The Ecuador 3 Count, where we bring you 3 Ecuador stories that you shouldn’t miss.
Casey Ramlur
1. Is Cuenca the Next Expat Hotspot?
The latest place that is appearing on the potential expat radar is Ecuador and more specifically the laid-back city of Cuenca. Does it have what it takes to be the next expat hotspot?
2. Cuenca or Medellin: Who Wins as Top Retirement Destination?
You can buy a nice, two-bedroom apartment in both Cuenca, Ecuador and Medellin, Colombia for less than $100,000, two of the top retirement options in Latin America right now, but which one is better for you? You might be surprised to learn it will take more than number-crunching to name a winner.
3. Cuenca, One of the 6 Most Affordable Places to Live in the World
Here are six places where Americans could live well on the cheap. The rankings were in accordance to 12 main factors, including climate, whether English is spoken, cost of living, health care, and infrastructure, to determine the best cities to retire.
If you are one of many North Americans searching for the best place to live in the world, but don’t know where to begin, then these rankings are for you.
In this inaugural retirement power rankings, I have put together a comprehensive grouping based on the most important criteria for living a happy overseas life.
While most of Central America has a warm tropical climate and a relatively low cost-of-living, each country, city, and town is different and will have something unique to offer you.
To help narrow your search, I have ranked 15 of Latin America’s top destinations based on the combined criteria of value, beauty, ease of access, and healthcare, and quality of life. The number one selection meets the most of the chosen criteria.
So move through the ranked cities and towns, determine which attributes are most important to you, and begin compiling your own list of possible destinations as you search for the best place to live in the world and the perfect spot to call home.
1) Cuenca, Ecuador
Photo: Bill Grenn
Nestled in the Andes and surrounded by four sprawling rivers, the friendly city of Cuenca, Ecuador has become the best place to live in the world for many expats. Cuenca is the ideal retirement spot for expats who like having large city amenities like bars and shopping malls at their fingertips, while living in a tropical environment.
The cobbled streets and historic architecture make Cuenca look like a snapshot straight from a European postcard and the vibe of the city allows expats to live like they would in Paris or San Francisco, but at a fraction of the cost.
A city of 500,000 respectably, Cuenca locals are extremely welcoming of North American expats and many of the people and store owners speak English, making it easy for expats to settle into Cuenca life.
The perfect place to retire or even to raise a family, this artisan community promotes education (there are 8 universities in Cuenca) and has a good health care system comprised of 18 hospitals and medical centers. Time will tell if Cuenca can last atop the ratings or become a passing fad.
2) Boquete, Panama
Rita Willeart
Boquete is the old Cuenca, and other than being slightly more expensive and a bit smaller, it’s still an incredible option and one of the best places to live in the world.
Known as the valley of flowers and eternal spring, Boquete makes its home in the Panama highlands at an elevation of 4,000 feet, which allows it to avoid some of the humidity that can be found in other areas of the country.
Bursting with exotic flora and accented with rainbows that appear frequently as a result of the bajareque (light rainfall that comes down from the mountains with the north wind) the scenic beauty of the surrounding area of Boquete is truly a sight to be savored.
A town of 20,000, but only a 30 minute drive from the Chiriquí capital of David, in Boquete you can relish in the small town life. The downtown area is not the most attractive place in the world, but its good food and ease of living make up for it in spades.
Hike, rock climb, horseback ride, and experience the culture of the local Ngobe-Bugle people as you learn to enjoy what several others have already learned: this is a great place to live.
3) Nosara, Costa Rica
Photo: Jason Ewa
A small town located in the Nicoya Peninsula, on the northwest Pacific coast, Nosara is a well-known surfer’s and Yoga paradise.
Nosara is the highest ranked beach area on the list, and it has a fighting chance to be a contender with all its offerings, but its Achilles Heel is that it can be a little expensive. Comparable to the cost of living in many U.S. towns, Nosara is not for the budget-minded.
People come to Nosara to soak in the small beach town vibe, and with a two and a half hour drive to Liberia, a four hour drive to San Jose and an undeveloped road leading into town, the town remains remote.
Yet, despite its remote location, Nosara is filled with expats who think of this as a benefit. There isn’t much for local culture and Nosara can actually feel like an English-speaking town.
But what Nosara lacks in local culture, it makes up for in natural beauty.
With four miles of white sand beach of Playa Guiones and access to Playa Pelada (a bordering neighborhood of Playa Guiones), for many expats, Nosara is a little slice of heaven.
4) Roatan, Honduras
Photo: Matteo Tarenghi
Not everyone wants to live on an island, but this place is well worth it even with the negative headlines often received by the country of Honduras.
Retire in Roatan, Honduras, and spend each day enjoying the unspoiled beaches and crystal blue ocean without having to worry about the crowds like you do in other parts of Central America.
The largest bay island in Honduras, Roatan is only a 2.5 hour flight from Houston, Texas, making it beautiful, as well as convenient.
And while it isn’t yet choked with tourists and expats, it may not remain a retirement secret for long. In 2011, Island Magazine named Roatan the number one island in the world to retire to and with so many amazing islands out there, that is definitely a bold statement. Because of this it comes as no surprise that many expats consider Roatan to be the best place to live in the world.
There is an established expat community in Roatan and getting residency is quite simple. You can be granted a retirement Visa as long as you can prove an annual income of $1,500 a month, which makes settling down in the paradise of Roatan, a very achievable dream.
