Cuenca, Ecuador 🇪🇨
Nomad Score:
68%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Cuenca is a historical city in Ecuador known for its rich cultural heritage and colonial architecture. |
| 👥 Population | Approximate population is 400,000. |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average internet speed is around 25 Mbps. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | 1 USD is the official currency; electronic payments are widely accepted. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Not drinkable; bottled water is recommended. |
| 🔌 Power | Electricity is 120V, 60Hz, and uses Type A/B plugs. |
| 📶 SIM Card | Movistar and Claro are popular mobile providers. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Local banks like Banco Pichincha offer services; international banks like Citibank operate in the area. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options include Airbnb, short-term rentals, and local hostels. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Yes, cards are accepted at many local businesses. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Airbnb and local rental agencies offer numerous options. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostal Casa de Juan is a popular budget option. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | Nucleo Coworking is highly recommended for remote workers. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Cafe de la Candelaria offers great ambiance and Wi-Fi. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Meetup.com hosts various networking events for expats. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Cuenca Expats Facebook Group organizes regular meetups. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Uber operates in Cuenca and is reliable for transport. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Bicycles can be rented from local shops, but scooter rentals are limited. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | The nearest beach is about 2.5 hours away at Puerto Cayo. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Avianca provides regional flights to larger cities in Ecuador. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | LATAM and JetBlue operate international flights from nearby airports. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | The Pan-American Highway connects Cuenca to major cities. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Cuenca's central bus terminal offers services to various regions. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | A single bus ride costs about $0.25. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Buses connect Cuenca to cities like Quito and Guayaquil frequently. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Hospital del Río is one of the best healthcare facilities in Cuenca. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Yoga Studio Cuenca offers various classes for all levels. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Smart Fit Cuenca provides modern gym facilities. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Lavandería Palace is a popular local laundromat. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | Rappi and Glovo are the most popular food delivery apps. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Try the popular dish Cuy (Guinea Pig), a local delicacy. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | El Jardin de Tohua offers a great selection of plant-based meals. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Helados de La Abuelita offers delicious local ice cream. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Mercado 9 de Octubre is known for affordable fresh fruits and vegetables. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | MercadoLibre Ecuador operates for general online shopping. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Local grocery delivery services are available through apps like Rappi. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | La Calle Larga is a popular nightlife area with various bars. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Cerveza Cuencana is a local brewery offering tours. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Café del Cielo is a cozy wine bar with good selections. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Street vendors around Parque Calderon offer tasty local snacks. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Café San Marcos features a variety of international dishes. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | Visit the historic cathedral, Catedral de la Inmaculada Concepción. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | The Museo Pumapungo offers insights into local history and culture. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | El Cañari and El Cajas National Park hold significant historical importance. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | Iglesia de San Alfonso is a notable church to visit. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | The Cuenca Independence Day celebrations occur every November. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | El Barranco is known for its vibrant arts scene. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | Teatro Sucre hosts local performances and events. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Local artisans showcase their crafts at the Mercado de Artesanías. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Local musicians often perform at bars around the city. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Cuenca has vibrant street art in various neighborhoods. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Cooking classes at Cuenca Culinary offer an authentic Ecuadorian experience. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Galería de Arte San Alfonso showcases local artists' work. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | The old town is filled with well-preserved historic buildings. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | Cuenca is a UNESCO World Heritage site known for preserving its heritage. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | El Cajas National Park offers stunning hikes and beautiful scenery. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Cajas National Park is a major national park nearby. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | There are numerous trails through the city and surrounding nature. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | Mirador de Turi offers breathtaking views of the city. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | Cajas National Park is ideal for birdwatching. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Designated areas in parks permit bonfires. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | DHL and Servientrega offer efficient parcel delivery services. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Local electronics shops provide repair services, including iFix. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Many community centers have table tennis tables. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Language schools in Cuenca offer Spanish courses for expats. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | Biblioteca Municipal hosts a variety of books and study spaces. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Centro Cultural El Barranco has various events and activities. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Gaming lounges are limited; gamers often meet at local cafes. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | Crowne Plaza Casino offers gaming options. |
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. $1,100 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $66,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $800 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $48,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $1,000 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $80,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $700 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $56,000) |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | Standard corporate tax rate is 25%. |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | The tax rate on dividends is 7%. |
| 🏦 Tax System | Taxation is based on worldwide income for residents. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | Maximum personal income tax rate is 35%. |
| 🧾 VAT | Standard Value Added Tax rate is 12%. |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, strict regulations apply. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Standard annual property tax is about 1.00% of the property value. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | Transaction tax is around 1% on property purchases. |