Cuenca, Ecuador
What 90% of solo women don't know about staying safe in Cuenca.
Riverside neighborhood with upscale restaurants and good views. Costs more than other areas but has the scenery and cafe culture to match. Gets quiet early. Generally safe for evening walks.
El Barranco runs along the cliff above the Tomebamba River, with colonial buildings that now house boutique hotels and restaurants. Old water mills mixed with modern cafes line the stone pathways. Good views of the river and hanging houses - the area photographs well. Restaurants here cost more than other neighborhoods and lean toward upscale - traditional Ecuadorian, Middle Eastern, Asian fusion. Outdoor terraces fill up on weekends with locals celebrating something and expats meeting up. People sit alone reading or working in the river-view cafes without it being weird. Safe feeling during the day and early evening, quiets down after 10pm when restaurants close. Police patrol the riverside walk during busy hours. About 10 minutes on foot from Parque Calderón.
Daytime Safety
ExcellentNight Walking Safety
GoodHarassment Risk
LowPublic Transport Safety
GoodPickpocketing Risk
LowScam Risk
LowPolice Visibility
GoodEmergency Services
ExcellentEvening Venues
ExcellentSolo Dining
ExcellentDrug Activity
Very HighHomelessness Visibility
Very HighGetting By in English
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"Best views in Cuenca if you care about that kind of thing"
"Felt safe during the day and early evening, gets quiet after 10pm"
"Restaurants cost more but the setting makes up for it"
"Easy to eat alone - outdoor cafes where people sit for hours"
"Riverside walk is nice in the morning or at sunset"
Areas with comparable safety profiles for solo female travelers
Modern suburban area with new condos and malls. Safe but far from the center and tourist spots. Makes sense for longer stays, not short visits. You'll commute to El Centro for most things.
Artistic neighborhood with galleries and a bohemian vibe, younger crowd. Safe during the day, quiet at night. Better for daytime visits - head to El Centro if you want evening options.
El Centro has most of the restaurants, museums, and places to stay concentrated in a small walkable area. Generally safe, English is fairly common, and it's convenient for getting around. Gets quiet by 10pm but still feels okay to walk through.
Help other women stay safe in El Barranco
Neighborhood conditions can change. Check recent news, ask locals or your accommodation about current safety, especially for nighttime plans.