Ecuador versus Colombia for retirement

El Expatriado says on Jun 8, 2009, 04:12:

I agree with you about Lima. I had a girlfriend who lived there, and thats one of the (minor) reasons we broke up. She was adamant on LIma, and I don't want to die young from the smog. I reeally don't like Mega-big cities.

Never been to Ecuador, but it must be safer than Colombia, because there are more tourists than Colombia. Women are definitely prettier in Colombia, but Ecuador has higher mountains for treking. Colombia has better beaches, and some pretty damn good mountains.But then Ecuador has one of those socialist nut case governments screwing up the economy.

Peru outside of Lima would be pretty good. What about Arequippa? I quite liked it (no beach though). Chimbote is to poor and a bit dangerous, and Juareez only for the hard core alpinist. Cuzco to touristy.

Despite all of the above, I will probably retire in Colombia. Santa Marta, Manizales (where I haven't been yet) are no. 1 choics, but i am willing to move. Guatape also really beautiful, but remote. Medellin less remote, but too big, getting more dangerous. Cali fun, but probably too dangerous for long term.

Ever consider Argentina, say northern Patagonia? I know guys who retire there and say it is great, European and cheap. Anywhere from Mendoza south.

I don't know if I helped.

1 funny, 0 helpful.

miamimike says on Jun 8, 2009, 04:30:

Ever consider Argentina, say northern Patagonia? I know guys who retire there and say it is great, European and cheap. Anywhere from Mendoza south.

========================================================================================

Depends what your likes are. If you are into the Outdoor sports like Troutfishing, Hunting, Skiing, Camping Argentina, even Chile is the place for you.

"You can take the Banana Out of the Republic but you Cannot take the Republic Out Of The Banana"

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tasco66 says on Jun 8, 2009, 05:38:

Miamimike, the guy is asking between Ecuador and Colombia, not Argentina vs Chili….

Now if you move to Ecuador be ready to see the Socialist nut case seize your properties and convert your US dollar into worthless Sucres…

Newsweek on Uribe: "he's delivered the trifecta of peace, security, and prosperity"

4 funny, 0 helpful.

CakeDesigner-wannabe says on Jun 8, 2009, 05:42:

The simplest arithmetic is to take vacation and check them out .......... Only you will know because some people like that place while others don't

1 funny, 1 helpful.

pobrecito says on Jun 8, 2009, 05:51:

"Now if you move to Ecuador be ready to see the Socialist nut case seize your properties and convert your US dollar into worthless Sucres…"

Yes and more, they hold a knife in their mouth and eat babies ....

3 funny, 2 helpful.

scumbuster says on Jun 8, 2009, 06:16:

Cake is right. You can get all kinds of advice but until you go your self you cant decide.

Tomas Jefferson “When the people fear their government, there is tyranny; when the government fears the people, there is liberty.”

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davidyamiga says on Jun 8, 2009, 06:25:

I lived in Quito and now live in Cali. My wife to be is from Cali. We had already purchased a car and an apartment in Quito and were quite comfortable. However, with all the mess Correa is creating in Ecuador, we decided to sell all at a loss and move to Cali. The weather is better and the political climate is more stable. No matter where you go, there is crime. My wife and I have discussed how much better we lived in Quito, but feel more comfortable in Cali.

Back to work! It sucks,....

0 funny, 1 helpful.

pablo says on Jun 8, 2009, 07:00:

Ecuador made number 8 according to Live and Invest Overseas (Kathleen Peddicord). Taken from an email I received from them here is their top 8 list and why. Clearly an advertisement but still an interesting read.

The World's Top 8 Overseas Retirement Havens
May 30, 2009

Dear Live and Invest Overseas Reader,

Your top options for a new and better life in retirement overseas right now include:

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2. El Valle, Panama...mountain escape in the world's top retirement haven (with much better weather than Panama City!)...

3. Mendoza, Argentina...the good life in Argentina wine country is also highly affordable...

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5. Istria, Croatia...Europe's Sleeping Beauty...the Mediterranean as it once was...

