Ecuador: The Hidden Paradise Where A Couple Can Live Well On Less Than $600 a Month
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...about settling into the lap of luxury on even a retiree's budget...is true in Ecuador.
Learn more about Ecuador and other countries in our daily postcard e-letter.
Simply enter your email address below and we'll send you a FREE REPORT - Ecuador: Live Like Royalty on Half Your Social Security.
Enter your email address below
Fast Facts about Ecuador
Population: 14,790,608
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
Life in Loja, EcuadorPosted on May 24, 2012 by Suzan Haskins
Everything is old in Loja. Of course, that’s not literally true…but stroll through the historic colonial heart of this city in southern Ecuador and you’ll feel like you’ve stepped back in time. If you wish away the cars and buses and try not to see the youngsters with their stylish hair-dos and piercings (this is a university town, after all), you can sense what this city must have been like, oh…nearly 500 years ago.
Loja, Ecuador: Where You’ll Enjoy the Best Climate in the WorldPosted on May 22, 2012 by Suzan Haskins
This place boasts the world’s best climate…averaging daytime temperatures in the mid-70s every day of the year. So where am I? In Loja, a manageable city of about 180,000 people in southern Ecuador. At 6,750 feet above sea level, Loja is at a lower elevation than many of the country’s other major cities perched along the spine of the Andes mountain range.
Rent for $100 a Month in EcuadorPosted on May 17, 2012 by Suzan Haskins
Rent overseas before you buy. That’s good advice for anyone looking to try a new country on for size. Despite its incredibly low real estate costs, Ecuador is no exception. Fortunately, rental costs in Ecuador are very affordable, too.
Your Best Chance to Visit EcuadorPosted on May 16, 2012 by Len Galvin
Ecuador is a retirement paradise. Yes, it is the winner of IL’s Global Retirement Index 2012. But you don’t need an index to tell you that the climate is incredible…and varied—lush mountains, dense Amazon jungle, sun-drenched Pacific beaches…
Beach Life in EcuadorPosted on May 14, 2012 by Chuck Stanley
“We’re right on the beach and we love that,” says expat Cynthia Kelley. “We can hear the ocean at night and we love to watch the sunset over the water in the evenings.” It’s easy to get the feeling that you’re a million miles away from the rest of the world in Canoa, on Ecuador’s northern coast.
Fast Track Your Retirement Dreams in EcuadorPosted on April 26, 2012 by International Living
Fast-Track Ecuador: Lifestyle & Opportunity Conference
August 2-4, 2012 – Quito, EcuadorAre you looking for a place with perfect weather year-round, a U.S.-dollar-based economy, top-notch medical care at one-fourth to one-tenth the costs of the U.S., affordable private health insurance plans and a new free government health plan, a retirement program that will save you thousands of dollars a year? If yes, join us in Ecuador this August for our Fast-Track Ecuador: Lifestyle & Opportunity Conference. Discover a place where you can live life like it’s meant to be lived.
Beach Life in Ecuador: “Everybody Creates their Own Dream”Posted on April 25, 2012 by Chuck Stanley
We’re right on the beach and we love that,” says expat Cynthia Kelley. “We can hear the ocean at night and we love to watch the sunset over the water in the evenings.” It’s easy to get the feeling that you’re a million miles away from the rest of the world in Canoa, on Ecuador’s northern coast.
Fast Track Your Good Life in EcuadorPosted on April 25, 2012 by International Living
Winner of the 2012 Global Retirement Index, Ecuador offers sophisticated historical cities…miles of unspoiled, sun-kissed beaches…fertile farmland…and temperate mountain hideaways…and all of it for pennies on the dollar. You can live well for a fraction of the cost of living back in the U.S.
- Ecuador… A Retirement Haven That Has it All…
Posted on April 25, 2012 by International Living
2011 Fast Track Ecuador Package
Quito, Ecuador – November 2011Are you looking for a place with perfect weather year-round, a U.S.-dollar-based economy, top-notch medical care at one-fourth to one-tenth the costs of the U.S., affordable private health insurance plans and a new free government health plan, a retirement program that will save you thousands of dollars a year?
If yes, our Fast-Track Ecuador Package will help you to discover a place where you can live life like it’s meant to be lived.
