Santa Elena Province · ~40,000
Moving to Salinas, Ecuador
Salinas is Ecuador's original expat beach town — a resort city on the Pacific with a 40-year history of North American retirees, a yacht club, golf course, and a social calendar built around beach life.
Why expats choose Salinas
Established expat infrastructure: Decades of English-speaking services, clubs, and real estate agents.
Resort amenities: Golf, yacht club, boardwalk, fishing charters, and beachfront dining.
Dry coastal climate: Less humid than Manta or Esmeraldas, with consistent sunshine.
Weekend getaway culture: Guayaquil's middle class keeps the town lively with restaurants and events.
Cost of living
What does life in Salinas cost?
Estimates for moderate lifestyle. Use the Cost of Living Calculator for a personalised budget.
Where to live
Best neighbourhoods in Salinas
Malecón / Chipipe
The main beach strip with condos, restaurants, and the yacht club. The social centre of expat life.
Social retirees and beach lovers
San Lorenzo
Quieter residential area south of the main strip, more local character, lower rents.
Long-term residents seeking calm
Ballenita (nearby)
Hillside village 10 minutes north with ocean views, cooler breezes, and an artistic community.
Those wanting views without resort prices
Healthcare
Salinas has basic healthcare facilities and a new hospital under development. For anything beyond routine care, the standard approach is to drive to Guayaquil (2 hours) or La Libertad (30 minutes) where Hospital de Clínicas and other private facilities offer better coverage. Many retirees maintain health insurance that covers Guayaquil.
Expat community
Salinas has Ecuador's oldest continuous expat community, heavily North American retiree-weighted. There are organised clubs, charity groups, regular happy hours, and a well-oiled social scene. It is less diverse than Cuenca but very welcoming to newcomers.
Pros
- Most established beach expat community
- Resort amenities (golf, yacht club)
- Drier climate than other coastal towns
- Good road connection to Guayaquil
- Strong social scene for retirees
Cons
- Can feel like a retirement bubble
- Limited cultural offerings
- Very quiet outside peak season
- Healthcare limitations for complex issues
- Beach erosion concerns in some areas
Visa process from Salinas
Salinas is a popular destination for Retirement Visa holders who want warm weather and beach access. The visa process itself is handled remotely — EcuaPass coordinates filings from Cuenca while clients settle into Salinas beach life.
Common questions about Salinas
City FAQs
Is Salinas too touristy?
During Ecuadorian holiday weekends (Carnaval, New Year), Salinas is packed. The rest of the year it is calm. Many expats enjoy the energy of the busy weekends and the peace of the off-season.
Can I swim in the ocean in Salinas?
Yes, the water is warm and generally safe for swimming in the protected bay areas. The Pacific currents can be strong; swim near lifeguard-posted areas.