Ecuador for retirement or relocation: Are you out of your freaking mind?

Over the years Ecuador has had a history tumultuous politics and governmental instability. So who would seriously consider relocation there?

Recent massive protests (September and October 2019) between disenchanted Ecuadorians and the government have left hundreds of protestors injured. More than half of Ecuador’s 15 million people still live in poverty. They majority of this group are the country’s indigenous people who have been second-class citizens and disenfranchised through the country’s history.

Ecuador is also crime-ridden due to its precarious economy and not surprisingly tainted by corruption (number 33 in the world) at all levels. A popular expat blogger who lives there recently wrote,” pIckpockets, muggings are on the rise because people are desperate. Violent crime is not as common as in the U.S. although petty crime is widespread as in many poor countries.” Although, a businessman who I knew from his days in Costa Rica, was brutally murdered after setting up a shop in Ecuador.

Cuenca is really popular among expats but is located at a high-attitude which can make it difficult for anyone with allergies or breathing problems.

Political stability is the most important factor for anyone about thinking about investing money in property or a home. Unfortunately, if you have a small pension or income you may have no other choice but move to a country with a low cost of living. But as we say in Spanish, “Lo barato sale caro” ………”You get what you pay for.”

Getting to Ecuador is another obstacle. No matter where you live in the US or Canada, it may take more than one day to travel to Ecuador, especially Cuenca. Many of my former clients explore several retirement options before making their ultimate choice. All of them have stated categorically that it isn’t easy to get to Ecuador and for that reason they would not relocate there. On the other, Costa Rica is accessible in less than a day from most parts of North America.

In an effort to lure tourists and potential retirees Ecuador even adopted the motto “Life in a pure state” which is striking similar to Costa Rica’s famous “Pura Vida.”

I am sure that many people have lived there retirement dream in Ecuador, but the above will attest to the fact that Ecuador is not the best place to live or retire in Latin America. Costa Rica is not as affordable Ecuador but for retirement/relocation, but is a far better choice. Its great lifestyle, political stability, No military, year-round spring-like weather, large expat community, good medical care, stellar international reputation, track record and so much more combine to put it at the top of the list of retirement havens.

Just do your due diligence the right way if you plan on coming here to live.