The story of Fruit Haven is not just about fruit trees, jungle rivers, and adventurous young pioneers, it’s also about the ebb and flow of families who came here searching for a better life. Families were drawn by the promise of abundant land, clean water, fresh tropical fruit, and the dream of raising their children in a natural environment, away from the noise and stress of modern society. Many parents envisioned their kids climbing mango trees, swimming in the river, showering in waterfalls, swinging from jungle vines, and learning hands-on skills in harmony with nature.
But the reality of life in the Ecuadorian jungle was not always easy.
The Lay of the Land
The terrain at Fruit Haven is rugged. Sloping mountainsides, muddy footpaths, and river crossings are part of daily life. Building on raw jungle land means constant maintenance, erosion control, clearing weeds, reinforcing trails, repairing bridges, and hauling supplies across rough ground. For families with young children, especially toddlers, these daily challenges became overwhelming.
Access and Isolation
For many years, reaching Fruit Haven was a challenge in itself. The final stretch to the land had no car access, only a narrow footbridge that could be crossed on foot, bicycle, or motorbike. Everything like groceries, building materials, luggage, had to be carried in by hand or wheelbarrow. For single travelers or adventurous couples, this was part of the charm. But for families, it was one of the biggest deterrents. Moving with babies or small children, hauling supplies, or facing medical emergencies without direct vehicle access simply wasn’t desirable nor sustainable.
A Turning Point: Car Access
This changed recently with the opening of a newly graveled road and a large bridge connecting directly to Gualaquiza, the nearest city. For the first time, cars and trucks can reach the land without difficulty. This is a huge milestone in Fruit Haven’s development. While the ruggedness of jungle living still remains, the improved access removes one of the greatest obstacles for families and long-term settlers. Supplies are easier to bring in, travel is more convenient, and the community is no longer cut off by the old bridge’s limitations.
The Jungle Test
Of course, easier access does not remove the challenges of life in the tropics: insects, snakes, mold, flooding, and relentless humidity. These daily tests require a special kind of resilience. Some families loved the challenge, while others quickly realized it wasn’t sustainable long term. With no paved roads, no playgrounds, and few neighbors with kids, many parents decided the environment wasn’t right for raising children.
Who Remains
This history has shaped the demographic of Fruit Haven today. While a handful of couples remain, the majority of long-term residents are single men, often drawn by ideals of self-sufficiency, permaculture, and alternative living. A few older single women have carved out space for themselves here too, proving exceptions to the trend. But the absence of younger families has slowed Fruit Haven’s growth, leaving it more of a rugged pioneer outpost than the bustling multigenerational village it once aspired to become.
Looking Forward
With car access now secured, the stage is set for a new chapter. Fruit Haven has the potential to attract families and residents who were previously deterred by the difficulties of transportation. The question is whether this change will spark the long-envisioned shift toward a more balanced, multigenerational community or if the jungle’s challenges will continue to favor independent individuals and couples over families with children. This is part two of our series on the history of Fruit Haven Ecovillage. Stay tuned for more reflections on what has worked, what hasn’t, and where we go from here.
-Fruit Haven Team