As more and more baby boomers reach retirement age, the interest in finding places to retire in Latin America is also increasing. The choices for an expat retirement have never been larger; beaches, islands, mountain areas, even larger cities all offer the promise of enjoying the pleasures and natural beauty of a tropical paradise.

2015 promises to be an exciting year for retirees as there are so many locations to choose from. Learning about these unique and special spots and what they offer is as easy a clicking a mouse.

The Best of the Best – Top Places to Retire in Latin America

With so many possible destinations for retirees in Central and South America, compiling a list of the best places is not easy. Yet there are some locations that, literally, stand head and shoulders above the others. Here, then, is our list of the top eight places to retire in the coming year:

Lucy Nieeto

8. Mérida, Mexico

This growing city in the northern part of the Yucatan Peninsula has become a magnet for those expats who want to experience the cultural and historical vibe of colonial Mexico combined with a contemporary setting.

With increased media attention given to this cultural and financial center of the Yucatan, it is little wonder that Mérida has garnered the interest of Americans seeking to rebuild and restore the historical center and become immersed in the daily life of this special place. Constant improvements in infrastructure also make living here a desirable choice.

Perry McKenna

7. Roatán, Honduras 

Located off the coast of Honduras, Roatán has long been a destination for cruise ships, scuba divers, and a myriad of other tourists. In recent years, however, expat retirees have also begun to settle here, recognizing the potential to own island property near the Mesoamerican Reef System (second largest in the world).

With regular international flights by U.S. carriers, such as American, Delta, and United, improved access to Roatán has also added to the influx of new expats. The expansion and improvements of the public works systems in both West End Village and Coxen Hole have increased the number of those seeking an island refuge.

El Capitan

6. Lake Atitlán, Guatemala

If the idea of living in a serene lakeside village in the Guatemalan Highlands is your idea of a retirement paradise, the region around Lake Atitlán is the place for you. The fifteen small communities that surround Central America’s deepest lake are well off the beaten path and have long been places where meditation and Mayan culture have blended in harmony.

One of the best kept Latin American secrets, Lake Atitlán is gaining a larger audience among expats who are looking for a more simplistic, ecologically-connected lifestyle “somewhere else.”

Meredith Cook

5. Canoa Beach, Ecuador

With 17 kilometers of pristine sand, Canoa is the longest beach in Ecuador and is part of what promises to become Ecuador’s “Gold Coast.” Though primarily known for adventure sports like hang gliding, paragliding, and kitesurfing, the area has also become a prime expat destination.

This laid-back fishing village captures the rustic charm of Ecuadorian culture with a beach-party vibe; certainly the best of two worlds. Prices are still low and the potential for a high return on your investment continues to grow.

David Ellis

4. Quito, Ecuador: Our Top City Location

Quito has gotten a lot of exposure recently as being one of the most desirable expat locations in the world. At 9,350 feet, Quito is the highest capital city in the world and is also a UNESCO World Heritage location. With a modern infrastructure, tax breaks for seniors on property taxes, and use of the U.S. dollar as official currency, Quito promises to be a prime retirement destination for years to come.

When you factor in the new Mariscal Sucre International Airport, the moderate climate, and a rich cultural heritage, it is no wonder that Quito would be our choice for the top city location to retire in Latin America.

Parisa

3. Boquete, Panama: Our Top Mountain Location

Known as the “Napa Valley of Coffee,” Boquete came into focus as an expat destination after AARP named it as one of the best places to retire. Located on the Caldera River in Panama’s mountain highlands, this community has become known as much for its music and arts scene as its stunning views and caffeinated product-judged by many to be among the finest in the world.

A large expat community, the many discounts available to seniors, and favorable property prices have all contributed to Boquete’s popularity among foreign retirees and made it an obvious choice for the top mountain retirement location in Latin America.

Viva Tropical

2. Boca Chica, Panama: Our Top Island Location

Located in the Chiriqui National Marine Park, Boca Chica may just be one of the best kept secrets for a retirement mecca in Central or South America. While Chiriqui has long been known as a mountain destination, Boca Chica and the islands around it have come into their own as a great place to retire and invest.

The actual island of Boca Chica is six miles from the town of the same name and is unique in that it is covered in primary rainforest. Offering world-class sport fishing, snorkeling, and diving, the area’s growing real estate development offers the promise of an island paradise that is readily accessible to the U.S. from the nearby Enrique Malek International Airport in David.

All this tropical potential makes Boca Chica a clear choice for our top island location for retirees, investors, and expats.

Dakine Kane

1. And Our Top Beach Location and Number 1 on the Top Places to Retire is….?

Here are some clues to help you guess:

• This location has both a Blue Zone and a Blue Flag.
• There are yoga centers, bohemian/hippy hangouts, and artist collectives happily existing side by side.
• Four beach locations offer an eco-friendly family experience.
• Real estate prices are still affordable.

To see if you guessed correctly, and to learn more about our top eight retirement destinations (as well as other locations in Latin America), download our free e-book and begin your research on the best places to live and thrive in Latin America.