*" indicates required fields

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.
Name*
Please let us know what's on your mind. Have a question for us? Ask away.

Stay Ahead on Every Adventure! 

Stay updated with the World News on Escape Artist. Get all the travel news, international destinations, expat living, moving abroad, Lifestyle Tips, and digital nomad opportunities. Your next journey starts here—don’t miss a moment! Subscribe Now!

Ecuador’s progressive, even if oft misunderstood, President Correa has recently launched yet another vibrant economic development project.  This time he applied his Master’s Degree in Economics, from the University of Illinois, to the technology sector, drawing his inspiration from both Silicon Valley, in California, and the Research Triangle of North Carolina.  The exciting new vision has been dubbed, “ Yachay – City of Knowledge ”.

The Yachay project, slated to be nestled in the fertile valley of Urcuqui, is intended to create an entire city, dedicated to the long-term exportation of knowledge and technology, on a global scale.  Yachay is a Quechua (Inca descendants) word meaning “The utilization of knowledge, with wisdom”.  Certainly one could argue that President Correa’s vision certainly is a wise application of knowledge, as this could well be Ecuador’s most ambitious and forward-looking economic development project to date.

The vision is of an integrated city, which blends the best education environment, within a high-tech campus setting, along with the economic means of production to foster the development, implementation and exportation of the high-tech initiatives produced at Yachay.  A symbiotic techno-sphere, if you will, aimed at educating, cultivating and manufacturing products for the technology era.  The perfect diversification tool, to move Ecuador away from its heavy reliance on the oil industry, as well as fishing and agriculture.  President Correa seeks to diversify the Ecuadorian economy, focusing on tourism and high-tech, as two core components essential in orchestrating the perfect capitalist expansion plan. While the project remains at its infancy and in need of extensive funding, it is a well-planned and well conceived initiative, strongly capable of further enhancing Ecuador’s core economic development potential.  Expertise in many fields is required to turn Yachay into a reality.  The obvious sectors of education professionals and high-tech specialists are high on the list of required skill sets at Yachay.  In fact, an ongoing volunteer program, complete with stipends, exists to lay the basic groundwork for Yachay.  However, maybe less obvious, the financial sector has a great opportunity to “mine gold” for a second time.  If funding sources felt left out of the Silicon Valley (USA) explosion, especially at the early stages, opportunity has come knocking a rare second time.  Nestled in the bosom of the South America growth explosion, the Yachay Project stands ready to feed the high-tech needs of a dynamically growing South America region, for generations to come.However, there remains an even more promising and less obvious opportunity.  Reserved for rare moments, like raising Las Vegas, literally, out of desert sand and dirt, many were equally skeptical of the success that awaited Silicon Valley.  Sitting in a not too attractive location, with little but a dream and a promise, obscure Silicon Valley real estate values soared, right along with the success of the high-tech initiatives, which proliferated from the early vision. The Yachay valley offers similar virgin real estate investment opportunities, against an already much more attractive backdrop.  An entire city of knowledge will require housing, support services and commercial locales.  The town of Urcuqui, in its current iteration, is ill-equipped to handle this imminent growth.  Possessing a current population of less than 16,000 inhabitants, it is currently a sleepy agricultural hamlet.  Land values reflect this sleepy agrarian history, even with the Yachay news now fully in the media. However, this situation will not last for long, as the actual project site begins to evolve. Urcuqui has several advantages to offer the erstwhile, “boots on the ground”, pioneering real estate investor.  For one, it offers some stunning scenic beauty.  From its rolling foothills, to the beautiful Cascada de la Virgen (Cascade of the Virgin Mary) waterfalls, to sections of the surrounding territory that can only be described as “jungle-like” in setting.  All this natural beauty, however, is even further enhanced by Urcuqui’s excellent strategic location.  This tranquil town, poised to erupt economically, sits only 82 kms (51 miles) from Quito, the capitol city of Ecuador.  Contemplate that for one moment.  An exciting and innovative project, modeled after the success of Silicon Valley, sitting on rugged and pristine land, with excellent pricing valuations, all barely 50 miles from the heart of Quito!If anyone just  has an interest in learning more about the Yachay – City of Knowledge Project, or if you want to become more intimately involved with the evolution of this high-tech community, please contact me at, Hector G. Quintana, HGQ@ecuador.escapeartist.com or at my global telephone number, +1.786.220.4987.  I can place you in contact with numerous knowledgeable government and private sector individuals, actively working to make this project an immediate success.  If you are interested in exploring the real estate investment opportunities, both of a residential and commercial nature, I can personally assist you with any information you seek and some choice investment opportunities to consider.

If you'd like to read the full story, simply enter your email to subscribe to our newsletter.

For even more expert insights, unmissable resources, and exclusive invites, explore our premium subscription offers here.

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.


OR

Subscribe Now

Already a Subscriber? Click here to login

Subscription required

You've reached your limit of free articles. For full access to Escape Artist, and all of our insights on travel, moving abroad, and the digital nomad life, click here to Subscribe.

Already a Subscriber? Log in here

Total
0
Shares
Share 0
Tweet 0
Pin it 0
Previous Article
  • Your Plan B

Virtual casting call for global real estate builders and developers

  • BY EA Editors
  • April 22, 2012
View Post
Next Article
  • Your Plan B

Ecuador Expats – Do It Yourself !

