There is a steady stream of taxis passing right in front of the main entrance. During busy periods, when many people are trying to hail a cab, you may have better luck walking a little farther up the block toward Mercado 10 de Agosto. This gives you a chance to catch a taxi before it stops to pick up someone else.
When hailing a taxi, extend your arm straight out horizontally. Raising your arm above your head is considered rude, so it’s best to follow the locals’ example.
If you don’t speak Spanish, it’s a good idea to write down the address of your destination on a piece of paper, unless you’re going somewhere well known. Most taxi drivers speak little or no English.
During rush hour or late at night, you may find it easier to use Uber instead of hailing a taxi.
Taxi fares to most destinations range from $2.00 to $4.00. The minimum fare is $1.39 during the day and $1.67 at night. If the taximeter shows less than the applicable minimum fare, you will be charged the minimum amount. As a rule, it is customary to pay at least $1.50 for a taxi ride.
Although most taxi drivers are honest, you may occasionally encounter one who “forgets” to turn on the taximeter and then quotes an inflated fare when you reach your destination. By law, taxi drivers are required to use the meter. If your driver forgets to turn on the taximeter, simply remind him politely by saying, “¿Podría encender el taxímetro, por favor?” (Could you please turn on the meter?).
If the driver refuses to turn on the meter or claims that it is broken, it’s best to get out and take another taxi.
A small tip is always appreciated, but it is neither required nor expected. Personally, I usually round the fare up to the nearest dollar as a simple way to show my appreciation.
There are two phone apps you can use to call a taxi in Cuenca:
Both apps are designed to connect passengers with regulated yellow taxis rather than informal ride-sharing services such as Uber. AzuTaxi is a popular third-party taxi dispatch service, while Cuenca Taxi is the official app associated with the city’s formal taxi network.
In business districts and along busy streets in other parts of the city, you can usually hail a taxi directly from the street. However, when finding an available taxi is more difficult, these apps can be a convenient alternative. They work in much the same way as Uber, allowing you to request a taxi through your phone.
The apps provide useful information about your ride, including: