When the working life draws to a close, many people want to be able to make the most of their retirement, and while traveling the world may be one good way to see new places, retiring abroad can also have a lot to offer.

There are expat communities located around South America, and there are some wonderful places that offer plenty of activities, and what is often the most important thing of all, a pleasant climate.

Benefits of retiring to South America can include a lower cost of living, beautiful surroundings and the genuine excitement and enjoyment that comes from embracing a new culture.

Cotacachi, Ecuador

This lovely city is one that has some wonderful colonial architecture and beautiful mountains surrounding the city, and for those retiring Cotacachi is a great location for those who are looking for a real change of pace and the chance to embrace an entirely new culture.

The city has the highest proportion of indigenous people in Ecuador, and the annual Inti Raymi celebrations are very impressive. The city is famous for handicrafts and producing leather goods, while the cuisine here is also very good.

Montevideo, Uruguay

Many people will overlook Uruguay when they consider potential retirement spots in South America, and while it may not have the lowest living costs in the region, it does benefit from having a steady, stable government and a healthy financial situation.

Uruguay has a great infrastructure that is much more familiar to Western people, and the beautiful colonial surroundings and the relaxed atmosphere make Montevideo a place that is well worth considering.

Santa Marta, Colombia

Another of the lovely colonial cities in South America, Santa Marta lies on the Caribbean Coast, and benefits from a wonderful climate which goes for much of the year without seeing more than a brief rain shower, and is warm throughout the year.

Santa Marta has great access to pleasant beaches and a range of cultural attractions, while those who are a little more active can go scuba diving, swimming or enjoy birdwatching at the excellent El Dorado reserve.

Cuenca, Ecuador

This varied city is popular among expats and retirees as it offers a good balance between the historic and cultural activities on offer and the benefits of a modern cosmopolitan city. A low cost of living means that your pension can stretch much further than it can in the United States, while the climate is also friendly and warm. There are great health care options, and the Christmas Festival and the Festival of Independence are both wonderful annual events that really bring the city together.

Vina Del Mar, Chile

Chile lies on the west coast of South America, and has quite a varied climate, with the warmer areas to the north of the country usually offering more pleasant retirement surroundings than the more rugged terrain in the south of the country.

Vina del Mar is a lovely coastal city that is still within easy reach of the cosmopolitan city of Santiago, but the beautiful beach and the museums help to make this an interesting and pleasant place to retire.

Mendoza, Argentina

Despite being in a particularly dry area of the country, an artificial irrigation system means Mendoza is much greener than the dry ground in most of the area, while the surrounding terrain is filled with many different wineries. While you could buy a smallholding and grow your own wine if that is your fancy, even having the wineries in the area helps to make this a great place to retire, with a wonderful cuisine that is well complemented by the local vineyard's produce.