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Donna Stiteler

Donna Stiteler

In 2014, IL Cuenca Correspondent Donna Stiteler gave up her high-stress job and moved to Cuenca, Ecuador to save her from her taco-eating, wine-drinking, Ambien-taking, TV-watching, dead-end lifestyle. Donna grew up in Florida and after securing a journalism degree put on her traveling shoes which led to adventures like trekking through Europe, sailing from Florida to the Bahamas, swimming with sharks, paragliding in the Dominican Republic, and traveling extensively across Central and South America. Now, healthily ensconced in a beautiful hacienda overlooking the Andes mountains, Donna lives with four hyperactive dogs, one skittish cat, and her husband of 30 years, Rowland.

Expat Diary: Life in Ecuador During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Ask the Experts
By Donna Stiteler April 3, 2020

I’m proud of our President Moreno as he reacted early and instituted a total quarantine on the country starting on March 17 before cases got out of hand.

Read more: Expat Diary: Life in Ecuador During the COVID-19 Pandemic

House Hunting in Cotacachi, Ecuador

Real Estate Investor
By Donna Stiteler November 6, 2019

Almost everyone who has searched for good real estate deals knows the formula “location, location, location,” but for those coming to Cotacachi, the mantra is more “affordability, affordability, affordability.”

Read more: House Hunting in Cotacachi, Ecuador

A Full Life Living on Social Security of $1,000 a Month in Cotacachi

Daily Postcard
By Donna Stiteler July 9, 2019

Cotacachi is in the northern Andes mountains, just 45 minutes north of the country’s capital, Quito. Visitors enjoy magnificent mountain views while relishing spring-like weather year-round because of its proximity to the equator.

Read more: A Full Life Living on Social Security of $1,000 a Month in Cotacachi

A Typical Week in My Beautiful Andes Mountain Town

Daily Postcard
By Donna Stiteler June 17, 2019

After five years of living in Cuenca, Ecuador, I’m still in-love with this UNESCO heritage site. The town is stunningly beautiful with its 15th-century Spanish colonial and 16th-century French republican architecture. I can easily live off of $1,700 a month, and I don’t have to work...

Read more: A Typical Week in My Beautiful Andes Mountain Town

How I Fulfilled a Lifelong Dream After 54 Years

The Savvy Retiree Daily
By Donna Stiteler June 7, 2019

When I was around 10 years old, I used to walk to a nearby clover-filled field, lay down, look up at the blue sky, and dream about my future as a writer living in some exotic location. It only took me 54 years, but now I am doing just that...

Read more: How I Fulfilled a Lifelong Dream After 54 Years

Things to Know About Safety in Cuenca, Ecuador

Ask the Experts
By Donna Stiteler January 31, 2019

Is Cuenca safe? In a word, sí.  I haven’t had problems here in Cuenca. I have four dogs, including a shepherd—and pretty much no one (even gringos) want to come in my house. Not sure if that’s a tip or a warning. 

Read more: Things to Know About Safety in Cuenca, Ecuador

A Happy Musician Rediscovers his Passion in Cuenca

Daily Postcard
By Donna Stiteler January 15, 2019

With a pastor father who used music to inspire, an actress mother who was a stand-in for Joanne Woodward and sang in the theater, and a brother who founded folk-punk favorite Violent Femmes, Glenn Gano’s DNA has music running through it...

Read more: A Happy Musician Rediscovers his Passion in Cuenca

No More Stress: Living Healthy and Happy in Cotacachi

Daily Postcard
By Donna Stiteler January 8, 2019

The McNallys have come a long way from working long hours and risking their health, and have traded a busy, stressful life to take time to lead a healthy lifestyle. They credit their move to giving them a place where they can regain their health, have fun exploring...

Read more: No More Stress: Living Healthy and Happy in Cotacachi

Is it Safe to Live in Cotacachi?

Ask the Experts
By Donna Stiteler December 29, 2018

If you’re looking for a small town with lots to offer, Cotacachi is the place to be. Just ask any of the several hundred expats in town and they’ll tell you all about the great benefits of life in this little mountain village. The first wave of expats ventured to Cotacachi...

Read more: Is it Safe to Live in Cotacachi?

The Many Benefits of Living in Cuenca, Ecuador

Real Estate Investor
By Donna Stiteler December 16, 2018

Let's start with the obvious here. Cuenca is awesomely stunning. Known for its 15th- and 16th-century Spanish-colonial architecture it's a historic gem. No wonder it's a UNESCO World Heritage city.

Read more: The Many Benefits of Living in Cuenca, Ecuador
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