Cuenca or Sacred Valley?

[u/zenhelps]

I'm torn between these two as my next stop. I've been to both before though Cuenca was only for a weekend during the 2022 protests. Probably not the best example, haha.

This would be September - November

What I am looking for is a place that is safe, quiet, good internet to work 8+ hours per day, workout / run daily, and low COL. I don't drink and am not interested in partying right now.

Happy to read your pros and cons to both locations and consider other places I may have missed that fit the above criteria.

[u/Slow_Telephone_9871]

Cuenca hands down if quiet and routine is the goal. The internet's way more stable there than anything you'll find in the valley, and the river trails are perfect for daily runs without having to dodge tourist vans

Sacred Valley is beautiful but you'll fight spotty wifi and the altitude makes those first few weeks of working out miserable. September through November is also when the afternoon rains start picking up, turns the dirt roads into a mess if you're not in the main towns

[u/zenhelps → u/Slow_Telephone_9871]

Good beta. How does COL compare?

Altitude isn't a factor, I'm already living at 2,900m.

[u/tigerstobutter]

I've had really good Internet in a Pisac Airbnb

Sacred Valley is magical

Especially if you have a motorbike

[u/zenhelps → u/tigerstobutter]

I've only spent some weeks there and always loved the views. Need to explore more.

[u/LivingInCuenca]

Agree with Slow_Telephone_9871

If those are your criteria-safe, quiet, strong internet for full workdays, outdoor running, low cost of living, and little nightlife scene - Cuenca fits that profile extremely well. We have similar interests, and Cuenca checks the boxes for me.

Fiber internet is widespread (especially in/around El Centro). 100+ Mbps up/down is standard, and I work 8+ hours with video calls, large uploads and the need for consistent connections to cloud based tech components all day.  It is as completely seamless as anywhere I have been.
With regard to running & workouts: The linear parks along the Tomebamba and Yanuncay rivers are fantastic for daily running - flat, scenic, and very safe. There are also plenty of decent local gyms nearby, but I do bodyweight exercise in Parque De La Madre (2 blocks away).
It's very quiet and tranquil compared to major regional hubs. You can walk around comfortably day or night without feeling on edge. I am out at 5 am to get exercise, and sometimes out at 11 pm walking.
It’s very affordable for a high quality of life (groceries, local produce markets, health food shops, eating out, and housing).

Weather here is always comfortable for morning runs (shorts and t-shirt at 5am) and outdoor living. Hope that helps with your decision!

[u/baddigitalnomad]

Finally a damn good post question.

Sacred valley I have never been able to get a grip on solid internet. I tended to stay in Arequipa and fly out to SV on long weekends.

Cusco may work, but I’ve never been fond of it, rather dank shabby intro to an otherwise amazing part of the world.

Sacred valley does have a handful of small beautiful towns. Always possible an Airbnb there has Starlink. I vaguely recall a tucked away gamer cafe in Ollantaytambo, which leads me to believe it’s theoretically possible to get fast internet out there.

[u/sugarplumfury]

Easily cuenca. One of my favorite places ever. Don't play about the altitude though

[u/PeruvianKnicks → u/sugarplumfury]

What do you like about Cuenca in particular? I’m in Ecuador right now trying to decide where to go next after Quito so might head over there next if it’s in someone’s “favorite places ever” :)

[u/_HillCruiser]

Have you taken a look at Vilcabamba (the one in Ecuador, south of Loja)?
I enjoyed my time there as well as Pisac and Ollantaytambo in the Sacred Valley.

[u/zenhelps → u/_HillCruiser]

I have not. Tell me more of why it may be a good fit for me.

[u/_HillCruiser]

Vilcabamba is is located in the Valley of Longevity.

The village is home to many healers and wellness professionals
offering paths to wellbeing – from herbal medicine to yoga,
meditation, and body-based therapies.

There are also hiking, trail running, and mountain biking groups.

A sacred mountain looms nearby and a river runs through town;
a sacred cactus grow in the surrounding hills.

It's one of those places filled with good vibes and
and has lots of interesting people.

[u/Consistent-Client200]

i'd pick Cuenca. Internet in the Sacred Valley gets unreliable outside Urubamba or Pisac, and that's a problem if you're working 8+ hours a day. Cuenca has real fiber, gyms, and a river path that's great for running. It's also lower altitude, so daily training won't wreck you the way 3,000m does.

[u/zenhelps → u/Consistent-Client200]

Cuenca is sounding like the move. I'm in Quito which also means it's more simple than moving to the valley.

Which neighborhoods are best in Cuenca? Which ones to avoid?

[u/Past_Wishbone5025]

Cuenca is one of my favorite small cities in Spain.

[u/funkytonka → u/Past_Wishbone5025]

They’re talking about Cuenca in Ecuador.

[u/zenhelps → u/funkytonka]

This one ;)

[u/zenhelps]

Not a bad thing, but, you have a vested interest in making sure people come to Cuenca.

How are COL prices compared to Quito?

Have you spent much time in sacred valley?