5) Granada, Nicaragua
Photo: Soul Surfer
Described by some as one of the world’s best retirement destinations, in Granada, expats can set out the welcome mat in a luxurious and affordable colonial home that would have cost them an arm and a leg back in the states.
In fact, a couple can live well in Granada on a budget of around $1,200 a month.
With temperatures that hover in the 80s throughout the year and the cool breeze that blows in from Lake Cocibolca, the weather in Granada is ideal and definitely a huge draw for many North American expats.
Granada also has one of the safest communities in Nicaragua, around 1,000 expats already living in town and best of all, it will only take a two hour plane ride from Miami, Florida, to make the trip down. The only knock on Granada is that it can be perceived as a little gritty, the streets are not pristine as are other colonial cities of the region. This shouldn’t stop you though, Granada is really good value and not a huge compromise.
6) Ambergris Caye, Belize
Photo: Viv and Jill
Belize is gaining popularity with expats and tourists alike, not only for its tropical rainforests and Caribbean beaches, but also because it’s a democratic and English-speaking nation that is very welcoming of visitors.
You may know already that John MacAfee, the notorious software developer, chose to live here and could have chosen anywhere else in the whole world. (Look it up on Google if you missed this story.)
Ambergris Caye is the largest island in Belize and the island’s only town, San Pedro, is known as the dive and water sport capitol of Belize.
The island is also home to the second largest coral reef system in the world and this magnificent reef lies a half mile east of Ambergris Caye and runs along its entire 25 mile length.
Retirees that come to Ambergris Caye will enjoy the mild climate, the beautiful beach setting and the colorful blend of cultures, from Creole to Mayan, as they kick off their shoes and sink into island living.
7) Lake Atitlan, Guatemala
Photo: Simon and Vickie
Let’s just get this out of the way, I know the lake is polluted but this still doesn’t change the fact that this little town is an awesome place to live. The area is completely unique in terms of what is offered combined with the incredible opportunity to live around an amazing indigenous culture.
The deep basin of Lake Atitlan was the product of one of the strongest volcanic eruptions in history.
This vast, blue body of water is set against a backdrop of three volcanoes and is surrounded by twelve indigenous villages, many of which are still inhabited by the local Maya.
Expats come to Lake Atitlan to get away from it all and with a two and a half hour drive to Guatemala City and Antigua, life in Lake Atitlan can definitely feel tranquil and remote.
Like many areas in Central America, expats coming to Lake Atitlan can expect to live comfortably on a small budget, but with so many villages and each with a different standard of living, prices will fluctuate, so be sure to shop around.
If you choose life on the lake, get ready to enjoy the simple things in life. Take a walk to the local market to stock up on fresh food and hand-made crafts, hike the mountain trails, or simply stretch out in a hammock and watch the sun set on the water.
8) Escazu, Costa Rica
Photo: Alex Centeno
Costa Rica remains, without a doubt, the most popular Central American destination, and for many, it’s considered the best place to live in the world. After one visit to this tropical paradise, it isn’t hard to see why.
This suburb of the capital city, San Jose, can be found tucked in the Central Valley and is the best place to retire in Costa Rica for expats that want every service available.
Encompassed by lush mountain views and several choices for living and eating, Escazu can offer expats the best of both worlds, gorgeous weather, while living in an urban environment.
While Escazu is more expensive than other areas in Costa Rica, it remains cheaper than urban life in North America and a couple can still live comfortably on a budget of around $2,500 a month.
And with a strong expat community and big city amenities like great restaurants, shopping malls, and an excellent and affordable health care system, it’s no wonder many expats are choosing Escazu.
9) San Juan del Sur, Nicaragua
Photo: David Amsler
Because of this popularity, the town has experienced some economic development in recent years and improvements have been made both to the waterfront and to the central park area.
In San Juan del Sur expats can live the beach town life complete with great restaurants, exciting bars and even language schools. There is also a growing alternative scene that does appeal to people who care about the environment and values things like creating your own solar power.
To make your way down to San Juan del Sur, you can hop on a bus from Managua to the municipal markets of Rivas and then board another bus that will take you on to your possible retirement destination. Nicaragua is a very poor country, but don’t let this get in the way of at least exploring it as an option. If you do, you might miss out on something great.
10) Antigua, Guatemala
Photo: Michael Swigart
Picturesque Antigua is a modern city that is rich with history. This 16th century city was founded by Spanish colonists and is filled with colonial style homes and cobblestone streets that simply beckon you to get outside to enjoy the city’s charms.
One hour from Guatemala City, Antigua has a population of 30,000 and while the cost-of-living here might be considered high for Guatemala, the prices are cheap compared to anything you might find in North America of a similar caliber.
Of course, the costs again will vary depending on what you are looking for. While a large, fully restored colonial home near the city center might cost anywhere from a few hundred thousand to a million, there are many lovely smaller homes that can be purchased for under $100,000 or even $50,000.
And with clean, well-preserved streets (the government makes preservation a priority) and no serious crime problem, in Antigua you can feel safe and comfortable as you explore your new home.
11) Panama City, Panama
Photo: WLT
If you like Miami but feel like there are not enough people who speak Spanish, then Panama City could be the perfect solution. With its ultra modern skyline and true metropolitan feel, Panama City offers a unique lifestyle only compared to a Miami Vice breed of Miami.
