Salinas, Ecuador

Capital City

This beachfront resort town is not the tropical paradise it may seem. With a population of just 35,066, Salinas is Ecuador's largest coastal resort, but offers limited opportunities beyond its upscale beach lifestyle. The bureaucracy can be a persistent headache, as evidenced by the convoluted history of how this former fishing village was elevated to a canton in 1937. And while the Humboldt Current keeps temperatures mild year-round, the arid climate means Salinas lacks the lush greenery typical of other Ecuadorian destinations. Those seeking an exclusive, resort-style retirement may find Salinas suits them, but it's hardly representative of the country as a whole.