At 9,350 feet above sea level, Quito, Ecuador, is one of the highest-elevation cities in the world, and while this capital city has plenty of panoramic views to offer, its unique geography is only part of what makes it so appealing, particularly for retirees. For those looking to settle down abroad, Quito provides a solid balance of everything, history, walkability, great food, and a surprisingly affordable cost of living.
Let’s take a look at some of the specifics about what makes it such a compelling place to consider for retirement.
Daily Strolls around the Historic Center
Quito’s Old Town offers the kind of walkable lifestyle that’s hard to come by in many North American cities. Recognized by UNESCO as one of the best-preserved colonial centers in Latin America, the roughly half-mile-wide zone is extremely pedestrian-friendly, with several plazas, shops, and numerous cafés all within a few blocks of each other. Most daily errands can be done on foot, and several churches and museums are just a quick stroll away.
The historic center’s cute cobblestone streets and colorful colonial-era architecture make it easy to fall in love with a simple daily routine, but even once you feel settled in, the dramatic views of the Andes from nearly every block will never get old.
Retire Sooner
With a bit of crunching the numbers and planning, you just might find that Quito’s lower cost of living allows you to retire a few years ahead of schedule. Your average 1 or 2 bedroom apartment in the city center might run you between just $500 to $800 per month, slightly more if you want modern upgrades, better views, or a bit more space. Either way, it’s still noticeably more affordable than nearly all major North American and European cities, and since housing is such a significant part of most monthly budgets, saving big here means you’ll be able to splurge on other quality of life upgrades that might typically be out of reach.
Affordability is a trend you’ll find throughout the rest of Quito, too. While around 1.5 million foreigners visit Ecuador each year, the capital doesn’t experience the same kind of mass tourism that drives up prices in other Latin American cities. As a result, restaurants, shopping, and entertainment are still priced for locals rather than tourists, helping even modest retirement budgets last.
Easy to Stay Active
Ecuador’s nature is unlike any other place in the world. From the Galapagos Islands to Cotopaxi National Park to the towering waterfalls in Baños, living in the heart of a country with such ripe opportunities for adventure means it’s easy to stay active, an increasingly important consideration for those entering their retirement years. From Quito, there are countless weekend trips and excursions that nature lovers will particularly enjoy.
Within Quito itself, there are also plenty of things to do to stay busy. You can take the Teleférico cable car up to Cruz Loma for a bird’s-eye view of the city, visit one of the many art and history museums, or rent paddle boats in La Carolina park. Those activities, of course, should come after having breakfast at a local panadería or browsing the aisles of Mercado San Francisco, which sits just outside of the historic center.
Simple Visa Processes
Americans and Canadians can visit Ecuador for up to 90 days on a regular tourist entry stamp, and there are a number of options for those looking to stay longer or settle down long-term. The pensioner visa is available for anyone who can prove a regular, recurring income of around $1,275 per month, while the Investor Visa is available to anyone who invests roughly $45,000 in real estate, a business, or a bank deposit. There are other options, such as a volunteer visa and a passive-income visa, for those looking for additional flexibility.
Regardless of which visa works best for your situation, all initially grant two-year temporary residency, with the option to apply for permanent residency afterwards. This means that Ecuador is one of the quickest and most accessible countries in Latin America for obtaining long-term residency.
Year-Round Springtime
Thanks to its high elevation and the fact that it sits just 16 miles south of the equator, Quito’s climate is mild nearly all twelve months of the year. You will rarely need air conditioning or heating, and you’ll never have to worry about snow. There is also less humidity in Quito than on the Ecuadorian coast, and the wind off the Andes helps keep the air quality in check, even in the city center.
All of these factors add up to a pleasant environment that makes everything from daily market runs to enjoying the surrounding nature all the more enjoyable, especially for older folks who might be more sensitive to climate extremes.
Bottom Line
When you add Quito’s colonial charm, walkable lifestyle, and year-round mild climate, it easily stands out from many other big cities in South America. Add in affordable housing, low-cost healthcare, and Ecuador’s use of the U.S. dollar, and it’s easy to see why more and more people are choosing Quito as where they want to spend their retirement years. At the very least, Quito deserves a spot on your bucket list for a visit, but don’t be surprised if a quick trip makes you seriously start to consider a long-term stay.