A two-story beige house with large windows, a brown door, and a small front garden with shrubs and grass, under a cloudy sky. A ladder leans nearby.
A black cat is curled up comfortably on a patterned blanket, resting peacefully. Its yellow eyes are partially open, exuding a sense of cozy relaxation.
A panoramic cityscape view shows red-tiled rooftops in the foreground, a sprawling town in the valley, surrounded by lush green mountains and a mostly cloudy sky.
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Enjoy the safest city in all South America: Cuenca, Ecuador

Availability

  2026 

 Min stay requested: at least 2 weeks

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Details

  • Description

    Description

    I just made a MAJOR life change, uprooting my entire life in the US and moving (permanently) to Ecuador. (Thank the orange one who wants to rule the US as a dictator for that.)

    I was badly injured in a motorcycle accident while living in India during the orange one's last reign, and I am still not totally recovered. (Don't think I will ever be.) I am metal from my right hip to mid shin, and walking can be difficult. That means no more long hikes, and have yet to try getting back in a kayak, but I plan on doing as much as I can to explore my new country and continent. I also cannot get my leg over a motorcycle seat any more, so have come to the conclusion that’s no longer in my future. I did just buy a tiny electric car.

  • Types of help and learning opportunities

    Types of help and learning opportunities

    Art Projects
    Language practice
    Help with Eco Projects
    Elderly Companionship
    Gardening
    DIY and building projects
    Creating/ Cooking family meals
    Help around the house
    General Maintenance
    Help with Computers/ Internet
    House & pet sitting
  • Interests

    Interests

    Politics / Social justice
    Movies & TV
    Culture
    Writing
    Plant care
    Photography
    Languages
    Gardening
    Books
    Astronomy
    Animals
    Mountain
    Water sports
    Outdoor activities
    Nature
  • UN sustainability goals this host is trying to achieve

    UN sustainability goals this host is trying to achieve

    UN goals
    No poverty
    Zero hunger
    Good health and well-being
    Quality education
    Gender equality
    Clean water and sanitation
    Affordable and clean energy
    Decent work and economic growth
    Industries, innovation and infrastructure
    Reduce inequality
    Sustainable cities and communities
    Responsible consumption and production
    Climate action
    Life below water
    Life on land
    Peace, justice and strong institutions
    Partnerships for the goals
  • Cultural exchange and learning opportunities

    Cultural exchange and learning opportunities

    I discovered this site through another cultural website, and quickly discovered I love meeting folks from all over the globe. There have been times when folks from countries all around the world have been at my house at once, sharing stories and experiences. Guests can learn other languages, improve their English and get to try meals from all different cultures as we all share in the cooking, and experiments are welcome.

  • Help

    Help

    I don't need a lot done, but just having company and someone who can help me do the things I can no longer do physically (anything that involves ladders; most gardening) would be ideal. I also HATE cooking, so if you understand that I am a meat eater and you'd like to make dinner I wouldn't turn that down. I have a housekeeper, but she only comes every other week, so helping keep the place clean would also be nice.

    And, of course, Spanish lessons would be wonderful.

    You are welcome to work as many or as few hours a day as you'd like.I give everyone lots of free time, but if I ask you to do something, I do expect you to respect me enough to get it done. If you are new to this, and don't think you can handle this type of environment, please do not apply. I'd rather not disappoint you.

  • Languages

    Languages spoken
    English: Fluent
    Spanish: Intermediate

    This host offers a language exchange
    I've taught English overseas, and it's my native language, so I can help you there. I studied Spanish for seven years, but never used it until I moved here, so would like to become fluent.

  • Accommodation

    Accommodation

    I rent a beautiful two-story rental with four bedrooms, 2-1/2 baths, a huge living room and kitchen and front and rear gardens with amazing views. Unless I get a crowd, you'll have a private room and a shared bath.

    I'm down to two cats (I had to give away all my animals when I moved) but one is an absolute lover and while the other is very shy (she was a rescue who was mistreated) she eventually will look for pets.

    The house has a few things to do (some books and games) so you won’t be lacking for entertainment. I have good wifi. As long as you don’t eat me out of house and home I will provide food and I'd love to get a few fruits/veggies growing in the yard. (There are some spices.)

    The house is on a STEEP hill, but there are bus lines three blocks away, or, if you don't mind climbing the hill, the Tranvia (an electric tram) is nearby. (It will get you into El Centro, a UNESCO World Heritage site.) Taxis are also everywhere, but Cuenca is very much a walkable town.

  • What else ...

    What else ...

    As mentioned above, Cuenca is a UNESCO World Heritage Site filled with churches, museums, parks, four rivers with walking trails, historic sites and a national park. Both Ecuadorians and many, many expats make Cuenca their home, meaning there's a huge variety of restaurants and cultural activities.

    ***Note: No guns, drugs or dogs. The dog thing is strict because both my animals and I have had bad experiences with domestic dogs in the past. Sorry, dog lovers!***

  • A little more information

    A little more information

    • Internet access

    • Limited internet access

      Limited internet access

    • We have pets

    • We are smokers

    • Can host families

  • Can host digital nomads

    Can host digital nomads

    I have solid internet and my place is quiet, so if you're looking for a safe place to stay, especially for digital nomads, consider my home.

  • How many Workawayers can stay?

    How many Workawayers can stay?

    More than two

  • My animals / pets

    My animals / pets

    Salem

    KikI

Host ref number: 372871447959

Website Safety

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Photos

A black cat is curled up comfortably on a patterned blanket, resting peacefully. Its yellow eyes are partially open, exuding a sense of cozy relaxation.
A panoramic cityscape view shows red-tiled rooftops in the foreground, a sprawling town in the valley, surrounded by lush green mountains and a mostly cloudy sky.
A two-story beige house with large windows, a brown door, and a small front garden with shrubs and grass, under a cloudy sky. A ladder leans nearby.

Chat with Workawayers who've visited this host

+30

Feedback

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