Top 10 Reasons to Retire in Ecuador

10. Climate

No matter what kind of climate you prefer, Ecuador has it. The coastal region provides a perpetual summer for those who prefer the warm weather, while the sierra has a cooler, drier climate for those who prefer mountain living. Say goodbye to below zero degree winters and hot, hazy summers, the weather rarely reaches extremes and is comfortable to live in all year round.

9. Seniors (including foreigners) receive discounts

You don’t need to be a legal resident of Ecuador to receive discounts as a senior (although if you do have an Ecuadorian visa you can get even more!). In Ecuador, seniors get numerous economic benefits that range from be refunded for IVA, which is a tax added onto all goods and services, to not having to pay income taxes, and even includes 50% discounts on bus and air travel as well as monthly utility bills. For more details, see our blog post on Benefits for Seniors in Ecuador.

8. Lower real estate prices

In Ecuador, money goes a lot farther than it would in the United States or Canada, and as the Ecuadorian economy continues to grow, the time to invest in real estate is now. No matter where in Ecuador you are looking to live, it’s easy to find affordable, elegant living space.

7. Great public health care

Maybe you’ve caught on to the common theme here, but Ecuadorian healthcare is a lot more affordable than North America. Ecuador provides health insurance for $70 a month to all legal residents. Access to high quality healthcare is available in all large cities and most local clinics. Medicine is also more affordable, and if you’re willing to take the generic brand, even cheaper. To read more about why Ecuadorian healthcare is great for retirees, check out this article: Health Care Options is One More Reason to Think About Retiring to Ecuador

6. Inexpensive healthy and organic food

One advantage of moving to a country where the majority of the workforce is based on agriculture, is that the produce is very affordable. This not only means a smaller monthly budget, but healthier eating as well. If you can resist the mouth watering empanadas they sell on the streets, the Ecuadorian diet is very nutritious and tasty.

5. Relaxed culture and slow-paced life

If you’re looking to de-stress and live an easy going day-to-day life, Ecuador is perfect. Ecuadorians are patient and helpful people, and Ecuador has many options for relaxation. How do you like to relax? Yoga on the beach? Hiking through mountains? Reading in a hammock? Having a beer with your friends? Ecuador has something for everyone.

4. Travelling throughout the country is easy

In the last ten years the Ecuadorian government has invested vast resources in infrastructure and transportation, which has resulted in paved highways that stretch far and wide across the country, indeed many people comment that the roads in Ecuador are better than the roads in the US. It has also led to an uncommonly efficient bus system, which makes travel possible to virtually any part of the country. Affordable in-country flights are also available and commonly used by foreigners and Ecuadorians alike. Within cities, buses and taxis provide transportation at reasonable fares. Whether you have your own car or rely on public transportation, navigating through Ecuador is efficient and easy.

3. Beauty and biodiversity

Measured by square mile, Ecuador is the most biodiverse country in the world, and one of Conservation International’s 17 Megadiverse Countries in the World. Home to more than 1,600 bird species (15% of the world's known bird species), 16,000 species of plants, 106 endemic reptiles, 138 endemic amphibians, and 6,000 species of butterfly, the opportunities to discover is endless in Ecuador. Never stop exploring!

2. Various expat communities

Afraid to retire to another country alone? Don’t worry, there are tons of expats who have been living in Ecuador for years and know Ecuadorian culture like the back of their hand. By moving to Ecuador you will undoubtedly become included in your local group of expats who are there to support, advice, and friendship. A simple search on facebook will shed light on the various expat groups already in existence in Ecuador.

1. Rated number 1 country to retire by numerous sources

In the last few years, Ecuador has consistently been rated in the top lists of places to retire. To read just a few examples of these reviews see the articles below.

International Living

Forbes

The Huffington Post