Hailed as Central America’s most affordable capital city, Panama City is definitely a city on the rise.
With an excellent business climate, Panama is the prime location for expats looking to put their money and live an urban life. Panama’s renowned privacy laws are no doubt a draw for individuals who value privacy but want to live in a very modern city. The established expat community and many expat-run businesses can provide the comforts of home, in a unique and modern tropical setting.
12) Cotacachi, Ecuador
Colleen Taugher
Slow down and live the small town life in Cotacachi, Ecuador, a town of only 9,000 that continues to be relatively undiscovered by expats.
This remote mountain village is hidden between a pair of volcanoes, but is only two hours from busy Quito, Ecuador’s capital city.
In Cotacachi, you will have the unique opportunity to really immerse yourself in the rich culture of the Quichua people, who live side by side with expats and continue to dress in their traditional garb. You can even walk along Lake Cuicocha and witness local Quichua shamans performing cleansing rituals on the serene shores.
Known for hand-crafted leather goods and local markets, Cotacachi is for expats who really want to live and experience authentic Ecuadorian life, but still have a great leather hand bag.
And while there is a medical clinic in town, most residents will make a trip to the nearby towns of Otavolo or Ibarra, or even Quito for any major medical procedures.
13) Playa Papagayo, Costa Rica
Photo: Josie MacDonagh
Bar none, the greatest option for the ultra-wealthy.
In the province of Guanacaste on Costa Rica’s northwest Pacific coast there is a retirement spot that not many know about.
If you are looking to retire in a luxury beach location, the community of Peninsula Papagayo just might be your best option.
This area is the country’s highest profile development and will cover 2,300 acres with 15 miles of coastline.
Currently in Papagayo, there is a Four Seasons Hotel frequented by Brad Pitt, and over 300 condos. Playing 18 holes on the local course has been compared to a life-altering experience.
14) Boca Chica, Panama
Photo: David Curry
If you crave the serenity of island living, without the bustle of large scale beach resorts, look to Boca Chica to find your perfect match.
Boasting some of the most pristine beaches in Central America, Boca Chica can offer retirees many private island settings with a growing expat community that is not yet overly congested with tourists.
Resting against the Pacific Ocean, in Boca Chica you can live out your golden years fishing, snorkeling, scuba diving, and taking advantage of the outstanding national marine park in the near vicinity.
The Chiriquí Gulf National Park is comprised of islands and sea and is filled with white-tip sharks, rays, and sea turtles. You can also visit a white sand, palm-lined beach and expect to see no one else.
15) Canoa, Ecuador
Photo: Patricio Lopetegui
Located along the dry looking northern coast, Canoa, Ecuador is the ideal spot for expats that small town living in place with personality.
Recognized as a water sport hot spot, in Canoa you will spend your days surfing, paragliding, kayaking or simply walking along the stretch of unspoiled shore.
A burgeoning expat community can be found in Canoa (made up of more residents than investors) and the town is steadily continuing to expand as more westerners learn what South Americans already know about this Ecuadorian gem.
The town now has a bilingual elementary school and more expat-run restaurants and businesses, but despite this development, the prices are low and the adventure is high.
So where is the best place to live in the world?
With so many amazing spots to choose from, it might take some time before you make a final decision on the best place to live in the world.
Don’t rush into buying, rent around and test the waters in a couple different areas before settling down for the long haul in your own personal paradise.
Photo: Wesley & Brandon Rosenblum
Crave a small-town mountain lifestyle without the bad weather? Cotacachi, Ecuador might just be the place for you.
In the past few years, Cotacachi, only a two-hour drive north of Quito and nestled in the Ecuador Andes, has become increasingly popular with expats, especially those of retirement age.
Have you visited Cotacachi or live there? We look forward to hearing from you, leave us a comment below!
Sitting on the northwest coast of Latin America, Ecuador is a gem of a country that has a lot to offer for expats and tourists alike. The country sits right on the equator, which means that the Ecuador climate benefits from a glorious twelve hours of daily sunshine all year round.
Ecuador has a large coastal area, which means that you can expect to see a plethora of stunning beaches and clear waters. The country is also home to two chains of the Andes Mountains and a large area of rainforest, which adds a whole extra dimension to the country’s scenery.
If the sunshine and the scenery aren’t enough to tempt you, what about the cost of living? Ecuador has been named as one of the cheapest countries in the world to live in. If you are thinking about retiring to this part of Latin America, this is brilliant news. It’s estimated that a couple can live very comfortably in Ecuador for less than $2,000 per month.
Because the equator runs right through Ecuador, some of the country is in the southern hemisphere, while some is in the northern. This, along with the different terrains in the country, means that those that are living in one part of the country will have a very different weather experience than those that are living in another.
If you’re deciding which part of Ecuador to visit, either short- or long-term, you’d be wise to make climate part of your decision process. The Ecuador climate is made up of a number of distinct micro climates that separate into four main zones:
- La Costa – Coastal Lowlands
- La Sierra – Andean Mountains
- El Oriente – Amazon Region
- Galapagos Islands
Which of these four zones you choose to visit will have a big impact on what your Ecuadorian trip will look like; as well as how you’ll cope with the weather!
La Costa (Coastal Lowlands)
The area along the coast of Ecuador is referred to as La Costa, or the coastal lowlands. The coast borders onto the Pacific Ocean, and is very beautiful. A particularly great thing about Ecuador’s coastal region is its variety.
