Ecuador Travel Safety

Precautions

Always exercise caution, avoid isolated areas and travel in groups. Avoid wandering on deserted beaches, especially at night. In case of robbery, remain calm and do not resist. Its best to remain aware of your surroundings at all times and maintain a low profile when walking in these areas. Avoid walking alone-women especially-and avoid travelling after dark. Do not show signs of affluence and keep all valuable items and electronic equipment out of sight. Ensure that your personal belongings, including passports and other travel documents are secure at all times, and carry colour photocopies of your identification documents. Never leave food or drinks unattended or in the care of strangers. Be wary of accepting snacks, beverages, gum or cigarettes from new acquaintances, as the items may contain drugs that could put you at risk of sexual assault and robbery. Incidents can occur in various locations, including buses, nightclubs and bars.

Road safety

Though road conditions have improved, road travel is slow due to unmarked speed bumps, large pot holes, traffic lights on major highways, heavy traffic and police and military road blocks. There are all types of vehicles on the road that do not meet acceptable safety standards. Driving in Ecuador is hazardous and unpredictable. Drivers involved in accidents causing physical injury are immediately detained. In many cases, detention lasts until responsibility for the accident has been assigned and all parties are satisfied. Robberies and assaults continue to be reported regularly on intercity and urban Guayaquil buses, especially after dark. Bus drivers often make illegal stops to pick up passengers on express routes, especially on the routes between Guayaquil and Cuenca and between Guayaquil and Riobamba. The Ecuadorian government has installed GPS units on buses to track their routes, where they stop and for how long, in an effort to improve security. Avoid travelling after dark. Only use registered taxis, identified by orange licence plates and an orange and white registration number on the side of the car and on the windshield. Do not hail taxis on the street.

Marine transportation

There is a risk of attack and armed robbery against ships in Ecuadorian waters.

Women's safety

Incidents of attacks and sexual assault against foreign women, including rape and murder, have increased throughout the country, particularly in the city of Montañita. Never travel alone, especially after dark. Be aware that even women travelling in pairs have been targeted. Stay in accommodations with good security, and avoid hospitality exchange arrangements, such as couch-surfing while in Ecuador.

Crime

Petty theft, including purse snatching, car break-ins and pickpocketing is a daily occurrence in major cities. Thieves often work in teams, in which one thief diverts the victims' attention while the other snatches their possessions. Groups of street children who sell candy are often engaged in this type of team operation. Luggage theft is prevalent on buses (city and regional), at bus terminals, at airports and at other transit points. Thefts of backpacks and other small bags are also very common on buses. Thieves can be very creative. The could even cut the purse or bag when you have it between your feet or spill something on you in order to distract you. The hotel zones in Quito are often targeted by thieves and muggers who believe tourists are affluent. Thieves often target cars stopped in traffic for break-ins. Car-jacking occurs frequently. Robberies have been carried out during the day at gunpoint and have even targeted large groups of tourists. Thieves have resorted to undoing or opening articles of clothing to locate valuables and personal items to steal.

LGBT

Although the laws of Ecuador do not prohibit sexual acts between individuals of the same sex. A fairly large gay scene has developed in Quito and Guayaquil. However, Ecuador is a conservative society and homosexuality tends to be viewed negatively by society.

Illegal drugs

Penalties for possession, use or trafficking of illegal drugs are severe. Individuals may be found guilty by association if they have criminal associates. Drivers should not accept hitchhikers, as they could be held responsible for them as well as for the content of their luggage. Monitor your luggage at all times when travelling, especially at airports, and never agree to carry items for another person. Any involvement in the trafficking or use of illegal drugs is a serious crime. Over 90% of foreign prisoners are in jail for drug-related crimes.

Driving

An International Driving Permit is required, also carry your foreign license. If you are renting a car please make sure you understand your liabilities and responsibilities of the agreement.