Most gringos tend to look for apartments in or near the old certer of Cuenca, but I personally think that the out lying areas are safer. He said about 5-6. When contemplating a move or visit to Ecuador, one must realistically consider the issue of personal safety, especially if you have children like we do. Next: 7 Ways Not to Get Robbed in South America. Enjoyed your article Doug, I traveled in Latin America for a year visiting 6 countries and was in Cuenca studying Spanish for 4 months. It would be great to go to Cuenca and put my son in private school while I research in the summer. Theft and Pickpocketing in Cuenca Ecuador. Safety and Security for Expats in Ecuador is critical. There is crime in Cuenca like any other city. I am an African American, who is interested in retiring in Ecuador. Crime that takes place in tourist cities such as Cuenca and Quito Ecuador are 99% indiscriminate and random. Image courtesy of El Tiempo newspaper in Cuenca. If you are in Guayaquil, Cuenca or Loja, you should dial 112. Such security measures raise the question: Cuenca is known as the most “tranquilo” or peaceful city in Ecuador. Can someone gives me a tip of what should I do or where to go? The website (http://travel.state.gov) has extensive information regarding crime and safety issues for U.S. citizens in Ecuador. We have, however, had a couple of attempted petty thefts which we were able to thwart. You never know when it will come in handy. There is a criminal element operating in Cuenca and it is wise to be careful and to take certain precautions. Ecuador travel: There are so many places to see in Ecuador. He spoke good English so no room for miscommunication. Where Are the Dangerous Areas in Cuenca, Ecuador? We look forward to hearing from you. I must admit I was a victim of a crime there back in 2003, as I left school noon time walking down a street that was empty when a male in his 30's walked pass me on a side walk and stated in Spanish there was something on my back, and he kept walking rounded a corner and was gone. I came away unscathed, and I use to walk alone sometimes at night which was rather dumb. This next section was written by an American expat, a father of two. Crime In Cuenca. A few months ago my daughter and a group of female friends were walking along a street around 10:30 a.m. when a drunken man approached them and became aggressive. The ban on large-scale mining activities got an 80% approval. Ecuador crime rate & statistics for 2016 was 5.84, a 10.01% decline from 2015. However, the locals, while loudly touting the peacefulness of Cuenca, will quickly tell you that things are not like they used to be. We are looking for retirement in a location that will give us the quality of retirement we have worked so hard for but lost to 911. My name is Victor, I had lived in New York about 30 years, and like 10 months ago I came to Guayaquil, it has been difficult for me to find a job or friends that can speak english, I dont know if Cuenca or Quito may have people that speaks english and perhaps get a job there, right here in Guayaquil is getting difficult for me, plus the weather out here is terrible, is so hot. Well, I guess I should start off and explain that we haven’t had many problems here in Cuenca. ItalianoCriminalità a Cuenca These data are based on perceptions of visitors of this website in the past 3 years. Worries home broken and things stolen. We've all seen the grisly headlines about drug cartels and homicides. Two friends from a small village in Cuenca, Spain, accused of murder by their neighbors, confess to the crime after being tortured, Plot Summary | Plot Synopsis. Have you seen some of Ecuador’s beaches? I feel most of the crimes are property crimes, which with enough common sense and knowledge can be prevented. The website goes on to detail some of the recent crimes committed against foreign visitors in Ecuador and gives advice on how to avoid being a victim. One could be lulled by the beauty and apparent tranquility of Cuenca and forget the importance of being vigilant regarding personal safety. In fact, some of the best neighborhoods, according to the interactive crime map for Cuenca, are Ecuadorian neighborhoods, nowhere near the popular gringo neighborhoods, so don’t be afraid to explore. Let me know what it is like with kids in terms of safety, schools, etc. He noticed that the gringos had 4 gas tanks (a $200.00 value) unguarded on the back porch. I had passed under a balcony and thought maybe kids dumped something on me from above. Expats should be aware that crime is a severe problem in Ecuador. Update (June 8, 2014): We were robbed the same day this post published. But I have been to both Guayaquil & Cuenca and have not been mugged. Does this mean that Cuenca is a crime-free zone? elmonica, I actually spent a number of months in Antigua Guatemala which is a popular tourist destination and was always hearing about robberies and attacks. “Small crime against foreigners, like pick-pocketing and theft of bags and other belongings on the street, is higher in the cities but it is in line with crime against tourists in general.” Fowler said that the overall crime picture in Ecuador is better than in the other countries she is studying and that the trend is positive. 