If you are looking for beach towns with great night life and varied activities, you have plenty to choose from. Equally, if you’d rather visit a quiet area with unspoilt beaches, Ecuador can offer that too.
It’s in this coastal region of Ecuador that the country’s biggest city is based. Guayaquil is a sea port with a population of around 2.35 million people, which makes it the most populated area in the country. Guayquil is a popular area with tourists, as the heat and the proximity to the coast give it a relaxed, almost Caribbean feel. The city has undergone a great deal of development in recent years, and it now boasts some new parks and museums.
As far as the weather goes, things can get a little hot and humid in the coastal area of Ecuador! Here, the weather is about what you probably expect from the Ecuador climate: truly tropical with temperatures usually between 80 and 90 degrees Fahrenheit. There is a rainy season in this region, which occurs between December and April. During this time, you should expect torrential downpours to disrupt your day!
La Sierra (Andean Mountains)
La Sierra, or the highlands of Ecuador, are situated in the centre of the country. It’s here that you’ll find the two chains of parallel Andes mountains. There are some famous sites to see here, including Chimborazo, which is the highest mountain in the region and an extinct volcano, and Cotopaxi, which has the honor of being the second highest active volcano in the world.
This region of Ecuador has a much cooler climate than other parts of the country. This is due to the altitude of the mountains. You may be interested to know that the snowline in the Ecuadorian mountains is at about 5,000m, which is lower than the snowline in nearby Bolivia and Peru. In other words, if you’re planning a mountain climbing trip: you’ll need to pack some serious cold weather gear!
Ecuador’s capital city of Quito sits in this region, at 9,350 feet above sea level! In fact, Quito is the highest capital city in the world to house the administrative, judicial and legislative functions of its country. The historic center of the city is extremely well-preserved, and many tourists make the trek up to Quito to see it every year. Another draw of the area is a museum and monument that mark the location of the equator, which is known locally as la mitad del mundo, or “the middle of the world.”
If you choose to visit La Sierra, you’ll enjoy warm days and chillier nights. Expect the daily temperature to be around 75 degrees fahrenheit, and the nightly temperature to be around 50. There is little variation in temperature all year round, though there is a rainy season and a non-rainy season. April is the wettest month here, while the dry season is from June to September.
El Oriente (Amazon Region)
Beyond the Andes mountain ranges sits El Oriente, the Amazon region. This lowland rainforest is tropical, and very low lying. This area is made up mainly of wilderness, and much of the area is virtually unexplored. El Oriente is estimated to account for almost half of Ecuador’s land mass, but only around 5% of the country’s population live here.
Despite this, tourism has risen dramatically in this region over recent years. The many rivers in the region are perfect for kayaking and rafting, and as such the area tends to attract some of the more adventurous of Ecuador’s visitors!
The wildlife in El Oriente is another draw for tourists. The variety of birds that live in this region is incredible, and there are many tours and trips that will help you get a glance at them.
This area has the sort of climate you would expect for an equatorial region. It is hot and humid with steady rainfall throughout the year. In fact, it rains during most months here, though it is usually a bit drier in August, December, January, February and March. Just like in the coastal regions, temperatures in this part of Ecuador are normally expected to be between 80 and 90 degrees Fahrenheit.
Galapagos Islands
When you hear about the Galapagos Islands, you probably think about their connection to Charles Darwin. All those years ago, Darwin chose to do so much of his research on the islands because of the large variety of unique species that make their home on the island. Today, the island is still home to that impressive variety of species, and the island is visited by a large number of people every year who want to experience it for themselves.
If you’re planning a trip to the Galapagos Islands, the climate you find there might surprise you. The group of islands sit almost right on the equator, and as such we expect it to be a very hot and humid place. However, this isn’t the case! The cool waters of the Pacific Ocean stop the island from getting too hot, and the climate here is actually very pleasant.
The climate in this part of Ecuador is made up of low rainfall and almost no extremes. The average yearly temperature ranges between 66 and 90 degrees Fahrenheit.
Which climate is right for you?
With four very different micro climates within Ecuador, it can be difficult to decide which one is right for you. Whether you’re deciding which part of Ecuador to visit for a holiday, or whether you’re thinking about settling here for a longer period of time: it’s really important to bear these climates in mind.
However long you plan to stay in Ecuador, climate will have a big impact on your daily life here. It’s important to research this fully before you commit to a region. You may love the sound of the tropical weather in the coastal and rainforest regions of the country, or the spring-like climate of the highlands might be more your thing.
Whichever area you decide is right for you, you can be sure you will have a great time. Ecuador is a country with people and cultures as diverse as its weather, and there are many experiences and adventures to be had there.
And if you get tired of the climate wherever you are? Don’t worry. There’s an old Ecuadorian adage that it’s possible to experience all four seasons in the country in the space of a day: so you won’t be stuck with it for long!
Johny Chunga
There are many things you could say about Salinas, Ecuador. And comments from first-time visitors often fall all over the spectrum, from fabulous to formidable. And everything in between.
Indeed, to say this resort town is polarizing would be a gross understatement. It’s a place of stark contrasts, from its reception by travelers to its weather to its varying influx of tourists as the seasons change.
We’ll give you the lowdown about what there is to love and hate about this South American beach community, but first here are the facts about Salinas, Ecuador Real Estate.
