In 2015, an unexpected opportunity to travel across Ecuador ignited possibilities and loads of “what if” moments. Within 3 days of arriving, I knew one day I would live here…I just had to figure out how. After I returned home to Okotoks, Alberta, Canada from that life changing trip and my plan began to take shape. Eight years later my husband and I live full-time in Ecuador.
Do you want to live to work or work to live?”
Whether you decide to travel to Ecuador as a vacation destination or complete a preliminary trip to scope out possible areas of retirement on a permanent or semi-permanent basis, there is a lot this country has to offer. During my first trip here, someone said something to me which started me questioning a lot of things about my future. Those 11 words were this, “Do you want to live to work or work to live?” This simple sentence was my initial catalyst for change.
The primary reason we chose Ecuador is that the reality of retiring in Canada was getting farther out of reach. With inflation on the constant rise and watching our economic health diminish, our savings and wage income would not have been enough for my husband and I to retire at 65, let alone experience any kind of quality of life with a reasonable price tag.
Recently we built our dream home on a golf course, which would have never happened with in Canada.
Moving to Ecuador has allowed us to retire at 55 and we can live very comfortably on a conservative budget. The cost of living here is just the tip of the iceberg. There are so many other elements that have evolved organically because of our simple, cost-effective lifestyle. We are eating clean food that is abundant and filled with nutritional value that has led us to a health shift. We are most definitely healthier physically, as we’ve both experienced significant weight loss. We have little to no stress, we are grateful everyday and are truly happy.
Recently we built our dream home on a golf course, which would have never happened with in Canada. We chose to build with The Home In Ecuador and they were incredible to work with. Guiding us from start to finish the complete construction of our customized dream home took 92 days, which was an amazing timeline! Our home is built with quality high-end materials, skill, care and workmanship.
We built on a resort community that is gated, safe and secure. We live just 20 minutes from Manta which is a modern costal city that has every possible amenity and service including: World class dining that gives credence to gastronomic gratification, ocean front living and vacationing options, entertainment venues, access to exceptional medical/dental care and home to the Eloy Alfaro International Airport. Extensive work has been taking place to develop more direct flights to Manta and these options are appealing to future expats and tourists.
The opportunity of living in Ecuador has evolved into much more than we ever expected. We’ve had the privilege of meeting some pretty fantastic like-minded people and many locals who have become dear life-long friends. Our life has become simple, happier, healthier, more cost effective and well…just more!
What is my hope for those who might want to be adventurous enough to look into unique retirement options by moving to Ecuador? I simply wish to inspire or cultivate the idea of “what if” and in the words of young man I knew who left this earth far too soon…”Start living life right now and do it on purpose!”
