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Ecuador
🇪🇨Ecuador

Getting There — Visa

Retirement (Pensionado) Visa — requires just $1,446/mo pension income (Social Security qualifies), no age minimum. 2-year temporary permit, then permanent residency after 21 months. Professional Visa — for remote workers or self-employed, requires $1,446/mo income proof. One of the lowest income thresholds in the world.

Cost of Living

60-70% less than US major cities — one of the cheapest countries on this list. Cuenca runs $1,200-1,800/mo for a couple including private healthcare. Uses the US dollar.

Key Fact

Ecuador uses the US dollar and has no currency exchange risk. The average US Social Security payment ($1,900/mo) comfortably exceeds the visa requirement and covers a good lifestyle. Cuenca has a massive American expat community with English-speaking services.

Explore

Top Attractions in Ecuador

Must-see destinations that make Ecuador unforgettable

Galapagos Islands
Galapagos

Galapagos Islands

Where Darwin formulated natural selection — giant tortoises, blue-footed boobies, sea lions on park benches, and marine iguanas that ignore your presence. Wildlife encounters unlike anywhere else.

Quilotoa Crater Lake
Cotopaxi Province

Quilotoa Crater Lake

A turquoise volcanic crater lake at 12,800 feet. The multi-day Quilotoa Loop trek passes through Indigenous Kichwa communities — one of South America's most beloved hikes.

Cotopaxi Volcano
Near Quito

Cotopaxi Volcano

One of the world's highest active volcanoes at 19,347 feet — a nearly perfect snow-capped cone. Hiking to the refuge at 15,750 feet is a popular day trip from Quito.

Banos de Agua Santa
Tungurahua

Banos de Agua Santa

Ecuador's adventure capital wedged between an active volcano and a dramatic gorge. White-water rafting, canyoning, and a cycling route from Andes to Amazon.

Old Town Quito
Quito

Old Town Quito

The largest and best-preserved historic district in the Americas — ornate baroque churches, gilded convents, and the Church of La Compania covered entirely in gold leaf.

Cuenca Historic Center
Cuenca

Cuenca Historic Center

One of South America's finest colonial centers with four cathedrals including the iconic blue-domed New Cathedral overlooking riverside parks.

Cities

Most Popular Cities in Ecuador

Where Americans are choosing to live

Cuenca

Cuenca

Pop. 460K

Ecuador's #1 expat destination — over 10,000 North Americans. Perfect spring-like climate (72°F year-round), colonial beauty, $1,600-2,000/month for a retired couple.

Quito

Quito

Pop. 2.7M

The world's second-highest capital at 9,350 feet with perpetual 55-65°F spring. More urban services than Cuenca, direct flights to the US, 20-30% more expensive.

Manta

Manta

Pop. 290K

Growing Pacific coast city overlooked by expats who default to the highlands. Warm tropical weather, affordable seafood, and beach access at $1,200-1,800/month.

Vilcabamba

Vilcabamba

Pop. 5K

The 'Valley of Longevity' with an alternative-lifestyle expat community — organic farmers and holistic health practitioners. Live well under $1,000/month.

Cotacachi

Cotacachi

Pop. 9K

Small Andean leather-craft town with active North American retirement community. Between two crater lakes with excellent hiking and significantly cheaper than Cuenca.

Explore Cities in Ecuador

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Quito40 listingsCuenca18 listingsGuayaquil12 listingsManta5 listings