What I have found out so far...

Ecuador is promoted by many as the country with the lowest cost of living and the best options for climates. I am subscribed to 3 well known sites and I receive regular updates from all of them. They do promote their products all the time which can be a bit annoying but they also do seem to do thorough research as well.

1. International Living check out Google ads and search Ecuador
   
2. Live and Invest Overseas check out Google ads and search Ecuador
   
3. Search Gary A Scott and Ecuador
   

Panama is also promoted as the retirement haven with all kinds of benefits especially for a retiree. It seems to be a bit more costly to live there. For sure it is in Panama City as compared to the smaller towns or rural areas. It is a bit closer to home though... just a bit. It also may be more developed than Ecuador.

1. International Living check out Google ads and search Panama
   
2. Live and Invest Overseas check out Google ads and search Panama

Mexico has lots of negative press right now but we found it safe and friendly. It also has varying climates. One can choose the hotter climates along the coast line or retreat to the mountain areas for the "spring like climates". Unfortunately, spring like climates are just too cold for me. When we went to San Cristobal de Las Casas we thought it was beautiful. We also enjoyed the beach on the north coast of Mexico but found it surprisingly cold too. The winds blow off the ocean and in February it can feel cold.

Looking for Real Estate? With the help of Mr. Carlos Hassey Esparza from http://www.tierrayucatan.com/ we found a place in Merida that had 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, a wrap around verandah and a swimming pool with an asking price of only $67,000 USD. The owner also said if it didn't sell and we wanted to rent it for, say 3 months, he would rent it to us for only $500 CAD per month. He said he would leave it all furnished for us and take the time to go off and investigate Brazil as it looks the most promising to him as the up and coming place. Brazil is just too far away for me.He was a very interesting old guy. A former Canadian diplomat and he had served a lot of places. He seemed very honest with us about the down side of his house and living in Mexico but he also said how much he has enjoyed living there. Carlos was wonderful and we highly recommend him as a realtor. He was so friendly and polite and helpful. He showed us around and answered so many questions for us.

1. International Living check out Google ads and search Mexico
   
2. Live and Invest Overseas check out Google ads and search Mexico