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
OliverH
There’s a lot of buzz about Ecuador as an expat haven that’s among the world’s best places to retire or live in Latin America. But not a lot of people know much about it.
Like, for starters, where is Ecuador? I mean, it’s on the equator, right? Hence the name. But doesn’t that mean it’s unbearably hot?
And is it a long way away? How do I get there and how long is the flight?
We’ll answer these and other questions you may have about this popular destination. But let’s start with the most important one.
Where Is Ecuador on a Map?
There it is! Right there on the west coast of northern South America. Between Colombia to the north and Peru to the south. The equator does pass through it, roughy ¼ of the way down, near Quito.
Andrew Turner
How Do I Get There?
Ecuador has two main airports. There’s Mariscal Sucre in Quito and Simon Bolivar in Guayaquil. Quito’s airport is new and modern. It even has an on-site hotel that’s currently being built. However, both are a bit of a hike from the city. The old airport, which was more centrally located, is now closed and is being transformed into a park.
Some travelers also fly into Guayaquil on the coast. It also has a modern international airport with all the amenities you’d expect, like restaurants and duty-free shopping. It’s only a few minutes north of the downtown area.
Once in the country, buses are plentiful and affordable. There are also a number of regional airports, including two in the Galapagos Islands, which can only be accessed via mainland Ecuador.
What Airlines Fly into Ecuador?
U.S. Airlines that offer flights to Ecuador include Delta, United, and American Airlines. TAME, an Ecuador-based airline, flies into New York City. LAN Ecuador also flies there, as well as Miami.
From the U.K., you can fly American Airlines from Heathrow to Quito. KLM will also get you to Quito from Heathrow, by way of Amsterdam.
Other airlines that fly into Ecuador from destinations throughout Latin America are Copa, Avianca, Aeromexico, Iberia, and TACA.
Morpholux
Do I Need a Visa to Go There?
Not unless you want to stay for more than three months. By presidential decree, citizens of any country may visit Ecuador and stay for a period of 90 days. You won’t need a visa. However, you’ll want to check with your embassy to see what other paperwork might be required. For North Americans and most European travelers, it’s usually just a passport and a copy of your return ticket.
Sara Y Tzunky
When Is the Best Time to Go?
Because Ecuador is located on the equator, it has roughly the same weather year-round. So there’s really no bad time to visit. However, depending on the region, some seasons are a little better than others, as Ecuador’s climate varies greatly among its four distinct areas.
The coastal lowlands stay between 80 and 90 degrees. During the rainy season (December to April), you can expect a torrential downpour pretty much every day.
The Andean highlands are much cooler with daytime highs in the mid 70s. Nights can get pretty cool with lows around 50 degrees. The rainy season is the same, with April generally being the wettest month and June to September representing the driest period.
The Amazon region is probably much closer to what most people picture when they try to imagine a climate along the equator. Predominantly tropical lowland rainforest, it’s hot and humid with temps in the 80s and 90s and steady rainfall throughout the year.
It’s still popular among adventure travelers despite its challenging climate. The frequent showers make for excellent whitewater rafting and kayaking.
Despite being situated almost directly along the equator, the Galapagos Islands get some relief from the heat thanks to the cool Pacific waters. As result, they enjoy temps between the mid 60s and upper 80s with surprisingly little rainfall.
What Places in Ecuador Should I Visit?
Ecuador is jam-packed with natural wonders and cultural attractions. Here are some of the most popular spots that you won’t want to miss.
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Banos is the adventure capital of Ecuador. It sits at the foot of the active Volcano Tungurahua. It’s also surrounded by a number of hot spring mineral baths.
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Canoa is a beach town that hasn’t lost its appeal as primarily a laid-back fishing village.
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Cotacachi is a small village that’s only 90 minutes from the capital city of Quito. It enjoys a rich cultural heritage.
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Cuenca is a beautiful colonial city in the mountains that’s quickly becoming one of the most popular expat destinations in Latin America.
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Esmeraldas is a cozy beach town that’s a little more laid-back but still one of the country’s most popular.
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The Galapagos Islands are an archipelago scattered far off the country’s coast. Made famous by Charles Darwin, they’re visited by scientists and nature lovers from all over the world.
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Guayaquil is the largest city in Ecuador. A bustling coastal town, it’s a functioning port city with a relaxed Caribbean feel.
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Loja is another mountain town that’s growing in popularity. Smaller and more affordable, it’s known for its cultural importance and musical roots.
