Ecuador – End of Life Issues

What end of life care options are available in Ecuador, and how does the system work?

Ecuador’s framework for supporting terminally ill patients is still maturing. Services are delivered through a combination of public hospital wards, private clinics, and a single dedicated hospice. A persistent challenge throughout Latin America — and Ecuador is no exception — is the tendency for palliative programmes to cluster in large metropolitan centres, leaving those in rural areas with far fewer options. Expats living outside Quito, Guayaquil, or Cuenca may need to travel considerable distances to reach specialist services.

Where palliative support does exist, it is generally delivered by a multidisciplinary team that may include a physician, nurse, psychologist, and social worker. Historically, palliative care in Latin America grew out of hospital oncology departments, and as a consequence it is still widely perceived as a doctor-directed specialty tied primarily to cancer treatment. Patients with other life-limiting illnesses may find it more difficult to be accepted into specialist palliative programmes.

Social work services in Ecuador are largely confined to major urban centres, meaning that the kind of coordinated medical, psychological, and social care found in countries with well-established integrated systems can be difficult to replicate outside cities. Expats living in smaller towns would be well advised to plan for this reality early and ask their treating physician for referrals well before they become urgent.

What is palliative care in Ecuador, and who is eligible for it?

Palliative care encompasses the relief of pain and other physical symptoms, alongside psychosocial and spiritual support for both patients and their families. In Ecuador, it is formally recognised as a medical discipline, and the Ministry of Public Health (Ministerio de Salud Pública, MSP) has produced national clinical guidelines for palliative care at the primary care level.

The overarching aim is to address the palliative needs of individuals living with diseases that threaten life and cause significant suffering. In theory, eligibility is not confined to a single diagnosis — patients with cancer, advanced organ failure, neurological conditions, and other serious life-limiting illnesses may all be referred for palliative support. In practice, however, approximately a quarter of services are reported to be exclusively available to patients with oncological conditions, which means that those with non-cancer diagnoses may need to actively seek a referral.

The Atlas of Palliative Care in Latin America indicates that only around 7% of patients who could benefit from palliative care in the region actually receive it, and that services skew heavily towards cancer patients in densely populated cities. Research has also pointed to limited public awareness of palliative care options in Ecuador and has called for targeted education initiatives to expand access across the health system.

Expats who require palliative care should ask their general practitioner or specialist (médico tratante) for a formal referral to a palliative care unit. The MSP’s website (salud.gob.ec) provides information on national health services.

Are there hospices in Ecuador, and how do you access them?

San Camilo Hospice stands as the only fully operational dedicated hospice in a country of more than 17 million people. Situated in Quito, it was founded in 2014 under the umbrella of FECUPAL, a private foundation committed to advancing palliative care throughout Ecuador. It is a pioneering institution, yet its modest capacity means that demand consistently exceeds what it can provide.

The hospice accommodates up to 25 patients and is supported by a team of around 60 staff members, including four doctors and eight nurses. Beyond inpatient care, it also delivers home-based palliative support, a volunteer programme, and psychological and social services. Since opening its doors, San Camilo has cared for more than 3,000 patients, with its outreach team completing approximately 22,000 home visits.

Elsewhere in Ecuador, cities such as Cuenca and Guayaquil have hospital-based palliative care departments rather than standalone hospice facilities. These units can offer meaningful support but do not replicate the immersive, person-centred environment of a dedicated hospice. Expats outside Quito should discuss available hospital-based options with their treating physician. FECUPAL may also be contacted directly for advice on home care; its outreach activities extend beyond the capital.

Is palliative or hospice care covered by public health insurance or the national health system, or does it need to be funded privately?

In many parts of the region, hospital-based palliative care is provided at no charge to patients. In Ecuador, those enrolled in the public health system (Sistema Nacional de Salud) or covered by the Instituto Ecuatoriano de Seguridad Social (IESS) may be able to access hospital palliative care at little or no direct cost.

Dedicated hospice care in Ecuador, however, is not a publicly financed service. San Camilo Hospice in Quito operates as a privately run charitable institution. Through the collaborative relationship between the hospice and the FECUPAL foundation, questions of organisation and funding can be addressed flexibly, always according to each patient’s real needs. Subsidised or negotiated arrangements may be possible depending on individual circumstances — contact the hospice directly to discuss your situation.

