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.
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Fast Facts
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
Ecuador Articles
- Retirees Wanted to Spend Month in Ecuador–Free
Posted 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.
- You Could Be Living in Paradise Right Now… For a Lot Less than It Costs You to Stay Home
Posted on January 23, 2012 by International Living
In a place where your dollar goes further… where today’s economic crisis is creating new opportunities… instead of taking them away.
Where costs of living, healthcare, and property are still affordable – like they once were in the US. And you can still live luxuriously… even hire a maid… on nothing more than your social security check.
Discover our top retirement destinations for 2012 at International Living’s Seventh Annual Ultimate Event.
- Five Places at the Profit Tipping Point
Posted 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 Correspondent
Posted 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.
- Fast Track Your Retirement Dreams in Ecuador
Posted on January 16, 2012 by International Living
Are 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 Gem
Posted 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 Coast
Posted 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 Havens
Posted 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 …
- Cheapest Places to Retire
Posted on December 20, 2011 by Robert Carry
Ecuador 97/100 Ecuador stormed to the top of our list in the cost of …
- The Best Retiree Benefits
Posted on December 20, 2011 by Robert Carry
Panama, Scored: 100/100 Panama has put together the most appealing program of special benefits …
- The Best-Value Real Estate
Posted on December 20, 2011 by Robert Carry
Ecuador, Scored 97/100 Ecuador topped the real estate category in this year’s Retirement Index—and …
- Embracing the “Sweet” Life in Quito, Ecuador
Posted on December 20, 2011 by Jennifer Adams
In the modern world, you live to work, but in Ecuador, you work to live,” says Jeff Stern of his new home in the country’s colonial capital. Becoming a successful chocolatier who creates artisanal chocolates is just the latest twist in Jeff’s journey. A San Diego native, Jeff first visited Ecuador in 1994 when studying for a Master’s degree in community and regional planning.
- Properties from our Winning Haven
Posted on December 20, 2011 by anon
$425,000 Colonial Cuenca, South Central Ecuador Popular with expats and locals alike, the iconic …
- A Wealthy Lifestyle on a Middle-Class Budget
Posted on December 20, 2011 by Lee Harrison
I walked into Susana’s home on a Saturday night… a magnificent contemporary that overlooks the city of Cuenca, Ecuador, from a hillside high above. About half of her guests had already arrived and were seated around a conversation pit that faced a stunning glass wall through which we could see an ocean of sparkling city lights below…
- Ecuador… A Retirement Haven That Has it All…
Posted on December 20, 2011 by mlatini
Are 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? Read more.
- Only 8 Lots Left with a Pacific Coast Beach View for $500/month
Posted on December 9, 2011 by Ronan McMahon
Ecuador’s most impressive stretch of coast is in the north. I’m talking about the area around the town of Jama where steep hills covered in a rich, thick, green jungle rise steeply from sandy beaches to give jaw-dropping, 270-degree ocean views in places.
The new highway from Quito has brought the drive time to this coast down from eight to three and a half hours.
It’s here, near the village of El Matal, where you’ll find the beachfront community of Coco Beach Village. This is a strong project. We can buy a spacious lot with member-only, interest- free finance terms. Monthly payments are just $500.
- Salinas, Ecuador: Rent From $450 a Month
Posted on December 9, 2011 by Suzan Haskins
A couple of years ago a friend came to visit us in Ecuador. Once here, he realized that the biggest expense of his trip was his airfare. With nice hotel rooms priced at $30 a night (including breakfast); full meals, including beverage, for $2.50; and beers for $1 or a glass of wine for $2, he was hardly spending anything to kick around the country.
- Happy Holidays Overseas
Posted on December 8, 2011 by Kent Zimmerman
When my old boss asked us if we wanted to go to Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, over Christmas week, we jumped at the chance. It was such an amazing experience we never looked back. A Christmas in Mexico with all its color, warmth and vibrancy became our new family tradition. We didn’t miss the snow. The gorgeous blue waters and the long, warm evenings saw to that.
- Rent for $100 a Month in Ecuador
Posted on December 8, 2011 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.
- 15 Lots Left in the Most Affordable Deal on the Pacific Coast Right Now
Posted on December 6, 2011 by Ronan McMahon
As a member of our little group you will know that we have a strong opportunity to profit on Ecuador’s north coast. A new highway has reduced drive time from the capital, Quito, to the coast. What once took eight hours now takes three and a half hours.
We can buy a lot in Jama Campay, a “best in class” project, with a manageable down payment and monthly payments of $416.
- Rentals in Paradise – Trends and Opportunities in the Rental Market
Posted on December 1, 2011 by Amy Pinoargote
- Culture Matters: Making Ecuador Home
Posted on December 1, 2011 by Sarah Dettman
- Nuts and Bolts of Moving to Ecuador
Posted on December 1, 2011 by Suzan Haskins
- Panel Discussion
Posted on December 1, 2011 by Suzan Haskins
- Beach Property Bargains in Ecuador
Posted on December 1, 2011 by Suzan Haskins
There may be no better place in the world right now to buy beachfront real estate than Ecuador. But don’t just take it from me. In its annual International Home Price Comparison Index, global real estate giant Coldwell Banker has named Ecuador as the lowest-priced real estate market in the world for the past several years.
