Retire in Ecuador

"Life for retirees in Ecuador and its surroundings is often active and vibrant with plenty of resources available to them. Ecuador is a country boasting a rich cultural identity with numerous museums, festivals, and sites of historical significance. Natural attractions like the Galapagos Islands and the Amazon Basin are also accessible to retirees. Nightlife and social activities are varied, with expat communities and bars offering good music and lively nightlife. There are also plenty of recreational opportunities, from swimming and golfing to hiking and nature walks. Cultural and gastronomic events, as well as cooking and dancing lessons, are all possibilities for anyone wanting to explore and experience the local culture firsthand," said a person in Ecuador.

"We live close to Cotacachi, which does have an ex-pat population but is also the most charming and prettiest of Ecuadorian cities I have seen, which is most of them. We live a few klicks outside of Cotacachi, in farm country. We have horses below, cows and corn above; and all around quiet, peace and friendly neighbors. What's not to like?," remarked one retiree in Cotacachi.

"I lived most of my life (almost 50 years) on two small islands between Vancouver Island and the mainland of Canada. and moved here directly without exploring many other options. other than the usual voyages to Europe and Central America. And yes, it has been a major, major change. Adventurous, challenging, and rife with opportunities to stretch. So, what do I think now? Not a love/hate relationship. Too strong. More like/dislike. The basics I do love: The climate in the Andes is really perfect. The ready availability of wonderful produce/fruit/meats at a very low price is a huge plus. The cost of living, which I estimate at about 10 – 15% of costs in Canada makes it possible for us to live well on my meager pension and maintain my investment portfolio for travel and splurges," commented one retiree living in Cotacachi, Ecuador.

"I agree, you cannot live like this is the USA, you will drive yourself crazy. It is like having children, one is often very different than another. Ecuador is different from the USA, some things are better and some are a lot more challenging. All in all, after 3 years here, I am glad I am here and enjoying my life. But I highly recommend that you have an extended visit before packing up and buying a property. You should rent and live here at least 3 months, a year would be better. You may decide the challenging parts are not your thing or you may decide that location and/or climate is not your thing. We were planning to live at the beach but found the vibe to be too crazy in tourist season or holidays and too boring the rest of the time. We also did not like the heat. We are now living in the mountains and love the year round spring weather and visit the beach when we feel like it," explained one retiree living in Ecuador.

"It is not for everyone, if you have not traveled outside your country you should check it out before moving. Many expats move here and after 6 months to a year many go back to the US! Many might miss family or just can't adjust to a non- English speaking country. My blog offers a good idea of live here: google: AAA Living in Cuenca or my book Why Ecuador for me is available on kindle through amazon.com," said one retiree in living in Cuenca, Ecuador.

"Really, it's been pretty easy. The biggest challenge has been preparing to move, shipping our goods and getting the visas," said a retiree who moved to Manglaralto, Ecuador.

"One challenge of retiring in Ecuador is that the cost of living is significantly lower there than in other countries, which can be difficult for people used to a higher standard of living. Additionally, the language barrier can be difficult for many retirees since Spanish is the primary language in Ecuador. Retirees may also find that many public services and amenities are not as developed in Ecuador as in other countries. Lastly, the lack of access to high-quality healthcare facilities and services can be a challenge for many retirees, given their needs for specialized care," said one retiree in Ecuador.

"No English and lots of illogical bureaucracy. Wish i had a dollar for everytime i heard Lamentablemente in a government office (unfortunately)....Daily life is more like USA in 1950s, small town shopping in small stores but it is more interesting. My latest hunt was for Epsom salts for my bath. Not in pharmacies nor larger stores, maybe could be found in a specialty pharmacy in Quito an hour away. Bathtubs are not common here so bath salts nobody knows. Found it on Mercadolibre which is like Ebay or Craigslist," commented one retiree living in Ecuador.

"One of the most rewarding aspects of retiring in Ecuador is its beautiful scenery and unparalleled biodiversity. From the tropical Amazon rainforest to the stunning Andes Mountains, the natural beauty of Ecuador is simply breathtaking. Additionally, the climate is warm but moderate all year round, making it a great place to enjoy outdoor activities without having to worry about extreme temperatures. Retirees can also take advantage of the cost of living in Ecuador, which is generally much lower than in other countries. Finally, the culture of Ecuador is rich in tradition and is welcoming to newcomers, creating a comfortable and enjoyable atmosphere for retirees," explained one retiree living in Ecuador.

"Making friends with Ecuadorians and the great choice of year around fresh vegetables and fruits," said one retiree in living in Cuenca, Ecuador.

