We’re Leaving Ecuador After 1.5 Years: Here’s Why (Dave and Robin Zinck)
Reading Time: 7 minutes This is part of our Ecuador Expats Series.
Update: Since submitting this article, David and Robin have left Ecuador and are now back in Canada.
We’re Leaving Ecuador After 1.5 Years (Here’s Why)
David and Robin Zinck
Video of Vilcabamba, Ecuador
Where are you currently living?
We are Robin and Dave Zinck, a semi-retired couple originally from Nova Scotia, on the east coast of Canada.
We live in the small, southern city of Loja, nestled in the Cuxibamba Valley. The elevation is about 7,000 feet, providing us with an almost perfect climate. We’ve lived here for 7 months.
What’s Your Story?
We started our Ecuador adventures on January 2nd, 2016, in the village of San Jacinto on the central coast, located between Bahia de Caraquez and Manta.
We moved south to the small fishing town of Puerto Lopez soon after and stayed there until our experience with the April earthquake.
Our apartment was unlivable after the quake. We found temporary lodging with our neighbors – thanks, Veronica and Alex! After several sleepless nights, two large aftershocks, and seeing people sleeping in the streets, afraid their houses might collapse, we decided to move away.
We moved to Girón, another small town, located in the Andes just south of Cuenca in the Yunguilla Valley. We loved Girón – the friendly people and the fantastic scenery.
We visited El Chorro waterfalls, Laguna de Busa, hiked on the many backroads around town, and experienced a 3-week party during the Festival of the Bulls.
After 6 months of exploring the area, with frequent visits to Cuenca, we decided to check out Loja, liked what we saw, and moved again.
When and where did you get the idea of living in Ecuador?
We got the idea of moving to Ecuador after reading an article in Readers Digest magazine. After many months of research, we sold our house and moved.
We needed a change. We were tired of the endless winters in Nova Scotia, wanted to semi-retire, and we were long overdue for an adventure.
After living in Ecuador for about a year and a half, we’ve decided to move back to Canada. We will be driving our old camper-van across the country to settle on Vancouver Island where the winters are tolerable. Our decision was mixed – I wanted to stay, Robin was not happy.
How’s your Spanish?
My Spanish is coming along OK – Robin not so much. I still have a very difficult time understanding – I think my most used phrase is “no entiendo” (I don’t understand), followed by “habla mas despacio, por favor” (talk slower please).
Ecuadorians are mostly great people and are patient with us, but not being able to have a normal conversation is the biggest drawback for us. I do know enough to make myself understood in most situations – but only if I have the time to think about what I want to say.
We studied before we arrived, but obviously not enough. Unless you plan to be among only people who speak your language, and not associate with Spanish-speaking locals, my advice is to reach a conversational level before moving here.
It will make your experience so much more enjoyable.
We think it is of the utmost importance to learn the language of the country in which you’re going to live. If you don’t, you’ll feel as we do – isolated – making good friends only with other English speaking people, few of whom are Ecuadorian.
We meet so many interesting people on our walks through the countryside and would just love to ask them questions – to learn more about them and their way of life – to have normal conversations.
More reading: The Best Book to Learn Spanish (Reader’s Choice)
Learn more about the beaches in Ecuador.
How do you make your living?
We receive a small pension and have savings. I work online, writing articles, and we both work on our blogs and Facebook pages (links to both at top of post) to keep us occupied.
How’s the cost of living in Ecuador?
The cost of living here is much lower than in Nova Scotia. We live comfortably on less than $1000 per month – not including travel and adventure expenses, which are reasonably priced.
The cost of living is more or less what we expected. Imported items, such as North American ketchup and peanut butter, imported liquor, etc., are surprisingly costly. We simply buy local products and save.
The almost perfect climate of Andean towns such as Girón and Loja negates the need for heat or air conditioning. Electricity, propane, and water bills are very low. Rent is less than half of what we’d pay in small-town Nova Scotia for a comparable house or apartment.
What do you love about Ecuador?
We love the friendly people, the climate, the scenery, and the fresh fruit and veggies that are available year-round.
Transportation is great and cheap, although mountain bus rides can be kind of scary by times.
We love the many year-round adventures available, along with the countless cultural events. We can’t get enough of some of the local foods such as “chivo al hueco” (goat-in-the-hole), repe (green banana soup) and hornado (whole pig roasted over pure charcoal). Did I mention the scenery?
Why did you decide to leave Ecuador?
Yes, there are differences. I suppose we should mention the negative side of living in Ecuador – and some of the reasons we are leaving…
Language. This is numero uno. It would take us a long time to get to a conversational level in Spanish – to be able to make good Ecuadorian friends, to joke and laugh at parties. We try, we really do, but it’s simply impossible at this point.
We miss our freedom. Living behind bars and concrete walls strung with electrified wires is not our lifestyle. We’re used to living in a farmhouse with lots of outdoor space, leaving the doors unlocked through the day. While we have never had any problems, we are so obviously foreigners, assumed to be rich, and could be targeted for thieves. Security is unavoidable here.
We really miss camping, campfires, and fishing. There are surprisingly few easily accessible lakes, and campgrounds are rare. There are several trout lakes high up in the mountains, but we haven’t found any nearby trout brooks, rivers, or lakes for fishing. Backcountry hiking and camping are possible in some places such as national parks.
We miss our families and friends too. We did plan on yearly visits if we stayed – you need to budget for this before moving. You will miss them!
