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Gringolandia (Ordóñez Lasso)
Cuenca, Ecuador · Neighborhood Guide
The main expat corridor — modern high-rises, restaurants catering to foreigners, English spoken in shops, supermarkets, and medical offices nearby
Last updated March 2026
Gringolandia (Ordóñez Lasso) at a Glance
Mid-Range
Cost Level
$400–$700/month for 1-BR
Rent Range
Safe — well-established expat area with modern infrastructure and good lighting throughout.
Safety
50–100 Mbps — modern high-rises have excellent fibre. Best connectivity in Cuenca.
Internet
Who Lives in Gringolandia (Ordóñez Lasso)?
American and Canadian retirees (large community), newly arrived expats, English-speaking service providers, and real estate agents. Average age 50–70.
Living in Gringolandia (Ordóñez Lasso) — Practical Details
Walkability
Moderate — the main avenue is walkable with shops and restaurants, but it's a linear strip. Side streets are residential and quieter.
Grocery & Food Access
Supermaxi and Coral Centro on Ordóñez Lasso. Multiple restaurants with English menus. Medical offices and pharmacies nearby.
Getting Around
- Taxi: $2–$4 to El Centro
- Bus: routes along Ordóñez Lasso to city center
- Walking: the corridor is linear, 20+ min to El Centro
Nearby Coworking
- Zona 256 ($190/mo)
- La Oficina Cuenca ($5/day)
- Several cafés cater to laptop workers
Insider Tips for Gringolandia (Ordóñez Lasso)
- 1This is the easiest place to start in Cuenca but many expats eventually move to more local neighborhoods
- 2The expat social clubs meet at restaurants along this strip — ask at Supermaxi bulletin board for schedules
- 3Rents are 15–20% higher than equally nice apartments in El Vergel or Yanuncay due to the 'gringo premium'
- 4Learn Spanish even if you can survive in English here — it transforms your Cuenca experience
FAQ — Gringolandia (Ordóñez Lasso), Cuenca
What is Gringolandia (Ordóñez Lasso) like for expats?
Gringolandia (Ordóñez Lasso) is a mid-range neighborhood in Cuenca. The main expat corridor — modern high-rises, restaurants catering to foreigners, English spoken in shops, supermarkets, and medical offices nearby Best for: Newly arrived expats, retirees wanting the easiest transition, those who prefer English-friendly environments
How much does it cost to live in Gringolandia (Ordóñez Lasso), Cuenca?
Gringolandia (Ordóñez Lasso) is classified as "Mid-Range" in Cuenca. Typical rent: $400–$700/month for 1-BR. Total monthly budget in Cuenca: $1,000–1,500.
Is Gringolandia (Ordóñez Lasso) safe for expats?
Safe — well-established expat area with modern infrastructure and good lighting throughout.
Who lives in Gringolandia (Ordóñez Lasso)?
American and Canadian retirees (large community), newly arrived expats, English-speaking service providers, and real estate agents. Average age 50–70.
Other Neighborhoods in Cuenca
El Centro Histórico
Mid-RangeUNESCO World Heritage colonial center — cobblestone streets, blue-domed cathedral, flower markets, churches, cafés, and the cultural heart of the city
El Vergel
Mid-RangeModern residential area across the Tomebamba River from El Centro — quieter, modern apartments, convenient to everything, 10-minute walk to the historic center
Yanuncay
Budget-FriendlyResidential neighborhood along the Yanuncay River — parks, walking paths, local families, less touristy, good value for larger apartments
Misicata / San Joaquín
Budget-FriendlySemi-rural area west of the city — larger homes, gardens, mountain views, quieter pace, growing expat presence
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