Ecuador: The Hidden Paradise Where A Couple Can Live Comfortably On $1,000 a Month or Less
Sell your winter clothes...and get ready for the adventure of a lifetime in the Land of Eternal Spring. Every cliché you've heard about living large on little...on even a retiree's budget...is true in Ecuador.
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Fast Facts about Ecuador
Population: 15,223,680
Capital City: Quito
Climate: Tropical along coast, becoming cooler inland at higher elevations; tropical in Amazonian jungle lowlands
Time Zone: GMT-5
Language: Spanish (official), Amerindian languages (especially Quechua)
Country Code: 593
Coastline: 2,237 km
Read more articles about Ecuador below
Ecuador Articles
The Happiest Expats I Know in EcuadorPosted on May 22, 2013 by John Curran
Perhaps the happiest expat couple I’ve met in Ecuador came here with what fit in their suitcases and only two things that didn’t—a guitar and a fiddle.
An Easy Way to Earn an Income in EcuadorPosted on May 21, 2013 by Steven Johnson
If you are thinking about teaching English overseas, Cuenca in Ecuador has got to be one of the easiest places to start your career.
A Guide to Cuenca’s Best NeighborhoodsPosted on May 17, 2013 by Edd Staton
For many reasons, Cuenca, Ecuador earns top billing as one of the world’s top expat destinations. The cost of living is low—three-course lunches start at $2.50—the weather is great, usually around 65 to 70 F during the day, and it’s never too cold or hot.
A Very Common Expat Problem…Posted on May 7, 2013 by Dan Prescher
Our new friends paused over their meatloaf and mashed potatoes (an expat favorite served by one of the enterprising restaurateurs in our little Ecuadorian town). They had invited my wife, Suzan, and me out to lunch to seek some advice now that they’d been in town for a while. “We found the perfect house,” they said. “We have the utilities and Internet hooked up… we opened a bank account…
Ecuador: High Quality, Low Cost Crafts Can Yield Big Export ProfitsPosted on April 26, 2013 by Alison Talbert
One look at Cotacachi, Ecuador’s famous leather street, and I knew—“I’m going to need a bigger closet…” Turns out I wasn’t far off the mark! The gorgeous, buttery leather handbags, wallets, backpacks, briefcases, and jackets were as inexpensive are they were irresistible. Heck, I almost bought a saddle…and I don’t even own a horse!
News & Notes from Around the World…Ecuador’s MarketsPosted on April 22, 2013 by International Living
Ecuador is justly famous for its markets. In the country’s guild towns you can buy handmade leather goods, high-quality instruments and silver jewelry. Each town has its farmer’s market, too, where you’ll pick up enough fresh produce to last a week for around $10.
An Insider’s Guide to the Best Neighborhoods in CuencaPosted on April 22, 2013 by Edd Staton
For many reasons, Cuenca, Ecuador earns top billing as one of the world’s top expat destinations. The cost of living is low—three-course lunches start at $2.50—the weather is great, usually around 65 to 70 F during the day, and it’s never too cold or hot. When we want to travel back to the U.S., it takes us as little as six-and-a-half hours’ flight time to New York (plus you’ll get a major discount on your fare if you are a resident retiree).
IL’s Calendar of Events: “Jet Fuel” for Your Overseas PlansPosted on April 22, 2013 by International Living
Six months from now, you could be living in paradise… for much less than it costs you to stay home. In the best destinations overseas, your dollar just goes further…first-class healthcare is affordable… you can afford a housekeeper or gardener…and live better than you could back home for a fraction of what you pay now…
Cliff-Top Homes and Staggering ViewsPosted on April 22, 2013 by Margaret Summerfield
There’s no other view in the world like it. In a cliff-top home, there’s nothing between you and the beautiful vista but empty space. You never have to worry about a house going up in front of you or that your neighbor’s new satellite dish will block your line of sight. Badminton in the back yard may be out. But morning coffee and sunset drinks on the terrace are in. If you’re on the seaside, the rumbling waves pounding the rocks below will be your lullaby.
“Why I Got Paid $2,500 From a Visit to Ecuador”Posted on April 10, 2013 by Alison Talbert
I’ll never forget the night I sat on my living room floor counting the proceeds from my very first day in business. $2,500. Not too shabby for my first attempt. It was downright exhilarating. A few weeks earlier I had made the last-minute decision to jump on a plane bound for Ecuador. Right from the moment I stepped off the plane, everything about the country appealed to me.