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Manta is a beach town that offers coastal living combined with all the big city amenities of a modern industrial city.
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Montanita is another popular beach town. Known for its surfing and nightlife, it attracts a whole host of colorful characters from all walks of life.
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Otavalo is another mountain town that has retained its quaint, authentic appeal. It’s most famous for its popular textile market.
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Quito is Ecuador’s capital city. Located in the mountains, it has a well-preserved historic district and a monument situated on the equator marking the “middle of the world.”
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Riobamba is the gateway to Mount Chimborazo, Ecuador’s highest peak. It’s also the starting point of the famous train ride down the Nariz del Diablo.
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Salinas is a crowded beach town that’s often dubbed the Miami of Latin America. It’s popular among locals and boasts a number of water sports.
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Vilcabamba is located high in the mountains. Its water comes from melting glacier pools and is among the purest on earth, possibly contributing to the good health and longevity of its residents.
As you can tell, there’s a lot to see and do in Ecuador. It’s also one of the least expensive destinations of its kind. Now that you know how to get there, consider taking a trip to experience the sights of Ecuador firsthand.
Ecuador Fast Facts
- Population: About 15.49 million
- Typical temperature: Ecuador is known for its micro climates, learn more here.
- Major airports with U.S. flights: Quito, Cuenca and Guayaquil. Complete list of airports in Ecuador.
- Nearest U.S. consulate: Quito and Guayaquil
Located in the nation’s Southern Sierra, Loja, Ecuador, may very well be one of the country’s most underrated retirement destinations. Known as the “Valley of Smiles,” it’s a friendly village whose amenities rival, if not exceed, those of some of its more popular counterparts.
Georgia Popplewell
One of the oldest cities in Ecuador, it’s also one of the most pioneering. Loja successfully marries authentic colonial charm with modern conveniences, and it comes with an attractive price tag. In many ways, Loja, Ecuador Real Estate, offers its foreign residents the best of both worlds.
And, while the city does receive its fair share of tourists, surprisingly few expats have made it their permanent retirement destination. This could make it the ideal place for those looking for a more authentic expat experience in a place that doesn’t seem to be headed in too much of a North American direction.
Here are a few things would-be expats should know about undiscovered Loja, Ecuador:
Despite its rural location, it’s incredibly easy to reach and get around in.
Located in the Cuxibamba Valley, Loja is surrounded by lush, green mountains that cascade down into beautiful valleys with rushing rivers. Its climate and elevation of 6,750 feet above sea level make it the perfect place for growing crops ranging from coffee to plantains to citrus fruits. Those who want to own a large tract of land or farm can easily find one.
However, Loja itself is a very walkable city. In fact, most residents find owning a car to be unnecessary for day-to-day life. Taxis are readily available and inexpensive. They can shuttle you across town for about a buck or even to other parts of the country. Loja has a modern bus system, as well as jet transport to other major cities in Ecuador via its nearby airport.
Loja, Ecuador, may have the world’s most ideal climate.
With daily temperatures rarely rising much above 70 degrees, you won’t need air conditioning. Heat is also unnecessary, although the cool nights will require a few extra layers. This same wardrobe will get you through the entire year, though, as there’s very little seasonal variation.
What fluctuation there is comes in the form of a wet and dry season. The best weather days are in October to January. The wettest time is February through May, but the daily afternoon rainbow is likely to make you forget about any inconvenience.
Loja offers modern amenities without compromising any of its authentic details.
Established in 1548, Loja is one of the oldest cities in Ecuador. Its town squares are full of statues, frescoes, and other remnants of its colonial past. Original structures, with their arched doorways and wide balconies, stand adjacent to similar new construction designed to complement the city’s historic architecture. This harmony of old and new is something that Loja intentionally aimed for and achieved beautifully.
Loja established itself as one of Ecuador’s most forward-thinking cities when it became the first to make use of electricity, as early as 1897. It has continued this trend of well-planned modernization and industrialization, while still maintaining its historic charm.
Visitors to Loja can tour centuries-old churches like the Fatima and Santo Domingo. They also have access to conveniences often found only in much larger cities, including several universities, shopping centers, and hospitals. Its technology is up to par, and its nightlife rivals some of the country’s liveliest destinations with its restaurants, bars, and other happening hotspots.
The city has also thrived financially as a result of its carefully planned economic development. It has also been internationally recognized for its efforts to protect its environment and natural resources.
Loja, Ecuador, is the ideal place for optimal cultural immersion.
