Although Vilcabamba is located in a remote part of the Andes, the basic needs of daily life are well covered – some things are surprisingly modern, others still traditionally rural. Here are the main aspects:
Shopping and Weekly Market
In the village center, you’ll find many small grocery stores (tiendas) and vegetable stands with everything you need for daily life – fresh fruits and vegetables, bread, and household goods. Local bakeries provide fresh bread daily, including a French-style baguette from a European expat.
A highlight is the weekend market, especially on Saturday mornings near the bus terminal. Farmers from the region offer produce like fresh fruit, vegetables, herbs, cheese, eggs, as well as flowers and textiles. There is also an organic market with eco-friendly products. On Sundays, the market often continues with handicrafts and souvenirs such as ponchos, jewelry, leather goods, and natural cosmetics.
Thanks to the fertile valley, fruits and vegetables are available year-round. There is also a wide range of health-conscious options – organic vegetables, gluten-free baked goods, homemade soy and almond products – much to the delight of the alternative-minded residents.
For larger purchases or specific items, most people go to Loja, where supermarkets, pharmacies, and shopping malls can be found. Still, nearly everything can be arranged locally, either through the community or by special order. Shopping here is a personal experience – sellers know their customers, conversations are common, and the market atmosphere is colorful and lively.
Banking and Money
There are no bank branches in Vilcabamba, but two ATMs are available in the central plaza. These are refilled only once a week and can occasionally run empty. It’s a good idea to withdraw cash early.
The official currency is the US dollar. Life in Vilcabamba is almost entirely cash-based – credit or debit cards are rarely accepted, except at a few hotels or larger shops. For bank transactions, most expats go to Loja, where all major Ecuadorian banks are present.
Local cooperatives offer basic services like deposits or currency exchange. It’s important to carry small bills, as large denominations like $50 or $100 are difficult to break in village shops.
A small Western Union office near the bus station provides money transfer services if you need to receive funds from abroad.
Internet and Communication
Surprisingly, Vilcabamba has fast internet, including fiber-optic connections in many homes. Speeds of 50 to 200 Mbps are possible – a big plus for digital nomads and remote workers.
Local providers and national telecom companies ensure stable service. Many hostels and restaurants offer free Wi-Fi. Mobile coverage is provided by Claro, Movistar, and CNT, with 3G/4G signal throughout most of the village. WhatsApp and Skype are commonly used for international calls.
Electricity is generally stable. In 2023/24, there were temporary power outages due to a national energy crisis, but these have since become rare. Some residents have equipped their homes with backup batteries or generators.
Water comes from mountain springs and is usually safe to drink. Locals often drink straight from the tap, while foreigners tend to filter the water or buy gallon-sized bottles. Cooking and hot water typically rely on bottled gas.
Transport and Getting Around
Vilcabamba is connected to the city of Loja by a well-maintained road. Buses and minibuses run every 15 to 30 minutes during the day. The trip takes around 60 to 75 minutes and costs about $1.50 to $2.00. The last buses depart around 6 or 7 pm; after that, you’ll need a taxi.
Taxis are available at the main plaza. A one-way trip to Loja takes about 45 minutes and costs around $20 to $30. Many drivers also offer to wait or help with shopping in Loja for an extra fee.
Within Vilcabamba, most places are easily reached on foot. For trips to nearby villages like Yamburara or San Pedro de Vilcabamba, you can use mototaxis or pickup-style shared taxis. These “taxi mixto” pickups often carry several passengers on flexible routes.
From Loja, buses go to all major cities in Ecuador, making Vilcabamba surprisingly well connected. The nearest airport is in Catamayo (Loja Airport), about 1.5 hours away, offering domestic flights to Quito. Most visitors arrive overland, for example from Cuenca (4–5 hours to Loja, then a transfer).
The main road to Vilcabamba is paved and in good condition. Within the village, roads are a mix of cobblestone and dirt. Side roads can get muddy during the rainy season, but driving is generally manageable. Some expats own cars and offer rides to neighbors, which is part of the local community spirit.
For nature excursions, many paths are accessible only on foot or horseback – part of the area’s charm. Bike rentals are available in town. In general, transport in Vilcabamba is easy and affordable – you don’t need your own vehicle to get around. And if something out of the ordinary comes up, someone in the community usually lends a hand.
Daily Life Rhythm
People in Vilcabamba quickly get to know each other. The mix of traditional Ecuadorian village life and international influence creates a unique quality of life.
You enjoy fresh market fruit, drink herbal tea or craft beer in the evening, and exchange global news. Despite the peaceful atmosphere, there’s always something going on – from yoga retreats and live music to local football games.
Vilcabamba doesn’t have shopping malls or cinemas, but it offers starlit skies and a community where you feel at home. The balance between the simple joys of village life and modern connectivity is what makes daily life here so special.
Whether you visit as a tourist, long-term guest, or expat, you can expect a well-organized, peaceful rhythm of life – with everything you need, but none of the stress of the big city.