The Benefits of Living OverseasPosted on April 9, 2013 by Dan Prescher
The Internet is a wonderful thing. From a small condo high in the Ecuadorian Andes Mountains, my wife, Suzan, and I can view properties for sale in Omaha, Nebraska. (Which, by the way, is the perfect way to see properties in Omaha at this time of year if you no longer own a parka and mukluks…)
“I Get Paid to Have Fun in Ecuador”Posted on April 5, 2013 by Alison Talbert
My teenage daughter, Sarah, and I were enjoying an afternoon at a beautiful spa near Cuenca after a full morning of shopping. Sinking into the warm mud, I couldn’t help thinking, “I’m getting paid to do this.” Perhaps I should back up. I began importing gorgeous, unique goods from Ecuador five years ago with no experience.
The Time to Change Your Life Is NowPosted on April 3, 2013 by Edd Staton
I didn’t know where I was. Well, that’s not totally accurate. I had decided to walk home through a neighborhood I’d never visited before. I was aware of my general location and direction, and I had a sense of how long it would take to be sitting at the dining-room table… so I didn’t need to know my exact coordinates to enjoy my spontaneous exploration.
Why Move to Vilcabamba, Ecuador?Posted on March 31, 2013 by John Curran
In Ecuador we found one of the most beautiful and bio-diverse countries in the world. And with a low cost of living, a government that leaves us alone, and some of the friendliest people you’re ever likely to meet, Ecuador more than exceeded our expectations.
My Friend in Ecuador Couldn’t Believe it When I Told Him This…Posted on March 28, 2013 by Edd Staton
A friend and I were enjoying a few adult beverages together recently. He lives in Paute, a small village about a 45-minute commute from Cuenca that is growing increasingly popular with expats.During our conversation he asked me if I would ever consider moving there. I told him that I enjoy walking around the city for another reason. Being out and about keeps me connected.
The Seven Best Havens for Quality Care OverseasPosted on March 25, 2013 by International Living
There is something amazing about the medical system here, and something not quite right with ours,” says Shane Simons, who moved to the tropical island of Penang, Malaysia, eight months ago from Los Angeles. “My doctor in L.A. told me I needed a mole removed from my neck.
IL’s Calendar of Events: “Jet Fuel” for Your Overseas PlansPosted on March 25, 2013 by International Living
Six months from now, you could be living in paradise… for much less than it costs you to stay home. In the best destinations overseas, your dollar just goes further…first-class healthcare is affordable… you can afford a housekeeper or gardener…and live better than you could back home for a fraction of what you pay now…
My Advice: Leave this “Baggage” at HomePosted on March 25, 2013 by Edd Staton
Whether coming with suitcases or loading a container, people relocating abroad fret about what to bring along on their new adventure. Precious keepsakes, favorite books and photos…there’s only so much room. Well, I can recommend eliminating one thing…
Moving Overseas With a Young FamilyPosted on March 24, 2013 by Dan Prescher
Would you willingly move—lock, stock, and barrel—to a foreign country with your grade-school-aged children in tow? I mean, it’s a big enough leap to move yourself overseas, even if you have 60 or 70 years of life experience and a bit of a pension or some Social Security under your belt.
Making New Friends in Puerto Cayo, EcuadorPosted on March 22, 2013 by Steven Watkins
When the old man waved first, and offered the faintest of smiles, I knew we’d made progress in making Puerto Cayo, Ecuador our home. I begin almost every day with a one-hour walk from our home into town and back. And every day, without fail, I see the same local people, going to the same places in their own morning routine. In the beginning, the Puerto Cayans weren’t unfriendly at all. They just didn’t seem overly friendly.
A New Life in Cotacachi, EcuadorPosted on March 20, 2013 by Suzan Haskins
Cynthia Collett recently celebrated her first anniversary in Ecuador, although she admits she had been working on this idea of “retiring overseas” for nearly a year before she actually made the move. “A friend came to Ecuador for a work-related conference,” Cynthia says. “And she told me I would absolutely love Cotacachi. “That’s when I started the Internet research. The more I read, the more I fell in love with the culture.”
A New Freedom Overseas — After Losing My Job…Posted on March 19, 2013 by Diane McVicker
It was the first full day of our vacation in Canada, when my best friend, Sharri, and I got some news that put a different spin on our trip. The company we worked for was being acquired. We spent the next day of our vacation listening to conference calls. Each one basically said the same thing—nobody knew anything about what the future held.
