How to Apply for an Ecuador Retirement Visa in Chicago

Ecuador – the “land of the equator” – remains one of the world’s most popular and affordable retirement destinations.  Retirees from the Chicago area are drawn to its low living costs, warm tropical climate, up-to-date infrastructure, affordable healthcare, and diverse cultural and natural treasures. 

The Republic of Ecuador’s mainland straddles the Andres Mountains and borders Peru, Colombia, and the Pacific Ocean.  The South American country also includes the Galapagos Islands.  Once part of the Incan Empire, modern-day Ecuador was colonized by the Spanish during the 16th Century.  It gained independence from Spain in 1820 as part of Gran Colombia and separated from Colombia in 1830.  Its population of 18.4 million people is largely made up of mestizos (descendants of Europeans and indigenous peoples), while the rest are of African, Asian, Native American, and European heritage.  Spanish remains its official language.

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