The highlands of Ecuador are pulling many expats to the region, thanks to their mild climate and rich cultural offerings. Whether you want big city amenities, natural beauty, or historic ambiance, these towns have it in great quantities. Here are our Viva Tropical choices for six of the best mountain towns in Ecuador.
Colleen Taugher
Cotacachi
The tranquil, rustic vibe of Cotacachi is what draws visitors to this small town. Situated with a volcano on both the east and west sides, Cotacachi still has much of the flavor of old Ecuador. Most of its activities and festivals revolve around nature and the seasons, and markets feature local arts and crafts. There’s a vibrant Andean music scene there as well, and traditional pan flute music can be heard wafting from the street corners.
Cotacachi is so small, most people find no need for a car there. And the cost of living is so tiny, you may pinch yourself when you see rental fees or grocery prices. The great thing about Cotacachi is that you can enjoy the serenity of life there and go to nearby Ibarra or Quito for more lively activity.
Roberto Sanchez
Otavalo
Cotacachi’s neighbor, Otavalo, is just an inexpensive bus fare away. Surrounded by mountains, Otavalo is known for some of the most beautiful and interesting markets in all of Latin America. Be sure to get plenty of pics of the Incan Mercado Artesanal, where brilliantly colored fabric and clothing, as well as handicrafts, are unparalleled. Otavalo also has an animal market where livestock is bought and sold and a produce market nearby.
Like much of Ecuador, Otavalo is a mix of Spanish and indigenous cultures. Although the nights are cooler (down to the 40s sometimes), days are frequently in the 70s, which is ideal for seeing the abundance of local natural sights. Don’t miss the Imbabura volcanic mountain ranges, Peguche Waterfall, or Lago San Pablo – a perfect one-day hike in this gorgeous setting.
Diane
Vilcabamba
If you want to live a long time, enjoying a healthy lifestyle, you can’t beat Vilcabamba. While the locals there may not be quite as old as their reputed 100+ years, they have virtually no heart disease, diabetes, or serious illness. Much of their longevity is attributed to healthy diet; until the rest of civilization descended on Vilcabamba around the ’60s, Ecuadorians there ate an organic vegetarian diet, full of fresh vegetables and grains, with little fat and no animal products.
Nowadays, Vilcabamba is an ideal destination for anyone who wants to grow their own food. With fertile soil at its altitude of 5,000 feet and temperatures in the 65-80 degree range, it’s a year-round farmer’s paradise. The water is as clean as the air there too. Vilcabamba’s water comes from glacier-fed lakes in the mountains above, and it’s packed with minerals, without any of the chemicals and preservatives found most other places around the world.
Throw in the low cost of living, reasonable real estate market, and stunning surroundings, and Vilcabamba is a winner. You can live like the natives and practice functional exercise by hiking or riding the area on horseback. With views like sacred Inca sites and lush waterfalls, be sure to bring your camera.
Dave Bezaire
Cuenca
Cuenca is the most well-known of the expat magnets in Ecuador. The third largest city in the country, it has a big-city feel with a manageable population of 350,000. While you can find fine arts and gourmet dining there, the cost of living is still quite low; a couple can live very well on $1,500 per month.
Cuenca offers a balance of old Ecuadorian culture and new amenities. The real estate market has slowed down slightly from its rollicking 5-12% appreciation rate of the last decade, which makes it a good time to snag an investment property at a deal. Historic and agricultural properties are available for purchase and are largely accessible via the city’s fine public transportation system. Other reasons people love Cuenca:
- excellent health care
- widespread availability of high-speed Internet
- few cars for a city its size
- family-friendly atmosphere
- safety (very little violent crime)
- year-round temperatures in the 70s
- four rivers in the area
- multiple universities and good schools
- connected but locally assimilated expat community
Gregouille
Ibarra
Nicknamed “The White City,” Ibarra was founded by the Spanish in 1606 at the base of the Imbabura volcano. While it boasts the great climate and low cost of living of many other cities in Ecuador, Ibarra is known for its appeal to outdoor enthusiasts. If you like organized sports competition, try one of their running or bike races. Or how about a public park with climbing walls and an abundance of post-workout hot springs?
Although it’s quite cultured, Ibarra is a less typical expat destination than many spots in Ecuador. This has less to do with what’s offered there than the fact that little English is spoken in Ibarra, so the learning curve as an expat is a bit steeper for some. It’s also tougher to reach, with no direct flights into the city; visitors must fly into either Quito or Tulcan and drive from there.
Fabulousfabs
Loja
Loja, in the Southern Sierra region, is another less frequent expat destination. Located near Vilacamba, with a population of around 200,000, Loja has the warm days and cool nights favored by nature lovers. With temperatures ranging from the mid-40s to the mid-70s, there’s no need for heat or air conditioning, which cuts down on the already reasonable cost of living there.
