If hot weather in other parts of Central and South America gives you pause, consider Ecuador, the “land of eternal spring.” The low cost of living in the Andean nation has Americans immigrating there in droves, especially to Quito, Cuenca, Guayaquil, and coastal towns. Ecuador is rated tops for women, LGBTQIA+, and retirees alike. Ecuadorians definitely have no fears of fighting back against their flawed democracy with strikes and protests. Abortion, guns, and marijuana are all partially legal.

The downsides for some expats are the over-abundance of stray street dogs, bugs, and bureaucracy, and the unreliability of health insurance and infrastructure. The upsides are stunning natural landscapes and biodiversity (including the Galapagos Islands!) and the warm and friendly Ecuadorian people.