Exploring Retirement Abroad: A Couple’s Journey Beyond Cuenca, Ecuador
Retirement is often seen as a time to slow down, relax, and enjoy the fruits of one’s labor. For my husband and I, retirement has been anything but slowing down. After leaving the United States in 2010 to retire in Cuenca, Ecuador, we’ve built a fulfilling life that’s allowed us to explore the world and consider new possibilities. While Ecuador has been a wonderful home, we’ve always wondered: is there another place that could offer an even better retirement experience? This curiosity led us on a two-year adventure to explore other retirement hotspots around the globe. Our journey took us to Mexico, a country that’s become a popular destination for American expats due to its proximity to the U.S., warm climate, and lower cost of living. We spent time in Cancún and Playa del Carmen, two of Mexico’s most sought-after Caribbean destinations, to see what life might look like for retirees there. What we found was both surprising and insightful.
Beyond the Tourist Traps: Discovering the Real Cancún
Cancún is a name synonymous with luxury resorts, pristine beaches, and vibrant nightlife. But beyond the glitz and glamour of its famous hotel zone, we found a city that’s more than just a vacation spot. Nestled on the northeastern coast of the Yucatan Peninsula, Cancún is a bustling metropolis with a residential downtown that feels worlds apart from the tourist-heavy beaches. To experience life as a local, we rented an Airbnb in a residential neighborhood, away from the resorts and boutiques of the hotel zone. What we discovered was a charming, walkable area filled with modest single-family homes, local shops, and affordable restaurants.
The downtown area had everything we could need for daily life, from fresh produce to household goods, all within walking distance. Even familiar American chains like Walmart were present, offering a surprising selection of affordable products. The international airport, just 20 to 30 minutes away, was another perk—perfect for retirees who want to stay connected to family back home. However, our experience wasn’t without its drawbacks. While we enjoyed the convenience of downtown, accessing the beach was more challenging than expected. Public beaches were sprawling, but designated entry points were few, making it harder to enjoy the coastline than we anticipated. Despite this, we left Cancún with a newfound appreciation for its balance of affordability, accessibility, and convenience.
Playa del Carmen: A Blend of Beach and City Life
Our next stop was Playa del Carmen, a coastal town about an hour south of Cancún. Unlike Cancún, Playa del Carmen doesn’t have a separate hotel zone; instead, its residential neighborhoods, businesses, and beaches are seamlessly integrated. The result is a vibrant, walkable community where locals and tourists alike can enjoy the best of both worlds. The famous 5th Avenue, a lively strip lined with shops, restaurants, and live music, felt like Mexico’s version of New Orleans’ Bourbon Street. While the energy was exciting, I couldn’t help but wonder if it might become overwhelming for daily life.
Despite that, Playa del Carmen charmed us with its outstanding food and shopping options. Like Cancún, it offered a mix of local markets and familiar American chains, including Walmart, Sam’s Club, and Office Depot. The convenience of these amenities, combined with its proximity to Cancún’s international airport, made Playa del Carmen an attractive option for expats. However, the lack of its own airport and the hotter temperatures were notable drawbacks. For us, the heat was a dealbreaker, but for many retirees, the warm climate is a priority.
Why Expats Love Mexico: Key Takeaways
Reflecting on our time in Mexico, it’s easy to see why so many American retirees choose Cancún and Playa del Carmen. Both cities offer a unique blend of beauty, walkability, and accessibility, making them ideal for expats. The warm weather, stunning beaches, and lower cost of living are undeniable draws. We were impressed by how both cities managed to balance local culture with modern amenities, creating a welcoming environment for foreigners. The presence of international airports also makes traveling back to the U.S. relatively straightforward—a major plus for retirees with family ties stateside. However, we realized that Mexico’s climate didn’t quite align with our personal preferences. While we appreciated the beauty of these cities, we ultimately decided that Cuenca, Ecuador, remains our ideal retirement home.
Retirement Abroad: What Matters Most
Our journey through Mexico reinforced the importance of considering personal preferences when choosing a retirement destination. For some, the warmth and beach lifestyle of Cancún or Playa del Carmen might be perfect. For others, like us, a cooler climate and quieter pace of life in a place like Cuenca might be more appealing. Retirement is a deeply personal chapter of life, and there’s no one-size-fits-all approach to where and how to live it. By exploring different options and weighing the pros and cons, retirees can make informed decisions that align with their values, needs, and aspirations.
Final Thoughts: Embracing the Adventure
While our adventure in Mexico didn’t lead us to a new retirement destination, it deepened our appreciation for the opportunities and challenges of living abroad. We returned to Cuenca with a renewed sense of gratitude for the life we’ve built there, while also feeling inspired by the possibilities that other places like Cancún and Playa del Carmen offer. Retirement is a time of discovery, and for us, the journey itself has been as rewarding as any destination. Whether you’re considering a move to Mexico, Ecuador, or another corner of the globe, the key to a fulfilling retirement is embracing change, staying curious, and finding a place that feels like home.
