South America Living

Healing mecca, mountain paradise, expat haven – the small town of Cotacachi, Ecuador (population around 9000) is racking up a slew of complimentary titles as well as attracting retirees from the U.S. and elsewhere in droves.

Located approximately 2 hours from the capital city Quito the village is well known for its hand-crafted leather products. Methods of tanning, stretching and molding the leather skins… Read full article

Great for a visit or a low-cost, long-term stay. Sucre, Bolivia may be the only capital city in South America that fits this profile. It may also be one of the few larger cities where you can not only live off of $650 USD per month but have a little left over to take trips to other areas of the country.

The city is compact with plenty of traffic congestion (both pedestrian and auto) yet full of green spaces as well… Read full article

Salta is heavy on the Argentina to Bolivia tourist circuit yet a great place to touch down for a year or so as well.

If you like city life with a small town feel, you will love Salta. Parks and plazas weave throughout the town with numerous shops, restaurants and ways to get yourself into trouble i.e. things to… Read full article

Most don’t register the thought ‘Colombia’ when trying to escape the high cost of living in the U.S, Canada, Australia or England, but maybe more should.

Colombia has its share of worldly problems (crime, drugs, poverty) yet also has areas that have become mainstays on the travel circuit and become increasingly popular for extended stays or relocation to the country such as the large metropolis Medellin (population 3 million)… Read full article

The majority of locations in Uruguay would be very difficult, if not outright impossible, to live off of $650 USD per month such as capital city Montevideo, Punta del Este, La Paloma and other Atlantic coast beach towns.

Inland locations are dirt cheap, but not where most International visitors would enjoy living. Salto is an exception to both of these rules i.e. affordable and with enough attractions in and around… Read full article

As you can tell from the photo to the left, Huanchaco, Peru is a popular surfing spot. This Pacific coast town is also a popular location for Peruvianos and International travelers on holiday seeking some time in the sun and sand (while offered cold drinks and snacks from friendly local beach vendors).

Many are on more than a vacation, visiting the town to meet with realtors and shop for their holiday home… Read full article

The small fishing village Canoa on the Pacific coast is a very popular tourist location in Ecuador and becoming increasingly popular as a relocation destination also. Many English-speaking expats live in the area (primarily from the U.S. and Europe) full or part-time.

There are expat-owned local businesses (bars, hotels, restaurants, adventure companies) and a lot of interaction between the locals and ‘gringos’. A small, bilingual elementary school was opened… Read full article