Have you an upcoming trip to Ecuador? Not sure about the Ecuador travel advice? Let me reassure you about your safety concerns in Ecuador.
My Honest Ecuador Travel Advice
Yes, Ecuador has its problems, but the media exaggerates. It is generally safe to travel to Ecuador. You will have a fantastic time seeing incredible nature and meeting warm people.
Ecuador indeed got more dangerous than before, and the crimes and violence are increasing daily. However, Ecuador’s increasing crimes are mainly related to (drug) gangs, and you should be able to avoid this as a visitor. I’m not saying there is zero crime in Ecuador and that you are entirely safe as a tourist. Robberies do happen, and also to tourists. A common place for your stuff to get stolen is on the bus. If you want to know more about traveling by bus in Ecuador, you can read more about this in my blog post.
6 Tips to Increase Your Safety
If I have to give you my Ecuador travel advice, I would say: use common sense and take an average amount of precaution, like you would in any unfamiliar city. I recommend the following:
- Leave your expensive jewelry at home.
- Do not dress flashy.
- Keep your cell phone tucked away.
- Be conscious of your surroundings.
- Use Uber or a prearranged taxi by your hotel.
- Watch your back at ATMs.
These precautions are especially recommended for bigger cities like Quito, Manta, and Guayaquil. Also, it would be best if you avoided specific neighborhoods here. In Guayaquil, you should stay in the northern part of the city. Recommended areas to rent an Airbnb or look for a ho(s)tel are in Puerto Santa Ana. In Quito, it is best to stay north / La Carolina and avoid walking up El Panecillo. Is your destination Manta? Do not go to the center and stay in neighborhoods like Playa Murciélago and Barbasquilla.
When you visit smaller villages like Canoa, Baños, or Ayampe, it is usually wholly relaxed! Ecuadorians are amicable people; tourists say they are welcoming, helpful and patient.
Is Ecuador Safe for Female Travelers?
If you are a female (solo) traveler, you may have extra concerns after reading threads on Reddit or Facebook saying that kidnapping and rape are also happening. I recommend not paying too much attention to this type of forum, as this is way overblown and has a lot of misinformation. The reality is far different from the fear-mongering by people. Yes, it does happen, but isn’t that the case in any big city worldwide? I don’t know why people write so much extra about this online. After talking to several female travelers, the consensus was that they all felt safe during their stay.
When going out as a woman, I have never experienced sexual harassment and assault more than I would in any other country. In my opinion, I share that men here are more respectful (at least in public) to women. However, there are always risks. If you are a female solo traveler, be wary. Don’t tell strangers where you are staying. If someone seems exceptionally interested and you don’t want their attention, stop engaging with them, and don’t be afraid to say no or reject them. If you travel alone, stay in touch with friends and family and tell them your itinerary.
Ultimately, as a solo (female) traveler, it is important to trust your instincts!
Risk of Natural Disasters
Due to its geographic location, the country also faces various natural disaster risks. Ecuador is located in the Pacific Ring of Fire, which is an area where many earthquakes and volcanic eruptions occur. In fact, the country has experienced numerous earthquakes and volcanic eruptions throughout its history, with some of the most devastating earthquakes occurring in 1987 and 2016.
In addition to earthquakes and volcanic activity, Ecuador is also at risk of flooding and landslides, particularly during the rainy season from December to May. The country has a complex system of rivers and is prone to flash flooding, which can cause damage to infrastructure and displace communities. Furthermore, the El Niño weather phenomenon can also contribute to extreme weather events in the country, including heavy rainfall and flooding. As a result of these natural disaster risks, it is essential for visitors to Ecuador to stay informed about local conditions and potential hazards and to follow any safety instructions provided by local authorities.
Thanks to this location, it is also known for its diverse natural beauty, including the Andes mountains, with volcanoes like Cotopaxi and the Chimborazo, the Amazon rainforest, and Galapagos Islands.
Your Government’s Travel Advice for Ecuador
Always check your government’s travel advice before you go. Stay up-to-date on warnings issued by your government or international organizations.
I hope this article has reassured you of the fantastic upcoming trip you want to make! Ecuador definitely will not disappoint you!
Many tourists have experienced a fabulous trip while in Ecuador, and the vast majority say that they didn’t experience any crime. I live in Guayaquil, the most dangerous city, and I have not had any bad experiences or felt unsafe! Still unsure after reading? You can always write me a message on Instagram or email me at info@travelinecuador.com.