The Ultimate Real Estate Deal in EcuadorPosted on April 23, 2012 by Ronan McMahon
Ecuador’s north coast is one of the finest stretches of Pacific coast you will find. Steep, bright green jungle-clad hills rise from the flat blue ocean. In places, rocky coves sculpt sandy beaches. Here would be a great place to have a beach home.
See What Your Real Estate Dollar Will Buy in CuencaPosted on April 19, 2012 by International Living
Cuenca Real Estate Tours
Cuenca, Ecuador
Set in Ecuador’s southern Andes, Cuenca sits in a rich green valley with the mountains forming a majestic backdrop. International Living rates it a top retirement spot. Cuenca is a highly affordable city, where it’s possible for a couple to live comfortably for $1500-$2000 a month. And you can buy a traditional colonial home in the historic district for less than $43 per square foot, or a modern red-brick condo for as little as $80.
Ecuador: Make Money While Shopping and TravelingPosted on April 9, 2012 by Alison Talbert
I knew the basics…importing means bringing items from one country in to another and exporting, conversely, involves sending products from one country back to another. Mostly I was just eager for an adventure, and I was taking a leap of faith. At the time, I had no idea how profitable it can be— and how much fun it is.
The World’s Best Real Estate MarketsPosted on March 27, 2012 by Ronan McMahon
In pockets all across the planet, you’ll find amazing opportunities to make money from real estate. I’m talking about beautiful places tucked into lush jungle-clad hills, on white sandy coves, in bustling cities, and in small colonial towns. These are markets on the upswing. The mainstream hasn’t heard of them yet. And in them today you’ll get excellent bang for your buck as well as great profit potential.
Low Costs and the Good Life AbroadPosted on March 27, 2012 by International Living
The lush, green valley of Vilcabamba was where the royalty of the Inca Empire came for their rest and relaxation. You can still find reminders of their ancient civilization. And people are still coming here to find tranquility and live well. In the past three years, this magical place has experienced a tsunami of new arrivals.
Five Attractions for Less than $10 in Quito, EcuadorPosted on March 27, 2012 by Chuck Stanley
Within a few hours of Ecuador’s capital, Quito, you can tour the jungles of the Amazon, relax on expansive, sandy beaches, or hike up snow-capped volcanoes. No wonder it’s a popular jumping-off point for adventures, or a great base from which to seek out the perfect retirement spot.
Retire Cheap: Great-Value Towns Where You Can Live Better for LessPosted on March 27, 2012 by International Living
At home, prices are rising. It costs more to put gas in the car, buy groceries, and pay for health insurance. At the same time, retirement savings eroded in the market downturn. And with interest rates at near-zero today, it’s difficult to rebuild.
Budgets in Great-Value TownsPosted on March 27, 2012 by Robert Carry
Santa Fe in Panama…Vilcabamba in Ecuador…Penang in Malaysia…Granada in Nicaragua…Campeche in Mexico…you know these havens come with a rock-bottom price tag, but on what, exactly, do expats in these locations spend their money on? We’ve asked on-the-ground experts for a detailed breakdown of what a typical couple might spend each month. Here’s what they said.
Highlights from the Global Real Estate Index 2012Posted on March 27, 2012 by International Living
Some of the best properties up for grabs in the countries that topped IL’s Global Real Estate Index 2012.
Going Abroad: Why “Cheap” Isn’t Always BetterPosted on March 27, 2012 by Suzan Haskins
I’m often asked why my husband Dan and I chose to live in Ecuador. Why we made our home in the small, mountain town of Cotacachi, a two-hour drive from Quito, the capital city. Our response is always the same. We’re here because we love the people and culture. We feel fortunate to have a majestic pine- and eucalyptus-covered volcano right outside our window. The cool mountain climate suits us perfectly.
The World’s Best Real Estate Markets in 2012Posted on March 27, 2012 by Ronan McMahon
In this Global Real Estate Index, you’ll find listed the 27 places in the world today that boast the most attractive, and potentially lucrative, real estate opportunities. Each of these places has something special to recommend it…some attribute you won’t find elsewhere. Those that top the list hold the most profit potential right now. Those at mid-table and below are ones to watch.
Ecuador: Discover the World’s Best-Value BeachfrontPosted on March 23, 2012 by International Living
Ecuador Real Estate Tour
Ecuador’s southern Pacific coast boasts mile after mile of beautiful beaches. This coast reminds many of Southern California…without the sticker shock. It’s home to some of the best value beachfront property you’ll find—for now. Stake your claim before it’s too late. Plan your tour of Ecuador’s South Pacific coast and see for yourself.
