Useful Services in Cuenca

If you stay in Cuenca more than a few days, you’ll soon need everyday services: getting around, working, learning Spanish, finding housing or sorting out your laundry. This guide gathers what we were able to confirm, without recommending specific businesses, and tells you what to ask.

Getting around the city

The center is very walkable and, according to Wikivoyage, it’s usually faster to go on foot than by taxi because of the narrow streets. Other options:

• Tram: it has operated since March 2020 on a single line with 27 stops and connects the airport with the center. In December 2023 a ticket cost US$1 (figure from that date).
• Taxi: Wikivoyage lists fares of about US$1.50 to US$3 per trip within the city, and advises agreeing on the price before getting into taxis without a meter (figure with no confirmed date). Ask whether they use a meter.
• City bus: there are urban lines; ask about the route when you board.

For the airport, the same site says a taxi to the center costs around US$2–3 (figure with no confirmed date). Confirm current fares.

Working remotely: coworking and internet

Cuenca has coworking spaces in the historic center and in other areas. Vistazo (October 27, 2024) reported that daily rates were around US$10 and monthly rates ran from about US$80 to about US$157 for unlimited use, depending on the space. These are prices from that date and they change, so ask for the current rate, hours and whether there is backup power: the same article was published in connection with the country’s power outages.

When evaluating a space, ask about internet speed, meeting rooms, weekend hours and whether there is a trial plan.

Learning Spanish

Wikivoyage notes that there are many language schools for visitors. Some foundations offer standard, intensive, private and online courses. When comparing:

• Ask how many hours per week and how large the group is.
• Confirm whether they offer a homestay with a local family.
• Check whether the course includes materials and a certificate.
• Ask for a trial class if possible.

Housing and rentals

For longer stays, there are local real estate agencies that serve foreigners, with long- and short-term rentals, as well as sales and purchases. General advice:

• Always ask for a written contract and read the clauses on deposit and term.
• Ask which utilities are included (water, electricity, internet).
• Check the heating and dampness: the city is humid and cool (average relative humidity close to 84% according to Wikipedia).
• Visit the property in person before you pay.

Clothing and laundry

There are laundries in the center and in the neighborhoods. With the humidity and the rains from October to April, drying clothes at home can take a while, so many residents use a laundry service. Ask whether they charge by the kilo or by the item and how long it takes.

Community kitchens and community enterprises

Some women’s associations offer lunches and laundry services with a social purpose. Ask about hours before you go, because they usually operate during set time slots.

Health and paperwork

For health matters, immigration paperwork or legal matters, always look for professionals with verifiable credentials and ask for a written quote. Don’t rely on advice from social media groups without checking it against the official agency. This guide is no substitute for official information.

How to choose a service provider

• Ask for references from other clients and verify that the business exists.
• Confirm the price, timeline and form of payment in writing.
• Prefer businesses with a public address and contact channel.
• Be wary of prices that change when you show up.

In short

• Almost the whole center can be covered on foot; the tram runs one line from the airport.
• Coworking cost about US$10 per day in October 2024; confirm the current price.
• There are Spanish schools for visitors; compare hours, group size and housing.
• If you’re going to live here, insist on a written contract and check for dampness and heating.
• Always get prices and timelines in writing.

For more services, see the category Services in Cuenca.