Walt O. Says:
Dear International Living,
Thank you for all the information and inspiration over the years, I’ve been a subscriber since 2006 and I’m finally narrowing down my options for an overseas retirement. I’m ready for a life without snow or cold.
I’m a single guy in my 60s, with a budget of around $2,600 a month, which is more than enough, it seems, to live well in Ecuador. I like the idea of growing my own produce, and the climate in Vilcabamba looks just right for tomatoes.
My biggest worry is that I’ll be lonely there, though. What’s it really like to live in Vilcabamba for a guy on his own?
IL Contributor Wendy DeChambeau Writes:
There’s no denying the appeal of a healthy life in the Ecuadorian “Valley of Longevity,” and Vilcabamba could be just the right place for you. But how can you be sure?
Well, an exploration trip of your own, with a visit to the town, is the only true way to know if it’s a good fit.
But in the meantime, there are a few things you can think about that may help you decide.
First, Vilcabamba is a small place. There is no theater or ballet or major league sporting events. While there are fun outings from time to time, if you move here, you’ll likely find yourself with a lot of quiet time.
If you’ve got a hobby, or enjoy meditating or just being alone with your thoughts, you’ll do well. Growing produce in your garden could be just such a hobby.
Another thing to be honest about is whether you’re the outdoor type. It may sound obvious, but if you don’t like being outdoors, you’ll be missing out on some of the area’s best features.
Gardening is a popular pastime here because of the variety of flora and the never-ending growing season. There are miles and miles of hiking trails close by. And nearby Podocarpus National Park is a prime spot for horseback riding.
Vilcabamba is a freewheeling sort of place, beloved by pioneering types who enjoy the alternative lifestyle options of its invigorating location. It attracts people from around the globe who have many different world views.
This can create superb conversation… or tense arguments. If you enjoy hearing differing opinions and meeting people with different interests, you’ll do fine here.
Chances are you’ll learn plenty from others, including alternative medicine, little-known musical instruments, and creative art techniques.
For some, Vilcabamba is just a little too far outside their comfort zone. For others, it’s bliss.
You can read more about this fascinating part of Ecuador on the IL website here.
And if you’re planning your scouting trip to Ecuador, you should check out IL’s ready-made itineraries and travel guide on the IL bookstore here.
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