Overview
Salinas is located 90 miles from Guayaquil, a bustling port city and Ecuador’s largest. The beach is divided in half by a jetty, which houses the Salinas Yacht Club. To the north is Salinas Beach, and south of the jetty lies Chipipe Beach which has a little bit more of a family atmosphere.
It’s visited mostly by Ecuadorian families who come down for the weekend. However it also draws some of Ecuador’s elite, particularly those who come to the yacht club. It’s also popular among newlyweds and could be equated to a Hawaiian honeymoon for an American couple.
The Good
First things first. There are some really great things about Salinas, Ecuador. Best of all would have to be the price tag. Salinas offers some decent amenities at a lower cost than you’ll find almost anywhere.
You can get a hotel room for $30 per night, a steak dinner for $6, and as much fish or shrimp as you can eat–prepared any way you want it–for $3 at the market. Even property prices are reasonable, as a 3-bedroom/3-bath condo (with a maid’s quarters) in one of the impressive high-rise buildings will only set you back about $130,000.
Note, you’ll probably only want to use that condo during November through January when the weather is gorgeous. Not so much the rest of the year. But we’re getting a little ahead of ourselves…
The good news is that you shouldn’t have any trouble renting your place out to some Ecuadorians who live in the surrounding areas. Many like to visit Salinas in June to September, when their kids are out of school.
Rounding out the “good” list, Salinas also offers a lot of water sports and activities. At least during the peak season, which is generally December through April. You can charter a boat for game fishing or whale watching. Adventure companies offer skydiving and parasailing. You can also try surfing or wakeboarding.
The Bad
As we mentioned, the weather in Salinas, Ecuador is really, really nice during the high season. As a result, tourists flock to it in droves. It looks like Miami in that sunbathers literally line every square inch of the beach. Well, except the part just off the promenade that’s littered with millions of painful, sharp broken seashells.
In addition to the crowdedness, or as a result of it, it’s incredibly noisy. And dirty. Cars crawl along the crowded streets, bringing in even more tourists. Street vendors line the malecon, the beachfront esplanade, hawking everything from souvenirs to shrimp on a stick.
Hosts of businesses and brands also line up to capitalize on the opportunity to market to thousands of visitors all crammed into one place. Inflatables and advertisements are everywhere, and virtually every exposed surface in town has someone’s logo plastered on it.
The Ugly
So, that’s Salinas, Ecuador in the peak season. What’s the off-season like?
Polar. Opposite.
The crowded, bustling beach is virtually empty, and the place turns into a ghost town. And all for good reason. The beautiful weather of the busy season is replaced by chilly temperatures, and the sky is overcast almost every day. This often comes as quite a shock to unsuspecting tourists, many of whom have gone so far as to describe the scene as “depressing.”
Many visitors to Salinas are also disappointed in the availability and quality of shopping and dining. This sparseness is even more exaggerated during the off-season when a lot of businesses that cater to tourists don’t operate.
There isn’t even a decent supermarket in Salinas, as the nearest one is 10 minutes away in La Libertad. This presents a bit of a problem, since safety can be a bit of a concern the farther you venture from the beachfront resort area.
During the peak season, the tourist area is patrolled by a whole battalion of police officers and private security guards. But the area farther from the coast is industrial and impoverished-looking. Again, quite the contrast from the glitz and glitter of the coast.
Then again, much of Ecuador’s coast is undeveloped. So, the amenities and infrastructure are about what can be expected for a city this size.
Salinas, Ecuador Summary
Salinas is a really great deal. But it’s only a great deal if you’re prepared to deal with overcrowded beaches, underwhelming food options, and nothing but tumbleweeds blowing down the street in the off-season.
If you’re looking for a serene, tropical paradise where you can lie undisturbed on the beach and enjoy the scenery year-round, this isn’t it.
Ecuador is about the size of Colorado. It straddles two hemispheres and is a symphony of culture and adventure. We’ve rounded up the best Ecuador has to offer, and if you’ve got six minutes, take an amazing video tour of this South American Gem.
The country is made up of a tropical climate along the coastline, it becomes cooler inland at higher elevations and remains tropical in the Amazonian jungle lowlands. The capital, Quito, is a world heritage site and a favorite expat destination along with the cooler climate of Cuenca.
Hola America
If your knowledge of Ecuador is limited to its strategic positioning along the Equator and a sticker on your banana, these Ecuador facts will help you become better acquainted with this South American country.
Ecuador Facts
The country itself is just slightly smaller than the state of Nevada and is situated on the northwest coast of South America. While much of the country is coastal, it also contains two parallel chains of the Andes Mountains.
Ecuador is bordered by the Pacific Ocean to the west, Colombia to the north, and Peru to the east and south. While the Equator does divide the country, it isn’t equally. Most of the country is actually in the Southern Hemisphere.
Ecuador History
Ecuador was originally part of the Incan Empire, until it was taken in 1533 by the Spanish Conquistador Francisco Pizzaro. Known as “Quito,” which is today the name of its capital city, it became a seat of Spanish colonial government.
The nation withdrew in 1830 and changed its name to “Republic of the Equator.” Since that time, the country has seen great instability and many tumultuous years of border wars. The most recent, with Peru, was ended with a peace treaty in 1999.
