Your First 72 Hours in Cuenca
A practical, step-by-step guide to your first three days in Cuenca, Ecuador. From airport arrival to settling into your new neighborhood.
Day 1: Arrival & Essentials
5 steps • Tap to check off
Arrive at Cuenca Airport (Mariscal Lamar)
Cuenca's airport (CUE) is small and walkable. After customs, you'll find ATMs in the terminal (Banco del Pacífico and Banco Pichincha accept international cards). Grab cash — $100-200 USD is a good start. Ecuador uses the US Dollar, so no currency exchange needed. The airport is just 10 minutes from the city center.
Take a Taxi to Your Accommodation
Licensed taxis are yellow and metered. A ride from the airport to El Centro should cost $3-5 USD. To Gringolandia (Ordóñez Lasso), expect $5-8 USD. Always confirm the meter is running. Tip is not expected but appreciated. Alternatively, many hotels and Airbnbs offer airport pickup for $10-15.
Get a Local SIM Card
Head to a Claro, Movistar, or CNT store. Claro has the best coverage in Cuenca. A prepaid SIM costs $5-10 and a basic data plan (3GB/month) runs about $7-10. Bring your passport — it's required for activation. Most stores close by 7pm. The Mall del Río has all three carriers.
Your First Meal
Try an almuerzo (set lunch) at any local restaurant — typically $2.50-4.00 for soup, main course, juice, and dessert. Popular spots include Mercado 10 de Agosto in El Centro for authentic local food, or Café Austria on Calle Larga for a more Western-friendly option. Tip: Ecuadorian lunch is the main meal of the day.
Save Emergency Contacts
Save these numbers: Emergency (911), Tourist Police (07-283-0646), Hospital Monte Sinaí (07-288-5595), US Embassy Guayaquil (04-371-7000). Download WhatsApp if you haven't — it's the primary communication tool in Ecuador. Also save your accommodation's address in Spanish for taxi drivers.