Is Cuenca Safe for Solo Female Travelers?

Cuenca is generally a safe city for solo female travelers. Like anywhere, it's important to exercise common sense, particularly at night or in less populated areas. Locals are friendly and often willing to help. However, petty theft and pickpocketing can occur from time to time so it's crucial to stay vigilant and keep an eye on your belongings at all times.

Safety rating

3.5 /5

Based on our research and crime data

Cuenca is currently ranked #19 safest place in Ecuador for solo female travellers, with an overall safety rating of 3 out of 5. . Check the full ranking.

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How safe is Cuenca?

Safety at night:Moderate

Cuenca, generally maintains a lower crime rate compared to some of the larger cities. However, caution should be exercised at nighttime. As a solo female traveler, it is always wise to stay in well-lit, busy areas and to avoid walking alone when possible. Use trusted taxi services instead of walking, especially during late hours.

Public transportation:Moderate

Public transportation in Cuenca is relatively safe but, like many other bustling cities, it's important to stay cautious. City buses are the most common form of transportation and they are generally safe during the day. However, they can get crowded leading to uncomfortable situations. Theft can be a concern, particularly on crowded buses, so always keep an eye on personal belongings. Taxis are relatively safe but should always be booked through a credible source or taken from a taxi rank, to assure they are licensed. Everyone knows everyone in this small city so, if you’re in doubt, ask local people for help. Overall, public transportation is safe, as long as precautions are taken and you remain aware of your surroundings.

Street harassment:Low

In Cuenca, street harassment isn't a common occurrence. It is overall a safe city, with most locals being polite and respectful towards tourists. However, you might encounter some occasional catcalling, especially in crowded areas or during the evenings. It's advisable to maintain awareness of your surroundings, but need not be overly concerned.

Petty crimes:Moderate

In Cuenca, petty crimes such as pickpocketing and purse snatching are relatively common, especially in crowded areas and public transportation. Although the locals are generally warm and welcoming, tourists are often targeted due to their unfamiliarity with the surroundings. Therefore, it is recommended to carry your belongings in a secure manner and be vigilant about your surroundings.

Is Cuenca worth visiting?

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Meet locals in Cuenca

Elisa

About Me

Hey!, My name is Elisa and I'm interested in nature, solo travel, food & cuisine, culture and running

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Ginika

About Me

I am a young(at least I hope so) African girl who considers herself a global citizen. I love food and seek all and any opportunities to get involved with it (cooking it, eating it, smelling it…YES FOOD SMELLS GREAT😌) I have been traveling alone since I was 18 years old and that has come with its ups and downs, certainly more ups than downs cause I’m a glass half full type of gal. I also enjoy a nice chill zen day having a picnic at the park and reading a book, as much as I enjoy a fun night out. One required less energy though. I have also come to realise that my energy is very polarized which makes me both extremely extroverted and also extremely introverted haha. I’m also very infectious, but you would only know that when you hang out with me! I’m very interested in learning as many languages as I can and as such have made very conscious and intentional effort to live and work in countries that don’t speak English. I think English speakers often except the rest of the world to understand them and so sometimes it’s nice to be in a place where you’re the one who struggles to understand others. For me life is perfect when I have simple pleasures like a clean houses,edible fragrances,cooking with music on,reading in a park,soft serve activities, doing dangerous things carefully,laughing out obnoxiously loudly,watching shows cuddled up,expressing intrusive thought and watching the clouds from the window of an airplane .

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