Ecuador Resources We’ve Used
We used several resources for our research before making our decision to move. We checked it out through reading blogs – Gringos Abroad our favorite – and joined several Facebook groups where we read many posts about life in Ecuador.
We also bought a few books, and read online newspaper articles, etc.
Final Thoughts
We’ve had many great experiences in Ecuador, including:
- horseback riding in the mountains near Vilcabamba
- the flowering of the Guayacan trees in Mangahurco
- a boat trip to Isla de la Plata close to Puerto Lopez
- the 1st Festival of the Arts in Loja
- Carnaval
- partying in Montanita, and much more.
We’ve met a lot of great Ecuadorians – as well as other gringos. Our point of view has changed – we now know how immigrants feel, especially ones struggling with a different language. We’ll look at people who have moved to Canada from other countries differently now.
We have only one regret with our decision to live in Ecuador – we didn’t get to explore the entire country…
Your Turn
Have a question for Dave and Robin – about living in Ecuador or why they are leaving Ecuador? Join them in the comments!
We visited Ecuador 3 times before we decided to buy property here. We went everywhere except to Esmeraldes province and the amazon. We sold our farm in Missouri and bought a cacao farm outside of Jama in August. We are getting ready to retire in 3-5 years. We plan to spend part of the year in the states and part of the year here. We are renting a place in Jama until we build our house on the farm. There’s no electrified fence around the place we are staying. We are right in the village amongst the locals. I walk to the store by myself without being afraid. I studied spanish online with Babbel for a year. I am still using the program and am getting better because I am here actually getting to use the language. Yes, there are drawbacks but we like the laidback lifestyle here.
@Liz, Hi Liz, My husband and I are from Ozark County,Missouri and we are currently living in South Dakota.My husband will retire from his job here in August of 2024.We are considering moving to Ecuador.We also want to have rural land.I would very much like to have communication with a rural expat.
Hola, I live in Nanaimo right now and have for 34 years, I am thinking of retiring to Ecuador, maybe Cotacatchi, my Spanish is pretty good, where on the island do you live? maybe we can connect and you can answer some of my questions. How much Canadian dollars did you have to show for income? Thank you Shirley
David and Robin, hope you guys are now resettled someplace and content with BC. My question is pretty basic re: infrastructure in the towns and cities of Ecuador. There was cholera outbreak first in Peru, then Ecuador in the early ’90s I believe. Is there waste water treatment in general, or do they just pipe raw sewage out to sea the way Victoria, BC did this for many years? That irked the downstream residents in Port Angeles, WA and disgusted everyone that I knew who lived in Victoria.
And did you experience any of the seasonal allergies the way some of us do here in Canada?
I lived in Delta, BC during the ’90s and left because it was getting too expensive back then but I loved it there. Wish I could’ve stayed.
I get the language barrier. Why didn’t you hire a tutor? Apparently personal security was a real concern? Would you say more so for retirees?
@Mike, yes at least its yrue 4 me in Asia im moving too place has changed alot sine plandemic… Lots of hungry folks n hard looks
my husband has an autoimmune smdisease… psoriatic arthritis.. he often finds it unbearable and is in great joint pain. He has chosen not to do meds because of potential side effects. He very seriously wants to sell everything we own and move to Equador because of weather and less stress. He does not speak the language or any language other than English. He is 65 and will lose his medicare benefits. I would like to visit however have no desire to move to another country. Please share your honest thoughts. Thanks
I have been reading about people wanting to live in some other country. I have been to many countries from Northern China to South Australia and New Zealand. Spent seven years working with a company in Osaka, Japan, lived in the Philippines for about 10 years. I am now 81 years old and still working owning 2 businesses. I even for many years escorted people into countries that were safe to go to. I have been in many places myself that are not safe but will not take people into. I have learned to speak other languages basically and learned the cultures and customs. My advise is before you go making some permanent move without learning the things I mentioned you are very foolish especially when each one that goes is from the same place. If you have health issues then do not go. Spend at least 2-3 years learning what you need to know so you do not stick out like an alien. Myself I could go anyplace and do fine but very few people are like me. Finding yourself in a minefield trying to figure out which direction to go is a death sentence. Being an average person considering a move find a tour guide to take you there preferably someone that speaks the language.
Learn also how to defend yourself from thieves and criminals that want to steal all you have. I have had machine guns pointed at me and knives that wanted to cut me in pieces. I even had the real possibility of going to a prison camp in China, plus many other situations. I have been shot at many times. You have to watch for pickpockets and how they operate such as sitting next to you on a bus or in a crowded place and stealing your belongings and handing them off to someone else. I could write a book about all the things I learned. Do not ever think moving to some foreign country is like moving to another town where you live. If you have questions just email me. I do not like to hear about bad things that happen to unsuspecting people.
@Jerry, where are you today? would love to have a chat with you.
@Jerry, Hi Jerry I’m looking at trying to move some place is there any place that you would recommend I’m really wanting to move outside To a Country that is less automative than the United States or Europe reporter Canada something that’s kind of out of there out of the technology centers What might you suggest I’m a single woman 60 years old darlinglchristine @yahoo.com
I found you remark that you now know how other immigrants feel when in a new, strange country. You fail to mention that you are a self-supporting immigrant not a public assistance requiring type. I am sure if you attempting to go on any type of public funded assistance, you would find a totally different atmosphere. I believe you even had to show proof of the ability to support yourselves to even enter the country.
