How safe is Ecuador?
Travelers should take the same precautions that they would in a major city in the US. Pay attention to the advice of your tour leader and hotel reception and take common-sense precautions such as not going into unfamiliar areas alone, especially at night. Demonstrations, usually non-violent, are not uncommon in Ecuador. Travelers are advised to avoid these demonstrations as protestors occasionally burn tires, throw Molotov cocktails, or fire handguns into the air. Petty theft is common in airports, crowded tourist sites, and busy markets so be aware of your valuables and avoid carrying large amounts of cash, jewelry or other expensive items. Check out the US State Department travel advisories for the latest information at: http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/cis/cis_1106.
Tourists should use common sense to ensure their safety. Most tourists who avoid flashing large amounts of money, visiting areas near the Colombian border, civil disturbances, side streets in big cities at night and that sort of thing report few problems. Probably the biggest threat in most places is simple thievery: Belongings should not be left unguarded on the beach, for example, and pickpockets can be found in some of the more crowded areas, especially the Trolébus (Metro) in Quito , in bus terminals and on the busses themselves. Busses allow peddlers to board briefly and attempt to sell their wares; however, they are often thieves themselves, so keep a close eye out for them. Hotel personnel are generally good sources of information about places that should be avoided. Ecuador offers great opportunities for hiking and climbing, unfortunately, some travelers have been attacked and robbed in remote sections of well known climbs . Travelers are urged to avoid solo hikes and to go in
Travelers should take the same precautions that they would in a major city in the US. Pay attention to the advice of your tour leader and hotel reception and take common-sense precautions such as not going into unfamiliar areas alone, especially at night. Demonstrations, usually non-violent, are not uncommon in Ecuador. Travelers are advised to avoid these demonstrations as protestors occasionally burn tires, throw Molotov cocktails, or fire handguns into the air. Petty theft is common in airports, crowded tourist sites, and busy markets so be aware of your valuables and avoid carrying large amounts of cash, jewelry or other expensive items.