- Great Lifestyle Options in the World’s Best Retirement Haven
Posted on November 30, 2011 by Suzan Haskins
As far as I’m concerned, Ecuador rocks. It may be a small country, but it has more to offer than you can imagine…great cities and quiet villages….the majestic snowcapped Andes mountains…impossibly beautiful beaches…and the glorious Amazon rainforest. Importantly, Ecuador has a low cost of living and some of the world’s lowest real estate prices.
- “I’m Living My Dream in Coastal Ecuador”
Posted on November 29, 2011 by Jo Nichols
Fourteen years ago, while on a Caribbean sailing trip, I decided that some day I would find my own place by the ocean. As time went on, that dream became ever-more important. I was sick and tired of corporate greed and useless politics in the U.S. It was time to make my dream a reality and check out moving overseas.
- Recommended: Ecuador Road Trip
Posted on November 26, 2011 by Ronan McMahon
I am bullish on Ecuador’s north coast—and have been since 2009. It’s Ecuador’s nicest stretch of coast. And now a new highway joins the new coastal highway at Pedernales, opening up the seaside area around Jama—classic Path of Progress. It’s stunning here but real estate prices stayed low because it was difficult to get to. This coast is hotting up. An owner who got in two-and-a-half years ago has been able to resell his lot in a project I recommended. He sold for close to double what he paid. Not a bad return. Don’t worry. You haven’t missed out. This opportunity is only getting started.
- Ice Sculptures and Camel Wrestling
Posted on November 24, 2011 by Darius Fisher
A round-up of the weird and wonderful events taking place around the world over the coming months.
- These Readers Did It—So Can You
Posted on November 24, 2011 by International Living
“A Good Base for a Single Woman” Name: Jan Hunsinger Age: 64 From: California …
- Retirement Rescue 101
Posted on November 24, 2011 by Darius Fisher
If anyone needed a retirement rescue—it was Ron and Terresa Moore. But thanks to low-cost Ecuador, they’re enjoying a relaxing early retirement in a warm, sunny climate. They have quality health care for $133 a month. And today they “sleep like babies every night,” says Ron. Back in July 2007, Ron and Terresa were living easy. But fast forward to December 2008. After 30 years, they found themselves out of work.
- Rentals in Paradise – Trends and Opportunities in the Rental Market
Posted on November 22, 2011 by Amy Pinoargote
- Culture Matters: Making Ecuador Home
Posted on November 22, 2011 by Sarah Dettman
- Nuts and Bolts of Moving to Ecuador
Posted on November 22, 2011 by Suzan Haskins
- Panel Discussion
Posted on November 22, 2011 by Suzan Haskins
- Enjoy a Better Quality of Life in Ecuador
Posted on November 22, 2011 by Darius Fisher
I was at the International Living Live and Invest in Ecuador Seminar 2011 that wrapped up about a week ago. I wish you were there, too. We learned why Ecuador makes so much sense for anyone looking to find a way to stretch their modest savings and social security checks…and yet enjoy a high quality of life.
- Happier, Healthier and Richer in Ecuador
Posted on November 21, 2011 by Dan Prescher
I’ve rarely seen such an explosion of interest and exploration in a country after one of our international events. The promise and potential of Ecuador has fired the imaginations of a huge percentage of our attendees here.
- The Truth About Living in Ecuador
Posted on November 17, 2011 by Suzan Haskins
When Patrick Robinson lived in Hawaii, he made a snapshot list of what the perfect society might look like. The more research he did the more convinced he became that this place was Ecuador. One place in particular jumped out at him. But still, he wasn’t sure he should go off on this adventure. After all, he was more than 80 years old.
- The Great Ecuadorian Escape
Posted on November 16, 2011 by Suzan Haskins
“In 2007, we had great jobs and were pulling down good money. Our retirement account was growing steadily,” says Ron Moore. “Then, it seemed like overnight, everything changed.” The car dealership where Ron and his wife, Terresa, were both part of the executive management team, went out of business. As the economy down-spiraled, so did the couple’s savings.
Upcoming Event in Ecuador
-
You Could Be Living in Paradise Right Now… For a Lot Less than It Costs You to Stay Home
Event Date: Feb 21, 2012
In a place where your dollar goes further... where today's economic crisis is creating new opportunities... instead of taking them away.
Where costs of living, healthcare, and property are still affordable – like they once were in the US. And you can still live luxuriously... even hire a maid... on nothing more than your social security check.
Discover our top retirement destinations for 2012 at International Living’s Seventh Annual Ultimate Event.
Read More.
IL’s Seventh Annual Ultimate Event
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
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