More and more baby boomers are choosing to relocate or retire in Costa Rica. This should come as no surprise because of the country’s stellar and squeaky-clean international reputation. Costa Rica has more American residents per capita than any other country outside of the U.S. – they can’t be wrong.

Lately there has been a lot of hype by international retirement magazines and private parties promoting Medellín, Colombia and Cuenca Ecuador as as more affordable versions of Costa Rica. Medellín is one of Colombia’s most beautiful cities and does have some things to offer. However, you are comparing one city and a country that has some serious issues including a civil war with peaceful Costa Rica. I have some friends who have moved to Medellín and like it. However, they are people who couldn’t find success and happiness in Costa Rica due to a variety of factors and moved on hoping to improve their lives.

Despite all of the hype Cuenca is not all that it is cracked up to be either. Again you are just looking at one city and not the whole country. If you are an older retiree and have any type of breathing problem you are bound to have problems at 8,200 feet above sea level. I know of several older Americans who had problems in Costa Rica’s Central Valley which is only a few thousand feet above sea level. They would probably drop dead in Cuenca due to the rarefied air. Also, the average temperature is 58 degrees which may make the place too cold for those seeking warm weather. On the other hand, the average year-round temperature in Costa Rica’s Central Valley is around 72 degrees and purportedly one of the best climates in the world according to several publications. Costa Rica has almost any micro climate from which to choose. Which place would you choose to live?

People talk about the affordability of Cuenca and Medellín. The quality of life is much better in Costa Rica. Don’t make the mistake of confusing affordability with quality of life. The bottom line is that you get what you pay for. Furthermore, Costa Rica is the ONLY country in Latin American with a time-tested organization dedicated to help foreigners who want to relocate there. The Association of Residents of Costa Rica offers one-of-a-kind services to help you more here almost seamlessly. That is why I include their informative seminar as part of my popular monthly relocation/retirement tours.

Finally, I talked with a good friend of mine who has the largest Latin American travel agency based in the United States told me that despite what people say Medellín has a serious crime problem and Cuenca is downright depressing. Furthermore both Colombia and Ecuador have standing armies which Costa Rica does not.

My friend’s business is to know all of the tourist destinations in Latin America and be an expert on the subject. I respect his opinion highly and consider him an expert on the subject. In fact, due to his expertise he has been a consultant for the U.S. in Latin America.