Cuenca - Travel Guide

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faq.title

faq.subtitle Cuenca

Cuenca is ranked as the safest city in South America. Best to explore during daytime, watch for pickpockets, use ATMs inside banks or shopping centers.

No, tap water isn't safe to drink. Use bottled or filtered water. Be cautious with ice and salads washed in local water.

Cuenca is at 2,500m. Take a day to acclimatize before strenuous activities. Drink plenty of water, reduce caffeine and alcohol. Cajas National Park trips are higher — plan accordingly.

Almuerzo is Ecuador's budget set lunch: soup + main course + drink for $2-3. Available at local restaurants from 12-3pm. Look for 'Almuerzo' signs.

Travel Tips

Useful tips for visiting Cuenca

AzuTaxi app is better than hailing on street. Works like Uber but cash payment. GPS-tracked rides for safety.

Try almuerzo at local restaurants — complete meal for just $2.50. El Tunel and Moliendo Café are excellent options.

Carry umbrella or rain jacket. Sudden afternoon showers are common especially November-May. Storms pass quickly.

Watch out for shoe shine scam — shoes may get 'accidentally' dirtied then offered cleaning for a fee.

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Questions & Answers

Weather

Average temperature by month

Now

15°

52%5 м/с

Today

19°10°

Tomorrow

20°9°

Fri

21°7°

Sat

20°6°

Sun

20°7°

Mon

20°9°

Tue

20°10°

21°

11°Jan

21°

12°Feb

21°

12°Mar

21°

12°Apr

20°

10°May

19°

8°Jun

19°

7°Jul

20°

7°Aug

21°

9°Sep

22°

10°Oct

22°

10°Nov

22°

11°Dec

location.transport.title

location.transport.subtitle

location.transport.bus

0.3 $

Moovit

About 475 city buses run from early morning until 10pm. Moovit app shows routes and real-time schedules. Very accurate arrival information.

location.transport.tram

0.35 $

Movilizate

Tranvia is Cuencas pride, opened September 2020. Need Movilizate card (1.75 USD), buy at stations and shops. Passport or cedula required to purchase card.

location.transport.taxi

1.5 $

Metered taxis, minimum 1.50 USD day and 2.00 USD night. Within historic center 2-3 USD, airport to center 3-5 USD. Uber and Lyft do not operate in Cuenca.

location.transport.title	location.transport.price	location.transport.app	location.transport.note
location.transport.bus	0.3 $	Moovit	About 475 city buses run from early morning until 10pm. Moovit app shows routes and real-time schedules. Very accurate arrival information.
location.transport.tram	0.35 $	Movilizate	Tranvia is Cuencas pride, opened September 2020. Need Movilizate card (1.75 USD), buy at stations and shops. Passport or cedula required to purchase card.
location.transport.taxi	1.5 $	-	Metered taxis, minimum 1.50 USD day and 2.00 USD night. Within historic center 2-3 USD, airport to center 3-5 USD. Uber and Lyft do not operate in Cuenca.