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"Travelers come from the world over to enjoy these 250 square blocks of history; to study in Cuenca's world-class language schools; or to experience a rare glimpse of unadulterated life in an Andean colonial city.

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Languedoc?...
"Yes, the cost of living is higher in France than in say India, Thailand, Costa Rica, Panama, or Mexico. So if you are relocating with the primary agenda of significantly lower your cost of living, I would think carefully about France. However, if you want to experience a southern European lifestyle, are looking to invest in a property where you could live full or part time, and are prepared to learn some French, this is great place to start over.

"This part of France is colorful, eclectic, always changing, never following a formula, and very open to retirees. The village dates from prehistoric times, but the main 'feel' is medieval, with the church dominating the center and the tower of Le Donjon looking down from above.

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Istria?...
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Mendoza?...
"'Beyond my vineyard, I can see the towering, white-capped Andes. As I sip a glass of fabulous local wine, my cook is creating something in the kitchen that smells truly divine.'

"My friend can barely contain himself. He has just relocated to the Mendoza region of Argentina.

"His reports are so tempting, I'm ready to jump on a plane and head down there right away.

"He goes on, practically gushing:

"'My garden is bursting at the seams--though I don't look after it. My gardener does. Honestly, it's a feast for the eyes. The luscious grapes that hang from the vines around me are going to produce wine with my name on it. You've got to see this place to believe it.'

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El Valle?...
"We fell in love with El Valle the moment we set foot here. We'd visited the usual spots in Panama: Panama City, Boquete, Vulcan Baru, and Santa Fe. But there was just something magical about this place, and we connected with it immediately.

"When our pensionado visas were ready, we further explored the area looking for property to buy. We found it just outside of town and bought immediately.

"We bought the land in El Valle, returned home to Colorado, finished remodeling our house, sold it and most of our belongings, and moved here with our two cats.

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"This is a small community, so you have to be ready to live in an environment where people know what you're doing and who you're doing it with. But coming from a small place in Colorado, we're familiar with small-town living. We were also warmly welcomed into the La Mesa community, as our property also borders that village.

"We feel so fortunate to be here in this beautiful setting.

"El Valle de Anton sits in a volcanic crater. That may conjure up a picture of cramped (even hazardous) living conditions with mountains towering over you in every direction. Not so El Valle...

"The crater floor, where the town is situated, is three by five miles wide, and was formed by a volcanic eruption some five million years ago. With vistas that truly take your breath away, the town holds the world record for being the largest continually inhabited volcanic crater.

"El Valle is also known for its spring-like temperatures year round..."
La Barra?...
"There are plenty of small beach towns along Uruguay's coast, but La Barra is special. It is a small, walkable town, yet it offers all the luxuries, services, comforts, and conveniences you could want.

"Furthermore, La Barra is clean, well-maintained, and safe. And, like all Uruguay, it enjoys firstworld infrastructure with good public facilities, drinkable water, and well-maintained beaches.

"When you first visit La Barra, however, you notice a few things that set it apart from Uruguay's other, more popular coastal towns.

"It's one of the few places that retains a good deal of what I'd call 'pure beachfront living.'

"In most of Uruguay, a beachfront road known as the rambla, separates the beaches from the closest private properties. In La Barra, you find several areas where the houses and low-rise apartments are right on the water.

"The cost of living in La Barra is somewhat higher than Uruguay in general, and notably higher than places like Atlántida or Salto, which offer, probably, the best bargain living in this country. In La Barra, expect to spend at least US$1,300 per month..."

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Looking to retire to the beach on a budget? Take a look at La Barra, Uruguay...

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Interested in city living? Antigua, Guatemala, could be for you...or maybe Cuenca, Ecuador. Both are super affordable...

Want really exotic (and ultra-cheap)? Be a pioneer in Hungzhou, China...

