Why Ecuador?

One of the most biodiverse places on the planet

There is much to say about taking a late life adventure, cashing in on a North American lifestyle, and moving abroad. If it is affordable, safe, and brings a new understanding, many feel the lure to pack up and relocate abroad. But where? The world is a huge place with many attractive, welcoming countries vying for expatriates who can add to their country's status and wealth.

by William Burr

About eight years ago, my family and I moved to Cuenca, Ecuador, a city high in the Andes Mountains, where we enjoyed an extraordinary life experience.

Favorable Cost of Living

Though much has changed in the ensuing years, Ecuador remains in the top tier of affordable and desirable relocations for American expats. Healthcare, housing, food, gasoline, and other commodity prices are still very favorable compared to the U.S. As a result, there has been no decrease in the number of expats moving to or investing in homes in Ecuador. A residency visa is inexpensive and relatively easy to obtain when using expert help. This is another major advantage compared to numerous other countries.

Almost everything an expat might need, or is familiar with, is available. American and other foreign products are for sale, but at a higher price compared to similar and less expensive Ecuadorian products. Some of the exceptions are electronics and automobiles that are imported at a considerably higher cost. There are supermarkets and malls, but most expats satisfy their daily needs at the small "mom and Pop" stores called tiendas that are on every block.

Ecuador remains mostly a cash society and uses the U.S. dollar. This removes currency fluctuations as a challenging factor. Banking is seamless with ATMs connecting to American banks, which allows easy cash withdrawals. But don’t worry, most places accept credit cards. Large banks offer expected services and have English-speaking employees who can solve almost any international banking issue.

And, the internet, Wi-Fi, and cell phones are available nearly everywhere.

Biodiversity and the Perfect Climate

As one of the most biodiverse places in the world, Ecuador offers endless attractions from the warm, sunny beaches of the Pacific to the Amazon rainforest and mountain villages in the Andes, not to mention the Galapagos Islands offshore.

Throughout the country, the seasons are wet and dry, not the cold or hot seasons one is familiar with up north. The range of temperature is small and usually quite constant. Because the weather is like spring, yearround air conditioning or heating units often don’t exist in homes. This is something expats find strange, but a real bonus economically.

Do I Need to Speak Spanish?

Spanish is the language. As time passes, more and more Ecuadorians speak English, but in day to day transactions, the use of even modest Spanish makes life easier. Many expats stumble through with a cursory stable of Spanish words. But, to enjoy the vibrancy of Ecuador, knowing how to speak Spanish makes all the difference. It is probably one of the easiest languages to learn, and it surrounds you night and day.

Do I Need a Car?

Owning a car isn’t necessary, but allows for exploration throughout the hinterlands. Stick shifts are the norm. Automatic shift cars are few and cost a premium. Government subsidies vary, but keep gasoline prices low. For some, owning an automobile can be a burden and a challenge. Another option exists as all of Ecuador is connected with a massive bus system that is used by almost everyone. As a mountainous country, flying is often quicker and easier than driving on winding, mountain roads.

Though South America seems like another planet to many, the major cities of Quito and Guayaquil have daily flights to almost all North American hubs. Local airlines connect most Ecuadorian towns with these big international airports. Roads are unusually good in comparison to many other countries and a thrilling challenge in the Andes.

Whether you choose a town high in the Andes or a living community on the Pacific seacoast, many aspects of life in Ecuador will be similar. There are high mountain cities, lush valleys, and unspoiled coastal land, all with their particular characteristics. Ecuador is a growing and maturing country in every way.

Escape to Las Olas along the Pacific Ocean

Sitting in the middle of a 12-mile stretch of uninhabited beach and surrounded on three sides by mountains, you will find the sustainable community of Las Olas. Just five miles south of the safest town in Ecuador, Bahia de Caraquez, where you can find great restaurants and daily markets with fresh fruits, vegetables, and seafood, Las Olas prides itself on quality development and its commitment to preserving the environment. And, it’s only one hour from Ecuador’s fastest growing city, Manta.

Located in the valley with the perfect microclimate, Las Olas developers offer a special terracing design, utilizing the natural slopes of the property to allow over 70 percent of the residences to have an ocean view. The neighborhood will consist of six unique neighborhoods with eco-friendly homes providing a truly healthy lifestyle. The community is built to be both pedestrian and golf-cart friendly, granting access to the first-class amenities that include the Ceibo Valley golf course, tennis club with pickleball, an equestrian center, pools, spa, fitness center, and restaurants. Las Olas also boasts a 650-acre nature preserve with miles of horseback riding, biking, and walking trails that wind throughout the community. Go to LasOlasEcuador.com for more information on this ground-breaking community.

The Perfect Time

If you have thought of retiring out of the country, now is the perfect time to discover Ecuador as the costof-living and real estate are still relatively low, not to mention the incredible quality of life that you could have.