Ecuador Regions
Ecuador is divided into four distinct regions, which are occupied by peoples of varying ethnicity. The Costa, or coastal plain, has a tropical climate that produces enough bananas to earn the country top billing as the world’s largest banana exporter.
The Sierra, or Andean uplands, has a much cooler climate, which makes it suitable for farmland. The jungles to the east of the Andes, or the Oriente, are a source of oil, which contributes greatly to the country’s economy.
The Galapagos Islands, of Darwinian fame, are also part of Ecuador. These volcanic islands, located 605 miles off the coast, attract hoards of tourists with their unusual species of birds, plants, and reptiles.
Ecuador People
Ecuador’s population is equally as diverse as its landscape. The majority (71.9%) are mestizo, of both European and American Indian (“Amerindian” to Ecuadorians) descent. Montubios (7.4%) and Afroecuadorians (7.2%) make up the next largest segments of the population, followed by Amerindian (7%) and white (6.1%).
Spanish is the official language of Ecuador. Quechua and Shuar (indigenous languages) are also spoken. Approximately 95% of the population identifies with the Roman Catholic Church.
Ecuador’s cultural diversity is easily recognized between its various regions. Those of European descent (though representative of a small percentage of the population) often own land in Quito and the Andean uplands, which is populated by most of the country’s indigenous people who work as subsistence farmers. Consequently, land-tenure reform is an ongoing battle.
Guayaquil, the country’s largest city and most important business center, is located on the coastal plain and populated mainly by mestizos. This region represents the richest area of the country. Yet arguments exist that tax revenues are disproportionately spent in the capital city of Quito. These and other issues contribute to the country’s constant political instability.
Ecuador Government
Ecuador’s government is a republic, and its capital is Quito. Plagued by years of turmoil, the country saw 48 presidents during its first 131 years as a republic. The nation was under military rule in the 1970s, and the past 30 years haven’t been much more effective. This is largely due to a weak executive branch, combined with a cantankerous congress.
The executive branch consists of a president and vice-president, elected (on the same ticket) to a four-year term and eligible for a consecutive term. The legislative branch is made up of a unicameral National Assembly of 137 members, who also serve four-year terms and are elected through a party-list proportional representation system. The National Court of Justice, containing elected judges, and the Constitutional Court, whose justices are appointed by the other government branches, round out Ecuador’s judicial system.
Three of the country’s last 4 elected presidents have been ousted before their terms expired. Current president Rafael Correa was re-elected in the February 2013 general election. Ecuador also ratified a new constitution in 2008, the nation’s 20th governing document since gaining its independence.
Ecuador Economy
The U.S. dollar has been the official currency of Ecuador since 2000, when Congress approved its adoption to help stabilize the country’s economy which was reeling from a banking crisis. This move worked, as the economy has improved, due also in part to high oil prices as the country is heavily dependent on its petroleum industry. It accounts for more than half the country’s exports and roughly 40% of public sector revenues.
The current administration’s default on some bonds and its termination of investment treaties (including one with the U.S.) contributed to growing uncertainty and a decline in private investment, which led to a few years of economic downturn. However, the economy has been growing steadily in recent years, up as high as 8% in 2011 and with a slight slowdown to 4% growth in 2012.
Ecuador’s GDP (official exchange rate) was $73.23 billion as of 2012. By sector, this breaks down into agriculture 6.4%, industry 36.1%, and services 57.5%.
In addition to petroleum, Ecuador’s other large industries include food processing, textiles, and chemicals. Its largest agricultural outputs are bananas, coffee, cocoa, rice, balsa wood, fish, and livestock.
Ecuador’s exports, naturally, include petroleum, bananas, shrimp, coffee, and cut flowers. An overwhelming majority of Ecuador’s exports are shipped to the U.S. (37.8%), followed by Panama (9.9%), Peru (6.2%), Venezuela (5.2%), Chile (4.9%) and Russia $4.6%).
The country imports mainly industrial materials, fuels and lubricants, and non durable consumer goods from places like the U.S. (27.6%), China (10.1%), Colombia (9%), Panama (4.6%), Peru (4.5%), Brazil (4.3%), and South Korea (4%).
Ecuador Stats
Just in case we failed to mention any specific Ecuador facts you were looking for, here are a few more stats you might find helpful.
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Population 15,439,429
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Unemployment 4.1%
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GDP (ppp) $134.7 billion
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GDP (per capita) $8,800
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Population below poverty line 27.3%
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Investment (gross fixed) 24.6% of GDP
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Taxes and other revenues 21.7% of GDP
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Budget Revenues $15.9 billion
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Budget Expenditures $20.1 billion
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Budget Deficit -5.7% of GDP
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Public Debt 23.3% of GDP
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Current Account Balance -$1.387 billion
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External debt $20.03 billion
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Exports $23.77 billion
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Imports $24.67 billion
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Inflation 5.3%
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Commercial Bank Prime Lending Rate 8.7%
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Industrial Production Growth Rate 10.1% (excludes oil refining)
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Reserves of foreign exchange and gold $2.482 billion
There is plenty of sun and sand on the coasts of Ecuador, where some of the region’s most pristine and undeveloped beaches can be found. We’ve rounded out the top five Ecuador beaches to get you started.
Photo: Andrew Hall
1. Atacames, Province of Esmeraldas
If you want to escape the typical foreign tourist locations, Atacames offers a long strip of wide, sandy beach and a lively party atmosphere. Be warned; it is very popular with the locals who flock there on holidays and weekends. Probably one of the Ecuador beaches to avoid if you’re looking for more off the beat and path.