- Fast Track Your Retirement Dreams in Ecuador
Posted on March 20, 2012 by International Living
Fast-Track Ecuador: Lifestyle & Opportunity Conference
August 2-4, 2012 – Quito, EcuadorAre you looking for a place with perfect weather year-round, a U.S.-dollar-based economy, top-notch medical care at one-fourth to one-tenth the costs of the U.S., affordable private health insurance plans and a new free government health plan, a retirement program that will save you thousands of dollars a year? If yes, join us in Ecuador this August for our Fast-Track Ecuador: Lifestyle & Opportunity Conference. Discover a place where you can live life like it’s meant to be lived.
Ecuador’s Coastal SecretPosted on March 16, 2012 by Ronan McMahon
If I owned a beach house here, I don’t think I’d rent it to anyone. I’m not sure I’d want to share this place, here on the finest stretch of Ecuador’s coast. I’d want to be here…feet dangling in the lap pool, face in the bright sun and warm breezes…all the time. Well, maybe at sunset I’d amble down the steps to the beach for a dip in the mighty Pacific…
Retired at 44 in Vilcabamba, EcuadorPosted on March 14, 2012 by John Curran
We started researching retirement property, making full use of the Internet, libraries, networking, country visits, and, of course, International Living. It was a part-time job for us…and in no particular hurry, we passed on properties that didn’t measure up; settle for less, and that’s exactly what you’ll get. In July 2006, after searching for five years, we found a property in Vilcabamba, Ecuador.
The Best Project on This Stretch of Pacific CoastPosted on March 13, 2012 by Ronan McMahon
You’ll find Ecuador’s nicest stretch of coast in the north. It runs for 100 miles of sandy beaches, rocky coves and steep forested hills around the town of Jama. RETA members have bought beach homes here—at the Jama Campay project.
When I was in Cancun recently for International Living’s Ultimate Event, Francisco, the developer at Jama Campay, burst into the exhibit hall waving pieces of paper. “I have it…I have it…I got it yesterday…just before I got on the plane…” He was talking about permits—his condos are now permitted.
- Fast Track Your Retirement Dreams in Ecuador
Posted on March 3, 2012 by International Living
Fast-Track Ecuador: Lifestyle & Opportunity Conference
August 2-4, 2012 – Quito, EcuadorAre you looking for a place with perfect weather year-round, a U.S.-dollar-based economy, top-notch medical care at one-fourth to one-tenth the costs of the U.S., affordable private health insurance plans and a new free government health plan, a retirement program that will save you thousands of dollars a year? If yes, join us in Ecuador this August for our Fast-Track Ecuador: Lifestyle & Opportunity Conference. Discover a place where you can live life like it’s meant to be lived.
- Fast Track Your Retirement Dreams in Ecuador
Posted on March 2, 2012 by International Living
Fast-Track Ecuador: Lifestyle & Opportunity Conference
August 2-4, 2012 – Quito, EcuadorAre you looking for a place with perfect weather year-round, a U.S.-dollar-based economy, top-notch medical care at one-fourth to one-tenth the costs of the U.S., affordable private health insurance plans and a new free government health plan, a retirement program that will save you thousands of dollars a year? If yes, join us in Ecuador this August for our Fast-Track Ecuador: Lifestyle & Opportunity Conference. Discover a place where you can live life like it’s meant to be lived.
The Good Life in Vilcabamba, EcuadorPosted on February 28, 2012 by Suzan Haskins
He had a huge panoramic photo of his home—although you really couldn’t see the house for all the brilliantly colored bougainvillea tumbling over the walls and the fruit trees in the yard. Mango, lemon, lime, orange, raspberry, passion fruit, banana, and much more we weren’t familiar with…even coffee.
Mansions and Luxury LivingPosted on February 21, 2012 by anon
It’s the world’s most affordable retirement haven, but that doesn’t mean you can’t splash the cash on top-end luxury in Ecuador.
Coastal Ecuador- Land of Sun, Sand, Surf…and OpportunityPosted on February 21, 2012 by International Living
In this report we’ll introduce you to Coastal Ecuador from north to south. We’ll provide a full dossier of each of the cities and towns that make the most sense for foreign retirees, investors, families with children, and singles.