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ʇı dןǝɥ ʇou ןןıʍ sıɥʇ ǝʞıן ɹǝʇndɯoɔ ɹnoʎ ƃuıpןoɥ

0 funny, 2 helpful.

miamimike says on Jun 8, 2009, 07:49:

DavidyAmiga---I belive you left out part of the Story as far as to which President(s) created the Mess and Instability you mention in Ecuador. In the below link, you will see the Problem started Long before Correa's coming into office. Not to say he didn't contribute to the problem but he was far from being the only "Skunk at the Party". From 1996 on, some Presidents were only in Power for as little as 3 days, others for 6 months! What was their share of the blame towards the shape the country is in today? Do they still hold Democratic elections in Ecuador? I believe they do.


******"For a country that has had 10 presidents since 1997, stability is no small accomplishment********. But many Ecuadorans say the hard part is just beginning. The country faces a financial pinch similar to that felt across the region: an oil-producing nation grappling with lower petroleum prices, fewer remittances from Ecuadorans abroad and declining exports."

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/04/25/AR2009...

http://www.ecuaworld.com/discover/president.htm

"You can take the Banana Out of the Republic but you Cannot take the Republic Out Of The Banana"

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billyb says on Jun 8, 2009, 07:54:

Yeah, but those previous presidents are not the ones that are going to natianalize your property, so they are irrelevant, that little whiny bitch Correa is.

"All I want to know is where I'm going to die, so I never go there" Unkown (at least to me) wise man.

1 funny, 2 helpful.

miamimike says on Jun 8, 2009, 08:01:

billyb says on Jun 8, 2009, 07:54 (today): flag

Yeah, but those previous presidents are not the ones that are going to natianalize your property, so they are irrelevant, that little whiny bitch Correa is.
-------------------------------------------------

Billy--What you fail to realize that Ecuador, like Cuba and say Venezuela, is that in these countries the Politicos never learn their lessons. The Instability in these 3 countries prior to Correa, Castro and Chavez all paved the way for Tinhorns like these 3 aforementioned to ascend to power.They never seem learn in these countries,,,Whose fault is it that these types ascend to power? In Ecuador's case, the instability in the preceeding 12years ecuador had TEN PRESIDENTS. Are you surprised someone like Correa ascended into power? I'm Not!

"You can take the Banana Out of the Republic but you Cannot take the Republic Out Of The Banana"

2 funny, 0 helpful.

miamimike says on Jun 8, 2009, 08:10:

Back to the OP:
lgvon--ask yourself what your pastimes are? Many here in Florida retire here for the Golfing, Nice Beaches, Good fishing, Mild Winters. Look at the countries you can enjoy these in(in peace without fear) Let that be your guide. South America is a varied region with a lot to offer, why limit yourself to one country without checking out the others first? As one Poster suggested, take a Vacation in those countries and see what each one has to offer. Follow your own instincts,,,,Myself, I'm not tied to any one country or family so I'll move where I can enjoy the Outdoor Sports(hunting, fishing, biking, camping, skiiing) They have Bars, Pretty Women in all countries of the Americas so I wouldn't let those alone dictate my choice.

"You can take the Banana Out of the Republic but you Cannot take the Republic Out Of The Banana"

1 funny, 0 helpful.

elchibolo says on Jun 8, 2009, 08:14:

Chimbote is to poor and a bit dangerous, and Juareez only for the hard core alpinist. Cuzco to touristy.

My novia is from Chimbote and I lived there for two years. It is probably the worst place in Peru to live. The city is very dangerous, ugly and extremely polluted. They do have great Ceviche, fun nightlife and beautiful women though :) It's Huaraz, not Juarez by the way.

I now live in Trujillo, and while it is nicer than Chimbote, crime is very high here as well.

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billyb says on Jun 8, 2009, 09:46:

"Billy--What you fail to realize that Ecuador, like Cuba and say Venezuela, is that in these countries the Politicos never learn their lessons. The Instability in these 3 countries prior to Correa, Castro and Chavez all paved the way for Tinhorns like these 3 aforementioned to ascend to power.They never seem learn in these countries,,,Whose fault is it that these types ascend to power? In Ecuador's case, the instability in the preceeding 12years ecuador had TEN PRESIDENTS. Are you surprised someone like Correa ascended into power? I'm Not!"

I am not surprised either, but since we are talking about possibly getting your property consfiscated, the only one that matters is the one who is in power right now, and has those tendencies to nationalize, the others are irrelevant as to this issue.

