There are a number of destinations that can be included in a list of the healthiest places in the Latin Tropics. The abundance of fresh foods, a more relaxed pace of daily living, and the tropical climate are just some of the features that have made the region a long-time favorite destination for retirees and other expats looking for a better quality of life.
This compelling combination has dramatically increased the interest of U.S. residents in finding alternative approaches to their current living arrangements. It is not just the locations themselves, but the qualities and opportunities that can be found there, that promise an overall healthier lifestyle – both on the physical and the emotional levels.
What Makes the Healthiest Places in the Latin Tropics Special
There are a number of qualities that the healthiest places in the Latin Tropics all seem to share. Below is a list of these factors that contribute to the wellbeing of locals and expats alike.
Fresh Fruits and Vegetables
Finding fresh produce in the tropics can be as easy as taking a short walk or drive to one of the countless roadside stands or weekly farmers’ markets that are a fixture of life in these countries. The wide variety of locally grown products is not only less expensive but makes it far more convenient to prepare meals from scratch – leading to another element that makes life in the tropics a healthy alternative: diet.
Geoff Baker
Healthier Diets
There is certainly a much smaller emphasis on pre-packaged or “fast” food in the Latin Tropics. As a result, more meals are prepared fresh, instead of out of a container or microwavable box.
Additionally, there is not as much emphasis on red meat in the region, the preferred protein sources being poultry or fish. These kinds of diets have been shown to be healthier in terms of reducing fat and cholesterol.
Better Climate
Having more sunlight, warmer temperatures and less extremes in climate (i.e., winter cold to summer heat in a short period) has shown to be more conducive to better health. Aside from the physical benefits of Vitamin D, the abundance of sunlight also helps combat Seasonal Affective Disorder.
Appropriately abbreviated as SAD, this type of depression brought on during the shorter periods of daylight during the winter months impacts roughly three million adults yearly. Given that daylight hours only vary about fifteen minutes during the seasons, life under the tropical sun is emotionally healthy as well as physically healthy.
Less Stressful Pace of Living
If there is one thing that is the hallmark of the Latin Tropics, it is the slower, more relaxed pace of life. The stress of facing crowded streets, time clocks, and the omnipresent “noise” of the 24/7/365 connected world is replaced by the far more tranquil natural rhythms of the ocean, tropical rain forests, and small villages.
While the slower pace of getting things done (such as repairs or building projects) can take some getting used to, the physical benefits are worth the extra time spent. It can truly be said that, in terms of daily living, you do without doing and it all gets done.
More Active Lifestyle
One of the most important features that all these locations share is a more active physical lifestyle. Warm weather is more conducive to outdoor activities that can range from merely walking to more strenuous forms such as swimming, surfing, and other sports.
The Top Five Healthiest Places in the Latin Tropics
Here is a list of the top five healthiest places in the Latin Tropics. While each one has its own unique characteristics, they all share qualities that make them desirable of destinations for those seeking to find their own personal “fountain of youth.”
Wikipedia
5. Volcán/Boquete, Panama
Located in the Chiriquí province of Panama, the Volcán/Boquete area boasts access to an abundance of fresh produce, herbs, and coffee and is known as the “breadbasket of Panama.” The moderate temperatures, low humidity (thanks to being 4000 feet above sea level), and a tranquil sense of wellbeing, all contribute to a more active lifestyle.
The region also can claim longer life spans for its residents than the rest of Panama. Boquete has been singled out by AARP magazine as one of the top places to retire in the entire world.
4. Playa Gigante, Nicaragua
This rustic fishing village on the Pacific coast of Nicaragua is rapidly becoming a mecca for a growing number of alternative health and yoga spas. With a very laid-back lifestyle, ready access to fresh fish and produce, and natural beauty of one of the country’s ecological centers, healthy living in Playa Gigante comes easily.
Jon Hurd
3. Lake Atitlán, Guatemala
Aside from its breathtaking vistas, Lake Atitlán, Guatemala is becoming recognized as a place for retirees seeking a healthier lifestyle. With some of the best weather anywhere, the rich Mayan culture (still very much in existence), abundant fresh produce, and a variety of outdoor activities to enjoy, Lake Atitlán’s popularity as both a tourist destination and a retirement location continues to grow.
Presidencia de la República del Ecuador
2. Vilcabamba, Ecuador
It may come as a surprise to many that Vilcabamba, Ecuador is included in this list. Located in what is has become known as the “Valley of Longevity,” local residents claim to reach life expectancies well past 100 years.
