Retirement Guides
15 in-depth guides to help you plan every aspect of your retirement in Ecuador.
Featured Guides
Our most popular and comprehensive resources
Best Cities to Retire in Ecuador — Cuenca, Quito, Vilcabamba, and the Coast Compared
A side-by-side comparison of Ecuador's top retirement destinations: Cuenca, Quito, Vilcabamba, Cotacachi, and the coast. Climate, cost, healthcare, expat community, and quality of life for each.
Cost of Living in Ecuador for Retirees — Real Monthly Budgets for 2026
Detailed 2026 cost of living breakdowns for retirees in Ecuador. Three realistic monthly budgets from modest ($1,200) to premium ($3,000+), with city-by-city comparisons and real prices.
Ecuador Retirement Visa (Jubilado) — Complete 2026 Guide
Everything you need to know about Ecuador's Jubilado retirement visa in 2026. Income requirements, documents, apostille process, timeline, costs, and step-by-step instructions for American retirees.
Getting Started
Essential first steps for planning your retirement in Ecuador.
Moving to Ecuador Retirement Checklist — 12 Months Before to Day One
A comprehensive month-by-month checklist for American retirees moving to Ecuador. From initial research to settling into your new home, every task organized by timeline for a smooth transition.
Why Retire in Ecuador — 10 Reasons Americans Are Making the Move
Discover why thousands of American retirees are choosing Ecuador. From a dollarized economy and affordable healthcare to stunning natural beauty, here are 10 compelling reasons to retire in Ecuador in 2026.
Cost of Living
Detailed breakdowns of living expenses across Ecuador for retirees.
Visas & Immigration
Visa requirements, residency pathways, and immigration processes.
Healthcare
Public and private healthcare options, insurance, and medical tourism.
Cities & Regions
In-depth profiles of popular retirement destinations in Ecuador.
Best Cities to Retire in Ecuador — Cuenca, Quito, Vilcabamba, and the Coast Compared
A side-by-side comparison of Ecuador's top retirement destinations: Cuenca, Quito, Vilcabamba, Cotacachi, and the coast. Climate, cost, healthcare, expat community, and quality of life for each.
Cuenca, Ecuador — The Complete Retirement Guide for 2026
Everything you need to know about retiring in Cuenca, Ecuador. Neighborhoods, costs, healthcare, altitude, expat community, and daily life in the city most American retirees choose in 2026.
Vilcabamba, Ecuador — Retirement in the Valley of Longevity
A complete guide to retiring in Vilcabamba, Ecuador — the legendary Valley of Longevity. Climate, cost of living, wellness culture, healthcare limitations, and what daily life is really like in 2026.
Housing
Renting, buying, and building a home in Ecuador as an expat retiree.
Money & Banking
Banking, currency, money transfers, and financial planning for expats.
Banking in Ecuador — Opening Accounts, Transferring Money, and Managing Finances
A practical guide to banking in Ecuador for American retirees. How to open accounts, transfer money from the U.S., manage ATM withdrawals, and navigate the dollarized banking system in 2026.
Collecting Social Security in Ecuador — Everything You Need to Know
How to receive your U.S. Social Security benefits while living in Ecuador. Direct deposit, tax implications, the dollarized economy advantage, and practical tips for managing your benefits abroad.
Taxes
Tax obligations in Ecuador and the US, treaties, and filing strategies.
Safety
Safety tips, crime statistics, and practical advice for retirees.
Lifestyle
Daily life, culture, food, social activities, and community for retirees.
Retirement Planning
Financial planning, Social Security abroad, and retirement timelines.
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