Frequently asked questions?

Eutopia vs. Utopia

Both words are rooted in the Greek/Hellenic language, but they hold distinct meanings:

Eutopia (Ευτόπος): Refers to an existing, real place of beauty and harmony.
Utopia (Ουτόπος): Refers to an imaginary, idealized place that does not exist.

In English, the two words are pronounced the same, but eutopia represents a realistic and attainable concept, while utopia remains a vision of perfection without substance.

Traveling to Ecuador

When travelling to Ecuador, you may be required to provide proof of onward travel, such as flight or bus tickets, as part of entry requirements.

The land

Fruitarian Eutopia is a 0.9-hectare (2.2-acre) farm located in southeastern Ecuador, 19 km from the town of Gualaquiza. The land is situated at an elevation of approximately 850 meters and is bordered by a stream on two sides.

Features:
- Fruit food forest with fruit-bearing and newly planted trees.
- Adjacent to the Terra Frutis intentional vegan community.
- Acquired as part of the Terra Frutis personal plots 1 project.

Access

The farm is accessible by pickup truck via a newly completed gravel road and driveway. Travel to and from Gualaquiza involves:

Taxi/Car: Approximately 30 minutes.
Ranchera/Bus: A 40-minute ride, operating twice daily during specific months.

Accommodation and Facilities

Rooms and Camping: Private rooms and tent spaces available.
Amenities:
- Shower with hot water.
- Washing machine and clothes dryer.
- Wi-Fi internet.
- Grid & Solar electricity
- Stone stream pool
- Sunbathing area.
- Dining space.
- Yoga space, library, and projector.

Food from the land

Currently harvested fruits include:

Available Now: Banana, pineapple, papaya, rollinia, jackfruit, cempejack, mango, soursop, starfruit, plantain, cacao, peanut butter fruit, jaboticaba, cherry tomatoes,
Developing Crops: Durian, mangosteen, cempedak, mamey sapote, rambutan, marang, abiu, cempejack, jaboticaba, Amazon jungle grapes, orange, mandarin, lemon, avocado, aguaje, ackee, paso, piton, tagua, and others.

Note: It is not yet possible to meet 100% of food needs directly from the land. Purchasing additional fruits from nearby sources is necessary.

Water

The farm has access to year-round running water from a small mountain spring, complemented by a standalone ceramic filter for drinking water.

Compost

We use a composting toilet system, similar to the methods described in the Humanure Handbook. Food scraps and human waste are composted effectively with minimal labor.

Local Fruit Prices

Here is an overview of local fruit prices at the Gualaquiza market. Prices may vary depending on the season and availability.

Avocados: 1 for $0.50
Papayas: 1 for $0.50-$1.50
Pineapples: 1 for $1.50-$2
Regular bananas: 10 for $1
Oritos (small bananas): 15 for $1
Oranges: 6-10 for $1
Mangoes: 2 for $1
Watermelon: $3-$6

Climate

Average Temperatures:
- Warmest month (November): 23.8°C (73.84°F).
- Coolest month (July): 22.1°C (71.78°F).
Overnight Lows: Typically range from 16°C to 20°C (60.8°F to 68°F).
Rainfall: Approximately 1,900 mm annually, with drier months being December, January, and early February.

Insects

Mosquitoes are less frequent, but gnats/no-see-ums are prevalent.
Bites are most frequent during mornings and evenings. Wearing long sleeves, pants, and socks during these times can help.
Sensitivity varies, but most people acclimate within 3–6 months, and bite recovery becomes quicker.

ATMs, banks and money

Visa and Mastercard ATMs are available in Gualaquiza.
You can open a local account at the Bank of Loja or other banks for convenience.
The currency used in Ecuador is the U.S. dollar. Notify your bank before traveling to ensure your card functions abroad.

Medical care

Hospital Misereor: A modern, well-equipped hospital in Gualaquiza offering mostly free healthcare.
Health Considerations:
- No mandatory vaccines for entry into Ecuador.
- Yellow fever, malaria, and leishmaniasis are not issues in this area.
- Chikungunya and dengue risks are low.
- Parasites are a possibility, but testing and treatment are affordable and accessible.
Emergency Costs: Transport to the hospital and medical supply expenses will be deducted from the security deposit if needed.

Visa and immigration

A three-month tourist visa is available free of charge to foreigners from many countries, including the USA. This visa can be extended to six months for approximately $150.

For those wishing to stay in Ecuador for more than six months per year or live permanently, it is necessary to explore various residency visa options, such as the professional visa (based on a degree), investor visa, digital nomad visa, and others.