BOO to the person with the FALSE stereotype of immigrants on welfare. (Assuming the context is USA where it is illegal for undocumented immigrants to get public assistance.) As for Ecuador, to get a visa, you have to prove an income of only $800 per month. (Plus a hundred for each dependent.)
@John,I’m sorry to burst your bubble but millions of illegals here in the US get public assistance, esp.in California. They go to our clinics, emergency rooms, are transported free by ambulance, go to our schools, etc. I believe some of the liberals, (Democrats) have put some bad information in your ear while knowing their party will reap future votes. Better wake up my friend.
Everyone needs to do their own research. I think my husband and I needed to do more. We have been here two years and plan to return to the U.S. FIRST of all, step back in time 50 years sometimes in a good way sometimes not so much. SECOND, the language. THIRD, Ecuadorians are nice, but are not thrilled at being your friend as much as they are indeed thrilled that you are a rich gringo. FOURTH, our primary reason for leaving is that there is NO and I mean ZERO SUN for 6 months. So the person below in the comments asking about how much sun, is great and the answer is that from June until December there is no sun to be found. You can’t even find it in the sky as the clouds are so thick. I am referring to coastal towns now, not sure about sun throughout all Ecuador. We stayed in Salinas for several months and the trash and dogs are crazy. The Guayaquil folks that come into town on the weekends make it more insane and the trash in the streets and beaches just grows. FIFTH, crazy amounts of trash everywhere. Folks unwrap something and throw the wrapper on the ground period. We spent time in Montanita and Olon, BOTH yes, BOTH are party towns for the Guayaquil folks every weekend and holiday. This is fantastic for the locals in the towns and hell on the rest of us that don’t want to fiesta every night until 6am. SIXTH, these coastal towns are not cheap. We live in the heart of town, not in the gringo section because that part of town costs $1500 monthly rents, plus $80 wifi, plus electric and water which are cheap. SEVENTH, we just cannot find enough to do here. We walk and walk on the streets, on the beach, we swim, we surf and yet there is just nothing to do or even get involved with here. The final reason we are leaving is that we can live a warm, sunny, peaceful life for the same price as here, then why not return to an environment where we won’t feel like targets. It is a fantastic place to visit, but those that claim it is the end all be all are not being honest. I am not referring to this couple, they seem genuine, but to youtube folks that stretch the truth about South America where I have seen photos of my own coastal town that I barely recognize as they are photoshopped. So again do your homework because visas and cedulas are costly!
@Mary Jones, Thank you for your honest review much appreciated.
Hi Dave and Robin,
I am thinking of moving to Nova Scotia and as an American i
living in Washington state I am curious if you have any cautions or advantages of such a move.
Thank you Dee
It is September 2020 and my husband and I are also leaving Ecuador after one year. The people and temperatures are nice, the prices cheaper than the U.S. or Canada. However, we are sacrificing the quality of life things we would like to know in our old age. Even though we are poor pensioners by U.S. standards-living on $12,000 year we obviously stand out and are targets, so ditto to that. We cannot engage in meaningful conversations, ditto on that point as well. One other thing is that Ecuador is the loudest place we have ever lived. We have lived in one city and two towns this last year. The fiestas are every month and go until 6am-you will NOT be able to sleep through it. The tourist season is Jan to April and you will never sleep during those months. Get used to it or get out. Finally, for those wanting the adventure, do your homework. Those on Facebook and Youtube are using Photoshop to fancy up the pictures. The reality is that Ecuador is a 3rd world country – those that smile and say it is all great and wonderful are merely trying to convenience themselves (and maybe you) that they made a good choice and don’t you wish to be us-smiling and happy in Ecuador-simply envy. In the end, we did our research and tried to make the best choice for us, but sometimes things don’t turn out as planned. We will return to the U.S and maybe get a mobile home or RV somewhere cheap and peaceful.
DO NOT move to nova scotia , it is the most expensive place to live in canada, vancouver island would be the place to go….
He says sarcastically…
@Stephanie Smith, Thank you for your honesty.I am not interested in walking all over a town looking for cheap food when I can cook it at home for cheaper.Also seems the sidewalks leave a lot to be desired.
@Stephanie Smith,
How will you live in the US on $12,000/year? Used RV’s aren’t cheap and there’s a cost for renting a space, in a park or campground. Food prices are higher too.
Julie in San Diego County
Hi to you both!
My question comes from the other side of the coin. I am an Ecuadorian living in Canada. I got my Canadian citizenship last January 🙂
However, I am missing my home in Ecuador and I wanted to see if you have ideas on how to work remotely so I can spend more time in Ecuador but also be able to live in Canada for the remainder of the year.
I.E. I would ideally like to work in Canada for 6-9 months of the year and then be able to work/ live in Ecuador for at least 3 months of the year (they can be spread out).
I’ve lived in Canada for the last 14 years but it is getting harder now that my parents are getting older and I feel I have limited time with them.
Any thoughts? I would love to chat with you – please email me at hbgny@stu.ca.
Thank you!!
my question is that if you suppose to leave your home country Canada, which country you like to settle, again Equador or any other country. Is vilcabamba is best place for permanent living?
Interested in knowing if you got all the shots recommended for travel to Ecuador?
I read your article and found it informative and interesting. The pics are GREAT.
My father served in the Navy and was attached to the US Embassy in Quito…1958-1961. When we first moved there I was 10 and placed in a local school. ‘Emmersion spanish’ was impossible. We kids were moved to the school- Alliance Academy -where some 200 kids, all English speaking, were housed. It was a great experience.
