[MartinSE]

Here, the subject is taxis. Small yellow cars everywhere. It reminds me of NYNY, where the taxis outnumber the cars often. Here, taxis are a fast, inexpensive (to us) means of transportation; I came on one a little over a mile from my apartment. Yesterday, I walked, and today I was feeling lazy and took a cab - LOL. The cost was $1.35. On the return trip, the cost was $1.25. In general, you can go anywhere in Cuenca for a maximum fair of $2.50 to $3.00.

If you come here and take a taxi, you should be aware not all taxi drivers are honest - shocking, isn't it? But MOST are, and they are licensed and regulated.

There are two scams to be aware of.

First, if you arrive at the airport and take a cab into town, it should never cost you more than $2.50 to $3.00. When I arrived, I hailed a cab and showed him the address of my apartment on my phone in big letters, so it was easy to read; it helps if you speak limited Spanish like me. He looked at my phone, sputtered, and scratched his head like he didn't know exactly where I wanted to go. Eventually, he waved me in, and I asked, "How much" - his answer - he held up 10 fingers, I looked, and he didn't have a meter - LOL!. Seriously, I waved him off and took the next cab. I asked how much, and he pointed at the meter. The fare came to $1.75. So, scam one, taking advantage of "rich Americans" that don't know their way around. Don't fall for it.

The second scam is kind of the same, never ride in a cab that isn't metered. And to add to that, I have google maps installed on my phone, and I always get directions BEFORE I hail a cab. That way, I can see if they are taking me on a "scenic" route. Rarely happens, but sometimes it does. I make it a point to tip the honest drivers and not tip the scenic drivers.

Oh, and a final point here, If you tend to get nervious in "exciting" rides, you may want to take a mild sedative before taking a cab - LOL! Drivers in Cuenca are very aggressive. I enjoy it; you may not.