"Scenery is gorgeous, people are friendly and very patient. The outdoor life is great. We do not have a treadmill, it is too beautiful and too great a climate to walk each day," explained a retiree in Ecuador.

"In Ecuador, healthcare services exist throughout the country, with primary health care clinics, private clinics and hospitals, and public hospitals all providing healthcare to citizens. Access to healthcare is provided on a sliding scale, with fees being assessed based on income. Primary health care clinics emphasize preventive medicine, but also provide diagnosis, treatment, immunizations and referrals to specialists in the public health system. Private clinics and hospitals provide higher quality services, but often at a much higher cost. Public hospitals generally do not provide healthcare services for free, but may offer subsidized services depending on the situation. Access to specialized and hospital-based care is limited, but increasing as Ecuador invests in greater access and quality of care," commented one retiree living in Ecuador.

"Your choice of the free hospital or higher cost facilities. Also qualify for the Social Security hospital here 100% coverage for $72 a month," explained one retiree living in Cuenca.

"Expats living in Ecuador often join local clubs, attend cultural events, and join social media networks centered around activities they love. Expatriates may also join online communities specific to the country where they live, such as Ecuador Expats Online, which is a popular forum. Furthermore, connecting with other local English-speaking expats through local churches, booksellers, and language classrooms can provide an excellent way to meet people from all over the world. Finally, expats may join outdoor activities such as hiking, diving, and mountaineering, which not only provide an opportunity meet each other, but also Experience the beauty of Ecuador," remarked one retiree in Ecuador.

"There are now two expat groups which meet in Cuenca each Friday night at 5 p.m. One is at Zoes and the other at the Ecualyptus. From here you can meet and greet other expats and then extend you network," said a retiree who moved to Cuenca, Ecuador.

"Salinas is a really nice place. Is like being in Guayaquil, but with a beach nearby, You will find supermarkets, banks, schools, hospitals and many more things than other ecuadorian beach. And a big plus is that is near Guayaquil (the biggest city in Ecuador and main commercial city of the country)," said one retiree in living in Salinas, Ecuador.

"Living in Ecuador as an expat or digital nomad can be an incredibly rewarding experience. With its picturesque landscapes and vibrant culture, it's no wonder that more and more expats are choosing to make Ecuador their home. Many expats and digital nomads choose to settle in the larger cities such as Guayaquil, Quito, and Cuenca which offer all the amenities of a larger city with a more relaxed atmosphere. Ecuador's cost of living, coupled with its relaxed visa requirements make it an ideal choice for those who want to live abroad. Furthermore, the country is remarkably diverse with its own unique cultures, landscapes, and people, making it an excellent choice for those who want to explore and experience something different. With its temperate climate, stunning nature, and friendly people, Ecuador is a great choice for expats and digital nomads looking to live and work abroad," explained a retiree in Ecuador.

"People here have one main priority- putting food on the table and caring for their family. They work 7 days a week when they have work. They sell items on the street, bake bread and torts for sale, clean, do general labor or what they can to exist. They are mostly industrious, though there are those few who will loaf, steal, and rob to stay alive. Those with solid jobs then concentrate on their children and homes. The wealthy associate with others like themselves. Most are middle class here- which would be considered dirt poor in the US. I have not met a single discourteous or unkind person toward foreigners. Everyone says Good morning or afternoon as you meet. They are respectful of older persons and help those whom are infirm and need assistence. In many ways it is like the US was back in the 1950's when life was slower, easier going and people had respect for each other," explained one retiree living in Bahia de Caracruz.

"This is a tourist town that only has tourists occasionally. Most people do menial jobs," said one member in Bahia de Caraquez.

"Cuenca has a lot going for it as far as the arts. There are always free concerts that you can attend in the city. Art festivals, Choirs, Orchestras you name it. This is a very family oriented society and life revolves around the family. My local business colleagues are always spending time with their families on the weekends and we should learn from them. They have a wonderful network of family around them. Religious events are a time for parades, church and other activities," remarked one retiree in Cuenca.

"Canoa has a great beach, nice little town, good feel about it. We first made up our mind on Ecuador 10 years ago, it’s taken us 9 years to finally get here, if we have 1 regret we should have done it a few years earlier. We built a nice home, we enjoy a lovely beach view. But it’s not for everyone, it’s not like a western country, so keep that in mind. A much slower pace, some little things appear to bother people. For us we love it. Being here through this tough period of time worldwide, we keep saying what a great move we made," explained a retiree in Canoa.