We lived in large home, across the street from what would become the ‘Plaza de Toros’ – actually watched as it was built and saw many bullfights. The area , from what I can tell from recent photos,
has grown up since we lived there. Our home was in the direct flight of aircraft arriving and leaving the airport. Watched many an airplane fly over…we could see the tire treads.
I have wanted to go back and visit…but perhaps memories should stay just as they are.
I appreciate your efforts to document your experience.
I think you want to return & you should.
Great post that I’m glad I discovered.
You’re absolutely right Dave, Ecuador is really, really challenging if you don’t speak Spanish. It’s a good place to learn Spanish if you go to school there because Ecuadorians in general speak slower than many others in South America (I speak pretty good Spanish and struggled in Chile, Argentina, and Colombia). Coupled with the fact that you can find someone that speaks English in Bogota, Santiago, Lima, or Buenos Aires. In Quito? Nope. Guayaquil? Heck no. Cuenca and Vilcabamba, sure.
It’s an amazing country roughly the size of Colorado that has everything from a 22,000 ft ice covered volcano, rain forests, glaciers, gorgeous beaches. But it’s definitely a different culture. It’s refreshing and infuriating at the same time. I never exactly felt unsafe but it’s weird seeing security guards with HUGE rifles guarding ATMs in grocery stores. The Ecuador government really really really encourages people to buy local, to the detriment of North American imports. We found Campbells Soup at the Supermaxi for like $8 a can, peanut butter was $9, Pace Picante Sauce (we could only find in Quito at Mi Comisarriato) we found for $12.
But if you ate just Ecuadorian food (called comida tipica), you could do it for like $2 a plate. Head to a mercado located in most towns (Loja’s was our favorite) where you find fresh meat, fresh fish, SOOOO much fresh fruit and veggies, fresh flowers, and food stalls.
And no offense to Colombia, but if you haven’t had Ecuadorian coffee, you haven’t had coffee. Hot milk added to hot coffee? QUE RICO!
The government is slow and non-helpful. I wasn’t robbed but I made the mistake of dropping my wallet in a nearly empty bus in Vilcabamba and a kid grabbed it and jumped out the door. My fault. With that said, I never felt unsafe or uncomfortable there, but if I hadn’t had spoken Spanish, it would have been very difficult to assimilate.
But I will agree, there are sometimes you’re white knuckled while in a bus or a taxi. Lane lines on the street or highway are merely a suggestion. Ecuadorians have absolutely no patience. As soon as the light turns green, like the very instant, you hear a cacophony of horns honking that mimic New York. Speaking of traffic, police cars ALWAYS have their emergency lights on (never quite figured that out) and no one gets out of the way of ambulances or fire trucks.
But, the amazing sights and smells, the fresh food, buying 3 avocadoes (the size of papayas) at a stop light for $1, eating bolones verdes in the morning, or humitas con café in the afternoon?
When can I go back? 🙂
I live your comment, I can feel your love for my country!!! All the best for you,
Diana
love *
Dear Dave and Robin Zinck,
I’m living in Arabian Gulf, and I also live behind bars and razor wire. But no worries, because this is not my home country and living here for earning my good bucks and daily bread. If we are away from our home country, then this is the situation most probably.
Do you mean to say that all non-Ecuadorians live behind bars and a great wall with electrified wires? Had you been robbed or threatened at all during your stay there? Please, can you reply, because my husband and I are seriously considering moving to Ecuador within the next year.
Shelly, I lived in Cotacachi for two years, it is just different there. You do have to be aware of security, whether you live in a gated complex or not. And unless you have bars on the windows and are heavily fortified, you probably will not want to leave your house alone if you are leaving town, you will need someone to watch it. Crime is not rampant, but it does occur, and as a foreigner, you are automatically noticed, and may be perceived as rich and a good target, you need to be aware and act accordingly. There are some small units of a few apartments in town that may be less visible and under the radar. I lived in one of the main “gringo” developments, the houses were lovely, so were the views. When we went away, we hired someone to stay there and keep and eye on things.
(As for English, there are many expats in Cotacachi who do not speak Spanish.)
Hi Ellie,
Did you enjoy living in Cotacachi, and if you did, why did you leave? And what was Cotacachi like?
Living in Abbotsford BC currently but seriously looking at Ecuador for retirement. We have a few yrs before that happens so just in the planning research stage.
If you are in the Lower mainland/Vancouver Island area currently Aug 2018, would love to get together for coffee and chat about your experiences
Cheers!
Karla
Hey, Karla! We’re exploring Vancouver Island right now. We love it and plan to stay here. We’re currently close to Duncan. If you’re over this way, let us know and we can chat. You can contact us through our website or Facebook page listed in this post.
Dave
Hi there, it is now September 2020 and I am writing from Campbell river. Are you still in Duncan? We are considering a semi retirement in Ecuador and would like to bend your ear on your perspectives
Interesting choice to move back to Canada. There are still lots of other place in S.A. to live where the people are friendly, the climate is great, the scenery is awesome and the people speak English. It might be a natural choice to go back to whats most familiar but it ruins the whole reason for the move in the first place. I’d say, don’t give up your goals of S.A living, just re-calibrate and make some adjustments. Panama and Belize come to mind.
I suggest you check out Colombia. Armenia, Colombia, is a good place to start, better than Cuenca. Find people who know by google. The education level is high in Colombia, and you are more likely to find university students to teach English to. Bogota is a large city, but there are other cities just as good but smaller and more friendly. Medellin is my personal choice, but I mentioned Armenia because a good source, probably the best and most honest, lives there. His name is Lauren, and is from the Great Lakes area, retired.
