Considered one of the world’s top retirement destinations, Cuenca boasts a scenic charm and a very welcoming atmosphere with its picturesque cobblestone streets and elegant mansions. As Ecuador’s third largest city, Cuenca is home to roughly 350,000 residents along with over 4,000 expats. The city is extremely walkable and has an abundance of tourist-friendly destinations such as the Parque Abdon Calderon, where expats often gather for conversations over coffee or drinks. Cuenca offers the best of both worlds, with its old world charm enhanced by modern conveniences including 18 state-of-the-art… Read More

You haven’t experienced Ecuador if you don’t visit the immensely beautiful mountain landscapes of El Cajas National Park. This soothing refuge about 20 miles from Cuenca, is a perfect sanctuary for body and soul. All you need do is flag down a bus that takes you from Cuenca to El Cajas in an hour or so at the highly-affordable price of $2 per person. This gateway to all things natural and breathtaking is guaranteed to take your worldly cares away and refresh your spirit. High on the tundra The best… Read More

Your safety, whether on a short visit or a longer stay in Ecuador, is our top concern. We want nothing more than for you to enjoy and experience all the beauty, fun, and exciting adventures Ecuador has to offer. So we don’t want malaria, yellow fever, hepatitis, typhoid and other diseases in the area to get you down. These dangerous diseases are responsible for hundreds of thousands of deaths, and affect millions of people each year. As a tropical country, Ecuador has its fair share of cases. Fortunately, these diseases… Read More

The conquering Incas ruled what is now known as Ecuador from around 1450 to the 1500s and exerted a great deal of influence in shaping the country’s culture. However, even before the Incas came, Ecuador had already nurtured a rich civilization that left an equally indelible mark in the country’s history. Ecuador before the Incas The Valdivia The Valdivia was the first permanent culture in Ecuador. It was believed to have existed between 3500 and 1800 BC, and was formed by people who migrated west from Brazil. Pottery was an… Read More

Investing in Ecuador real estate doesn’t only give you a piece of paradise. It also presents a slew of tax benefits. Here are a few details you need to know. 1. Deductions on taxable income Just like your properties in the US, the real estate you own abroad will be taxed in much the same way. This means you get the same tax benefits for properties abroad as you do for your real estate investments back in the US. Here’s a list of tax deductible items: Mortgage interest and property… Read More

Live the Life is proud to announce the grand opening of the new Live the Life Lodge, along with the El Agave Restaurant and El Toro Bar! The grand opening takes place today, April 2nd, 2016. There will be food and drinks, live music, dancing, and more, so feel free to join us! There’s going to be a ping pong tournament, a horseshoe competition (starting at noon), Yuca pizza and barbeque, drink specials, dance lessons, and more. For more info and reservations, you can email Drew at drew@livethelifeinecuador.com. Live the… Read More

Should you invest in stocks or real estate? Experts often advise a diversified portfolio or investments in both. If your funds are limited, however, you may have to choose one over the other. Stocks and bonds vs. real estate Investing in stocks and bonds certainly has its advantages. However, investing in real estate – particularly those in a country like Ecuador – offers benefits that go beyond profitability. Besides, the age-old question of stocks vs. real estate has taken an added dimension now that real estate properties abroad are available… Read More

Rock-bottom prices are not the only reasons why investing in Ecuador real estate is desirable. The country also offers a high quality of life at very affordable costs. In fact, the city of Cuenca was recently cited in various lists as one of the best places in the world to retire. Buyer’s market Ecuador recently entered a buyer’s market, so now is the best time to make that investment. You will never run out of great options. It’s important, however, to work with an experienced real estate agent. We are… Read More

Obtaining an Ecuador visa is fast and simple. Whether you’re traveling fresh out of college, a retiree looking for a serene place to live, or an investor seeking opportunities, Ecuador makes it very easy for you. The basics Ecuador has a number of visa options that come with their own benefits and limitations. Generally,there are only two types of visas in Ecuador. These are: The resident (or immigrant) visa The non-resident visa Figure out how long you’ll want to stay in Ecuador to determine which visa to obtain. Non-resident visa… Read More

Ecuador may be only about the size of Wyoming and smaller than other countries surrounding it in South America, but its immense natural, physical, and cultural beauty surpasses many of its neighbors. It’s a wondrous place to start your adventure in, whether you’re going on a short trip, or staying a lot longer. We want you to experience all the good things the country has to offer. So we’ve prepared a list of safety and health tips for you to keep in mind before, during, and after your stay. Before… Read More