Expats who are not enrolled in IESS will generally need private international health insurance to cover inpatient palliative or hospice care in a private facility. It is essential to read your policy thoroughly, as coverage for palliative care varies significantly between providers. Unlike the NHS in the United Kingdom, where palliative care is broadly integrated into the public system at no direct cost, Ecuador’s public health framework offers uneven coverage, and care at the hospice level will often require some degree of private funding.

What legal documents should expats have in place before the end of life in Ecuador — such as a living will, advance directive, power of attorney, or healthcare proxy — and how do these work?

Following the 2024 decriminalisation of physician-assisted deaths, Ecuador introduced an “Advanced Living Will” framework alongside accompanying guidance. This means expats can now formally record their wishes regarding end-of-life medical treatment in Ecuador, in addition to the more traditional estate planning instruments.

A power of attorney (poder notarial) designates a named individual to make legal and financial decisions on your behalf. A healthcare power of attorney specifically authorises someone to make medical decisions should you become incapacitated. Both must be executed before a notary public (notario público) in Ecuador to carry legal force. An Ecuadorian notary is a qualified legal professional whose role is to verify your identity, mental capacity, and the wholly voluntary nature of your instructions.

The notary’s function is central to this process: they confirm that you are of sound mind, acting freely, and that any witnesses satisfy the relevant legal requirements. Expats should work with a bilingual Ecuadorian attorney throughout, as all legally operative documents must be in Spanish to be enforceable. A certified translation may accompany any personal guidance written in another language, but the binding legal text must be in Spanish.

For a will to be considered valid in Ecuador, it may be written in English in the form of a “Closed Testament,” but your Ecuadorian attorney should supply you with an English-language format that is fully compliant with Ecuadorian law. Five witnesses who hold either Ecuadorian residency or Ecuadorian citizenship are required, and the document must be notarised. Notary fees are generally waived for those aged 65 and over; for individuals under 65, the fee is approximately USD $520 (as of 2024 — confirm current fees with a local notary).

Many expats reside in Latin America alone or as a couple, often without any formal emergency support structure in place. Bilingual advocates may be necessary to help navigate the system, and it is advisable to designate at least three people who can advocate for your wishes or act as healthcare proxies, in case one of them is unavailable at a critical moment.

Are documents such as advance directives or powers of attorney made in another country legally recognised in Ecuador?

Arriving in Ecuador with an advance healthcare directive or similar document that is legally valid in your country of origin offers no guarantee that it will be enforceable here. Ecuador, like most Latin American nations, operates under a civil law system that differs substantially from the common law frameworks used in many English-speaking countries. Documents drawn up under a foreign legal system are unlikely to be automatically recognised by Ecuadorian hospitals or courts.

A foreign will does not generally substitute for an Ecuadorian will, particularly because specific rules govern how and when assets must be distributed at death in Ecuador, and what proportions must go to particular categories of heir. The same principle applies to healthcare directives and powers of attorney: an instrument that is entirely valid in another jurisdiction may simply be disregarded by Ecuadorian medical and legal professionals if it fails to meet local formal requirements.

Foreign legal documents can in some cases be given recognition in Ecuador through apostille certification and formal registration, but this outcome is not guaranteed and depends on the nature of the document and the discretion of the reviewing notary or judge. The most reliable course of action is to create new documents that comply fully with Ecuadorian law. Engage a qualified Ecuadorian attorney (abogado) with experience in handling expat matters, and ensure that your medical team and next of kin know where these documents are kept.

What are the laws around euthanasia or assisted dying in Ecuador?

On 5 February 2024, Ecuador’s Constitutional Court issued a landmark ruling declaring active euthanasia legal. Ecuador thereby became only the third Latin American country to permit physician-assisted death, joining Colombia and Cuba. The ruling followed a case brought before the courts by a terminally ill patient.

Under this ruling, active euthanasia is permissible when it is carried out by a physician, when the patient has given free, unambiguous, and informed consent (or through a legal representative when the patient is unable to express consent directly), and when the patient is enduring intense suffering as a result of a serious and irreversible physical injury or a serious and incurable illness. The Court also recognised that physicians who have conscientious objections must have those objections respected.

The government issued implementation guidelines in April 2024, following the Court’s directives. The National Assembly was instructed to draft and pass legislation regulating euthanasia procedures within twelve months of a bill being introduced. The regulatory framework was still being developed throughout 2024–2025, so expats wishing to understand how these rules apply to them as foreign nationals should take legal advice from an Ecuadorian attorney and check the Ministry of Public Health’s website (salud.gob.ec) for current guidance. Any such discussions should involve your treating physician at the earliest opportunity.

