Explore Retiring in Ecuador

Ecuador has been topping the list of places to retire for decades now, with a variety of different options to consider. You may prefer to be close to the hot beaches on the Pacific Coast or in the cool climes of the high Andean city of Cuenca – or maybe something in between. There are lots of options and reading about them just doesn’t cut it when considering where you want to live – or at least spend your winters.

Two new trips will be announced in March 2023 that will look to explore the many retirement options found in Ecuador. A two-week group trip will be departing mid-November 2023 and a longer five-week group trip will be departing mid-January 2024 to spend more time in each of the options, from the high Andes to the Pacific coast.

Please check back mid-March for dates and pricing on both the November 2023 itinerary and January 2024 itinerary, as we work to confirm availability at all hotels for both trips.

We have done a variety of different itineraries for small groups over the years, to help explore some of the wonderful options Ecuador has to offer, so if you had something specific in mind, please GET IN TOUCH.

Below is an overview of a sample itinerary that you may want to consider looking at. If you would like some help putting it together, we would be happy to arrange the entire thing or just parts for your group, depending on your time, budget and other preferences. We can also just help out by booking accommodations and transportation.

There is also the option of adding in speakers, as noted below – visits from expats in different locations and the service providers that make their  lives abroad that much easier and better, while making their savings stretch.

These are also some of the best highlights of the country, so you may want to join in even if you are not considering living in Ecuador part of full time!

16-Day Basic Itinerary Overview

Day 1     Arrive in Quito

Day 2     City Tour in the morning, speakers, visits from expats

Day 3     Fly to Loja, then transfer to Vilcabamba

Day 4     Vilcabamba tour, visit Malacatos

Day 5     Travel to Cuenca – City tour in afternoon

Day 6     Ingapirca & other activities, visits from expats

Day 7     Lunch in Guayaquil & visit Malecon; Travel to overnight in Salinas

Day 8     Tour of Salinas, afternoon visit Ballenita, La Libertad, Santa Elena; Overnight in Salinas

Day 9     Visit Ayampe, Olon and Montanita. Continue to Puerto López. Overnight in Puerto Lopez 

Day 10   Visit Puerto Lopez, Puerto Cayo (also they can go to The Frailes Beach). Overnight in Puerto Lopez 

Day 11   Depart to Mindo

Day 12   Tour of Mindo & social time with expats

Day 13   Travel to Otavalo, afternoon visit to Cotacachi & Ibarra

Day 14   Morning market in Otavalo

Day 15   Return to Quito

Day 16   Return home (or optional extension to Baños of 2 – 3 days)