This article was a bit discouraging to read. I am retiring soon, and must live someplace I can afford on my small pension. I am looking into Ecuador, Mexico, Peru, Portugal, and Spain. Clearly, learning the language of the country where I will live is key. I know enough about learning languages to be aware that 1.5 years is not long enough. I hope I don’t give up that quickly. But, of course, I will have the extra incentive of not being able to afford to return to the US, so I hope I will be at peace with my decision to relocate. Wherever I end up, I will look for someone with whom to do a language lesson exchange. Learning the language has to be kind of like going to work — something you have to do to survive.
Spanish is very easy. Believe me, it will not take a year and a half to learn it well enough to speak easily. Start off with a basic grammar and vocabulary book, from home for a few moths until you master the basics. Like the simple endings of words. And go to Duolingo on line, and take it from there. In LESS than a year you will easily communicate in Spanish. It is the easiest language. I prefer the Black Sea area, but Russian is a lot more difficult.
@Carlos Baralt, I can’t agree with you that Spanish is “the easiest language”. For one thing, the grammar is very complicated, much more complicated than English, for example.
@Roger, Exactly. It takes a long time to learn the verb conjugations and the M/F endings. When you are older, it’s much harder. I have a learning disability but I keep trying to learn. I suppose I will be able to have real conversation in Spanish when I’m 100 years old. 😀
I am sick of the fast paced life, overpopulation and traffic. I am in search of a quiet, laid back, green and warm location to build myself a small homestead. Had been seriously considering Vilcabomba, however it sounds like it’s being exploited. Still am planning on visiting in May for several weeks to check it out. Are there other quiet little towns in the area that anyone can recommend for me to check out while I am there?
I will be there in May also to check it out – going from Vilcabamba in the South to Ibarra in the North. I am particularly interested in the Yunguilla Valley – just south of cuenca
and the Pukakuna Gardens not far from Quito airport.
Pacacuna Gardens is beautiful! I am thinking in buying a villa there, check out Cotacachi as well.
Sorry your experience is ending. Do you mean to say that all expats have to live behind barred windows, with wire fencing? were you ever robbed? Did you not feel safe in any of the places you lived? Now I am a bit scared. If you were to do it again, what would you do differently?
Happy New Year
Shelly
Hello everyone,
I would appreciate if someone would explain the difference between Chippipe, San Lorenzo, Punta Carnero, La Libertad, Anconcito and Ayangue.
I believe Punta Carnero is an island. How far is it from Salinas?
Do you take a ferry?
We plan to go to Salinas for a month or 2 and I would like to know which area of the city is better.
We are living in Costa Rica now.
Thanks.
No difference, all those are coastal towns located in Santa Elena province, reacheable by car or bus easily; well, Chippipe, San Lorenzo, Punta Carnero and Ayangue are quite touristic in beach season, so expect to see a lot of people there, Libertad and Anconcito are less touristic but still there you can find all you need for living.
Thank you for sharing your experiences. What I appreciate most in this post is your acknowledgment of what it now feels like being an immigrant in a new country and not knowing the language. I am US born with Ecuadorian parents. I now live in Ecuador but I didn’t kid myself – I knew I was full gringa. I just wanted to say thanks for the migrant recognition and your helpful travel posts. All the best with the new move.
Hi folks, thanks for sharing your experience. I have two questions – first, where were the scary mountain bus rides? Are you talking about side trips into the high Andes, or are you talking about standard trips such as from Loja to Cuenca?
Second, did you feel the need for the electrified wires / living behind bars due to a sense of insecurity when you lived in the city of Loja?
Hey Brent. The bus rides were the scariest in the mountains – both the coastal and Andes mountains. Not all rides were bad, most were quite enjoyable with fantastic scenery. It depends a lot on the driver – some are in a great rush. We were on a city bus in Loja outside a mercado when our bus driver got impatient with the bus ahead of him, blew the horn several times, then rammed into it – actually quite funny. Drivers are mostly impatient and some take risks and pass where they shouldn’t… In answer to your 2nd question – yes, we did feel the need for security in Loja.
Hello My name is Anna I am retired and 60 years old live alone with 2 small dogs. Moving alone scares me somewhat but I only speak Hungarian and English. I recently was inquireing about a home developer building homes at reasonable prices. I stuggle with the notion of buying or renting. I think renting then perhaps buying later would be best. Do you know of any single persons traveling and up rooting to Equador. I have looked at Belize a lot over the last 10 years but find that more crime is present there lately. I live in Ottawa Ont and have been all over Nova Scotis loved it stayed in Tanamagush Probably missed spelled it. Any way, I am fed up with the cold winters in Canada and do not want to have a mortgage and have to pay rent at the same time, so I am still trying to figure out options. I have ago of income and a far bit saved too. I could live well abroad I just don’t want to have to have a mortgage any more in Canada the cost of living is so much higher here. So if you know of any single expects that have made the move or explored Equador or other destinations please let me know. Anna
Hi Anna
I’m a 61yo Brit also living in Ottawa – well just south of it and I too am thinking of emigrating to Ecuador. Care to share notes and info?
Regards
Len
Hello – Did you and Anna make the move to Ecuador? Just read your post, wondering how you are getting along. I am a single USA citizen considering moving there. Would appreciate your insight. Warm Regards, Wendy
Consider San Miguel de Allende, Mexico where I now live after 2.5 years in Cuenca, Ecuador.
