Why We Moved from the Caribbean to South America: A Leap of Faith and a World of Discovery

The question often comes with a raised eyebrow, a tilt of the head, and a hint of disbelief: "You moved from the Caribbean? Why would anyone leave paradise?" It's true, our years living in the sun-drenched, turquoise-watered embrace of the Caribbean were idyllic in many ways. Palm trees swayed to a gentle hum, the pace of life was deliciously slow, and every sunset felt like a painting.

But even in paradise, the human spirit can yearn for a different kind of horizon. For us, that horizon beckoned from the vast, diverse, and utterly captivating continent of South America.

The Caribbean Chapter: A Beautiful, But Limiting, Dream

Having been born and raised in the Caribbean and enjoying the picturesque simple island life, which it delivered. We fell in love with the vibrant culture, the warmth of the people, and the sheer natural beauty that surrounded us daily. Days melted into weeks, filled with snorkeling, beach walks, and the comforting rhythm of island time.

However, as time went on, the Caribbean dollar could only stretch so far, and we began to feel a subtle shift in our desires.

Here's what started to gently nudge us towards a change:

• LIMITED HORIZONS: While beautiful, the islands, by their very nature, are finite. We longed for more diverse landscapes – mountains that touched the clouds, ancient ruins that whispered stories, vibrant cities bursting with art and history.

  
  

• COST OF LIVING: Many Caribbean islands, especially popular expat destinations, come with a surprisingly high cost of living which is typically the first item residents bring to light. Groceries, durable goods, and utility services often carry a hefty premium. Prior to leaving, our basic utilities were in the region of $260 USD each month, plus food, transportation and daily living skyrocketed those costs. We started to wonder if our budget could stretch further for more experiences elsewhere.

  
  

• THE "ISLAND BUBBLE": There's a certain insulation that comes with island life. While comforting, we found ourselves craving a broader perspective, more cultural immersion, and the challenge of navigating a new, larger world.

  
  

• CAREER & OPPORTUNITY: While we made it work, specific professional growth opportunities felt more limited in our niche on the island. In 2025 with the expansion of digital nomads and the potential of working remotely with some companies, this makes the transition much easier and stress free.

DISCOVER ECUADOR

The decision to relocate to Quito, Ecuador, is increasingly appealing to individuals and entrepreneurs seeking a blend of cultural richness and economic practicality. One of its most compelling drawcards is the remarkably low cost of living with combined utilities as low as $70 USD/month. Daily expenses, from groceries bursting with fresh, exotic produce (think avocados for less than a dollar or a full meal for under $5) to affordable public transportation ($0.35 USD) and dining experiences, are significantly lower than in North American or European cities. A comfortable lifestyle that might strain budgets elsewhere is easily attainable here, allowing residents to enjoy a higher quality of life without constant financial pressure.

This affordability extends directly to its real estate market (we used www.your-business-for-sale.com), presenting a remarkable opportunity for those looking to invest or simply find a new home. Whether one is looking to rent a modern, spacious apartment in a vibrant district like La Floresta or Cumbayá, or to purchase a charming colonial home in the historic center, the affordable properties starting as low as $180,000 USD offer exceptional value. Prices per square meter are a fraction of what they would be in major global capitals, making property ownership or long-term rental not just feasible, but an attractive investment opportunity for expatriates and locals alike.

Furthermore, Quito presents an attractive landscape for entrepreneurs and investors, boasting a surprisingly seamless business setup process. The Ecuadorian government has made strides in streamlining the bureaucratic red tape, actively encouraging foreign investment and local entrepreneurship. Quito stands out as an outstanding choice for those seeking a fresh start in a dynamic South American capital.

We discovered the incredible warmth of the Ecuadorian people, always ready with a smile and a helping hand. We savored flavors we'd never imagined, from rich ajiaco to perfectly grilled beef. We found ourselves hiking breathtaking trails, wandering through the UNESCO historical city, and learning to navigate a city that felt alive with a constant, energetic hum.

The move is a reminder that sometimes, the greatest treasures lie just beyond the edge of our comfort zone, waiting to be discovered in a new language, a new landscape, and a whole new way of life. Our Caribbean chapter was beautiful, but our South American story is just beginning, and it's proving to be an exhilarating, vibrant adventure we wouldn't trade for anything.

Have you ever made a big move in search of a new kind of adventure? What "what if" are you pondering? Share your thoughts in the comments below!