Top Ten Reasons To Retire In Ecuador

This basically is Florida or Arizona for the expat community. The country’s retirement benefits package includes 50% off transportation, utility bills, international round-trip flights originating in Ecuador and tickets for cultural and sporting events. Foreigners can also enroll in Ecuador’s Social Security medical program for $57 a month. Those over 65 also pay lower income tax. Penthouse suites and beachfront condos go for $50,000, while beachfront rentals hover around $500 a month. A retiree’s entire cost of living rounds out to roughly $800 to $1,500 a month, and the neighbors more often than not are either A) other expats or B) English-speaking locals. We’ll warn that this isn’t exactly undiscovered country among retirees, but it’s several steps up from the costly retirement kennels and golf carts of more costly American hot spots.

1) Something for Everyone
Ecuador is one of the most bio-diverse countries in the world, boasting more than 46 different ecosystems.  In a country roughly the size of Nevada, you can find the Amazon Rainforest, stretches of idyllic Pacific Ocean beaches, the majestic Andean “Avenue of Volcanoes”, the historic UNESCO World Heritage Site cities of Quito and Cuenca, and, of course, the famous Galapagos Islands.

2) Affordable Living
Although Ecuador’s real estate prices have seen a spike in recent years, they are still affordable and you can still get bargains compared to buying in the United States or Europe. It is a great time to invest in property here, before the prices reach those of other expat destinations such as Panama and Costa Rica.

3) Sweet and Gentle Population
Ecuadorians are friendly, helpful and very polite. They genuinely seem to like foreigners and welcome them into their communities, making living and working with the local population a real bonus.

4) Healthy Lifestyle
Fresh fruit and vegetables, clean air, and lots of walking contribute to Ecuador’s healthy population.  In fact, Vilcabamba, in the Southern Region of Ecuador, is known as the “Valley of Longevity” … where residents reportedly live longer than most populations on earth.

5) Great Medical Facilities
World-class medical facilities, top-notch doctors trained abroad, and extraordinarily inexpensive services make Ecuador a real consideration for retirees or as a destination for medical tourism.  As well, Ecuador is known for its revered alternative and natural healing options.

6) Culture & Luxury
Although Ecuador may be a developing country, it is not short on luxurious five-star resorts, world-class spas, and wonderful international cuisine restaurants.  Culturally rich cities like Cuenca, Guayaquil and Quito offer symphonies, jazz, art exhibits, museums, galleries, and traditional festivities, most of which are free.

7) Good Weather
Located on the Equator, Ecuador enjoys Spring-like weather year round, though temperatures vary depending on the altitude and time of year.  As a testament to the semi-mild temperatures, there are relatively few places in Ecuador that have heat or air conditioning.  But don’t forget to bring your sweaters and raingear. 

8) Ethnic Diversity
Ecuador is home to 13 distinct indigenous peoples, many of who still follow their ancient traditions and customs, wearing native dress, speaking their own languages, and maintaining the lifestyles of their ancestors, making Ecuador a multi-cultural paradise.

9) Dollar Economy
In 2000, Ecuador adopted the U.S. dollar as its official currency, which has helped to both stabilize the Ecuadorian economy and benefit travelers, especially those from the United States.  With the devaluation of the dollar, this might change, but currently it allows for an easy transition. 

10) Accessibility
Ecuador is only 3 hours and 45 minutes from the US by plane, making it easy to visit family and friends without traveling great distances.  Local transportation within the cities of Ecuador is reliable and inexpensive. …Buses are 25 cents and cabs are generally $2.00 within cities like Cuenca & Quito.