While there is no hard evidence to support this claim, the mild climate, abundant fresh air (no pollution), low animal fat diets, and active lifestyle certainly are positive factors for healthier living. The natural beauty and relaxed pace of life in the valley also contribute to the growth of Vilcabamba as a top retirement destination.
Carlos Adampol Galindo
1. Nicoya Peninsula/Nosara, Costa Rica
Featured in the book, The Blue Zones, the Nicoya Peninsula – and Nosara in particular – has become the best known of top healthy places in the Latin Tropics. The ready access to fresh produce and seafood combined with a more relaxed outdoor lifestyle has created an environment where longer life spans are the rule, not the exception.
Healthier diets and more physical activity seem to be only part of Nosara’s secret. The growing number of alternative therapies, such as meditation and yoga, create an atmosphere where life can be embraced as opposed to just being lived.
Finding That Longer, Healthier Life Path in Paradise
Visiting the locations mentioned above (or others in the region) could be the first step to discovering what the healthiest places in the Latin Tropics could offer as a lifestyle choice. Learning where and what resonates with you is a great place to begin your quest for a healthier, happier existence.
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
Jorge Luis G
Are you looking for a change? One that involves a healthier lifestyle, a more well-rounded cultural experience, and a fatter wallet?
If so, look no further than Ecuador.
With its beautiful surroundings, ever-improving infrastructure, and near-perfect weather, more and more would-be expats are ending their search by finding themselves living in Ecuador. It’s a great place for investors, young families, retirees, and just about anyone else we can think of.
Here are a few of the reasons that those looking for a better life often find it living in Ecuador.
1. Ecuador is consistently ranked one of the best places to retire abroad.
Each year International Living ranks destinations based on factors like climate, cost of living, and friendliness of the locals in its Annual Global Retirement Index. Ecuador has been performing well in most categories in recent years.
In fact, in 2014, it came in a close second (with a score of 91.2 to 91.1) to Panama as the #2 overall destination. The survey results cite a number of reasons that living in Ecuador in retirement is such a great choice, many of which appear later in this list. Two big ones were its affordability and its variety of lifestyle options.
It’s also an easy place to do business. Processes like buying property, investing in business, and getting a visa are all relatively simple in Ecuador.
2. Its various micro-climates offer a little something for everyone.
Not only is it blessed with immense natural beauty, Ecuador is one of the most biodiverse countries in the world. It boasts close to 50 different ecosystems, in a country that’s roughly the size of Nevada.
Overall, most of the country enjoys spring-like weather year round (with merely a wet and dry season), due to its location along the equator. As in most Central American countries, adjusting the temperature or humidity while living in Ecuador is just a matter of moving up or down the mountain as both generally decrease as you ascend.
The Pacific Coast offers an array of picturesque beaches. There are also two chains of the Andes Mountains, which offer relief from the heat and a number of historic colonial cities.
There’s also the tropical and humid Amazon Rainforest which is largely unexplored, save a recent spike in adventure travel. And don’t forget about the breezy Galapagos Islands, a popular attraction among tourists and scientists for decades.
ARKNTINA
3. Your U.S. dollars stretch a lot further living in Ecuador.
One of the most appealing characteristics about Ecuador is its low cost of living. With the exception of some harder-to-find consumer goods, most everything is considerably cheaper than in North America. Also, we mentioned U.S. dollars, because that’s the currency the country uses, since 2000.
You can find a furnished property to rent for as little as $500 per month. Fresh fruits and veggies for the week (enough to feed two) are fresh, readily available, and will only set you back about $15-$20 per week. Fuel in Ecuador is subsidized and hovers right around $1.50 per gallon.
While real estate prices have been steadily climbing in recent years, it’s still extremely affordable compared to North American prices (although costs can vary greatly from one city to the next). You can also splurge on the services of a maid or domestic helper, which will run you about $10-$15 per day.
All in all, most couples find it possible to lead a satisfying lifestyle living in Ecuador on less than $1500 per month.
4. The country’s conditions are conducive to a healthy lifestyle.
The population of Ecuador is one of the healthiest in the region, particularly in cities like Vilcabamba, which is known as the “Valley of Longevity” as its residents reportedly live longer than in any other place on earth.
Much of their well-being is attributed to the clean air and clean water. There’s little pollution, and the rivers that flow down the mountains are fed by the overflow of glacial pools high in the mountains that are rich in minerals and nutrients.