“My Most Embarrassing Spanish Gaffe”Posted on March 16, 2013 by Edd Staton
If you move to a foreign country where the native language is different to your own, I’m not about to tell you, “No problem.” On the other hand, even if you’re thinking about moving to a country like Ecuador with Taco Bell-level Spanish skills, I offer myself as evidence that you will not perish.
See What Your Real Estate Dollar Will Buy in CuencaPosted on March 7, 2013 by International Living
Set in Ecuador’s southern Andes, Cuenca sits in a rich green valley with the Andes Mountains forming a majestic backdrop. We rate it as one of the world’s top retirement spots. It’s also a highly affordable city, and a cultural hot spot. For a city its size, Cuenca certainly packs a powerful punch. And what’s more, you can buy here from as little as $79,900. Start planning your Cuenca property tour today.
Ecuador: Discover the World’s Best-Value BeachfrontPosted on March 7, 2013 by International Living
Boasting mile after mile of beautiful beaches, Ecuador’s South Pacific is also home to some of the world’s most affordable beachfront. We’d like to offer you the chance to discover this stretch of coast for yourself…focusing on the bargain buys and hidden gems…at unbeatable prices. Stake your claim before it’s too late.
The Problem With Retiring Overseas is Deciding Where to LivePosted on March 5, 2013 by Edd Staton
When my now-grown son was a little boy I used to take him to Baskin Robbins for a cone. He would stare and stare at those 31 flavors. They were all so tempting, and I watched him grow physically agitated as he agonized over his decision. Inevitably he would always pick—chocolate chip. The same thing can happen now to folks scouring the Internet for possible retirement locations.
Chill out on Ecuador’s Pacific CoastPosted on March 4, 2013 by International Living
Ecuador is the world’s #1 retirement haven. It offers an unbeatable combination of low-cost living and bargain property prices. And its Pacific coast offers some of the most affordable beachfront and ocean-view homes in Latin America. We’ve pinpointed one location on Ecuador’s Pacific coast that offers natural beauty combined with huge upside potential. It’s a place where right now you can own a new beachfront condo for just $94,000. Come and spend a couple of nights in one of the homes in this little community…check out the beach towns close by…and see the potential with your own eyes.
Success in This Part of Ecuador is GuaranteedPosted on February 28, 2013 by John Curran
My grandma, a legendary green thumb, once tried her hand at growing bananas. She was successful, producing exactly one banana… from a plant in a pot, in her living room, in Wisconsin, in the dead of winter. The bad news? I didn’t inherit my grandmother’s green thumb. The good news? Living in Vilcabamba, Ecuador, I don’t need it. And neither will you because the area has such ideal growing conditions that anybody can be successful, even with little or no experience. Here’s what you need to know to get started:
The Truth About Health Care in EcuadorPosted on February 28, 2013 by Dan Prescher
When my wife, Suzan, and I heard that we could get what is commonly called an “executive health assessment” in Quito, Ecuador, we decided to give it a try. Our primary care physician, Dr. Davalos, works with Hospital Metropolitano in Quito to put together a comprehensive package of tests that cover all the health bases over a two-day period.
News from Around the World…Historic GranadaPosted on February 25, 2013 by International Living
Panama is the world’s most upbeat country. That’s according to a recent Gallup poll measuring people’s positive emotions in 148 countries. The poll asked locals questions like whether they felt respected and well-rested… whether they smiled or laughed…or learned something interesting the previous day.
- How We Found Our Paradise in Vilcabamba
Posted on February 25, 2013 by John Curran
Are you for real? Do you have any kids? Do you like squirrels? How old are you? What does that do? Can I wear your hat? How did you get this job? Is your teacher pretty? How much do you get paid? Can I drive? Is John your real name? Can I toot your horn? Answering questions. It seems I have been doing that for most of my adult life.
Why I Never Returned from My 2-Year Trip to EcuadorPosted on February 22, 2013 by Sarah Dettman
As I meet more and more people who are interested in moving here, I think back to that day in 1984 when Ecuador first came onto my radar… I ran out to the mailbox and saw the letter I had been waiting weeks for—my invitation to serve as a Peace Corps Volunteer somewhere in the world. I tore open the envelope and read… My two-year assignment was to be a rural public health nurse in Ecuador.