1% more than Ecuador Fear of crime > Violent hate crime: 23.15 Ranked 61st. Earlier today El Tiempo (one of Cuenca’s two daily papers) published a map of the trouble areas in Cuenca. It is a problem in every city. Amelia and JP VLOG 126: The Cuenca Ecuador Crime rate has been a trending topic lately. I asked a young Cuenca professional at the Claro office in Mall del Rio. Safety is one of the largest factors that must be taken into account when planning a move abroad. A lady with a baby and a young child blocked my way on the sidewalk separating me from my oldest daughter. She was clever not to say take of your daypack and instead said talk off your shirt. When contemplating a move or visit to Ecuador, one must realistically consider the issue of personal safety, especially if you have children like we do. Crime is a severe problem throughout Ecuador. When I finally caught up to my daughter, I found that a girl had attempted to get into her backpack. She said in Spanish she would help me clean it off. Your use of this service is subject to our “Compared with Spain, Panama and Costa Rica, expats in Ecuador … I maintained my polite Canadian attitude and waited for them to get out of my way without complaint. When I visited this website I was shocked by the opening line of the section that deals with crime in Ecuador. My wife was at home during the attempted burglary and when she heard the noise of gas tanks being moved, she opened the door to see what was up and the thief ran off. I have a Law Enforcement background and pretty good at being aware of my surroundings. He graduated from Willingham in 1966. The U.S. Department of State has a website that offers travel tips to U.S. citizens who travel abroad. Many expats start in Cuenca and some move on to the coast or to a smaller town. Ecuador’s conviction rate for major crimes is less than 1%. My daughter was scared and sensing that the drunk was about to grab her, she reached into her purse and pulled out some homemade pepper spray, and let him have it in the face. A hot topic is crime in Latin America, for us in Ecuador and specifically, Cuenca. I am not trying to scare anyone, and I plan on returning and retiring there in the future. So, if you like shiny cars and shiny things in general you should not immigrate to Ecuador? Taxi crime in Ecuador Taxi robbery is a danger in Quito, Guayaquil, Manta, Machala, Playas and other coastal towns. That does not mean that one should be passive regarding crime in Cuenca. 32.55 Ranked 31st. Ecuador has an amazing variety of fruit, traditional drinks, and typical dishes. FrançaisCriminalité à Cuenca [Pictures, Videos, Recipe... Cuenca Ecuador: The Complete Guide to Living and Traveling in Cuenca, 32 Ecuador Expats Talk About Living in Ecuador, What is Ecuador’s Weather? Would I want to live in any of these areas? “If you look at crime statistics, Ecuador has about 30% as many cases, per capita, of murder and aggravated assault. Cuenca, Ecuadors third-largest city and the economic center of the southern sierra, has long been known for a rich intellectual, artistic, and philosophical tradition that matches its colonial architecture. Thieves lie in wait, carefully eyeing out the scene looking for vulnerability in a tourist. A 15 seconds past and woman in her 40 well dressed walked up behind me and pointed out again there was something on my back. But he said Cuenca is not as safe today as 5 years ago. For example, Calle Larga is an area where a lot of expats like to live and hang out, but that area is also know as one of the more dangerous places in Cuenca, especially after dark. But in this case, the preemptive use of pepper spray worked out okay and the rude drunk got what he deserved for his obscene language and conduct. Moderate. Watch for my 7 Ways Not to Get Robbed article tomorrow – and learn some of the things we do, to avoid problems. 58 & 61, NO KIDS>>>THANK GOD….we are looking for our time, not a playground for children atmosphere. Dena Haines is co-editor of GringosAbroad - Ecuador's largest blog for expats and travelers. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued a Level 4 Travel Health Notice for Ecuador due to COVID-19. In Statista. In the past few years, more and more people seem to have gone crazy about Ecuador and, particularly, about the charming and lively city of Cuenca. Just beware of crowds and crowded sidewalks. Thanks so much. Hi Doug. Ecuador’s overall crime rate dropped 31 percent in 2020 compared to 2019, despite increases in Guayaquil and Quito. For example, an innocent-looking middle-aged woman once attempted to open my daughter’s purse while we were in a crowded open-air market. On another occasion, a thief attempted to rob us of our propane gas tanks that were stored behind our house. Researchers are working on a vaccine but that may be years away. Ecuador crime rate & statistics for 2018 was 5.80, a 0.17% increase from 2017. A timely post I would say in light of the fact I read the following post yesterday which was making wonder whether it was safe: He said Guayaquil is like 4. Ecuador living: Learn about life in Ecuador from these actual expats. The article identifies cocaine derivatives and marijuana as the most common drugs being sold. 42.33. The chief of police here in Cuenca, Germán Cevallos, has identified those deaths as revenge murders