The weather is better. The Mexicans are more trustworthy in general. Access to Canada and the US costs less. The cost of living is about the same. Access to more purchasables is better (e.g., cheese, baked goods, beer, wine, etc). Prices for electronics & cars is comparable to prices in Canada. Internet cost is less than in Ecuador. Cellular cost is less than in Ecuador. Costs of buying a place is comparable to Ecuador. Rent is about the same as Ecuador.
Hi Mike, are you still in San Miguel de Allende? We want to check it out and need links to short term (1 plus months) furnished Rentals. Thanks
Hi, I have moved to Ecuador by myself, ( at 49, now 52) , I have builded here, (I’m actually selling my smaller house) — The way I did it, and not worried about security is,,, I’m living in a urbanizacion that close to Manta called (Mirador San Jose) – I have no gate around my houses and not worried , at all, about being robbed !! (secuity at the gate,) Most of us here, speak english and/or french,, The cost of construction is maybe higher than elsewhere but quality is there,, none of the houses where damaged due to the earthquake,, and we felt it alright !!! Thank you
Martina. Am considering moving to Ecuador. As a single, retiree, can you share your experiences and the area you chose to live in Ecuador? Have researched on line as much as possible, am considering Cuenca but do not want to be in the center of town. Prefer a more peaceful environment. Planning to visit areas in 2021, due COVID-19 restrictions. Would appreciate your thoughts.
Hi Anna – I am reading your post of almost a year ago and wonder what you ended up doing?
I am a single retiree as well living in Alberta. I too want to live abroad but am anxious about doing this alone. I am thinking of travelling to check out different places before I decide where. I will be in a position to do this in 2022. This gives me time to explore.
Hello Anna, what did you decide to do? I would like to explore some of these ideas with you.
If interested, please email me directly at: pearlhope2018@gmail.com.
Best,
Barbara
@Mike,
C’mon San Miguel de Allende? Everyone in Mexico knows the crime there is getting much worse…
Covid has made people desperate
The Cartels are out of control
Just because the government officals does not want to publcize it does not mean it did not happen…
Kidnapped, mugged, assaulted take your pic it only takes once to change your life for the worse….
Want crime free try Taiwan….
@ricardo, “Want crime free try Taiwan” you’re being facetious, right? With the CCP on their doorstep about to invade, I’d say crime probably will not exist but then neither will you.
Hi, Dave and Robin.
Thank you very much for sharing your story with everyone. I have been to Canada and think it is a beautiful country with some of the most wonderful people, yourselves included, I am sure. There is something controvercial, I wanted to briefly share with you and all those going back to North America or Europe. Through my research and that of countless other curious people, and those, who have developed health issues, I have come to realize that most if not all “first world” (forgive the expression, it may be incorrect, but I am using it here as a purely geographic reference) countries are being purposefully poisoned with food, water, soil and even air becoming hazardous to one’s health. The short term memory is one of the first symptoms, respiratory issues (even the never ending flus, colds, coughing, sinus, and allergies), autoimmune disorders, finally things like cancer seem to be 3 times as bad as in South America, despite additional comforts and a better organized society. Do some research, analyze your own health issues (see if you have notced anything), research “chemtrails” and then you may change your mind about your latest move. I wish you and everyone all the best and hope things work out for you in the best way possible.
Hi I was following Dave and Robin and then read your post I am not sure what you are referring to in regards to illnesses. Just curious are you concerned of of health issues arising in South American countries. I have some health issues but they are do to serious car accident and having fibromyalgia on top of that. Health care abroad is important to me. I am really working on getting my health back and getting off these pain killers before moving somewhere where there is no snow and I am getting there too. Looking to do the snowbird move first before moving perminently elsewhere. At 60 with health issues does scare me but I don’t do well in Canada’s winter months. I was just very curious about your concerns. Thanks Anna
Look up “chemtrails” – I see them all the time here in the States.
Anna Dalnoki, Please read the article again. He mentions “chemtrails” over North America not South America. And the illnesses he discusses are from North America not South America. This is not to say that there is nothing you can catch in South America but what you should do is visit or call your governing health agency to find out if you need to be inoculated in any way wherever you are coming from. This should cover you for at least 6 months while your body becomes acclimated to the new environment. Do your research. There was a company that dumped contaminants into Ecuadorian soil spoiling the environment and the people in the region. So, if you think that wherever you’re moving from that you’re escaping a bad environment, it’s all relative. There will be something else that requires investigation. And you can’t go by what anybody else says because it’s only a matter of opinion. Unless you experience it yourself, you will never truly ever know what it’s like. I’ve been there 3 times in my life. Some nice places and some not to nice but again, that’s just my opinion. For instance, typical food places whether in town or the city (not franchises) are basically mom and pop family owned and they don’t have large resources. They are normally located 5 feet from the street and are sized like a “shot gun shack”. As the traffic picks up, so do the smells of various fuels as you are trying to eat. The locales are used to this environment. But if you come from an area that is climate controlled, it’s difficult to “digest” (literally). Oh, and my favorite is the hot water shower head. This (Ecuadorian) invention is truly amazing. The amazing part is how “few” people get electrocuted taking a shower. You’d be better with a bucket of hot water. These are just some of those unusual things that expats might encounter that nobody seems to talk about. Even with that said, my wife and I are still planning to move there. But it’s best if you know someone or have family there whom can receive you. “Improvise, Adapt, and Overcome” is an unofficial Marines slogan and you will need all three to succeed in Ecuador (or anywhere you choose to move to other than the country you grew up in). That’s my schpiel on things. Hope it wasn’t too long. Good luck to all and God bless.