What are the local customs, traditions, and religious practices around death and dying in Ecuador?

Ecuador is a predominantly Catholic and socially conservative country. Roman Catholicism profoundly shapes the customs and expectations surrounding death, dying, and mourning. Religious rituals — among them the anointing of the sick (last rites), prayer vigils, and funeral Masses — are widespread and hold deep significance for many families. Non-Catholic or non-religious expats should be mindful of these traditions, particularly when engaging with Ecuadorian relatives of the deceased.

The wake (velorio) occupies a central place in Ecuadorian funeral culture. The body of the deceased is received either at the family home or at a funeral parlour, where relatives and friends assemble to pay their respects, offer prayers, and share memories — frequently through the night. In many rural and indigenous communities, the velorio is an extended communal occasion lasting an entire night or longer. Visitors traditionally bring candles, flowers, and food as tokens of solidarity and condolence.

Burial remains by far the most common practice, shaped by Catholic tradition. Ecuadorian cemeteries frequently feature elaborate family tombs and mausoleums. Death anniversaries and the Catholic observance of Día de los Difuntos (Day of the Dead, 2 November) are marked with visits to graves, flowers, and prayers for the deceased. Indigenous communities — particularly those of the Andean highlands — may weave together Catholic practice and pre-Columbian tradition. Cremation is available and gaining broader acceptance, especially in cities and among non-religious residents, but burial remains culturally dominant. Religion, spirituality, and folk medicine are all recognised as significant influences on end-of-life experience throughout Latin America.

What must you do when someone dies in Ecuador? Who do you notify, how quickly, and in what order?

A death in Ecuador triggers a sequence of notifications and administrative tasks that must be completed without delay. The precise process varies slightly depending on whether death takes place in hospital or at home. The steps below outline the general sequence; always seek guidance from a local attorney or your consulate for advice specific to your circumstances.

1. Obtain a medical certificate of death (certificado médico de defunción). If death occurs in a hospital or clinic, the attending doctor will issue this certificate. If death occurs at home, a physician — or, where unavailable, the local health authority — must be called to attend and certify the death. No subsequent steps can be taken without this document.
2. Notify the Civil Registry (Registro Civil). Present the medical certificate at the nearest Registro Civil office as promptly as possible — typically within a few days of death. The Registro Civil is Ecuador’s national civil registration body and is responsible for issuing the official death certificate. Consult their website (registrocivil.gob.ec) for current deadlines and requirements.
3. Obtain the official death certificate (acta de defunción). Once registration is complete, you will receive the official death certificate. It is advisable to request multiple certified copies immediately, as they will be needed for estate administration, repatriation, and insurance purposes.
4. Notify the deceased’s home country embassy or consulate. If the deceased was a foreign national, contact their home country’s embassy or consulate in Ecuador as soon as possible. Most have a 24-hour emergency line for situations such as this. The consulate will advise on the steps required by that particular government (see the dedicated section below).
5. Contact a funeral home (funeraria). Engage a funeral home to take custody of the body. In Ecuador, burial or cremation generally takes place within 24 to 72 hours of death, consistent with local custom and the demands of the climate. If repatriation is planned, notify the funeral home at once, as the procedures and documentation involved are considerably more complex.
6. Notify relevant insurance companies and financial institutions. Inform any life insurers, international health insurers, and banks where the deceased held accounts. Insurers will require a certified copy of the death certificate.
7. Engage an Ecuadorian attorney for estate matters. If the deceased owned property, maintained bank accounts, or held other assets in Ecuador, instruct a local lawyer (abogado) to begin the estate administration process (sucesión) without delay — certain aspects are subject to statutory deadlines under Ecuadorian law.
8. Cancel or transfer any Ecuadorian residency or identity documents. Notify the relevant authorities — such as the Cancillería / Ministry of Foreign Affairs — of the death of a foreign resident. The deceased’s cédula (Ecuadorian identity card) and residency documents will need to be formally cancelled.

How is a death officially registered in Ecuador, and what documents are needed?

Registering a death in Ecuador is a legal responsibility that falls to the Registro Civil, Identificación y Cedulación — the national civil registry. Registration must be carried out at the Registro Civil office in the parish (parroquia) where the death occurred. Urban areas typically have several offices; rural areas may have just one. Some services are available online — check registrocivil.gob.ec for the current procedures.