  • BY EA Editors
  • April 22, 2012
View Post
You May Also Like
Balinese temple beside a lake at sunrise with mountains in the background
View Post
  • Plan B
The Bali Residency Reality and What Indonesia’s Second Home Visa Actually Gives You
  • BY EA Editorial Staff
  • June 3, 2026
Historic waterfront village in Montenegro with red-roofed stone buildings and mountains behind the Bay of Kotor
View Post
  • Plan B
Is Montenegro Still Europe’s Best-Kept Secret Before the EU Door Closes?
  • BY Isha Sesay
  • June 3, 2026
Qaboos Grand Mosque in Muscat Oman with mountains in the background
View Post
  • Plan B
Oman’s Golden Residency: The Middle East’s Most Overlooked Plan B
  • BY Zoe Truman Baker
  • June 3, 2026
Coastal city view in Morocco with white buildings and oceanfront road
View Post
  • Morocco
Is Morocco the Next Great Plan B for Global Expats? What Buyers Should Know in 2026
  • BY Anis Chity
  • June 1, 2026
Yellow Lisbon tram passing through a historic street near Rua Augusta Arch.
View Post
  • Portugal
Lisbon: The Relocation Capital That Refuses to Fade
  • BY Isha Sesay
  • May 25, 2026
Luxury beachfront villa with a private pool and ocean view, representing residency by investment and lifestyle migration.
View Post
  • Plan B
The Fastest Paths to a Second Passport, Ranked by Cost, Time, and Risk
  • BY EA Editorial Staff
  • May 20, 2026
Aerial view of a white-sand Zanzibar beach with turquoise water, anchored wooden boats, seaside hotels, and village buildings.
View Post
  • Zanzibar
Zanzibar as the New Ritual Escape
  • BY Isha Sesay
  • May 15, 2026
Traveler overlooking a historic Nicaraguan city from a terrace framed by white columns
View Post
  • Plan B
Why Nicaragua Is the Perfect Plan-B
  • BY Isha Sesay
  • May 15, 2026
Trending Posts
  • Coastal city view in Morocco with white buildings and oceanfront road 1
    • Morocco
    Is Morocco the Next Great Plan B for Global Expats? What Buyers Should Know in 2026
    • June 1, 2026
  • Woman walking along a quiet beach in the Philippines 2
    • Philippines
    Beyond Paradise: The Reality Overseas Veterans Experience Living in the Philippines
    • May 29, 2026
  • Historic waterfront village in Montenegro with red-roofed stone buildings and mountains behind the Bay of Kotor 3
    • Plan B
    Is Montenegro Still Europe’s Best-Kept Secret Before the EU Door Closes?
    • June 3, 2026
  • Qaboos Grand Mosque in Muscat Oman with mountains in the background 4
    • Plan B
    Oman’s Golden Residency: The Middle East’s Most Overlooked Plan B
    • June 3, 2026
  • Volcanic crater lake in the Azores surrounded by green hills and forest 5
    • Travel
    The World’s Best Hidden Gems for Going Off Grid
    • June 5, 2026
Subscribe
Know Before You Go
  • Volcanic crater lake in the Azores surrounded by green hills and forest 1
    • Travel
    The World’s Best Hidden Gems for Going Off Grid
    • June 5, 2026
  • Woman walking along a quiet beach in the Philippines 2
    • Philippines
    Beyond Paradise: The Reality Overseas Veterans Experience Living in the Philippines
    • May 29, 2026
  • Yellow Lisbon tram passing through a historic street near Rua Augusta Arch. 3
    • Portugal
    Lisbon: The Relocation Capital That Refuses to Fade
    • May 25, 2026
  • Colorful waterfront village with a blue boat floating in clear turquoise water 4
    • Travel
    Summer Is Calling: Our Top 10 Destination Picks
    • May 22, 2026
  • Aerial view of a white-sand Zanzibar beach with turquoise water, anchored wooden boats, seaside hotels, and village buildings. 5
    • Zanzibar
    Zanzibar as the New Ritual Escape
    • May 15, 2026
Learn More
  • About Us
  • Contact
  • Advertise
  • Subscribe
  • Shop
Why Subscribe

The newly imagined Escape Artist brings you fresh content with a global focus, and sharp, up-to-the-minute coverage of the joys, challenges, and opportunities of life abroad.

For a limited time, we’re offering a special discount on all subscription deals, so be sure to lock-in these incredible savings and start receiving top-notch travel and expat content today!

Sign up for the EA Newsletter

Get important news delivered directly to your inbox and stay connected!

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.
Escape Artist
  • Terms & Conditions
  • Privacy Policy
  • Cookies Policy
  • Disclaimer

Input your search keywords and press Enter.

Escape Artist

The Newsletter for a
Life Beyond Borders

Practical insights and real stories for those building a life abroad, trusted by 75,000 readers worldwide.

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Before you go, want $50 off your Summit registration?

Subscribe, and get $50 discount code for Plan B Summit registration.

Download Your Free Guide

Fill out the form below to get instant access to your guide + receive a $50 discount code for Plan B Summit 2026!

Download Your Free Guide

Fill out the form below to get instant access to your guide + receive a $50 discount code for Plan B Summit 2026!

Download Your Free Guide

Fill out the form below to get instant access to your guide + receive a $50 discount code for Plan B Summit 2026!

Newsletter Subscription