Once you get a better idea of what each locale has to offer, we expect you’ll be planning your own exploratory trip. And we’ll help with that, too—with names and contact information for local English-speaking resources who can help you decide if Ecuador is, indeed, for you.
Why I Moved to Vilcabamba, EcuadorPosted on February 10, 2012 by Patrick Robinson
“You’re out of your mind!” This was one of the milder things people said when I announced that after 30 years of living in the paradise of Maui, Hawaii, I was moving to South America. And at 80 years of age. Alone. Without speaking a word of Spanish.
Retirees Wanted to Spend Month in Ecuador–FreePosted on February 2, 2012 by Len Galvin
We’re looking for someone to spend a month in the world’s top retirement haven—on us. If you like the idea of relaxing in a spring-like climate, exploring a colonial University city, making new and interesting friends from all over the world, trying new things and maybe even reporting about your adventures…this could be for you.
Chill out on Ecuador’s Pacific CoastPosted on January 21, 2012 by International Living
Jama Campay Chill Weekend
Ecuador, July 2012Ecuador is the world’s #1 retirement haven. It offers an unbeatable combination of low-cost living and bargain property prices. It’s increasingly popular with retirees and those looking for an affordable second home. But most property buyers look to Ecuador’s highlands for a second home. They don’t realize that Ecuador’s 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 buy a brand-new 1800 square foot home in a beachfront community for $134,600. And it’s a place that’s about to get a stampede of tourists, retirees and property shoppers. Come and spend a couple of nights in one of the homes in this little community…check out the beach towns close by…see the potential with your own eyes…and find out if this place is the sweet spot for your second home.
Five Places at the Profit Tipping PointPosted on January 19, 2012 by anon
When Ernest Hemmingway was asked how he went broke, he replied, “Two ways. Gradually, then suddenly.” It’s the same pattern with hot new beach destinations (only instead of going broke, you could make money…gradually, then suddenly).
This Month: Glynna Prentice, IL Mexico CorrespondentPosted on January 19, 2012 by anon
Five years into my expat life, I look forward to downsizing. In fact, I recently bought a small, manageable, lock-and-leave property in Guanajuato, in the Colonial Highlands.
- “Retiring to Ecuador is the smartest thing we’ve ever done.”
Posted on January 16, 2012 by International Living
Fast-Track Ecuador: Lifestyle & Opportunity Conference
August 2-4, 2012 – Quito, EcuadorRon and Terresa rescued their retirement in Ecuador…and you can, too. Join us in Ecuador this August 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.
Ecuador’s Coastal GemPosted on December 24, 2011 by Dan Prescher
When my wife, Suzan Haskins, and I visited the Ecuador coast recently, one of the nicest surprises was Bahia de Caraquez. It’s hard not to describe this little city of 20,000 people as a gem.
For 30 Members Only: Trip to the Most Affordable Beach on the Pacific CoastPosted on December 23, 2011 by Ronan McMahon
Ecuador’s nicest 100-mile stretch of coast used to be difficult to get to. That’s changed with the new highway. One strong opportunity I’ve told you about on this coast is Jama Campay.
This is where you can buy a 1,800-square-foot home perched above…yet only steps from…a white-sand beach. From your lap pool you have views past the beach and breaking waves to the Pacific Ocean.
The World’s Best Retirement HavensPosted on December 20, 2011 by anon
Look at the right places beyond our borders today, and you’ll find you have more good choices than ever for a comfortable – even a pampered – retirement. In any one of our top 19 havens for 2012, a lifestyle well beyond your reach in the States could be yours for pennies on the dollar.
- Why Ecuador is the World’s Best Retirement Haven
Posted on December 20, 2011 by Robert Carry
Why did Ecuador top the 2012 Retirement Index? One of the key strengths that …
Upcoming Event in Ecuador
-
“Retiring to Ecuador is the smartest thing we’ve ever done.”
Event Date: Aug 02, 2012
Fast-Track Ecuador: Lifestyle & Opportunity Conference
August 2-4, 2012 - Quito, Ecuador
Ron and Terresa rescued their retirement in Ecuador...and you can, too. Join us in Ecuador this August 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.
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
- Ecuador – The Real Land of Eternal Spring
- Retiree Benefits in Ecuador
- Ecuador Climate
- Renting in Ecuador
- Cost of Living in Ecuador
- Find Out More About Ecuador