This pure, healthy water nourishes the fruits and vegetables, most of which grow year-round due to the conducive weather conditions. There’s an abundance of organic oranges, bananas, avocados, almonds, papayas, and more.
Due to the fresh produce, as well as the topographical barriers that make importing unhealthy packaged foods rather difficult, most Ecuadorians eat very healthy diets. They’re also quite active, tending gardens on the slopes of the mountains and using their own two legs as their primary mode of transportation.
Maurizio Costanzo
5. Ecuador is rich with culture of every kind.
Whether you’re looking for the arts and music offerings of a first-world country or the authentic cultural charm of a developing one, Ecuador is happy to oblige. It’s home to 13 indigenous populations, many of whom still adhere closely to their native traditions.
You can find groups of natives who still speak their own language and wear their native dress. Yet at the same time, Ecuador’s larger cities offer many of the luxurious amenities you’d expect from the most highly developed destinations.
Cities like Cuenca, Guayaquil, and Quito have the usual list of cultural happenings, such as symphonies, art exhibits, festivals, and museums. Cuenca and Quito are also UNESCO World Heritage Sites, which makes for the perfect blend of historic and modern culture.
The people of Ecuador are friendly and welcoming. They’re very receptive to foreigners and, as a result, Ecuador is home to people from all over the globe who’ve embraced the country as a fantastic place for enjoying a rich multi-cultural experience.
6. It’s well-connected, both physically and technologically.
Another thing that makes living in Ecuador so convenient is its easy access. It has two international airports, Quito and Guayaquil, and direct flights from the U.S. are less than four hours long.
You can fly straight to Quito from Miami, Houston, and New York, as well as from nearby Panama City, Panama, and Bogota, Colombia. Once in the country, local transportation is also widely available, reliable, and inexpensive.
The country also has a high rate of internet connectivity. Cell phones have relatively good reception, and there are internet cafes throughout most decent size cities. Many homes have high-speed internet, and the government is actively working to increase this percentage.
7. Ecuador offers excellent healthcare.
While you might have to sacrifice a few first-world conveniences when making the transition to living in Ecuador, quality health care isn’t one of them. Quite the contrary.
In most of Ecuador’s larger cities you’ll find world-class medical facilities with the latest technology. Many doctors speak English, and a large number of them trained in the U.S. They spend more one-on-one time with patients, often offering their personal cell phone numbers or calling patients at home to check on their progress.
Despite the impressive quality of the medical care in Ecuador, the prices are only a fraction of what you’d pay for the same services in North America. As a result, it’s become a popular destination for medical tourism.
Patients travel to Ecuador to receive services such as plastic surgery, dental procedures, orthopedics, and more. The country is also well known for its alternative medicine and natural healing options.
Maurizio Costanzo
8. Ecuador is a great place to pursue the American (or any other) Dream.
Many North Americans these days would agree that the American Dream is broken. It’s becoming increasingly more difficult to realize success and have the things you want for your family, while still having enough spare time and money to enjoy them.
The reality is, though, that all of the things associated with that ideal quality of life we dream about are available in much greater abundance in Ecuador. It’s the South American Dream, if you will.
Living in Ecuador you can spend more time doing what you love (in some fantastic surroundings, we might add) and less time doing the bland, tedious, hurried things you wish you never had to do again.
That’s not to say you can’t pursue your passions and live the life you’ve always envisioned in North America. You can. It’s just that the ability to do so is now financially out of reach for most of its residents.
Who wants to expend every last drop of their time, energy, and money just to pay the bills and stay afloat in a merely nice suburb when you can work less, experience more, and enjoy the unsurpassed beauty of a place like Ecuador?
Give Living in Ecuador Some Thought
These and other reasons are why so many families are realizing their version of the American Dream, just a little further south of the border. Ecuador is a great place to live immersed in authentic culture, without giving up any of the modern conveniences you crave, and with still enough left over to explore everything else the region has to offer.
There’s a reason Ecuador continues to top the charts of best places to retire or even visit abroad. And it’s been further validated by the thousands of expats who now call it home. Living in Ecuador is more than just a bargain retirement. It’s a value proposition that’s definitely worth considering.
Map of Ecuador
Ecuador Fast Facts
- Population: 15,439,429
- Typical temperature: Ecuador is known for its micro climates.
