Property Bargains in the World's Second-best Retirement Haven

Learn more about Ecuador in International Living Postcards--your daily escape

Monday, Oct. 15, 2007
Cuenca, Ecuador

Ecuador offers some of the best real estate values in the world right now.

This small Andean nation took second place in IL's 2007 Global Retirement Index, and has a higher standard of living, world-class culture, and better infrastructure than most Central American and surrounding Andean countries, plus one of the lowest crime rates in Latin America.

Here's a selection of some of the property bargains you can get in Ecuador (consult the map above for the approximate location of each town or city):

Quito. A 1,600-square-foot, two-bedroom, two-bath house on 2.5 acres, 20 minutes from the city. Half of the land is flat and arable while the rest is on a hillside. The house has maid's quarters and a cellar. Price is $65,000. Contact http://www.mandatoparedes.com.

Crucita. In this coastal town, a quarter-acre, ocean-front lot is on a secluded section of beach, with road and utilities access. Price: $60,000. Contact Jorge Loor, jorge@crucita.com.

Cuenca. This southern Andean city is Ecuador's cultural heart and soul and one of the most popular destinations for IL readers. Many buyers prefer modern condominiums within walking distance of the city's famous historic district. Prices for new construction runs from $50 to $55 per square foot. A new project has begun on the Tomebamba River--a three-bedroom, two-bath 1,250-square-foot condo is $67,000. In the countryside, a three-bedroom, two-bath cottage on two acres in the horse country of the Tarqui Valley (45-minutes south of Cuenca) is $55,000. Contact Kathy Gonzalez, kathy@cuencarealestate.com.

Vilcabamba. In Ecuador's famed "Valley of Longevity," you'll find a small two-bedroom house near the Madre Tierra resort, a mile from the village center, for $35,000. A 2.5-acre lot a few miles outside of town is $30,000. Contact Larry Evans, larry@accessvilcabamba.com.

Manta. In this port city, pre-construction prices for condos range from $75 to $95 per square foot. In the seaside village of Las Pinas, just south of Manta, a small three-bedroom brick house across the street from the beach is for sale for $36,000. Contact Richard Parker, aica0203@yahoo.com.

David Morrill
For International Living

P.S. Despite being a popular choice for IL readers, Ecuador doesn't have the large concentrations of expats you'll find in other Central America countries. If large groups of expats are important for your comfort level, you should probably focus your property search north of the Panamanian isthmus.

Related articles:

- The Best Value Coastline in South America

- Vilcabamba: Most IL Readers Move to This Perfect Valley

- Sell Your Winter Clothes…and Prepare for the Adventure of Your Lifetime in the Land of Eternal Spring