El Barranco

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.