Short answer...yes! It is advisable to not flash iPhones, jewelry, or other symbols of having something worth stealing. And as with any big city, be aware of your surroundings, especially at night. Cuenca is very safe aside from the random pick pocketer.
The weather is very changeable, so you'll want to be prepared for all seasons in a single day. Temps range from upper 50s to 80s F in a few hours. It's good to always have a jacket and an umbrella.
Cuenca is a very walkable city so comfortable shoes are a must. It is good to have layers to be comfortable when the sun is out and when it gets cooler. We recommend an umbrella in case it rains. Refillable water bottle (we recommend filter or bottled water to drink). A dark colored swimsuit if you are going to the thermal baths at Aqua Piedra Spa (dark colored so it does not get stained in the red mud bath). Cuenca sits at an altitude of around 8,500 feet, which can cause altitude sickness, especially if you are not used to such elevations. The best way to prepare is to stay hydrated and avoid strenuous activity. You may also consider consulting your doctor and bringing medication if you are susceptible to altitude sickness. A special note for females regarding shoes for the wedding day: due to the venue being outside with some more grassy areas, we suggest refraining from heels, such as stilettos, that could sink into the grass. Wedges, wider heels and flats would be best for this venue.
They use the US dollar which makes is very easy! Most businesses only use cash, so it is advisable to always carry cash in small denominations (some places won't accept 50 or 100 bills). ATMs are available throughout the city. Some places will take credit card but the vast majority of transactions are done with cash.
It depends! If you are only coming for the wedding (July 12), you should give yourself a couple days of travel on each end (July 10-July 14). Cuenca is an UNESCO world heritage site and has many worthwhile places to visit. The main tourist features include houses and churches built in the 19th century, as well as museums, markets, parks, squares and the Barranco area, next to the Tomebamba River. If you are interested in exploring Cuenca, see our recommended activities section. Cajas National Park will likely be a half-day activity and touring Cuenca can also be a half-day. The hotel you decide to stay at can also provide additional information. Ecuador is home to the Galapagos Islands, an archipelago of volcanic islands in the Eastern Pacific, located around the Equator. These islands are renowned for their unique biodiversity and fascinating history. If you decide to visit the Galapagos, you should plan for a min of 5 days. There are many cruise and tour packages that visit Galapagos. It is a short 1.5-hour flight from GYE or Quito to Baltra in the Galapagos.
Ecuador is one hour behind eastern standard time, so most of our guests will not have to worry about jet lag.