"All I want to know is where I'm going to die, so I never go there" Unkown (at least to me) wise man.

1 funny, 1 helpful.

tasco66 says on Jun 8, 2009, 10:03:

Pobre, how did your French Socialist party do over the weekend? I heard they just got 17% jajajajajaja

Newsweek on Uribe: "he's delivered the trifecta of peace, security, and prosperity"

1 funny, 0 helpful.

miamimike says on Jun 8, 2009, 10:43:

BillyB--Is someone confiscating property in Ecuador? The point I'm making, Ecuador's problems didn't just start with Correa, they were in the making Long before he came around. 10 Presidents in 12 years, Give me a Break!


Ecuador Property Confiscation

By Steve

******Ecuador property confiscation has been a worry for some potential foreign property buyers.

The passing of Ecuador’s new constitution caused many to have concerns about property rights in Ecuador. Some were portraying the government as determined to confiscate unproductive land and pass it on to the poor.

*****Hearing this I checked through the draft constitution; not thoroughly you’ll understand because it is hundreds of pages long, but I could find no mention of anything about confiscating property.*********

I called Sebastian Cordero an associate lawyer of Gary and Merri’s lawyer, Andres Cordova and he confirmed:-********* “There is no mention of property confiscation in the new constitution and in fact the document holds with Ecuadorian tradition and actually guarantees the property owner’s rights.”*******

Earlier this month there were some land invasions down on the coast by brigands of poor folks inspired by the words of some of the spokespersons of Alianza Pais in the run up to the referendum.

An ecological sensitive area in the north of Guayaquil was invaded and also a hacienda in rural Esmeraldas province. Also in the same area, an African Palm plantation which, according to its owners is land that is completely cultivated, was also over-run by locals waving Alianza Pais flags.***********************




http://www.ecuadorliving.com/2008/10/31/ecuador-property-confiscation....

"You can take the Banana Out of the Republic but you Cannot take the Republic Out Of The Banana"

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lgvon says on Jun 8, 2009, 13:08:

Thanks for your comments everybody. I will probably soon journey to Quito and I forgot that several people have mentioned that Bucaramanga is very nice as well as the Eje Cafetero. So many places so little time.

Larry in Seattle for the moment.

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billyb says on Jun 8, 2009, 13:08:

Yes Mike, you can always take a copy of the constitution and show it to the soldiers when they come to change the locks on your business or home, and they will show you the appropriate use for worthless paper.

"All I want to know is where I'm going to die, so I never go there" Unkown (at least to me) wise man.

1 funny, 2 helpful.

miamimike says on Jun 8, 2009, 19:35:

Billy--do you have a link where the constitution in Ecuador has been suspended? Tell me, if things were so great(stable currency, low inflation, Transparency in government, no institutionilized corruption ect) prior to Correa(and I'm not saying he is great so we won't go there) Why then were there 10 Presidents in Ecuador since 1996? That is the $64,000 Question that needs answered,,,So far it hasn't been answered

"You can take the Banana Out of the Republic but you Cannot take the Republic Out Of The Banana"

1 funny, 1 helpful.

Buongone says on Jun 8, 2009, 20:57:

In Ecuador the Congress on up were all corrupt. When Correa won did'nt about half of the Ecuador Congress exile to Colombia. I spent 2 weeks in Ecuador 2 months ago. Liked it. Spent a week in Manta. And a week in Guayaquil. Drove down from Guayaquil to Salinas. Then up the coast to Manta. Highway from Guayaquil to Salinas was great. Then going up along the ocean from Salinas to Manta. It has a lot of little quaint towns. More like villages to me. A lot of potholes and speed bumps. Took me about 5 hrs driving from Salinas to Manta. The weather was nice all the way. Once you start getting towards Manta on the coast the weather can get kind of hot. To buy, say like a weeks worth of groceries. You need to go to a large city. As far as internet connection. I don't think they have it out in the little towns. So my best call for Ecuador beach living would be away from, but close enough to get all the goodies from a big city. Like Salinas or Manta. Outside of Manta, close to San Lorenzo was nice. Up the hill from San Lorenzo. Nice and cool. Go down the highway 2 miles to the beach, Hot as hell. Would be a good placce to store a boat, while living up where it was cool. IMHO

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miamimike says on Jun 9, 2009, 00:09:

Buongone says on Jun 8, 2009, 20:57: flag

In Ecuador the Congress on up were all corrupt. When Correa won did'nt about half of the Ecuador Congress exile to Colombia.
========================

Thank You !