- Major airports with U.S. flights: Quito, Cuenca and Guayaquil. Complete list of airports in Ecuador.
- Nearest U.S. consulate: Quito
Hidden in the Andean slopes of Ecuador lies the small village of Vilcabamba, nicknamed the “Valley of Longevity.” Originally a haven where Incan rulers retreated for rest and rejuvenation, it’s also been called the “Playground of the Incas.” Some people, bewildered by the mystery behind the long lives of its residents, have even called it “Shangri La.”
Are these aliases accurate? It’s hard to say. Scientists from all over the world have studied the people of Vilcabamba Ecuador for decades, since their longevity first gained international attention in the 1970’s. Many of “The Old Ones,” as the town’s elders are called, declared themselves to be over 100 years old, with some even claiming to have reached the age of 120.
Years of research have been inconclusive as to the reason for the long lives of the people of Vilcabamba. In fact, some fallacies have even been revealed, which indicate that the people might not even be as old as they claim to be (and with no birth certificates or other written records, the truth is difficult to ascertain).
However, one fact is most certainly true. While the people of Vilcabamba may not live LONGER than others around the world, they are most certainly living BETTER. Instances of diabetes, heart disease, and other serious illnesses are drastically lower, if not non-existent. While there’s much speculation about the reasons for the health of the residents of Vilcabamba, these are the most commonly cited.
Will McElwain
1. They enjoy a pleasantly mild climate year-round.
Vilcabamba Ecuador lies just south of the Equator. But, at an elevation averaging around 5,000 feet, its temperature is quite mild. Lows rarely dip below 65 degrees, and highs only reach a maximum of around 82 degrees Fahrenheit.
There is a wet season from October to May and a dry season, which runs from June to September. However, rivers that run into the valley from the surrounding mountains keep it green during those months as well.
The air in Vilcabamba is clean and pure. There’s one cell phone tower, so electromagnetic pollution is kept to a minimum. There are also no airplanes that fly over the peaceful valley, eliminating any chemtrail residue from the area.
Johan Christian
2. The water is clean and packed with minerals.
Of all the factors contributing to the well-being of the residents of Vilcabamba, few have been studied as much as its water supply, which scientists have declared to be the purest and healthiest in the world. Here’s a little hydrology lesson that explains why.
Vilcabamba is surrounded by the Podocarpus National Park, which is made up of untouched rainforests and claims to have microorganisms that predate the Ice Age. Among the park’s highest peaks lies a tundra with 14 lakes which hold water that melted from uncontaminated glacier ice. This “glacial milk,” as it’s called, contains metallic colloidal minerals.
During the rainy season, these lakes overflow and flood the tundra. The waters are filtered by the lush, untouched grasses and vegetation that make up the tundra. They then flow into pools and hundreds of waterfalls that cascade down from the mountains, giving the water a beneficially high negative ion count.
Once it reaches the valley, the water is collected and consumed by the residents of Vilcabamba. No preservatives or other chemicals are added. It doesn’t get any more natural than that.
Feona
3. They eat fresh, organic fruits and vegetables and not much else.
We mentioned the rivers that flow into Vilcabamba, providing water even for the dry season. The year-round availability of pure water allows the town’s growing season to span pretty much the entire year. When leaving the tundra, the water also carries with it humus, an organic matter than serves as nutrients for the plants that are grown in the village. As a result, the area’s produce has some of the highest antioxidant content in the world.
Keep in mind that Vilcabamba was almost completely unknown to the world until a few decades ago. In fact, until the 1960’s, there wasn’t even a road that led into the valley. As a result, the area has been protected from “civilization” and a lot of its vices. Chemical additives have never been a part of the area’s farming. And, until recently, no packaged or prepared foods could be found on its grocery store shelves.
Residents of Vilcabamba have traditionally enjoyed a diet of fresh produce, whole grains, seeds, and nuts. They eat little fat and almost no animal products.
Carlos Adampol Galindo
4. They lead active, hard-working lifestyles.
The people of Vilcabamba don’t exercise. They don’t have to. Almost all of the area’s residents are farmers. And the often rugged terrain requires them to hike up the slopes to pick fruits and till the soil on sloping hillsides.
They lead simple lives and have very little stress. The elderly are treated with great respect, and it’s considered an honor to have reached old age.
When you lay it all out there, it’s a simple formula really. Keep things natural and simple. Put good in, get good out. Work hard. Play hard. And respect your elders. These are the things that have drawn decades of expats to Vilcabamba. But unfortunately many have brought their old habits with them.