The documents generally required for registration include: the medical certificate of death (certificado médico de defunción) issued by the attending physician or hospital; the national identity document (cédula) of the deceased, or their passport if they were a foreign national; and identification of the person registering the death, who is usually a family member or appointed legal representative. Additional documentation may be necessary depending on the circumstances — if death resulted from an accident, for instance, a police report may also be required.

Once registration has been completed, the Registro Civil issues the official death certificate (acta de defunción). This is the document that carries full legal standing in Ecuador and is required for all subsequent processes: administering the estate, closing bank accounts, cancelling pensions, transferring property, and arranging repatriation of remains. Request several certified copies at the point of registration to avoid unnecessary delays later.

What happens if a foreign national dies in Ecuador — what are the specific steps for notifying their home country’s embassy or consulate, and what role does the consulate play?

When a foreign national dies in Ecuador, their home country’s embassy or consulate plays a vital supporting role — though it cannot override Ecuadorian law or assume responsibility for legal processes taking place in Ecuador. The consulate should be contacted as soon as possible; most maintain 24-hour emergency lines specifically for situations including the death of one of their nationals abroad.

The consulate’s responsibilities typically include: confirming that the death is formally recorded both locally and in the home country’s own records; issuing any documentation required by the home country — such as a consular death certificate or a report of death of a citizen abroad; advising the family on repatriation procedures and recommending approved funeral homes; helping to locate next of kin if they are not present in Ecuador; and providing a list of local bilingual lawyers, translators, and funeral service providers. The consulate may also assist in communicating with local authorities where language presents a barrier.

The consulate cannot cover the cost of funerals or repatriation, act as executor of the estate, or offer legal advice under Ecuadorian law. Families should consult their home country’s foreign ministry or consular services website for country-specific guidance — for example, the UK government’s guidance is available at gov.uk, the US Embassy in Ecuador at ec.usembassy.gov, and Canadian consular services at international.gc.ca. Always confirm contact details for your specific embassy directly, before you need them in an emergency.

How are funerals typically arranged in Ecuador, and what are the usual options for burial or cremation?

Funerals in Ecuador are almost always arranged through a private funeral home (funeraria or agencia funeraria). Funeral homes handle body preparation, the wake (velorio), transportation, and the burial or cremation. In major cities, there are many providers offering varying levels of service. Hospitals often have established relationships with local funeral homes and can make introductions, but the family is free to select any licensed provider.

Burial is overwhelmingly the more common choice, rooted in Catholic tradition. Ecuador has both public municipal cemeteries (cementerios municipales) and private cemeteries, including some operated by religious organisations. In larger cities, private landscaped cemeteries offer a quieter alternative. In public cemeteries, burials are typically in above-ground niches for a fixed term — usually five years — after which the remains may be relocated if the space is not renewed. Families seeking permanent provision should consider a private niche or family vault.

Cremation is available in Ecuador, principally in Quito, Guayaquil, and Cuenca, and is gaining acceptance, especially among urban and non-religious populations. It remains, however, less culturally embedded than burial. If the deceased expressed a wish to be cremated, documenting this formally — ideally through a notarised statement — is advisable to prevent disputes with family members who may have a strong cultural preference for burial. If remains are to be repatriated, discuss with the funeral home whether burial or cremation better suits the entry requirements of the destination country.

What are the approximate costs of a funeral in Ecuador, and are there any state or insurance-based funds that can help cover them?

The cost of a funeral in Ecuador varies widely according to the level of service, the funeral home chosen, the city, and whether burial or cremation is selected. As a general indication, a straightforward funeral including a basic coffin, a single night’s wake, and burial in a municipal cemetery may fall between USD $800 and USD $1,500. A mid-range service with a private cemetery plot, a more substantial coffin, and additional flowers typically costs between USD $2,000 and USD $4,000 (as of 2024 — prices fluctuate and should always be confirmed directly with local providers). Cremation services generally fall at the lower end of these ranges.

Repatriation of remains represents a substantial additional expense — typically USD $3,000 to USD $8,000 or more, depending on the destination country — and is addressed in the section below. IESS provides a modest funeral subsidy (auxilio de funerales) to surviving family members of insured workers and pensioners; current amounts and eligibility criteria can be verified at iess.gob.ec. This benefit is aimed primarily at those integrated into Ecuador’s formal employment sector, and expats who were not contributing to IESS are unlikely to qualify.