"You can take the Banana Out of the Republic but you Cannot take the Republic Out Of The Banana"

1 funny, 0 helpful.

El Expatriado says on Jun 9, 2009, 03:47:

Who cares if there is a nut case in Ecuador taking people's property? Don't buy property if you retire there. When it comes to living in a developing country the rule "If it Floats, Flies or F#*$Ks, rent it" reigns supreme.

I agree with Miami Mike. The corruption of previous governments and the divide class heiarchy system in Latin America paves the way for these socialist nut cases. What they need is a mixed, open economy, with social programs that give a hand up, rather than a hand out to the poor, like in Costa Rica , Chile, and I hope, Colombia is at least trying to do. Otherwise, corruption and neglecting the poor paves the way for these left wing loonies.

That's one lesson I hope Latin Americans will learn. Don't neglect and look down on your poor, otherwise, you'll be leaving the palace in rubber dinghies.

0 funny, 0 helpful.

miamimike says on Jun 9, 2009, 06:02:

El Expatriado says on Jun 9, 2009, 03:47 (today): flag

Who cares if there is a nut case in Ecuador taking people's property? Don't buy property if you retire there. When it comes to living in a developing country the rule "If it Floats, Flies or F#*$Ks, rent it" reigns supreme.

I agree with Miami Mike. The corruption of previous governments and the divide class heiarchy system in Latin America paves the way for these socialist nut cases. What they need is a mixed, open economy, with social programs that give a hand up, rather than a hand out to the poor, like in Costa Rica , Chile, and I hope, Colombia is at least trying to do. Otherwise, corruption and neglecting the poor paves the way for these left wing loonies.

That's one lesson I hope Latin Americans will learn. Don't neglect and look down on your poor, otherwise, you'll be leaving the palace in rubber dinghies.
=====================================

Ex-Pat--Bingo !! There's a lot to be said for just renting in these countries, no matter how good of deal you get. If something with the Governorment goes haywire, the Renter just picks up and goes his merry way. Not so with the owner,,,We have neighbors who live in Venezuela, Cuba but tey rent. They love it, government politics is something they Wisely don't get involved in. They live great on the cheap without headaches by renting.

"You can take the Banana Out of the Republic but you Cannot take the Republic Out Of The Banana"

1 funny, 0 helpful.

pobrecito says on Jun 9, 2009, 06:04:

"Pobre, how did your French Socialist party do over the weekend? I heard they just got 17% jajajajajaja"

Tasco66 you are always off topic.
And the French Socialist party is a rightist party ....

1 funny, 0 helpful.

billyb says on Jun 9, 2009, 06:08:

Expat, nobody is disputing that there was scum in office before this whiny little nut, but they are not the ones who'll make the decisions over foreign owned property or their rights, of course some people love to dwell in past.

"All I want to know is where I'm going to die, so I never go there" Unkown (at least to me) wise man.

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makopp5 says on Jun 10, 2009, 03:36:

Tasco
you made a big mistake, pobrecito is acommunist not a socialist. that´s a big diference.

0 funny, 1 helpful.

tasco66 says on Jun 10, 2009, 04:15:

I believe even the French communist party is considered a rightists party for pobre, jajajaja

Newsweek on Uribe: "he's delivered the trifecta of peace, security, and prosperity"

0 funny, 1 helpful.

El Expatriado says on Jun 10, 2009, 04:34:

It not only goes if the government goes haywire, lo mismo con su esposa / novia tambien. If she goes "Loca" you can just pack up and leave as well.

0 funny, 0 helpful.

makopp5 says on Jun 10, 2009, 04:41:

And much more boring people in Ecuador.

0 funny, 0 helpful.