With a population of about 185,000 people, Loja has a more small-town feel than many of its competing expat destinations. For comparison the mountain town of Cuenca, located 3 hours north of Loja, has almost double the population at 330,000.
The people of Loja are friendly and social. The town’s squares function as places to relax, spend some time people-watching, or meet up with friends. The locals also welcome foreign residents in a way that’s much different than many expat destinations.
Loja has virtually no expat community to speak of. As a result, immigrants are treated as just another member of the local community. Not as just another gringo. While many would-be expats are deterred by cities without an established expat community, others welcome the opportunity to be accepted on their own merits and not pigeonholed into a certain stereotype.
Loja is both safe and affordable.
Like many other smaller-scale expat destinations, Loja does not suffer some of the problems of its larger counterparts. For starters, it’s an incredibly safe city. It experiences far less crime than in places like Guayaquil or Cuenca, or the capital city of Quito. Residents can walk through the city streets in the middle of the night without any concern for their safety or fear of robbers.
And since it’s still somewhat off the radar of most expats, real estate prices (and for that matter, everything) in Loja are still reasonable. A large, picturesque 70-acre property on the outskirts of town, complete with waterfalls and a view, will only set you back $150,000. A two- or three-bedroom apartment in town rents for as little as $300 per month. In fact, a couple could enjoy a fine lifestyle in Loja for $1,000 per month, less if they want to live more like locals.
A 3-course meal for two in a nice restaurant runs around $15. You can enjoy a pint of domestic beer in a local pub for $1. And there are no “gringo prices.” Whether you’re renting a car or buying land, you can rest assured that the amount you’re being quoted is the same as what locals would pay.
Loja is the musical and cultural capital of Ecuador.
As one of the few expats in Loja, you will have a front row seat to some of the best culture Ecuador has to offer. Unarguably, most of the the country’s most talented musicians and composers got their start in Loja. Music can be heard throughout the city most evenings, from the bands at the outdoor restaurants to the lone crooners on their balconies.
The city is home to a noted music conservatory. It also has two orchestras. You can check out the local talent at the Teatro Bolivar, which offers many concerts free of charge.
In addition to its musical scene, Loja also offers a local movie house and museums with a variety of historical and art exhibits. If you’re looking to take up some of the hobbies of the locals, the Allianza Francesa offers both cooking and dancing lessons. The Virgen del Cisne festival is another popular cultural event, where a famous statue makes it annual pilgrimage from nearby El Cisne to the town of Loja and back again.
Jipiro-fabulousfabs
Loja is perfect for those who want to live a healthy life in harmony with nature.
The natural beauty and climate of Loja, Ecuador, make it an ideal place to live a healthy lifestyle and enjoy everything the environment offers. Due to its year-round spring-like weather, fresh tropical fruits and vegetables can be grown all year. You can grow them yourself or buy them at the local markets for a fraction of the prices you’d pay in North America.
Fresh squeezed fruit juices are very popular. They’re packed with vitamins and so much tastier than the bottled varieties. The area offers several well-equipped gyms and fitness centers, all for very reasonable prices.
In addition to the healthy food and fitness options, it’s proven that being in nature is just flat out good for you. And Loja is a great place to do just that.
Nearby Podocarpus National Park is a habitat for approximately 800 species of birds, as well as others that have yet to be discovered. It’s also one of the last major habitats for the spectacled bear. The area’s jungles and cloud forests also offer miles of opportunities for exploration.
While there’s speculation as to the accuracy of its claims, the region is known to be one of the healthiest in the world. Due to the quality of its drinking water, as well as its challenging terrain and nutrient-rich produce, nearby Vilcabamba has been studied for the longevity of its residents, many of whom are reported to have lived to be over 100 years old.
The mere fact that other expats are overlooking Loja, Ecuador, may be reason enough to consider it as a potential destination. It’s either a still little-known city that will eventually experience the same boom as some of its neighbors. Or it could be one of those well-kept secrets that manages to remain untouched and unaffected by the increasing influx of North American immigrants.
Either way, now is a great time to take a closer look at this hidden Latin American gem.
Map of Loja, Ecuador
Use this map to see the proximity of Loja to the nearest international airport, GYE, in Guayaquil.
Loja Ecuador Fast Facts
- Population: About 200,000.
- Typical temperature: Ranges from the 60s to mid 80s
- Nearest airport with U.S. flights: Camilo Ponce Enriquez airport in Catamayo, 30 km (30 min) distant. From there, it is possible to fly to Quito or Guayaquil.
- Nearest U.S. consulate: Quito