Unveiling the Best Places to Retire Around the World for a Blissful Retirement

12 Ecuador

Ecuador is among the best bargains for retirees in the Americas. This is a representative democracy on the northwest portion of South America, with Columbia to the north, Peru to the east and south, and the Pacific Ocean to the west. A couple can retire here for less than $20,000 per year.

There are several ex-pat communities, with 12,000 Americans and Canadians living here. Healthcare meets international standards and is affordable. Travel to the US is easy, and Ecuador's currency is the US dollar.

Eduardo Fonseca Arraes / Getty Images