between two groups trying to take control of the drug market. The Crime of Cuenca (Spanish: El crimen de Cuenca) is a Spanish drama film (made in 1980), directed by Pilar Miró and based on a miscarriage of justice, known as the Crime of Cuenca, which took place in the early 20th century in the Spanish province of Cuenca. He said only about 6-7 today. I had 2 shirts on and had my daypack which contained books, camera, and glasses. Maracuya: Passion Fruit Guide (Taste, 7 Benefits, How to Eat i... Tagua Nut Guide: South America’s Vegetable Ivory (Vegan,... Where are the Galapagos Islands Located? I stopped and looked back and noticed what appeared to be lotion or white paint dripping off me. Reconsider travel to Ecuador due to COVID-19. This can happen anywhere, I am just sharing my story. No, I don’t think so – because we know that it’s dangerous at night. In fact, there are many places in Ecuador that are safe to live. Here’s a question about safety of another kind – dengue fever. Thank you, I am interested in moving my wife and myself to Cuenca and would like to correspond with an expat with some experience of the area. We have never felt unsafe in our neighborhood nor have we witnessed any violent crimes. DeutschKriminalität in Cuenca Thanks for your time, We are looking for a chat room with Americans who have moved to Ecuador, not realtors or that crap, real pepole, real info, real nice chat, no improper discussions, ect…We are considering a vacation there to check it out, We desire only decent people to communicate with. Plus, one in our party has Hepatitis C and while I haven’t seen anything specific on whether there is an increased health risk if the two diseases collide, I’m guessing someone with a compromised liver shouldn’t put themselves in a position of contracting a disease that can do liver damage. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. Any information about the city would be helpful. For the record, says Simmons, Cuenca is safer than almost any city its size in the U.S. if you are considering serious crime and crime involving violence. We had one incident perfectly executed(I was tired that day). We are thinking of a visit in the next couple of months. So, I asked him if 5 years ago was a safe 10, how does Cuenca rate now? But in terms of physical safety and serious crime, Ecuador has been labeled the second-safest country in South America, and Cuenca … It is a matter of using common sense and knowing which areas to avoid. Other than the few incidents mentioned above, we have not had any problems with crime or personal safety in the particular area of Cuenca we live in. Read the full Spanish post. If the value is 0, it means it is perceived as very low, and if the value is 100, it means it is perceived as very high. Crime does exist in Cuenca and it seems to be steadily increasing. I later learned there are several variations of this so called mustard distraction rip off throughout Latin America. Crime in Cuenca Ecuador Posted on September 7, 2012 • Filed under: Crime , Ecuador , TRAVEL According to tuseguridad.ec, there are three areas of Cuenca, Ecuador where murder offenses, illegal drug sales, and robberies are … Cuenca is rich in history and architecture; it's walking friendly and it's surrounded by breathtaking scenic mountain sights. Exercise increased caution in Ecuador due to crime.. Read the Department of State’s COVID-19 page before you plan any international travel.. PortuguêsCrime em Cuenca 41.84 Ranked 60th. Thanking you in advance. Here’s more about how we work. Latest travel advice for Ecuador, ... Cuenca, Tena, Riobamba, Mindo and Loja tourist towns. Also, we have tried to avoid living next door to new construction or vacant lots where thieves can easily access the backyard. A gentleman who is contemplating moving to Ecuador with his family was surprised to learn that many houses here have burglar bars over the windows and doors. It specifically mentions certain areas of Guayaquil and Quito that one would be wise to avoid. The drunk apparently was not expecting such a reaction from an innocent-looking teenage girl and after receiving his pepper spray treatment, he shut up his cursing and retreated to his house to nurse his burning eyes. Summary: Advice from Expats in Ecuador about Safety, Security and Crime in Ecuador. Crime increasing in the past 3 years. In terms of violent crimes, Ecuador and the US are very similar, but Cuenca is a bit safer. I heard there is more of a police presence there now. This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed. Crime does exist in Cuenca and it seems to be steadily increasing. Check out some of our favorite travel products. Interestingly, the above-mentioned website does not mention any of the areas of Cuenca that expats or travelers should avoid. The “YES” vote has triumphed in the Popular Consultation held in Cuenca, according to preliminary data from the CNE. 49.00. Crime and Personal Safety: Is Cuenca safe for expats? When you use our links, we may earn an affiliate commission. Level of crime. It’s not a big deal. Homicide rate in Ecuador from 2014 to 2019 (in number of homicides per 100,000 inhabitants) [Graph]. I think that the center is where most of such crimes take place and I´d venture to say that they occur mainly after dark. Cuenca