“Is Cuenca, Ecuador, safe?”… If you are planning a trip to Ecuador, you’ve probably asked yourself this question. Keep reading and find out your answer, along with the best safety tips for traveling to Ecuador.
One of the biggest concerns for travelers is knowing whether their destination is considered safe or not. And it makes sense; no one wants to walk around with fear while on vacation. That’s why today I will answer one of the most popular questions I’ve been asked since moving to Ecuador: “Is Cuenca, Ecuador, safe?”.
In this post you will find the answer to your question “Is Cuenca, Ecuador, safe?” alongside the best safety tips for traveling around the country!
IS CUENCA, ECUADOR, SAFE? MY General answer!
If you’ve done your research, you’ve probably seen that Cuenca is considered the most beautiful city in Ecuador. And let’s be honest, there’s a reason for that. From colonial buildings to a majestic cathedral, Cuenca’s architecture hits differently. Need proof? Cuenca was named a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1999.
Anyway… That was just a quick tease to ensure you visit this charming city. Now, let’s dive into what you’re here for:
“Is Cuenca, Ecuador, safe?”
If I had only one word to answer, it would be; “Yes!”. But let’s get more specific, as nothing is solely black or white in life.
Cuenca’s Historic City Center
As with many city centers around the world, not just in South American countries, they can be crowded, which mean you have to keep an eye on your belongings. I wouldn’t leave my bag unattended in any city, anywhere in the world. I think that’s just common sense, really.
During the daytime, you can freely walk around the city and enjoy the views without any problem. But, if you go out at night, I suggest taking a taxi. They are inexpensive, and if you need to cross the entire city, not only will it be much faster, but also safer. To give you an idea, a cab ride across the city costs around $2 or $3… If that’s the price for safety, count me in!
And if you have any doubts about the area you want to visit or where you’re staying, just ask the receptionist of your hotel or the host of your Airbnb! They will be more than happy to help you and give you safety tips for exploring Cuenca!
SAFETY TIPS WHEN TRAVELING TO ECUADOR
I believe the safety tips for visiting Cuenca apply to visiting Ecuador in general… So here are a few of them to make sure you enjoy your trip to the Country of the Four Worlds without any issues!
STAYING VIGILANT AT ALL TIMES
I truly believe that’s the most basic safety tip for traveling, no matter where you are traveling to or if the place you are visiting is considered safe or not. Stay vigilant and aware of your surroundings. I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again: when in crowded areas, keep an eye on your belongings. Don’t walk around with your phone or money in hand, and if you see someone suspicious, just walk away.
Most incidents can be avoided simply by being aware and prepared…
Leave Unnecessary Belongings Behind
And that goes for any unnecessary belongings! Don’t carry all the cash you have with you, avoid wearing gold or expensive jewelry, and don’t bring your passport and all important documents everywhere you go. Before heading out to explore, think about what you’ll actually need and leave behind what you won’t.
Apart from the risk of robbery, you’ll be much more comfortable visiting with a light backpack than carrying around everything you own…
The Importance of Personal Research
The internet is a fantastic (and free) source of information. Just make your own research before visiting Ecuador! There are loads of websites that can provide the insights you’re looking for, whether it’s the official Ecuadorian government website to learn about regions to avoid, travel blogs, or even Reddit!
And don’t forget, if you know people who have been traveling to Ecuador before, they could also be a great source of information for you!
Trusting Your Instincts for Safe Travel
You’ve probably heard the phrase before: “Trust your gut!” If something feels wrong, it’s likely because something actually is. And even if it turns out to be nothing, as they say, better safe than sorry!
Someone looking suspicious? Trust your instincts and turn around. Find yourself in a place where you don’t feel comfortable? Leave! Feeling unsafe or lost? Find a coffee shop or restaurant and ask for help from the staff. Ecuadorian people are lovely and always happy to help, especially with foreigners visiting Ecuador. I promise you, they will gladly help sort things out for you.
Navigating Ecuador with Reliable Transportation
Lucky for you, traveling around Ecuador is easy! The bus network is great and cheap, and I have traveled all around the country by bus without encountering any issues. Obviously, if you take a look on the internet, you will find that there have been incidents in the past… But it happens in every country, even the ones considered the safest places to travel.
The major incidents I’ve heard about in terms of transportation in Ecuador involve taxis. So when you take a taxi, order it from an app (so the drivers and their cars are registered in case something happens) or ask the staff of your hotel to call one for you. They always collaborate with safe taxi companies.
ASKING KNOWN LOCALS FOR INSIGHT
Whether it’s about an area you’re not sure of or a situation you’re experiencing, don’t hesitate to ask known locals for their insight. Consult your hotel’s receptionist, a waiter at a restaurant, or even a taxi driver. They will be happy to offer their opinion on your matter.
And don’t forget, they can also be of great help in recommending the best places to visit in Ecuador!
MOST ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT SAFETY IN ECUADOR
- Is Quito, Ecuador, safe? Like many capitals around the world, bigger cities tend to be less safe than smaller ones. However, if you’re smart about it, Quito is entirely safe to visit. Just apply the safety tips I’ve given you before, and enjoy this beautiful high-altitude capital!
- Is Guayaquil safe? If you’re thinking about visiting Ecuador, you’ve likely heard of Guayaquil. Let’s be honest, Guayaquil isn’t the safest place to be. Plus, in terms of tourist attractions, there isn’t much to do or see. So maybe it’s best to avoid unnecessary risks and explore other Ecuadorian cities instead.
- What is Ecuador safety ranking in the world? According to the GHS Index, Ecuador was ranking 44/195 in 2021.
- What is safer, Ecuador or Peru? When taking a look at the safety indexes and statistics, Ecuador and Peru are equally safe destinations. So now you just have to decide which one you want to visit first!
- Is it safe to walk around Quito? Walking during the daytime in the city center of Quito is perfectly fine, just remember to take into account the safety tips mentioned before. However, after sunset, consider taking a taxi from a known taxi company.
- Is Ecuador safe to visit right now? As of May 2024, Ecuador is safe to visit. My mum and best friend were here last month, and we didn’t encounter any safety issues while traveling around the country!
- Is Ecuador safe for solo female travelers? Absolutely! Ecuador is just as safe as other countries for solo female travelers. Honestly? As a woman, in terms of personal safety, I feel safer here than I did when I was living in France.