What areas in Ecuador would be most suitable for a family to live in?

Ecuador has a great deal of variety to offer, so I would recommend visiting around the country before making such a decision. On the other hand, Ecuador is not high on my list of expatriation destinations, even if many people from the United States are going there, since corruption, bureaucratic incompetence, and collectivist policies are rampant there.

Should you wish to go, though, I would steer clear of Quito and Guayaquil, since they both appear dirty, congested, and polluted — at least in my judgement. If I were going with a family, I would seek out more pleasant places like Cuenca in the mountains or the outskirts of Manta on the Pacific Coast.

If you’re willing to live in smaller towns, there are many options for a more tranquil life and at a very low cost. Cotacachi, near Otavalo, is one such town. It is a haven for fine leather work — where I bought my favorite jacket — and even the AARP has published an article describing it as a “paradise at the end of the rainbow.” I’ve also had a guest on my show who moved from North Carolina to Vilcabamba in the southern mountains, near Peru. Keep in mind, you need not follow the expats already in these places, and I would recommend just exploring the many other towns that have yet to attract expats.