Cuenca, Ecuador
What 90% of solo women don't know about staying safe in Cuenca.
The expat area with English everywhere, familiar food, and imported groceries. Safe and easy to navigate. Good for a soft landing but doesn't feel like Ecuador. Prices are higher than other neighborhoods.
Gringolandia (officially Ordoñez Lasso) is where most North American and European expats live. Modern high-rises overlook the Tomebamba River, with riverside trails and amenities that feel more North American than Ecuadorian. English everywhere. Restaurants serve international food and expat comfort dishes. Grocery stores carry imported products. Services cater to English speakers. Easy if you want a soft landing in Ecuador, but you'll pay more for everything - rent, meals, groceries. Safe area with active expat community, maintained streets, good lighting. Women eating alone, exercising, or working in cafes is completely normal here. The downside: it doesn't feel very Ecuadorian. If you want cultural immersion, stay in El Centro or San Sebastián and just visit here when you need familiar stuff.
Daytime Safety
ExcellentNight Walking Safety
GoodHarassment Risk
LowPublic Transport Safety
GoodPickpocketing Risk
LowScam Risk
LowPolice Visibility
GoodEmergency Services
ExcellentEvening Venues
GoodSolo Dining
ExcellentDrug Activity
Very HighHomelessness Visibility
Very HighGetting By in English
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"Easiest area if you don't speak Spanish"
"Felt very safe - reminded me of a suburb back home"
"Good for settling in but you're not really experiencing Ecuador"
"River trails are nice for morning runs, always people around"
"Costs more but the familiarity and safety made it worth it for me"
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.
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.
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 Gringolandia (Ordoñez Lasso)
Neighborhood conditions can change. Check recent news, ask locals or your accommodation about current safety, especially for nighttime plans.