Is Ecuador safe?
Ecuador's reputation for being one of the safer Latin American countries has in recent years been tested by rising crime levels. Still, there's no need to be paranoid if you take sensible precautions.
Most of the violent crimes you might hear about are gang-related, particularly in places like Guayaquil. The city's murder rate is high, but it's largely tied to gang activity.
Theft is the more prevalent concern for travellers throughout Ecuador. Pickpockets and thieves tend to lurk in crowded spots like bus stations, markets, city centres, and public transport hubs. Even the beach isn't immune during peak times (and especially not at night). To minimise risk, travel light and keep valuables discreet. Watch out for distractions—a messy spill might not just be an accident.
ATM use requires extra vigilance. Stick to machines inside banks or buildings during daylight hours to reduce the risk of robbery or card fraud. Avoid accepting pamphlets, or samples from strangers. Some criminals are known to perform drug-assisted robbery with a powder that can be absorbed through the skin.
Travelling at night, whether in your own vehicle or on public transport, is a bad idea.
Despite these safety concerns, Ecuador offers incredible experiences that make it worth visiting.
For more information, see the UK Government’s foreign travel advice page, or the US Department of State’s travel advisory.
Ecuador for women travellers
For solo female travellers, Ecuador offers rich experiences with a few considerations. While there are no major obstacles, being prepared for occasional annoyances. Taking simple precautions is wise.
Harassment on the streets is unfortunately very common, with whistling, hissing, or unwanted advances being frequent occurrences. The general advice is to ignore such behaviour and seek refuge in crowded areas like stores if you feel uncomfortable.
It's important to note that beaches, especially at night, are considered unsafe for women travelling alone.
Seeking advice from hostel or hotel staff about safer parts of town can be beneficial in planning your movements. That said, Ecuador can make for a once-in-a-lifetime trip.
Ecuador for LGBTQ+ travellers
Ecuador has made strides in rights with constitutional reforms, yet it's still a predominantly Catholic and macho society.
Cities like Quito (the “zona Rosa”) and Guayaquil boast bustling LGBTQ+ scenes, with gay pride marches that have taken place in both for over a decade. However, venturing outside of these city centres, you may encounter less tolerance.
Public displays of same-sex affection are uncommon throughout the country. LGBTQ+ travellers may be encouraged to be discreet in public spaces (particularly in rural areas) in order to avoid unwanted attention.