Some international health and travel insurance policies include a death benefit or repatriation of mortal remains coverage. Expatriate insurance plans offered by providers such as Cigna Global, Allianz Care, and Bupa Global frequently include this as a standard feature — review your policy documents carefully. If such cover is in place, contact your insurer’s emergency line as early as possible, as they will generally manage logistics directly through a partner funeral home in Ecuador.

What is the process for repatriating the remains of a foreign national from Ecuador to another country?

Repatriating human remains from Ecuador is a complex, document-intensive, and time-consuming undertaking. It requires coordination between the funeral home, Ecuadorian authorities, the deceased’s home country embassy or consulate, and the receiving country’s relevant bodies. The process typically takes a minimum of one to two weeks, and may take considerably longer if documentation difficulties arise.

The key steps and documents are as follows. The funeral home must prepare the body in compliance with both Ecuadorian export regulations and the import requirements of the receiving country. A hermetically sealed, internationally approved coffin or container is mandatory for international transport. Ecuadorian authorities will require the official death certificate (acta de defunción), a sanitary transit certificate issued by the Ministry of Public Health, a certificate confirming that the cause of death poses no contagion risk (certificado de no peligrosidad), and a permit for the transfer of human remains issued by the relevant municipal or health authority.

The home country’s consulate or embassy in Ecuador must be involved to issue any consular documentation required by the receiving country and to confirm that the entry of remains is permitted. Airlines maintain their own requirements for transporting human remains — typically dedicated cargo space and prescribed packaging standards. The consulate will generally be able to recommend funeral homes with experience in international repatriation. If the deceased held international insurance with repatriation cover, the insurer will typically manage much of the process. Even with insurance in place, families should allow at least 7 to 14 days, and potentially longer depending on the destination country’s requirements.

What happens to the estate of someone who dies in Ecuador — how does probate or estate administration work, and are there inheritance taxes?

Under the Civil Code, the inheritance and succession of assets held in Ecuador are governed by Ecuadorian law, regardless of the deceased’s country of origin. This is an important point for expats: even if a valid will exists in your home country, any property, bank accounts, or business interests located in Ecuador will be subject to the local inheritance framework.

Estate administration in Ecuador (sucesión) is conducted either through a judicial process or, where all heirs are in agreement and there are no disputes, through a notarial process (sucesión por escritura pública). An Ecuadorian attorney is essential for navigating either route. The estate is inventoried, debts are discharged, and remaining assets are distributed in accordance with the will or, in its absence, under the intestacy rules.

Ecuador imposes an inheritance tax (Impuesto a la Herencia, Legados y Donaciones), administered by the Servicio de Rentas Internas (SRI — Ecuador’s tax authority). Rates and any exempt thresholds are determined by the nature of the relationship between the deceased and the beneficiary, and by the overall value of the estate. Closer relatives — such as children or spouses — typically benefit from higher exemption thresholds and lower rates. For current rates and thresholds, consult the SRI directly at sri.gob.ec, as these are subject to change. Ecuadorian law also establishes mandatory portions (legítimas): 50% of the estate must be distributed equally among children and living parents; 25% must pass to descendants in proportions the testator may choose; and only the remaining 25% is genuinely at the testator’s free disposal — meaning it may be left to anyone.

Under Ecuadorian law, in a legally recognised marriage — wherever it was celebrated — all assets acquired during the marriage fall under the concept of “conjugal society” (sociedad conyugal), whereby they are divided equally between the spouses, irrespective of whose name they are registered in. This has significant implications for estate planning that expats should consider carefully.

If an expat dies without a will in Ecuador, what happens to their assets under local intestacy laws?

Dying without a valid will in Ecuador means your assets may be distributed entirely according to local rules, rather than in line with your own wishes. Ecuador’s intestacy provisions (sucesión intestada) are set out in the Civil Code and establish a fixed hierarchy of surviving relatives entitled to inherit. Unlike some other legal systems in which a surviving spouse automatically inherits the entire estate, Ecuadorian intestacy law allocates shares among multiple categories of heir.

The order of priority broadly proceeds as follows: children (whether legitimate or formally recognised) come first; then parents or other ascendants; then siblings; and finally the state. A surviving spouse or civil partner also holds protected heir status and receives a portion of the estate alongside children or other heirs, depending on the family’s specific composition. The exact shares are determined by the family circumstances and the size of the estate. In all cases, the mandatory portions described above apply.