Stores now stock many packaged and processed foods. Drug and alcohol abuse are at an all time high among natives, and obesity has found its way onto the town’s short list of medical concerns. The locals welcome foreigners and even some of their advancements, but many hope more of them will start to help keep this little-known paradise closer to the way they found it.
fabulousfabs
Vilcabamba, Ecuador is pristine, clean, and natural. It is the type of place that begs you to slow down and enjoy life as long as you can.
Known also as the Valley of Longevity, some scientists believe the clean, mineral-rich water that flows from mountain streams and springs is akin to the fountain of youth. Or maybe the pure air itself keeps the ills of life away. Certainly, the climate has something to do with it.
Take a tour of the magical village of Vilcabamba, Ecuador, located in the Valley of Longevity.
Johan Christian Nielsen
High in the Ecuadorian Andes Mountains, less than 50 miles from the Peruvian border, lies the elevated valley of Vilcabamba Ecuador. With a name that means “Sacred Valley” in the language of the Incas, this haven was where the Incan rulers retreated for rejuvenation and renewal.
Today Vilcabamba Ecuador still claims to possess healing qualities and conditions that make it conducive to well-being and long-life. In fact, its modern-day nicknames include aliases such as the “Valley of Longevity.” Whether or not these claims are true, there’s no question that this hidden gem is an ideal destination for expats who are seeking a retreat that will nurture their bodies, minds, and souls.
The Locals Welcome You to Vilcabamba Ecuador
The people of Vilcabamba Ecuador are extremely friendly and very welcoming to the many visitors and expats who come to the area. Most of the locals are hard-working farmers who lead very active lifestyles well into their old age.
The area is also home to a number of foreigners, many of whom came to see for themselves the wonders of this South American “Shangri-La”…and just never left. Those who stayed now offer guided tours of the lush mountains, run Internet cafes in town, or host other visitors to the valley in rustic hotels.
While it’s necessary to learn Spanish in order to successfully integrate yourself into the local culture, the residents are exceedingly patient when communicating with foreigners. They’re always eager to slow their speech or use small words to help gringos better understand. Due to the increasing number of expats in the area, locals are also slowly beginning to learn English.
Vilcabamba’s Secret to Health and Happiness
In addition to the friendliness of the locals, they are also renowned for their vitality. Cited as one of the four healthiest populations on the planet, the people of Vilcabamba often live to be 100 or more, with some residents claiming to be as much as 120 years old.
Scientists and experts from all disciplines have studied the area’s residents for decades, only to reach a myriad of different conclusions. The natives’ lack of adequate records, combined with their frequent repetition of names, makes it difficult to ascertain the exact age of many of their people. This problem is also exacerbated by the fact that those of increased years have a tendency to exaggerate their age, as the elderly in Vilcabamba are treated with great honor and respect.
However, regardless of the validity of their claims of longevity, there is no question that the people of Vilcabamba Ecuador enjoy much healthier lives and lower instances of disease than almost anywhere in the world. Among the most common explanations for this are the residents’ hard-working lifestyles, the quality of the region’s water, the locals’ low-fat diets, and the excellent climate.
A Comfortable Climate that Promotes Healthy Eating
Whether or not there are any health benefits to Vilcabamba’s near-perfect climate, there’s no denying that it’s simply spectacular. Spring-like year-round, the temperature never falls below 65 degrees or rises above a high of 82 degrees Fahrenheit. As a result, there are virtually no buildings in the area with either air conditioning or heating units.
The region has a long rainy season, which lasts from October to May. However, even during the dry season (June to September), the two rivers that flow down from the mountains keep parts of the valley green. As a result, residents enjoy year-round supplies of organic locally-grown fruits and vegetables: oranges, blackberries, papayas, bananas, figs, avocados, macadamia nuts, almonds, and more.
The abundance of fresh produce has greatly contributed to the healthy diets of the residents of Vilcabamba. Likewise, its remote location and barriers to easy access have made it difficult for prepackaged foods and preservatives to find their way into the city.
The area is also almost completely free of pollution of any kind. Its water flows into the valley from the protected Podocarpus National Forest and is bottled and sold throughout Ecuador, as well as outside the country. Scientists proclaim it to be among the purest in the world. The area’s air quality, helped out partially by its 5,000 foot altitude, has also been studied by scientists who wondered if it contained some special property that promotes long life.
