Cuenca, Ecuador
What 90% of solo women don't know about staying safe in Cuenca.
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.
The UNESCO heritage center has cobblestone streets and colonial buildings, including the blue-domed cathedral at Parque Calderón. Museums, cafes, and restaurants cluster here within walking distance of each other. Tourist police patrol regularly. You'll see people eating alone or working on laptops in cafes - common enough that nobody pays attention. Things quiet down after 10pm on weeknights, weekends stay busier later. Main streets have decent lighting, side alleys less so. Restaurant staff generally speak some English. You can walk across the whole area in about 20 minutes if the altitude doesn't slow you down.
Daytime Safety
ExcellentNight Walking Safety
GoodHarassment Risk
ModeratePublic Transport Safety
GoodPickpocketing Risk
ModerateScam Risk
LowPolice Visibility
ExcellentEmergency Services
ExcellentEvening Venues
GoodSolo Dining
ExcellentDrug Activity
Very HighHomelessness Visibility
Very HighGetting By in English
ExcellentSome mistakes you only make once in Cuenca. But you shouldn't have to make them at all. This free checklist reveals the 5 safety pitfalls that catch solo women off guard — so you can avoid them before they happen.
"Felt safe walking around during the day, police around regularly"
"Nobody stares if you're eating alone or working in a cafe"
"Easy to find English speakers in restaurants and cafes"
"Gets quiet early compared to bigger cities but didn't feel unsafe"
"Altitude hit me harder than I thought - had to slow down the first day"
Areas with comparable safety profiles for solo female travelers
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.
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.
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.
Help other women stay safe in El Centro (Historic Center)
Neighborhood conditions can change. Check recent news, ask locals or your accommodation about current safety, especially for nighttime plans.