I had more colds in my 2.5 years ofiving in Cuenca, Ecuador than I have had in the previous 20 years before I moved from Canada. So, if you are saying health is better in Ecuador, I would have to disagree. I also had an Ecuadorian friend who died from cancer. Another who has diabetes. Several relatives of another Ecuadorian friend died from cancer.
I am so sorry to hear about your friend and others dying from cancer and your colds, however, no one says that there are no illnesses in Ecuador. Most if not all of the first world is being poisoned through pesticides, fumigation, meds, and even aerial spraying. Consider that your body has already been poisoned for 20 years in Canada, so when you moved to a high elevation in Ecuador, where there were new bacteria, with which your body was not familiar, it could not handle them well. Heavy metals in the air, they spray the US and Canada with, suppress the immune system, then any fungus and bacteria which gets into breathing pathways, will flourish, because the body does not fight it. Also, hether you are in Canada or Ecuador, you have to watch what you eat and drink. Ecuador is saturated with Coca-Cola and other hazardous US products, and Ecuadorians by and large do not watch their diet, eating all kinds of US-made garbage we try to avoid while living in the States. That garbage WILL give one cancer, in combination with other things, no matter where you live. Consider that statistically Ecuador still has 3 times fewer cancer patients per capita, than the US has, despite Ecuadorians’ eating habits and less pesticide control. The air is better in Ecuador than in the US, because there is a lot less aerial spraying, their soil is more pure, a lot of the natively produced foods are healthier, but whether one is an Ecuadorian or an expat, one needs to watch what they eat, take steps to cleanse the body, if necessary (anyone from the first world should do heavy metals cleansing. You can look it up), choose the climate that works for you (high altitude, cool temperatures and high humidity is not necessarily a good combination for someone with a poisoned respitory system) and find a place with better air. Any big city will have more illnesses and health hazzards, whether in the US, Canada or South America. Try Vilcabamba, if you are looking for a healthy climate or maybe move further East towards the Amazon jungle and to a lower elevation, possibly to a smaller town with less pollution. Change your diet, find local remedies for your cold, take proactive steps to improve your health, take advantage of the things Ecuador offers. There is no magic solution. One needs to work to take advantage of the positives there.
While I may agree with the possibility that some of what you say is true, you have not declared any indisputable proof. This makes your statements somewhat meaningless and not necessarily believable.
I just read an article that Ecuador actually has higher cancer survival rates than the U.S., even.
You are exactly right..the U.S. in particular under this horrible president is giving polluters free reign to keep ruining our air, water, and food. I want out, frankly, before our Russian puppet president turns the US into an authoritarian regime.
I am trying to do as much research as possible on the best country to relocate to, and have a friend who wants to move to Cuenca. So I’m researching it.
I’m looking for a move out of the US for the very same reasons you mentioned.
The thought of spending the rest of my life in this country is frightening.
I have lived in Cuenca for 5 years and love it……..have lived in Ecuador for almost 8 years and would not return to the US for any reason, life here is laid back and with no stress what so ever……………..I love my new home country, ECUADOR
Hi Bryan
I’m relocating to Cuena and need someone local to help me find an apartment. Do you recommend anyone? Please let me know. Thank you.
Try Marcelo Parra. He is fluent in
English, not an agent, just a very nice guy, and
Gringo tourist guide, all around helpful guy, very very reasonable rates. Contact him and use my name liberally. He is at: decofrut@hotmail.com or 098-483-8899. A very good and kind and resourceful man
Did you ever visit Salinas, a beach town in Southern Ecuador about 2 hrs from Guayaquil? I am hoping to go there in October. just curious.
We’ve never been to Salinas, Diana.
Hi Diana, I lived in Salinas for my first 2 years in Ecuador. It’s a small place, many expats both American and Canadian live there, and very friendly. It has a nice beach, the best being at the other end of the town called Chippippe..calmer water, larger beach…cleaner. The first beach you encounter is for boating and all water recreation. It’s crazy there over Christmas and Carnaval…150,000 xtra people. But you won’t find fireworks any better than in Salinas for New Years Eve…5 hours long. The food is typical Ecuadorian and the fish come right out of the ocean…try the cerviche…it’s wonderful. Lovin Oven is my favorite restaurant and Berte is the nicest woman you will ever meet. It’s 3 years since I moved to Cuenca but Salinas is still a nice place to visit…too small for me to stay permanently. The Northern Coast is very nice too…so many little fishing villages..OLON is another favorite of mine. And, of course, MONTANITA, less than 2 hours north of Salinas is a must see. It’s a surfing village and the food, drinks and excitement is not to be missed. Hope this helps.
Hola, I live in Nanaimo and am interested in what other things you have to say about Ecuador as I am planning on going there, first just to visit. Where on Vancouver Island do you live and is it possible to meet up. Thank You Shirley
Hi Shirley,
We are still in Nova Scotia, will be leaving for B.C. mid-August. We should be out there around the second week of September.
Shoot us a Facebook message or an email around that time and when we’re in your area we can meet up.
