Salinas Ecuador Pros & Cons

With the rise of remote work, the allure of living abroad has become even more attractive. Many people are venturing out of their home countries, seeking unique experiences and looking for places that offer a high quality of life at an affordable cost.

One of the locales that expats have been flocking to for years is Salinas, Ecuador. Known for its tropical charm, welcoming community, and affordability, Salinas offers an enchanting blend of lifestyle benefits that have been winning the hearts of expats from around the globe.

However, like every place, it comes with its own set of pros and cons.

The Alluring Pros of Salinas, Ecuador

As you consider your expat options, it’s essential to delve into the details of what makes each potential location unique. Here are several factors that have drawn expats from around the world to Salinas, Ecuador.

Affordable Housing: One of the first things that make Salinas appealing is the affordability of its housing market. Whether you’re looking to rent or buy, the prices are significantly lower than many popular expat locations. This makes Salinas an attractive place to call home.

Check out our Salinas, Ecuador Real Estate Tour.

Beaches: When you think of Ecuador, it’s hard not to imagine sun-drenched beaches and turquoise waters. Salinas is home to some of the country’s most beautiful beaches, providing a stunning backdrop for expat living.

Local Shopping: For those who love to shop, Salinas offers a variety of options. From Mi Comisariato to SuperMaxi to numerous mom-and-pop shops, you’ll find everything you need. The nearby commercial area, La Libertad, provides even more shopping and healthcare options.

Variety of Restaurants and Coffee Shops: Foodies and coffee lovers will delight in the variety of eateries available. From local fare to international cuisine, there’s something for every palate.

Walkability and Weather: Salinas is a great place for those who love to get around on foot. The weather is generally fantastic, which makes walking both a convenient and pleasant way to navigate the town.

Cleanliness and Natural Beauty: One of the attractions of Salinas is La Chocolatera, a local natural gem where you can take in the views, surf with the sea lions, and lose yourself in the majesty of nature.

Accessibility to Guayaquil: Being somewhat close to the major city of Guayaquil provides convenient access to an international airport and more healthcare options. You can reach Guayaquil by private driver, buseta, or CLP bus in less than 2 hours.

Expat Community: Salinas has a vibrant and active expat community. From meetups and activities to volunteer opportunities, there are many ways to get involved and meet like-minded individuals. The recent influx of younger families has further diversified the community.

The Drawbacks of Salinas Living

Despite all these compelling reasons to love Salinas, it’s worth noting a few drawbacks that some expats experience.

Vacation Town Dynamics: Salinas is a popular vacation spot, which means it can get quite busy during weekends and holidays. For those seeking tranquillity all year round, this could pose a challenge.

On the flip side, once all the tourists leave and go back home, it can feel like a ghost town. A lot of restaurants and shops close during the off-season or during the week when no tourists are in town.

Limited Activities: Some expats feel that Salinas lacks a wide variety of things to do. This could be a drawback for those who prefer a bustling city environment or an array of structured or cultural activities.

Airport Access: While Salinas is close to Guayaquil, its local airport is currently closed for commercial traffic. There are ongoing discussions about reopening it, which would provide more convenient flight options to Quito.

Safety: Since the end of the pandemic, crime in Salinas has increased, although it’s mostly theft and moto robberies.

Desert Microclimate: Salinas is characterized by a desert microclimate. This results in a somewhat dusty environment and less green space than you might find in other coastal towns.

Final Thoughts

Despite these drawbacks, it’s clear to see why many expats have fallen in love with Salinas. As with any destination, the key is to visit, explore, and decide if the lifestyle aligns with your own preferences.

Ultimately, it’s about finding the place that feels like home to you, where the pros outweigh the cons.

Watch Our Video About The Pros and Cons of Salinas, Ecuador

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JP Stonestreet

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Hola todos! Welcome to my author bio page! Let's see. Where to begin... I grew up in the country on a lake outside a small Kansas farm town. As soon as I could, I got the hell outta there! Since then, I've lived and/or worked in Kansas City, Washington D.C., Denver, San Francisco, and Ecuador. I started and sold a dotcom, wrote a book about it, started a YouTube channel, and now I write a lot. Amelia and I have embraced the Unconventional Life and we want to help you do it, too!