Photo: Jose Gildela
2. Muisne, Province of Esmeraldas
If you want a quieter, more relaxing experience, Muisne is an ideal location. The beach is a long, quiet strip of sand on an island just off the coast and requires a short boat ride.
Photo: Matt Woottan
3. Montanita, Province of Guayas
Montanita is where the surfers go, with large waves, best attempted by intermediate to expert surfers. The easiest way to get to Montanita is by bus from Guayaquil.
Photo: Johnny Chunga
4. Salinas, Province of Guayas
If you are looking for a developed beach town with a great deal of activities, then choose Salinas. Two hours from the busy port city of Guayaquil, Salinas is one of the most upscale beaches in the country, with many high-end resorts and five-star hotels towering along the shore.
Photo: Athena Lao
5. Canoa, Province of Manabí
This picturesque, sleepy fishing town is ideal for a relaxing getaway. Although popular with foreigners, it is not as crowded as some of the more well-known beaches in Ecuador. The beach is long and wide, and often empty, stretching on for miles. Canoa Ecuador is one of our pics up and coming spots.
Which Ecuador beaches are your favorites?
It is impossible to miss the hill known as El Panecillo Mirador, in Quito, which is topped by its statue of the Virgen de Quito who watches over and protects the city. Although not high in comparison with the volcanoes among which the city nestles, it dominates the skyline when you look south down any of Quito’s colonial streets.
There are two reasons to come here – the statue, and the view. Start with the statue. At 41 meters tall and made of seven thousand pieces of aluminium, it’s pretty awesome in its own right.
Yes, the views – spectacular, on a clear morning you can see Quito spread out beneath you and beyond the city to the surrounding volcanoes.
Don’t forget to look down; just below the feet of the Virgin is another sight, the so-called Olla del Panecillo. This large cistern is traditionally said to be of Inca origin, but recent tests have dated it to after the Spanish conquest.
Ecuador 3 Count, where we bring you 3 Ecuador stories that you shouldn’t miss.
Photo Credit: C. Ramblur
1. Cuenca – the Next Expat Paradise?
In recent years, Cuenca Ecuador has experienced a record number of retirees from parts of the developed world such as the USA and Canada, who are chasing the media coverage praising the country for its beauty and low cost of living. BBC News takes an in-depth look at this boom and the effects upon the Ecuadorian people and culture.
Click to learn more about real estate, cost of living, healthcare, & residency in Cuenca
2. Ecuador Taps into Qatar’s Tourism Potential
Qatar could be a regional hub for South America-bound tourists, Ecuador’s Minister of Tourism Freddy Ehlers has suggested. The delegation presented key tourism offerings of the country such as the Amazon jungles, snow-capped volcanoes of the Andes, beaches along the Pacific coast, and the Galapagos Islands. Ecuador caters to tourists who are looking for adventure, special interest travel, or specialized tourism.
3. Ecuador’s Beaches: Why You Will Want to Pack Your Suntan Lotion
Travelers often go to Ecuador to see the Andes and to straddle the hemisphere. But if your desire is to experience more of the country than the mountains, head to one of Ecuador’s beaches. Depending on which beach you choose, you can find a party, a surfing paradise, or a relaxing escape from the chaos of the city.
Greg Gilliam is an expat who started his odyssey by driving through Central America on a extended vacation. He found his paradise when he eventually arrived at Canoa Ecuador on the Pacific coast, where he became an expat.
What he has done since then is nothing short of amazing. Putting his architectural design skills to work, he began eventually creating his own hotel, The Canoa Beach Hotel. The following is interview with him over email.
Photo Credit: Greg Gilliam
1. Why did you leave the U.S.?
I left the states just on a brief vacation and quickly discovered that I knew relatively very little about Latin America and its cultures. I could not even think of going back when I came to the end of the road in Panama and I was so determined to continue with my discovery of Latin America, that I hopped on a sailboat and headed for Ecuador.
Not long after I arrived in Ecuador, I found myself designing and building some really cool stuff and best of all, I was unchecked by the appraisal/refinance monster that rides herd over creativity in the U.S. Housing market.
Here, in Ecuador, I found I had complete freedom in design and for the first time in my life I was, and still am, really excited about designing and building.
2. What were some of your favorite stops on the way down?
There were many places on the drive which were very special; one was Colima, Mexico. The people in Colima are by far some of the most hospitable I have ever found in my travels. They made it a great trip.
My brother and I were camped for a few weeks at an old airport turned into a dragstrip. We decided to have a little party for all the friends we had made while in Colima and invited everyone we could get in contact with and told them to come to the airport, where I thought we’d drink a few beers and eat a few snacks while we said our goodbyes.
Two hours passed and no one had shown up for our party and my brother and I were beginning to wonder what had went wrong, when suddenly our party guests arrived with what looked like the whole town in tow. I mean at least 100 people, all bringing food and drinks.
It took us another two more days to actually be able to leave Colima.
3. Where did you end up at the end of your drive?
Panama is another of the places with many nice people and a culture that has been created by the canal. Panamanians are easily some of the most resourceful people you will ever meet. I think they can tackle just about anything and everything.
In Panama City there is a very strong international culture, which lies only a few miles from a beautiful rural culture full of hardworking respectful people.