Loja’s natives and small expat community enjoy the city’s layout, which is organized, Spanish-style, around town squares. What Loja is really known for, however, is being the music capital of Ecuador. With two orchestras and a music conservatory, there is never any lack of melodic entertainment there.
No matter where you land in Ecuador, you are sure to be wowed by the incredible scenery, warm people, and diverse culture of its cities. Once you find a home base, you can take advantage of places like Papallacta, with its volcanic heated hot springs and see more than 130 species of hummingbird in the Amazon Basin cloud forest nearby. The ease of immigration in Ecuador is a fantastic plus. No wonder so many expats are now calling the Ecuadorian highlands home.
Mountain Towns of Ecuador
The Ecuador cost of living is among the most affordable throughout Central America for expats, retirees, and investors. Learning how prices may vary from location to location can help make a budget for paradise.
Tibo
Ecuador Cost of Living – Setting Reasonable Expectations
As more and more interest is being focused on Ecuador as an expat “hotspot”, greater attention is being paid to how much it actually costs to live there. Setting reasonable expectations on what the actual cost will be is an all-important first step in making the transition to the Ecuadorian lifestyle.
Factors That Impact the Ecuador Cost of Living
The old maxim “location, location, location” certainly applies when looking at the cost of living in Ecuador. Larger cities like Quito and Guayaquil will be more expensive than smaller cities and towns such as Cuenca or Ibarra.
Property type and size is another important factor. A one bedroom apartment outside a city center will certainly be less costly than a multi-bedroom unit in the heart of the action. Stand-alone properties can carry a higher price tag than apartment buildings or condominiums.
Deciding how modern or how rustic of a lifestyle to follow will also impact a budget’s bottom line. Air conditioning, high speed internet, cable/satellite television are just some items that may come with a higher price tag than expected.
Even shopping for groceries can impact the Ecuador cost of living. Buying local meats, produce, and products will be more economical than purchasing those stateside items that have to be imported.
Property Values – Renting versus Buying
One of the most important decisions impacting the Ecuador cost of living is whether to buy or rent property. Like most Central American countries, expats have the same ownership rights as Ecuadorian citizens.
With a wide selection of properties that range from turn-key residences to land waiting to be developed, Ecuador has many options. If purchasing is not a viable option, countless rental units can meet every taste and lifestyle. Prices overall are more affordable than many other Central American locations.
Medical Expenses
One item often overlooked in making an expat budget is the cost of medical care and insurance. Ecuador is fortunate in that the major cities (Quito, Guayaquil, Cuenca) provide quality care at a significantly lower cost than the United States. Also there are a number of health insurance providers that are based in Ecuador that offer rates much lower than their stateside counterparts.
Traveling to and from Ecuador
Being able to travel to and from Ecuador is another often overlooked expense in the expat budget. There are several international flights to both Quito and Guayaquil from destinations like Miami (for example).
Since many smaller cities and towns do not have an international airport, an additional cost of shuttle or rental car should be added in. Depending on how often you are planning to travel outside Ecuador, the cost of airfare and ground transportation could be considerable.
Vilseskogen
Ecuador Cost of Living – Comparing Cuenca Ecuador to Tempe, Arizona
Cuenca, Ecuador has a “sister city” arrangement with Tempe, Arizona. Comparing the cost of living in Cuenca and Tempe provides a great illustration of the price differences that an expat could expect.
Below is a brief comparison that illustrates some of the basic differences between these two “twinned cities”. Similar differences are reflected in other areas such as food items, clothing, and entertainment.
| Item | Cuenca | Tempe |
| Utilities Per Month (1 bedroom apt)( includes electricity, heat, water, garbage) | $42.50 | $546.30 |
| Cable/Internet | $43.50 | $29.82 |
| Rent (1 bedroom-City) | $520.00 | $917.50 |
| Rent (1 bedroom-Outside city center) | $446.50 | $650.00 |
The cost of living in Cuenca is clearly lower than Tempe, again, depending on the amenities, lifestyle, location, etc. desired. Factoring in all of the potential costs ahead of time can prevent “expat regret” in moving to Ecuador.
Ecuador Cost of Living – Other Matters to Consider
When potential expats start planning their move to Ecuador some items that are not directly part of the budget should also be given consideration. These matters are often overlooked until the last minute and can throw a carefully planned budget totally out of balance.
Buying or Importing a Vehicle
Depending on the location, having access to a vehicle may not be a necessity. However, living outside a city center will almost certainly require having some kind of regular transportation.
Like most Central American countries, vehicle prices will be higher for the same model than in the U.S. A Volkswagen Golf, for example that costs $20,842 in the U.S. may be $25,000 in Ecuador.
