climate

I would suggest Vilcabamba...

Hey your welcome I'm sure there is other places too. Vilcabamba is quite a special place.

One thing you mention is "lot's of Sun"

Keep in mind that Ecuador has a cloudy climate -- and some areas (such as the cloud forest) are always cloudy.

Here on the coast where I live, which is dry forest, during the winter you won't see the sun for weeks.

Now before you think this is awful, keep in mind that we are at the equator and if you add in the mountains -- you are closer to the rays of the sun than anywhere else on earth.  It may be cloudy but you will be wearing your sunglasses.

So is it bright and can you actually get a tan on a cloudy day?  Heck yeah!

Is it sunny with clear blue skies?  For me, speaking here on the Santa Elena Peninsula, November through June (8 months) is blue sky season.

Come and visit the areas you think you might live in -- spend some time and talk to the folks living there -- LOOK before you leap!

Hello. You might also check out the website ecuadorliving.com
about the weather and other info about Cotacachi.

Was there in early July. It is a wonderful place.

Best of luck,

Mike