"I started in Vilcabamba yet very quickly moved over the hill to a beautiful little town called Malacatos. It's much cheaper, safer and very peaceful and tranquil here. I drive 35 minutes twice a month to Loja for a big shop and if I need anything specifically Americanized then I can drive 17 minutes to Vilcabamba. I've never loved the cities and really enjoy mountain living so am very grateful that I chose to move here. I spent the past few years struggling to survive in the US in an expensive, tiny apartment and here in Malacatos I live in a big, beautiful home with land. I feel like a millionaire here," explained one retiree living in Malacatos.

"There is an expat community in Vilcabamba. Its membership varies in variety and number. People arrive people depart. Some are in the town, visible every day, some come in only on market Sunday, some might go months without setting foot in the town. Come for a visit. Stay more than a couple of days to get the feel of the town. Have a taxi give you the tour. You'll have a better idea of the place and options for living there. Look at San Pedro and Malacatos as well, two towns near Vilcabamba. These are worthwhile places to look at," said one member in Vilcabamba.

"People here are friendly and very helpful. You can get fresh fruit and veggies everywhere. You can get fresh seafood right from the fisherman in the mornings, as the come back in from a nights fishing," remarked one retiree in Crucita.

"1. Learn some basic spanish before coming here. 2. Have a source of income to sustain you, don't expect to work to survive. 3. Keep an open mind and expect things to be very different from home. 4. Come for 3 to 4 weeks to see if you will like the country and city before making permanent immigration plans. 5. Have great patience and don't expect the people to act in a manner to which you are accustomed. Things here take time. 6. Remember you are a guest in their country so be respective of their customs, If you don't know what is expected-- ASK. Don't demand anything. They wll be nice if you are. 7. Always check your passport for visas and date stamps. They have been known to make errors on dates--quite often! 8. Be flexible, things are not under your control. Have Fun," explained a member in Bahia de Caracruz.

"Of course, there is soccer! But I'm finding out from the youth that they are playing basketball and enjoy that very much also, as well as volleyball. They have a Water Slide and Fun place for the young people to go a few miles outside of Catamayo, and there are neighborhood volleyball matches for many ages, bingo, outdoor music concerts in the parks, and artists show their paintings occasionally. No golf clubs, that we know around here, sorry... But I am sure there would be in Cuenca and Quito," remarked one retiree in Catamayo and Loja.

"The beaches are the main attraction in this area. You can participate in a friendly game of soccer, beach comb for shells, go fishing, paragliding or relax in a hammock on the beach," explained one member in San Jacinto.

"I can highly recommend Cabalgatas Canoa. Horseback riding on the beach. The stables are run by Zia Sherrell of the UK who has been here for close to a decade. The horses are very well cared for and she gets top reviews," said one retiree in Canoa.

"There are miles of gorgeous beaches, what more can anyone want? Surfing is possible year round here as is scuba and snorkeling. Golf is a couple of hours north outside Manta," remarked one retiree in Rio Chico.

"In Ecuador, residents enjoy a variety of recreational facilities, such as beaches, parks, and outdoor activities. The country's long coastline provides plenty of opportunities for swimming, surfing, and other water sports. There are also many national parks and reserves, offering hiking, camping, and bird watching. For those who prefer indoor activities, there are plenty of museums, galleries, and theaters. Shopping malls, movie theaters, and bowling alleys are also popular recreational spots," explained one retiree living in Ecuador.

"It appears that most of the people like to shop on the special marketing days where people come from miles around to show their wares. As I mentioned, Tia has some good buys (specials) and SuperMaxi is great up in Loja," wrote one person in Catamayo and Loja.

"Crucita is close enough to Manta or Portoviejo to get the major shopping done. There are small stores here in town and there is a larger grocery store that just opened," explained one retiree living in Crucita.

"While you will quickly adjust to shopping here, and find the supermercados very similar in layout and product to what you're used to, don't be afraid to go to the central markets to buy your fresh produce, poultry, fish, liver, veggies, etc. and test your haggling skills," said one member in Machala.

"Local Tiendas sell almost everything that you need for your pantry. Additionally, there are markets and vegetable/fruit trucks soliciting door to door. The local fishermen sell their fresh catch daily and deliver upon request. There is a large market on Sunday in Charapoto, 10 minutes away via bus or taxi," explained one retiree in San Jacinto.

"Local shops are terrific for produce, meats and most every day needs. It's like shopping in the US years ago with one shop just for meat and another for fish, etc. Many expats make the trek into Salinas to shop at the big box grocery stores or the mall at least once a month for those hard to get items," explained a member in Rio Chico.