By comparison, some expats choose to import their existing vehicle. While this may be less expensive, there is still a considerable cost plus the various import requirements to bring a vehicle into the country.
Regardless of which option is selected, the cost of having a private vehicle in Ecuador will represent a significant upfront expense that could impact a budget.
Shipping Personal Belongings
Many expats want to bring many of the comforts of home (furniture, bedding, appliances, etc.) to their new location in Ecuador. Shipping via ship container is not a cheap prospect and transporting the items once they arrive in country can also involve a major cost.
Jeffrey Powell
What About All Those Online Claims About Living in Ecuador for Practically Nothing?
There is an old saying that goes: “If something sounds too good to be true, it probably is.” Many online articles may contain statements that the Ecuador cost of living is minimal; the question that should be asked is “What does that statement include?”
Often, such claims refer only to property prices without taking into consideration all the other facets of daily life. Rather than take these claims at face value, doing due diligence and learning all that can be learned about life in Ecuador, the pluses and minuses of various locations, and what living as an expat will entail, can provide the necessary facts and figures to make the best decisions.
Ecuador does offer a unique and affordable lifestyle for expats and investors. While less expensive than counterparts in the U.S., Canada, and Europe, Ecuador cost of living isn’t the bargain basement price often touted online. How little or how much is spent will vary from person to person and lifestyle to lifestyle.
What Is the Best Way to Learn What the Ecuador Cost of Living Would Be?
The best way to truly understand what it would cost to live in Ecuador is to visit this beautiful South American country. Experiencing daily living in Ecuador can help develop both a plan and a budget for moving to paradise.
Ibarra, Ecuador
Far from the vibrant commercial and cultural centers of Guayaquil and Quito, Ibarra, Ecuador offers a potential for a different, more laid-back style of living that can appeal to expats seeking a change of pace from other hubs in Central and South America.
Known as “the White City” due to the many colonial style houses with white paint and red roofs, Ibarra is located in Northern Ecuador at the base of the Imbabura Volcano. This quiet community of roughly 150,000 provides a unique opportunity to immerse oneself in the culture of Ecuador – both past and present – that may provide an alternative to the “typical” expat experience.
The History of Ibarra – From Incan Center to the Youngest Ecuadorian City
Birthplace of an Emperor and a Country
The suburb of Caranqui, known locally as the ancient center of Ibarra, is said to be the birthplace of the last great Incan Emperor Atahualpa. After the Spanish settled in Quito, Don Miguel de Ibarra, the first Governor of the Kingdom of Quito, sent Cristóbal de Troya y Pinque to found the city of Ibarra (named in his honor) on September 28, 1606.
And from a Coconut, a New City Grew
Following the almost complete destruction of Ibarra, Ecuador by an earthquake in 1868, a German planner arrived in the devastated town and, using a surviving coconut palm tree as the center point, surveyed what would become Ecuador’s youngest community when it was re-founded on April 28, 1872.
Ibarra Is Not Your Typical Expat Destination
While Ibarra, Ecuador has a lot to offer the enterprising expat, there are several aspects to consider before making a commitment to relocating to this Andean gem. Ibarra is not for everyone. Learning about the city and the surrounding area is a great way to see if Ibarra is a good fit for the future and investing in Ecuador Real Estate.
A Two to Three Hour Drive from Quito
There are buses, taxis and car rentals available in Quito that can transport you to Ibarra. Expect the trip to last roughly three hours; road conditions and weather could make this a longer journey.
Buses are the least expensive with the trip running $2.50 per person. Since these are public conveyances, there is no way to guarantee seating and maneuvering with luggage may also be an issue.
Taxis are the more private (and more expensive option) with a one-way trip averaging in the $50-$60 dollar range; this would not include the tip. Taxi Lagos does specialize in shared rides at a cost of $8-$10 dollars per person. Again, however, the luggage situation could rule this out as an option. Also, the language barrier may lead to some confusion in trying to give directions.
Car Rentals – Probably the most expensive option. Unless you are comfortable driving in Central and South America and either speak Spanish or have a GPS this should probably be the last option to consider.
The Positives of Ibarra
Ibarra, Ecuador has a lot of positive elements that make it a desirable location to consider for a relocation opportunity or potential investment. The old adage about “location, location, location” can easily describe the upsides of Ibarra.
Ibarra’s location provides an alluring combination of highland beauty, lush gardens and a reasonable distance to the capital city of Quito while retaining the quaint vibe of colonial Spain.
Great Climate, Great Weather
Unlike so many other Central and South American locations, Ibarra’s weather is pleasant and moderate. There are basically three seasonal climates; warm, cool (at night) and hot.