We were politely surprised once, when in gringo Spanish and really bad charades, hoping to get a band-aid, the guy behind the counter at a country tienda said in perfect English “You boys ain’t from around here are ya?” and then proceeded to wow us with tales of taxi driving in New York City and how this little store was what he wanted to do in his retirement.
Photo Credit: Canoa Beach Hotel
4. What are you doing now?
I became involved with a local architect, a great one, named Antonio Naranjo, who along with Enne Arquitectos have founded the green building council in Ecuador.
Once again, I am totally loving life. We just finished designing and building the Canoa Beach Hotel.
We are excited for the way it has become a haven of relaxation for my building clients, and as a popular spot for tourists. At Canoa Beach Hotel guests can experience firsthand my take on sustainable architecture. It is also a great springboard for our new project, , where we are building condominiums on the same beach, Senderos.
It is a novel project in design and functionality, while keeping the same organic randomness that I believe comforts us so much about nature.
Photo Credit: Greg Gilian
5. What advice can you give someone who wants to build a dream home in Ecuador or even Canoa Ecuador?
If you want to build a dream home in Ecuador, I highly recommend first finding your dream location, and there are plenty. But before you leap into that place, rent in the area you like, and make sure you are still enamored with it 3 months later.
There are many qualified architects and builders in Ecuador, but due diligence is key to your success, so call their references and look at their projects, especially the older ones.
Most importantly really collaborate with your architect and create something that is really you, this is your dream home, to me, building is all about making your personal statement. This is sorta how I roll.
I love Ecuador. For many reasons, but it is hard to pick just one. The Ecuadorian people are great, especially if you take time to learn the language and the culture, but don’t confine your experience to a few expat locations.
In Ecuador you certainly will never be bored, but and as anywhere in the world, there are stories of bad deals, crime, and any number of the negative behaviors that trouble every place on the planet, so be smart and respectful, and you just might find that Ecuador is a dream place to live.
Cotacachi Ecuador. Photo by Thomas Aleto
If you could retire anywhere in the world, where would it be? Florida? Hawaii? For more and more people, especially North Americans, the answer is Cotacachi, Ecuador, a utopian town sought out for its scenic beauty, rich culture, ideal climate, and low cost of living.
Tucked between the breathtaking mountains of Volcan Imababura and Volcan Cotacachi in the Ecuadorian Andes, Cotacachi is but a ninety minute drive north from the Ecuador capitol of Quito. An artisan town, famous for their hand-crafted leather goods, Cotacachi just might be the ideal place for those that crave the small town life.
Why Cotacachi?
With so many options out there, what is it about Cotacachi, Ecuador that makes it such a popular choice for expats?
Climate
Expats are choosing to settle down in Cotacachi for many reasons, but one of the biggest appeals is the climate. Not too hot and not too cold, Cotacachi is just right with an average daytime temperature of 70-75 degrees F and an average night time temperature of 50-55 degrees F.
And because Ecuador is positioned just north of the equator at an elevation of 8,000 feet, Cotacachi will experience this ideal, spring-like climate throughout the year.
The chance to slow down
For many, Cotacachi is the perfect place to slow down and savor the simple things in life. You can hike, ride horseback, and fish, or simply head down to the local market to stock up on delicious organic food. These markets are open daily in Cotacachi, but the biggest market will always be on Sunday when the locals come out to sell everything from fruits and vegetables to hand-woven goods, spices, and freshly picked flowers.
Of course, due to its small size (the length of the village can be walked in thirty minutes) there are certain things that you won’t find in town, like major shopping centers or an exciting nightlife. But not to worry, for it is only a twenty minute drive to the nearest city, Ibarra.
Convenient location
Although Cotacachi embraces the laid-back lifestyle, away from the bustle of city life, it is in no way isolated. The capital of Ecuador, Quito, is only an hour and a half away from Cotacachi and international flights arrive in Quito daily.
So for the occasions when a small trip to the local market just won’t do, the city of Quito is there to offer all of the urban amenities you could possibly need.
Rich culture
The local people in Cotacachi, the Quichua, are a very spiritual people and they really cherish their traditions. Most of the Quichua continue to dress in colorful, traditional garb and shamanic and healing rituals are still performed on a daily basis.
In Cotacachi you can have a Shaman cleanse your aura or mix you up a custom batch of medicine to help heal your ailments.
But don’t be intimidated, for the Cotacachi locals are known to be very friendly and welcoming to expats, and you can expect to make a few new friends as they introduce you to life in their village.
Beautiful and budget friendly
Another great thing about retiring to or visiting Cotacachi, Ecuador, is the cost. The cost of living in Cotacachi is quite low and you will be able to enjoy this scenic paradise on a budget, making living in a place like Ecuador not just a dream, but for many expats, a reality.
Renting an apartment in Cotacachi can start as low as $150 per month and because the town is so small, cars aren’t necessary. Of course, if you so desire, taxis are available to whisk you around the village for little more than a dollar and a round trip bus ride to Ibarra will only cost you ninety cents.
Is Cotacachi the place for you?
So if you have been thinking of making a move down to South America, Cotacachi, Ecuador just might be the place for you. Do your research, consult a local realtor, and make a trip down to Cotachaci to see what life in this mountain village is really all about. Who knows, you may just find your new home, or at the very least, a great new place to visit.