Joint wills between spouses are not valid in Ecuador. Even where a couple is legally married and their marriage is registered in Ecuador, they may not produce a single combined will — the concept is not recognised under Ecuadorian law, and each person must have an individual will. For expats holding assets in Ecuador, the clear advice is to draw up a locally valid Ecuadorian will at the earliest opportunity. The process is straightforward when working with an experienced attorney, and its cost is modest compared to the complexity and expense of administering an intestate estate.

Frequently asked questions

Will my international health insurance be accepted at Ecuadorian hospitals and palliative care facilities?

This depends entirely on your insurer and the specific facility. Some private hospitals and clinics in Ecuador’s major cities do accept direct billing from leading international insurers, but many require upfront payment with reimbursement claimed afterwards. San Camilo Hospice, operating as a charitable institution, will discuss funding arrangements on an individual basis. Always confirm with both your insurer and the facility before admission, and keep your insurer’s emergency contact number readily accessible.

Are documents in other languages legally valid in Ecuador?

Generally speaking, no. All legally operative documents in Ecuador must be in Spanish. Any document in a foreign language that is submitted to Ecuadorian authorities must be accompanied by a certified Spanish translation (traducción oficial). For healthcare documents such as advance directives, it is far preferable to work with a bilingual attorney to create a document that is valid under Ecuadorian law, rather than relying on a translation of a foreign-law instrument.

How long does repatriation of remains from Ecuador typically take?

Assuming all documentation is in order and no complications arise, repatriation typically takes a minimum of one to two weeks from the date of death. Delays can occur if the cause of death triggers an investigation by judicial or health authorities, if required paperwork takes longer than anticipated, or if the receiving country has additional import requirements. Holding international insurance with repatriation cover often accelerates the process significantly, as the insurer maintains established working relationships with local funeral homes.

What support is available to bereaved family members in Ecuador who are not resident there?

The home country’s embassy or consulate in Quito is the natural first point of contact. Consulates can supply a list of bilingual attorneys, translators, and funeral directors, and can assist with communication when language is a barrier. International funeral repatriation companies can manage the entire logistical process remotely. If the deceased was enrolled in IESS, surviving dependants may be entitled to pension benefits — current eligibility can be checked at iess.gob.ec. Grief counselling and bereavement support in Ecuador are available through private psychologists, and FECUPAL (fecupal.org) provides some psychosocial support to the families of patients who received palliative care through their services.

Can a foreign national access euthanasia in Ecuador?

Active euthanasia in Ecuador requires that the patient give free, unambiguous, and informed consent, and that they be enduring intense suffering as a result of a serious and irreversible injury or an incurable illness. The Constitutional Court’s 2024 ruling contains no explicit restriction based on nationality, but the regulatory framework was still being finalised in 2024–2025. Foreign nationals wishing to explore this option should seek advice from a specialist Ecuadorian attorney and their treating physician, and monitor the Ministry of Public Health’s website for updated regulations.

Does Ecuador recognise a power of attorney granted in another country?

A foreign power of attorney may be recognised in Ecuador if it has been apostilled under the Hague Apostille Convention — to which Ecuador is a signatory — and is accompanied by a certified Spanish translation. Recognition is not automatic, however, and depends on the discretion of the notary or judge reviewing the document. For matters of particular importance — especially healthcare decisions or property transactions — it is strongly advisable to have a new power of attorney drafted and notarised in Ecuador under local law. A bilingual Ecuadorian attorney can provide specific advice.

What happens to an expat’s Ecuadorian property if their foreign will does not account for Ecuadorian law?

A foreign will generally cannot substitute for an Ecuadorian will, especially given the specific rules governing how and in what proportions assets must be distributed at death in Ecuador. Foreign wills often allow far greater latitude in selecting beneficiaries than Ecuadorian law permits once marital status and family bloodlines are taken into account. Without a locally valid will, the estate will be administered under Ecuador’s intestacy rules, which may produce a distribution that differs markedly from what the deceased intended. Drawing up an Ecuadorian will is strongly recommended for any expat with property or assets in the country.

Are funerals in Ecuador carried out quickly, and is there flexibility for family members to travel from abroad?

By tradition, funerals in Ecuador take place within 24 to 72 hours of death, driven by cultural custom and in part by the warm climate that prevails across much of the country. This timeframe can make it difficult for overseas family members to be present. Funeral homes are able to arrange refrigeration to extend the window where necessary, but this incurs additional cost and must be requested immediately. Communicating your needs — including your travel timeline — to the funeral home at the earliest opportunity gives them the best chance of accommodating your situation.