Cuenca, Ecuador 🇪🇨
#593
,
Nomad Score:
71%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Cuenca, known for its rich history and well-preserved colonial architecture, is a UNESCO World Heritage site located in the highlands of Ecuador. |
| 👥 Population | Approximately 400,000 |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average speeds of 30-50 Mbps are available in most neighborhoods. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | 1 USD = 1 USD (USD is the official currency), most banks accept international cards. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Not drinkable; bottled water is recommended. |
| 🔌 Power | 120V, 60Hz, 🔌 Type A/B sockets. |
| 📶 SIM Card | Movistar and Claro are popular providers with good coverage. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Banco Pichincha and Banco Guayaquil are commonly used; online banking is convenient. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Affordable options include Airbnb, long-term rentals, and local hostels. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Moderate; cards accepted in many places, but cash is still widely used. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Airbnb and Vrbo are popular platforms for short stays. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostel La Casa de la Bella offers dormitory beds starting at $10 per night. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Tourists | El Centro is ideal, close to main attractions like the Cathedral and parks. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads | The Yanuncay district offers peaceful environments and co-working spaces. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | Inspire Co-Working Space, located in the city center, offers flexible plans starting at $100/month. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Café de la Suerte is popular for its good coffee and reliable Wi-Fi. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Expat meetups are frequently organized through Facebook groups and at local cafes. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Cuenca Expat Meetup group organizes social and networking events monthly. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Cabify is widely used and convenient for getting around. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Several local shops offer bike rentals starting at $5 per day. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | The nearest beach, Playa de Ayangue, is about a 2.5 hour drive away. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Avianca provides domestic flights to major cities in Ecuador. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | LATAM and American Airlines operate international flights from Cuenca. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | The Pan-American Highway connects Cuenca to other major cities. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Cuenca's main terminal offers bus services to other regions of Ecuador. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | Public buses charge around $0.25 per ride. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Buses and mini-vans offer economical travel options to nearby towns and cities. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Hospital del Seguro offers comprehensive medical services and is well-regarded. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Yoga Cuenca offers a variety of classes and workshops. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Gym Cuenca has modern facilities with monthly memberships around $20. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Lavanderia Cuenca offers affordable services with same-day turnaround. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | Rappi delivers food from local restaurants quickly. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Cuy asado (roasted guinea pig) is a specialty worth trying. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | El Cafecito offers a variety of vegetarian dishes in a cozy environment. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Dulce Tentacion is famous for its pastries and cakes. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Mercado 10 de Agosto is a great place to find fresh produce and local foods. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | MercadoLibre EC provides a platform for various online purchases. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Supermaxi offers online shopping and delivery services. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | La Calle Larga is home to many bars and nightlife options. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Cerveza Cuencana is a local brewery known for its craft beers. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Vinoteca La Cava offers a selection of Ecuadorian and international wines. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Street vendors near Parque Calderón serve empanadas and antichuchos. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Pizzeria El Amigo offers delicious international pizza options. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | The New Cathedral and the historic Parque Calderón are iconic sites. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | Museum of Modern Art offers insight into Ecuadorian art. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | The ruins of Ingapirca are a short drive away and rich in history. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | Turi Church offers stunning views and beautiful architecture. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | Fiestas de Cuenca in November includes parades, music, and food. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | Calle Larga is known for its artsy vibe with galleries and craft shops. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | Teatro Sucre hosts various performances throughout the year. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Mercado 10 de Agosto is a bustling market with local produce and crafts. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Various bars host live music events, showcasing local talent. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Explore the murals in El Centro that reflect local culture. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Classes at A Taste of Ecuador teach traditional dishes. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Galería El Arte showcases works from local artists. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | The Old Cathedral and its museum display stunning architecture. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | Cuenca is recognized for its unique crafting of Panama hats. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Cajas National Park offers stunning landscapes and hiking trails. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Cajas National Park is less than an hour away, excellent for day trips. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | The Tomebamba River has scenic paths perfect for cycling and walking. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | Mirador de Turi provides breathtaking views of the city. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | Cajas National Park is a prime spot for various bird species. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Many parks, like Parque de la Madre, have designated areas for bonfires. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | Servientrega and DHL provide reliable shipping services. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Tech shops in El Centro offer services for most gadgets. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Local community centers host public tables for ping pong. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Spanish classes are offered at several local language schools. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | Biblioteca Municipal offers quiet areas for reading and studying. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Casa de la Cultura organizes cultural events and classes. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Gamer Lounge Cuenca provides gaming facilities and community events. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | Casino de Cuenca offers various gaming options for nightlife entertainment. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $1,200 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = $48,000) |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $900 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = $36,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $1,000 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $60,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $800 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $48,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $900 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $72,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $700 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $56,000) |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 22% for businesses. |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 10%. |
| 🏦 Tax System | Residency tax system is based on worldwide income for residents. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | 35% for high earners. |
| 🧾 VAT | 12% standard VAT. |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, taxes are applicable to foreign income. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Annual property tax is based on property value. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | A standard rate of 1.5% on property transactions. |
| 💻 Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads | Ecuador offers tax residency options for digital nomads with favorable terms. |