Lower Cost of Living than Much of Latin America
Another very attractive feature of Vilcabamba Ecuador is its affordable cost of living. As throughout much of Ecuador, residents can enjoy the benefits of living in paradise for a fraction of what it would cost to reside in a smoggy U.S. suburb.
While costs can vary, depending on your lifestyle, you could easily get by on as little as ¼ of what you would spend in the U.S. And that’s without sacrificing any of the perks. In fact, many of the same conveniences can be had for pennies on the dollar. Take for instance a gardener, who will often work for as little as $10-$15 per day.
Like everything else, property in Vilcabamba is very affordable. And the rawer it is, the better the bargain you can hope to score. Land with no roads, utilities, or other infrastructure is dirt cheap. However, if you’re looking for a place that’s already prepped for living or farming, you’ll pay more for the systems that are already in place.
IL Volvedor
Sights to See in and Around Vilcabamba
The city center of Vilcabamba Ecuador is charming and rustic, with cobblestone streets and tiled roofs. The town square is home to restaurants, shops, and cafes. On weekends, tables and tents line the sidewalks as the locals sell crafts to residents and visitors. Houses in the area are constructed of wood and adobe, with large courtyards.
Just outside of town, there’s the Yamburara recreation area, which is a small zoo that displays samples of much of the local flora and fauna. Exhibits include 30 species of orchids, macaws, peacocks, monkeys, and more.
The town is home to several resorts and spas, including the Madre Tierra (“Mother Earth”), a serene retreat that offers pools, restaurants, and a variety of spa treatments. Similarly, pampering services are popping up all over town, as foreigners and locals have begun offering facials, massages, and other treatments to those who come to Vilcabamba seeking rejuvenation.
The picturesque peaks that rise on all sides of Vilcabamba offer many opportunities for exploration on foot or bicycle or even horseback. Guided tours are offered, ranging from 1- to 7-day excursions. Popular destinations include Mandango, a sacred Incan site, as well as the nearby Podocarpus National Forest.
Along the way, you will see numerous waterfalls and unique plant and animal life as you trek through lush rainforests and across mountain ridges. The area is a perfect spot for artists, photographers, bird watchers, and nature-enthusiasts.
The Podocarpus National Forest begins at the valley’s edge and runs all the way to Peru and attracts scientists from all over the world. The Caxarumi Ecological Trail is another popular attraction just outside of the city. There is also a hummingbird garden to the south of the city, as well as a botanical garden in nearby Loja.
To the northeast of Vilcabamba is the town of Zamora, which is a large producer of cacao. Another popular outing is the trip to Malacatos, Vilcabamba’s nearest neighbor, which hosts a large outdoor market every Sunday.
It Still Has Its Own Share of Problems
While paradise for some, others have their share of complaints about Vilcabamba Ecuador. It’s understandable that, when a place gains such a wealth of attention for its climate and quality of life, people are naturally going to want to go there. As a result, the numbers of foreigners who both visit and relocate to Vilcabamba has risen in recent years.
Expats are buying land to build homes or resorts. While this has caused many costs to rise, it’s also affected the area in other ways. With the influx of foreigners has come the introduction of certain aspects of their lifestyles. Drug and alcohol use has increased in the area, as has the presence of processed foods and the incidence of obesity.
Many locals, and even expats who want the area to stay as it was, complain that the increasing number of foreign residents is detracting from the very serenity to which the natives attribute their longevity.
On the flip side, when expats come, so does infrastructure and other improvements. So for every local who’s perturbed by the changes being effected by foreigners, there’s another who’s grateful for their influence. Many expats who move to the area create jobs for locals or impact the community in other positive ways.
While the expat who’s hoping for an authentic experience may be a bit disappointed by the new developments in Vilcabamba, those looking for all the modern conveniences may also want to reconsider. While it has all the essentials you need to get by, Vilcabamba has no Walmart and no shopping malls. To some this may be a good thing, but to others it could be a deal breaker.
Summary
From its friendly locals and opportunities for exploration to its breathtaking scenery and ideal climate, it’s no wonder Vilcabamba Ecuador has been attracting expats and tourists for decades. And even if the waters surrounding Vilcabamba Ecuador don’t spring from some mythical fountain of youth, it’s still a darn good place to live or visit.
If a return to the pure, simple life sounds ideal to you, maybe you should check out Vilcabamba Ecuador. Just be advised: You may never want to come back home.