It sounds like they never put down any roots. There’s nothing wrong with that, but if you live basically like a tourist, hopping around seeking a collection of adventures and a kaleidoscope of changing scenery, there’s no reason to be surprised when you “go back home” because you never established the commitment to building a new home in Ecuador. Language barriers are part of it, but whether or not somebody stays or goes also has much to do with mindset. And again this is NOT meant as a criticism; its simply an observation.
Do all expats experience “living behind bars and concrete walls strung with electrified wires”? I know this is a South African way of living, but I wasn’t aware that all expats lived this way in Ecuador.
Hi Margaret, No, not all expats live that way. Some live in high rise condos, some in the middle of neighborhoods, some in single family homes with no walls around them, etc.
In my four years living in Ecuador, many Ecuadorians have expressed surprise that so many expats in single family homes expose themselves by skipping security bars on first floor windows. They explain that we should protect our homes the same way wealthy Ecuadorians do. It is because we will be viewed as wealthy whether we think we are or not. Hope this helps.
I live in Phnom Penh, Cambodia and we live behind bars and razor wire but the vibe here is so chill that you don’t really feel it. It’s lovely here. Most of Asia is this way I think. If you have never lived abroad, don’t let this scare you, it’s normal and not a big deal.
It’s not just expats with bars on their windows and doors; its locals too. It’s just the way of life there. I have visited Ecuador twice and felt very safe and more free than here in the states. As an American, yes, everyone thinks you are rich. You have to make sensible choices no matter what city or country you’re in.
Hi !
would you care to share contact info of the horse guide(s) you worked with in the mountains ?
Hi David,
The office is in Vilcabamba. Here’s a link to a Facebook page with more info.
https://www.facebook.com/gavilanhorse/
Dave and Robin,
Thanks for sharing your experience. I just returned from a three week tour to Ecuador
and had a great experience communicating with the people, riding horses up in the Andes, fishing outside Puerto Lopez, staying in Homesteads both in the Andes and the rain forest, exploring various areas by myself and learning about the art and history. My Spanish is improving by forcing myself to just visit with people, who only speak Spanish. I found the people warm and welcoming. Being of Spanish/Sicilian origin I am looking for a place to retire south of the US border. So far I have checked out Costa Rica, Belize, Ecuador and Argentina. I have lived part time in Baja Mexico for 15 years. Now living in Tucson, Arizona for a year, I left Silicon Valley in California because of the cost factors, weather and over crowding.
My questions to all Americans choosing to move to Ecuador rather than Central America or any other country in South America are. Why Ecuador rather than any other country? Did you travel extensively all over South America before deciding on Ecuador? Did you ever consider hiring a teacher in Ecuador to help you improve your language skills. Over the Christmas Holidays I will spend a month in Ixtapa/Zihuatanejo with a Spanish teacher. Not being a wealthy 72 year old retired hi-tech and bush pilot I found a great deal on a condo in the middle of a golf course close to the beach. My teacher comes highly recommended by the school system and previous customers now fluent in Spanish. I will provide room and board plus a small salary. We are both women and adventurers, so we should make a great team in Spanish only. My last question to all of you moving south of the border and now leaving because of a language barrier. Did you really try hard enough to learn the language? Having more of a scientific mind, learning a new language for me is like climbing Mt Everest. Quitting is easy, it doesn’t take any talent. I can do that anytime.
I wish you all the best of luck in your new adventures. Britt from the old adobe
Dave and Robin,
I agree that learning the language is the first and most important challenge and can sometimes be a daunting task. And also, security is a primary concern in all of South America. However, perhaps you did not give yourselves enough time to learn the language. I am an American anthropologists that has been living in Brasil for ten years. I studied hard and gave myself 5 years to learn the language but was able to become fluent in just 3 years (especially when you are actually living in the country – you are forced to learn). Now, I am considering moving to Ecuador but not the mountain areas. After living in California and experiencing several earthquakes, I would not live anywhere where this is prevalent. My interest is the beach towns. I am fluent in Brasilian Portuguese but only speak a little Spanish. The good side is Spanish and Portuguese are very similar languages. So, I think my learning curve will be even shorter. Good luck on your return but as for cold weather – never again.
Most will be drawn back like the tide, when children and grandchildren experience the problems of life, if white and middle class.
Having been to Ecuador the last two years and planning another trip again in the spring I find a peace of spirit and a sense of hope in the future for this small paradise.
I was originally from Prince Edward Island where I built a nice House I had designed with long laid plans of one day returning?……. BUT ……When I got back to P.E.I and built the house, something was missing. I am back in Ontario with thoughts of , Yes Ecuador on my mind.
Ecuador is NOT perfect BUT believe me, neither is Canada as people are finding out.
In fact there was an election in B.C. recently and the Corruption is mind boggling plus the cost of living in B.C. rivals Toronto in cost..
You know Brian it is said “It is not where one might be in life”…. It is in many cases, “WHO one is with that elates the soul” and you and your family have learned Language barriars can be overcome by patience and understanding.
Gracias Mis Amigos y Dios los bendiga y los proteja siempre ( From memory hope i am right Amigo)
We are also from NS, & tried living in San Juan del sol in Nicaragua, we lived there for 5 months, & agree, that if you don’t speak conversational Spanish, you are at a disadvantage. How often was there sunshine in Ecuador.
Cheers
Louis
Dave and Robin, will you return to Ecuador, if not to live, maybe a visit. Also have you been to Colombia?
Hi Bill
We probably won’t be back to live in Ecuador, but visiting would be great – especially during winter. We’d like to see our friends again, and there are a few things we missed seeing and doing while we were there.
We’ve never been to Colombia.