is located in the highlands of Ecuador at about 2,560 metres (8,400 feet) above sea level, with an urban population of approximately 329,928 and 661,685 inhabitants in the larger metropolitan area. Some of those places include Vilcabamba, Cuenca, … I refuse to live in Cuenca in fear, But, I am also aware of my surroundings and pretty much everyone around me. We have met over 100 expats and are online friends with many more. Ecuador crime rate & statistics for 2017 was 5.79, a 0.83% decline from 2016. Let’s put it this way, Brian. I feel much safer living here than I did living in Macon,Georgia. I’m obviously a female, have lived in Cuenca for five years and go out alone to run errands, shop at the mercado , lunch with friends, go to events, or just take … We’ve read quite a bit about it – how to avoid being bitten and the like – but the disease is endemic in many parts of the country and we wonder how you handle being in a place where a serious illness is only one mosquito bite away. In addition to this, I would love to do some spanish immersion. She is a travel blogger and content marketer. haha your daughter kicks arse! Having said that, I can tell you that in almost 4 years of living in Cuenca we have never been assaulted or robbed. I feel safer here than I did in Canada. The general information on the U.S. Dept. Thinking about buying property? 12 people in Quito near there historic tourist area at approx. Not feeling a threat since nobody was around and I was in an area not far from the main square I removed my daypack, looked around a even put it between my legs of the side walk. We published a post discussing it today. A single person estimated monthly costs are 426.73$ without rent. Crime rates in Cuenca, Ecuador. 41% more than Ecuador Fear of crime > Feels safe walking alone > At night: 24.14 Ranked 79th. In Ecuador’s Andes Mountains, you can visit Quito, Otavalo, Banos and Cuenca. We will both be retired. I would, however, take into consideration the experiences of other expats before coming to the concluison that Cuenca is an unsafe place. If you are in Quito or Ibarra, you may also dial 911. The same can be said for practically any growing metropolitan area, no matter where you live. In addition, the rate of drug-related violence is increasing in Mexico and Colombia and the governments appear helpless to control it. Lenin Bolaños, Azuay Police Commander (comandante de Policía del Azuay), noted that eradication, as discussed by some politicians, is not very reasonable. The rate is even lower in Cuenca. You hail a cab, hop in and a few minutes later you're joined by some less-than-friendly fellow passengers who want your money. S & J, hi,i to want to move to equador am w/female no kids,47-wannting quiet,peacful life with nature,cept i want to buy old cheap house in countryside)( there-so as to have $ to live on,and i like old houses anyway..if you would i would like to hear about live there too if you get there,i probably wont….i always wannted to go to a far away place,plus i dont like it here anymore-s.c-usa-thanks for any info if you get any(jeannieofsc@aol.com). Below we have pulled together some thoughts, tips and general strategies for staying safe from our Ecuador Forum and the U.S. Department of State: Most incidents took place at night. I have retired from the construction field and my wife is a Nurse Practictioner. We have never personally met anyone who has been a victim of a violent crime here in Cuenca, but we know several people who have had things stolen. Coordinates, Elevatio... How to Use GoPro as Webcam (3 Steps) Gear, Settings, Mount. Please contact us. More reading: 21 Best Anti-Theft Backpacks and Locks. I appreciate what you are saying. And my guess is that without seeing actual statistics, Ecuador, or at least Cuenca, is safer than Antigua. Cost of living index in Cuenca is 65.27% lower than in New York. GringosAbroad is Ecuador’s largest blog for expats and travelers! Don't mess! Lesson learned: Be vigilant and keep an eye on your personal possessions, especially when visiting crowded places. Check out our  Ecuador real estate guide. Goodness gracious! 40.67. The truth is, there are a lot of great Ecuadorian neighborhoods in Cuenca that are perfectly safe for expats and definitely worth checking out. When I realized it was gone I put the two of them together and ran a block looking for him, which I never found so I went looking for her, and she too was gone. Privacy Policy, Copyright © 2009-2021 Numbeo. Response times vary, but police response to emergencies can commonly take at least 45-60 minutes. We've read about date rape drugs and other used in robberies. And don’t forget about the food! In other words, no one is actually a target until they make themselves be a target. Moderate. Lesson learned: We have decided that it is not a bad idea to carry some nonlethal form of personal protection, such as pepper spray. It also works wonders on aggressive dogs as well as drunks. But you should understand that not all of Ecuador is safe to live in and that larger cities see higher rates of crime. She is also co-founder of ClickLikeThis (GoPro tutorial blog) and Storyteller Travel. Most crime is “crime of opportunity,” which means that if you make it easy to have something stolen, it will most likely be stolen.