Cuenca is a walkable city, especially in El Centro — the historic downtown area. The grid layout makes it relatively easy to navigate, and major landmarks like the blue-domed cathedral serve as natural reference points.
Buses run throughout the city and cost $0.30 per ride. The tranvía (tram) connects key areas along a central route. Taxis are plentiful and inexpensive — most rides within the city cost between $2-5.
Ride-sharing apps like InDriver work well here and give you more control over pricing. For longer trips, intercity buses leave from the Terminal Terrestre and connect Cuenca to the rest of the country.
Most expats find that after a few weeks, they develop a mental map of the city. The key neighborhoods — El Centro, Yanuncay, El Vergel, Misicata — each have their own character and amenities.