House Hunters International Comes to the Ruta del Spondylus and Discovers Treasure!
After spending some time in Olón you’ll sense a change in how you prioritize your daily routines. Time will slow down, and you’ll find yourself enjoying the days and nights you spend here more than you ever thought possible.
Like so many others, Pat and Karen Terrell, the couple in this episode, found their hidden treasure on the Ruta del Spondylus, a hilltop jewel called Sonido del Sol, overlooking the magnificent Pacific Ocean. Pat and Karen came here from Indiana looking for their dream home, and now they spend their time here walking on the soft sand beach and watching “Wow!” sunsets from their rooftop terrace. They made their dreams come true.
Read Episode Information from HGTV
Featured Agency from HHI: Inti Luz Properties
Todd Hebert, Senior Partner at Inti Luz Properties, came to Ecuador for the first time in 2007. He invested in a home near the beach and returned to California. He made five trips back and forth to California over the next few years before realizing that Olón had captured his heart. He moved permanently in 2010, knowing that Olón was going to be his forever home.
Todd fell in love with the beaches and small towns along this slice of the coast, becoming active in vacation rentals and real estate sales. Learning the proper protocols and codes of conduct essential for successful local transactions, he embraced the sage advice that business “originates in the heart and satisfies the tummy”. The people believe that their culture is many thousands of years old. The land is sacred, a gift from God to be celebrated by the people who live here. Selling property is not just a transaction, it’s a transfer of this bounty bestowed over the centuries. It has a special meaning and isn’t just business as usual.
As our time here grows, we start to realize that life at latitude zero is different, that the time we have is indeed a special treasure. Like the many people who have made the move, we experience a positive energy every day, enjoying the possibilities each day brings. Because that’s how Olón affects people, transforming lives of those who have made the choice.
Que Bueno, as the locals say; That’s good!
Todd is unquestionably the most experienced gringo advocate in Olón, having participated in dozens of transactions over the years. Recently, he teamed up with rising star and business partner Gabriela Lazzaro, collaborating under the name of Inti Luz Properties.
Gabi is a dynamic force in the local area, having served as a well-known facilitator and translator over the past several years. She has a special heritage too, an Argentinian mother and a Bolivian father. Growing up in New York City, she understands what people from North America are looking for. Gabi has been living in Olón for several years with her husband Ivan and two delightful daughters, Zeni and Mariluz. She recently completed building a new home in Olón and is a valuable asset to the community
Together, Todd and Gabi focus on handling properties with integrity and accountability, maintaining constant contact and being transparent with their clients. Concentrating on beach properties from Manglaralto to Puerto Lopez, they have a history of exceeding expectations. Inti Luz is ready to serve you when it comes to property sales, rentals and management in the Olón area!
Inti Luz Properties – Transform Your Life!
Find the Hidden Treasure!
The partners have been nominated to represent Olón’s Quimbita
Foundation, who together with The Spirit of Wellness Foundation, will provide funds for social services, art education and family wellness.
Featured Properties from Inti Luz
Las Piscinas De La Marea: Oceanfront Home Construction Site For Sale in Olón

- Price
- $125,000
- Status
- Sold
- Listing Type
- Land Listing
- Images
- 10
- Property Type
- Home Construction Site
- Location
- Olón, Manglaralto, Santa Elena, Santa Elena, Ecuador
- Location Type
- Oceanfront
- View Type
- Beach View, Mountain View, Ocean View
- Total Lot Size
- 1,000.00 m² (10,763.87 sq ft)
The Sweet Spot

- Price
- $25,000
- Status
- Sold
- Listing Type
- Land Listing
- Images
- 8
- Property Type
- Home Construction Site
- Location
- Olón, Manglaralto, Santa Elena, Santa Elena, Ecuador
- Location Type
- Ocean-Vicinity
- View Type
- Jungle View, Mountain View, Ocean View
- Total Lot Size
- 350.00 m² (3,767.35 sq ft)