There isn’t a lot of variation in temperature with highs being in the mid-70s to occasionally reaching the 80s during the day and comfortable sleeping temperatures in the mid-to high 40s to low 50s.
Not surprising for a location so close to the Equator, Ibarra does have a humid climate and annual rainfall can range from an average of less than an inch per month during the dry season (June through August) to three inches per month during the wet season (February through May).
With year-round moderate and constant temperatures and reasonable and reliable rainy seasons, Ibarra presents a pleasant meteorological pallet that makes living comfortable and relaxing.
Lower Costs of Living Make Property Affordable to Rent or Buy
One of the most attractive features of Ibarra, Ecuador is the extremely reasonable prices for properties. Whether you are looking to rent or buy as an investment the prices are certainly much less than in some of the larger city centers.
As with any other destination, the first step in buying or renting is to decide how much space you need. Do you want to be in the city center or in one of the adjoining neighborhoods? How much space do you need? Regardless of how these questions are answered, Ibarra, Ecuador offers great real estate potential.
A one bedroom apartment in the city center can rent in the range of $120-$150 per month; the same unit in one of the surrounding neighborhoods can go for $100-120. Three bedroom units are equally affordable; $300 in the central district and $220-$240 outside.
Buying As an Investment – A True Economic Option
Prices per square meter on properties within the city can range from $600-$700; an 85 square meter (900 square feet) could run a very reasonable $51.500 to $59,500. With monthly utilities (including heat, electricity, water, garbage, cable, and internet) under $100, real estate investment in this expanding community could be a profitable way to fund a retirement or provide additional income.
A Growing Infrastructure
With new and improved roads going into Ibarra and its surrounding communities, the potential for new business and commerce will also expand. Additionally, high-speed internet and cable services continue to enhance the connectivity needed in a 24/7/365 business environment.
A Special Multicultural Experience
Ibarra is home to two universities, Catholic University and the Universidad del Norte, whose students add a youthfulness and modern counterpoint to the colonial vibe. In addition, the blend of Afro-Ecuadorians, mestizos, and indigenous members of the highland tribes provide an exciting and diverse experience that visitors and residents can share and participate in.
Points of Interest in and around Ibarra
Exploring Ibarra, Ecuador and experiencing elements of the local culture is perhaps the best and most exciting way of become part of this growing community.
Market Day
Saturdays are market days when local farmers, craftspeople and artisans bring their wares into the city center to display and sell. The sights and sounds of the market will transport a visitor back to the days of colonial Spain.
Festivals
Like many Central and South American towns, Ibarra’s festivals are an important part of the culture of the community. Marked by celebration and parades, Ibarra’s two main festivals are “Virgen del Carmen” held on July 16th and the most popular one “The Festival of the Lakes” which takes place on the 24th through 28th of September each year.
Potential Negatives of Ibarra, Ecuador
Even in paradise, there are potential downsides that could make relocation or investment in Ibarra an option that may not meet everyone’s expectations.
The Challenge of Getting There – No Direct Flights
Perhaps the major stumbling block in relocation to Ibarra, Ecuador is the fact that there is no major airport in the city. The closest international airport, Mariscal Sucre International Airport, located roughly 70 miles away (via driving) in Quito, has both international and domestic flights. A smaller airport, Teniente Coronel Luis A Mantilla Airport, located in Tulcan – slightly farther away at 77 road miles, handles a more limited schedule.
Ibarra does have a private jet charter airport, Atahualpa Airport, a little more than a mile outside the city center.
The Language Barrier
Much less English is spoken in Ibarra than in the larger metropolises of Quito and Guayaquil. If you are uncomfortable with trying to learn Spanish and do not have friends or partners who can speak the language, much of what this colonial center has to offer may be more of a task than a treasure and immersing yourself in the society may be extremely difficult.
A Smaller Expat Community
While Ibarra is a growing destination, the expat community is much smaller than in the major centers of Ecuador. Although this provides a wonderful opportunity to truly become a part of the town’s daily life, not having a large number of fellows expats as a kind of support group may make the transition from visitor to resident a challenge.
Is Ibarra Right for Me?
As with any new location, there are positives and negatives that should be taken into consideration before deciding to uproot your life and relocate to Ibarra, Ecuador. Ultimately, the best way to make such an important decision is to plan a visit. Research online and begin your adventure with an open mind. Once you arrive and immerse yourself in the ebb and flow of the city, the answer will make itself clear.
Map of Ibarra, Ecuador
Ibarra, Ecuador Fast Facts
- Population: 1.6 Million
- Typical temperature: Ecuador is known for its micro climates.
- Major airports with U.S. flights: Quito is the closest along with options at Cuenca and Guayaquil. Complete list of airports in Ecuador.
- Nearest U.S. consulate: Quito