HarrisonA German man who was a retired engineer (died a few years ago) moved to Vilcabamba about 15 years ago. He was integral in getting the valley hooked up with internet. It's considered to be the best internet service in Ecuador. When I lived there I rented a place about a 45 min walk up the river valley from town. No road access to my home. It was basically in the middle of nowhere on the side of an Andean mountain. Gloriously beautiful. I had better wifi there than I had in NYC.
GadgetI agree completely, this internet is great. Do you know anyone here in Vilcabamba that knows more about this story? I have been to the tower up the hill twice to talk with the Internet service.
HarrisonAny of the older gringos who have been there for years will be able to tell you the story. The guy who owns Charlito's one block from the central park has been there awhile. I think he opened the restaurant in the summer of 2009. He will probably know the story. The best guy to ask is likely another Charlie who owns Charlie's Cabanas. His place is near the end of the road that snakes out of town up the river valley. Everyone in town knows Charlie and knows how to get to his place. Any cab can take you there by just saying you're going to Charlie's Cabanas. It's a $3 ride. You should go up there anyway. The road hugs the river. It's a nice walk back to town. Charlie has been there for decades. He's from New England. Met a girl from England and raised a family there. He is an endless font of knowledge about Vilcabamba and how it has changed over the years. He was definitely there before the valley got wired with internet. Denis, the owner of The Juice Factory right on the park, is another person who can tell you stories about how Vilcabamba has changed. He also happens to own a property right next to Charlie's Cabanas, where he grows vegetables for his business. He takes a trip up there regularly to harvest produce. You could probably catch a ride up there with him. He's usually at The Juice Factory during business hours.
GadgetThank you, I am sort of the outsider still. I do know Chalie of Chalitos, and not joined a Facebook page about Vilcabamba. I will go slow, and listen a lot, but this is greatly appreciated. Andy
