Situated in South America’s northwest, Ecuador is bounded by the world’s largest ocean on one side and the planet’s largest jungle on the other. At the same time, slicing straight through the tiny country is the earth’s longest mountain range. What this all means is that people who decide to retire in Ecuador can choose to relax on serene ocean beaches or settle in scenic Andean mountains, not to mention the Amazon rainforest or the country’s Galapagos Islands.
Ecuador’s low cost of living makes luxury retirement possible … even on middle-income budgets. What’s more, because Ecuador is one of the most affordable places to retire in the Americas, even middle-income retirees can enjoy comfortable and even luxurious lifestyles, availing themselves of quality housing, world-class healthcare, trendy eateries, and a vibrant cultural life just outside the door.
Still, as retired life in Ecuador can be challenging, we’ve begun collecting information on what you need to know about launching a new life overseas in this enthralling South American nation. What we present here are five top places to retire in Ecuador, since your lifestyle could vary dramatically depending on where you choose to live.
Cuenca: Understandably a magnet for foreign retirees
Unquestionably one of Ecuador’s most attractive colonial cities, Cuenca not only offers a step back in time but the laidback culture here is both endearing and addictive. This UNESCO World Heritage Site – one of the best examples of well-preserved colonial and indigenous heritage in the country – has cultural and architectural influences dating back over 3,000 years.
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Any trip to Cuenca can easily be spent quietly wandering cobbled streets and historical buildings. Many of the old structures have since been turned into museums and cafés, so soak up the atmosphere of this ancient place while casually sipping a cappuccino! Cuenca is rivaled only by Quito in terms of its rich past, though without quite the same level of urbanization one might find in the capital.
Famous for its colorful festivals, distinctive food, and breathtaking scenery, many Ecuadorians and travelers alike consider Cuenca to represents the best in Ecuadorian city life. Being smaller than the capital city (Quito), Cuenca poses fewer typical big-city problems, though (with a metro population of more than a half-million) it’s large enough to possess the cultural and infrastructural conveniences appreciated by most foreign retirees. Along with its year-round spring-like weather, the city boasts plenty of supermarkets and malls, great restaurants, handsome condominium complexes, comfortable suburbs, and some of the best hospitals and medical care in the country. Cuenca’s stunning flower market exemplifies this welcoming city.
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