Ecuador: A First-Person Journey into Culture, Comfort, and a New Beginning
Four Worlds in One Country
The Climate, the Colors, the Culture
Living in Ecuador is a sensory experience. The smell of roasted corn from a street cart, the vivid colors of indigenous textiles, the joyful rhythms of a local festival—it all becomes part of your day-to-day life.
The culture is rich, authentic, and alive. In towns large and small, you’ll find vibrant community celebrations: Carnaval with its music and dance, Inti Raymi honoring the sun god with traditional rituals, and quiet weekly markets full of fresh produce and handmade goods.
Culinary life here is another delight. From fresh ceviche on the coast to hearty locro soup in the mountains, Ecuadorian food is both affordable and delicious.
More and more international restaurants are popping up in expat-friendly towns like Olón, Mindo, Cotacachi and Cuenca, meaning you don’t have to give up your global palate.
Living Costs and Daily Life
Compared to North America, the cost of living in Ecuador is remarkably low. Whether you’re living on a pension, working remotely, or investing in local opportunities, your dollar stretches much further here.
This lower cost of living doesn’t mean “going without”—it means living well. Eating out more often, having a housekeeper or gardener, traveling within the country. Ecuador makes everyday comforts accessible, not extravagant.
Healthcare: A Pleasant Surprise
Let’s talk about one of the biggest fears people have when relocating: healthcare. I’ll be honest—I was concerned too. But Ecuador surprised me in the best way possible.
Whether you go with the public system (IESS) or choose private care, the quality is solid. I’ve seen modern hospitals, clean clinics, and well-trained, often bilingual doctors. And the best part? It’s incredibly affordable.
- General doctor visit: $30–$50
- Dental cleaning: under $50
- Public health insurance: less than $100/month
- Surgeries and specialist visits: a fraction of U.S. prices
In the larger cities such as Cuenca, Guayaquil and Quito, there are clusters of highly rated hospitals and English-speaking medical professionals—many of whom trained abroad.
Getting Around: Transportation & Accessibility
Residency & Legal Aspects
If you’re seriously considering relocating to Ecuador, one of the best things you’ll find is how relatively easy it is to obtain residency—especially compared to other countries.
One popular option is the Investor Visa, which can be obtained through purchasing property. This not only gives you a new home but a legal foothold in the country.
Investor Visa Requirements:
- Investment requirement: Currently around $48,000 in real estate or deposit
- Residency process: Paperwork, criminal background checks, and a local bank account
- Temporary residency: Valid for two years and easily renewable
- Permanent residency: After 21 months with minimal exit restrictions
With the guidance of the vetted professionals vetted by The Amy Prisco Agency, you can navigate the entire process step-by-step.
Where Should You Live?
Salinas
A modern coastal escape, Salinas offers beachfront living, city comforts, and a lively social scene. Enjoy sunny days, stunning sunsets, and an active expat community right by the Pacific.
Ruta Spondylus
Stretching along Ecuador’s coast, the Ruta Spondylus connects vibrant beach towns, fishing villages, and surf spots. Ideal for explorers seeking beauty, variety, and coastal charm.
Northern Coast
From Atacames to Mompiche, Ecuador’s northern coast is full of laid-back beaches, Afro-Ecuadorian culture, and surfing spots. A hidden gem for those craving warm waters and authentic coastal life.
Mindo
A lush cloud forest paradise just outside Quito, Mindo is perfect for nature lovers. Waterfalls, butterflies, and birdwatching meet cozy cafés and adventure tours in this peaceful mountain escape.
Cotacachi
Famous for its artisan leather goods and mountain serenity, Cotacachi charms with small-town life, breathtaking views, and a deep-rooted indigenous culture. A peaceful haven for mindful living.
Cuenca
Known for its cobblestone streets and vibrant expat scene, Cuenca offers a relaxed lifestyle with world-class healthcare, a thriving arts culture, and a welcoming community nestled in the mountains.
Building Community in Ecuador
“Moving abroad can feel lonely at first—but in Ecuador, community builds quickly and naturally. The expat networks are strong, especially in places like Cuenca, Salinas, Cotacachi, and Olón. But what’s beautiful is that the community here is optional, not obligatory. You can be as social—or as quiet—as you like.”
There are hobby groups, book clubs, hiking meetups, cooking classes, and weekly social events that make meeting people easy. Many expats also volunteer with local organizations, giving back while integrating into the local culture.
I found immense support through The Amy Prisco Agency—not just in property guidance, but in introducing me to locals, recommending trusted contacts, and connecting me to others making the same leap. Their role was invaluable in helping me settle in and thrive.