Articles

Is Cuenca safe for expats in 2026? Numbeo ranks it #1 in South America. But what's the day-to-day reality? Crime stats, neighborhood safety, scams to watch for, and practical tips from an expat who lives here.

While the headlines scream about Ecuador's coastal violence, a quieter story is being missed: dozens of cantons across the Sierra recorded no homicides at all last year. Cuenca's among the safest cities in the country, and the data backs it up.

Ecuador's INEC reports 0.37% inflation for January 2026 - a shift from last year's deflation. Soft drinks, chicken, and personal care items are driving the increase.

Cuenca tops Numbeo's 2026 safety index with a score of 54.05 — the highest in South America. Here's what the data actually says about crime, neighborhood safety, and what expats experience on the ground.