Living the American Dream… in EcuadorPosted on February 22, 2013 by Len Galvin
That belief in freedom is still driving people today—and some have chased the American dream all the way to Ecuador. Take Cynthia and Ron Kelley. They didn’t want the identikit big house with the white picket fence. They wanted something unique to them—but they could never have afforded to build such a home in the U.S. In Canoa, Ecuador, however…
A Warm Beach or Cool Mountain Hideaway?Posted on February 19, 2013 by Suzan Haskins
When my husband, Dan, and I were first married and first started thinking about living overseas, we pored over every issue of International Living and we read every International Living e-postcard. We compared and contrasted, planned and dreamed…Certain we would live in an exotic tropical destination, we wanted it to be relatively close to family and friends back home in the States…
Ecuador: The New “Land of Opportunity”Posted on February 18, 2013 by Brent Carlson
The moment I arrived in Ecuador I knew my decision to abandon my old life in the U.S. was the right one. With the shrinking economy and very little chance of scratching out a living in the home building business, it was time for change.
Ecuador’s Not Just for Retirees…Posted on February 15, 2013 by Dan Prescher
“You know what?” my new friend said. “You need to tell this to young people.” We were having coffee during one of the networking breaks here at the Fast-Track Ecuador Conference, and my new friend was much like me… much like the majority of our attendees… nearing or at retirement age and finally ready to have the overseas adventure she always wanted.
Ecuador: The Unvarnished TruthPosted on February 15, 2013 by Suzan Haskins
In Ecuador, you can have it all…but it doesn’t come without sacrifice. At times, International Living is accused of seeing the world through rose-colored glasses… of overlooking the bad and omitting the blemishes. If you’ve been here in Quito the past few days, you surely would not agree with that.
The Truth About Retirees in EcuadorPosted on February 14, 2013 by Suzan Haskins
“These are the best years we have left, and we don’t want to waste a single one of them.” That’s Edd and Cynthia Staton’s philosophy. During their 35+ years of marriage, they raised two kids and enjoyed long successful careers. But a few years ago, while living in Las Vegas, they were smacked hard, as many of us were, by economic recession. They both lost their jobs.
The Smartest Choice of All Was to Move to EcuadorPosted on February 12, 2013 by Suzan Haskins
“No matter what kind of lifestyle you’re looking for, you can find it here in Ecuador,” I told about 350 people today. It may be a small country, but the variety it has to offer is huge… From palm-lined beaches… to tranquil living in small mountain villages… to modern cosmopolitan living in sophisticated cities like Quito and Cuenca, both of which have historic centers that are UNESCO World Heritage sites.
Live Well in Ecuador On Your Social Security CheckPosted on February 11, 2013 by International Living
2013 Fast-Track Ecuador Package
Quito, Ecuador – February 2013You can afford to retire, and in style! An apartment with spectacular views of the lush Andes mountains or blue Pacific Ocean…a colonial city where the sun shines every day… fresh, healthy food…friends who share your interests… household cleaning help for just $10… You can have it all…
Upcoming Event in Ecuador
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Live Well in Ecuador On Your Social Security CheckEvent Date: Feb 07, 2013
Fast-Track Ecuador: Lifestyle & Opportunity Conference
February 7-9 - Quito, Ecuador
You can afford to retire, and in style! An apartment with spectacular views of the lush Andes mountains or blue Pacific Ocean…a colonial city where the sun shines every day… fresh, healthy food…friends who share your interests… household cleaning help for just $10… You can have it all… Join us in Ecuador this February for our Fast-Track Ecuador: Lifestyle & Opportunity Conference and you'll discover a place where you can live life like it’s meant to be lived.
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More About Ecuador
- Beachfront Property in Ecuador
- The Economy in Ecuador
- Making Money in Ecuador
- Live in Ecuador
- Reasons to Retire in Ecuador
- Move to Ecuador
- Health Care in Ecuador
- Ecuador Fact File
- Why Ecuador?
- Ecuador Visa and Residency Information
- Ecuador Real Estate
- Travel in Ecuador
- Taxes in Ecuador
- Rolodex: Contacts in Ecuador
- Invest in Ecuador
- Free Ecuador Report
- Retiree Benefits in Ecuador
- Ecuador Climate
- Renting in Ecuador
- Cost of Living in Ecuador
- Find Out More About Ecuador
- Cuenca, Ecuador
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August 2-4, 2012
Quito, Ecuador
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