Like any country, there are common sense places to avoid in Ecuador. Last Update: Reissued with updates to security situation in Guayaquil. The U.S. government is limited in its ability to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens in Guayaquil south of Portete de Tarqu Avenue. Dont leave any valuable items on the seat of your car or in plain sight. If you refuse cookies we will remove all set cookies in our domain. but those areas you dont even go around, as they are located in towns that are not touristy. Click to enable/disable Google Analytics tracking. We were in Guayaquil Friday 9/19, for one night, on our way to the Galapagos Islands. Some other investments are uploading essential documents to the cloud and using zipper pockets with a fastener. Country Summary: Crime is a widespread problem in Ecuador. Visiting the historic sites of Quito is a must when visiting Ecuador, but the city draws large crowds making it the perfect hunting ground for pickpocketers. Taxis waiting in line outside the airport or bus terminal have been validated by the attendants and are generally safe for expats. There are pickpockets on motorcycles passing by and snatching everything they can from your car, so keep your car windows up. Also, you can visit the beautiful Quito from which in about 40 min you can reach 4000m altitude and visit the closest volcano (Rucu Pichincha) or have days trip to Quilotoa crater lake or to visit Chimborazo. One pickpocket and once from hostel. Transnational criminal organizations and gangs operate in Carchi, Sucumbos, and the northern part of Esmeraldas provinces, as well as in Guayaquil, south of Portete de Tarqu Avenue. Their crime family and organizations get glorified in the movies and on TV shows. "The Australian consul from our embassy in Santiago, Chile, is travelling to Ecuador to provide consular assistance," said a spokeswoman. Children have also been kidnapped for the commission of sexual assault. An official website of the United States Government, Ecuador: Travel Advisory Raised to Level 3 Reconsider Travel, Office of the Special Envoy for Critical and Emerging Technology, Office of the U.S. Im planning to visit Ecuador for 5 weeks from the beginning of October 2022. Despite a recent plateau, the Ecuadorian homicide rate fell from 15.4 per 100,000 in 2011 to 5.7 in 2018. We will provide information on each attraction. Is Ecuador a high risk Covid country? The western and central ranges of the Andes bordering the Sierra constitute the country's highest and most continuous mountain chains. Ecuador is a fairly friendly and respectful country because its citizens are like that, and I say this because I am a resident of this country, the only bad thing is that corruption abounds, even in small businesses, the corruption that the government has against the people is very greatAll Ecuadorians work very hard to feed bureaucrats who only live with the efforts of their citizensThats the only bad thing, the security of Ecuador depends a lot on how the tourist is dressed, for example if a tourist It is very elegant, it is obvious that thieves will put their eye on it and want to steal it, but if a traveler is dressed normal and simple, absolutely nothing will happen to him, also depending on how you treat Ecuadorians in the same way they They will treat youIf you plan to travel to Ecuador, I highly recommend it, there are many unique and wonderful tourist sites waiting for you! Many crimes go unsolved because the police dont have the time or resources to pursue every robbery or case of pickpocketing. Keep in mind that taxi robbery is a danger in Quito, Guayaquil, Manta, Machala, Playas, and other coastal towns. Also be very careful about the taxies, now when we use taxies we are looking for middle aged drivers, not young guys. Audrey Fox. If you are a resident of another country or region, please select the appropriate version of Tripadvisor for your country or region in the drop-down menu. The goal, according to the State Department: To communicate more clearly to U.S. citizens the risks of kidnapping and hostage-taking by criminal and terrorist actors around the world.. For all my preparations, I took a few too many risks as a solo traveler such as arriving at bus stations after dark in new cities and having to take the only taxi available even if it wasnt official because I had anticipated Uber to be available. Ecuador's high-altitude capital, Quito, is a popular starting-off point for travelers exploring the volcanoes, beaches, cities and Amazon jungle of Ecuador, or for those who are on their way to. JP & Amelia, I just want to thank you for your YouTube vlogs and well-written articles. In the past, and presently in some parts of the world (such as southern Sudan ), kidnapping is a common means used to obtain slaves and money . They held her captive for 460 days, during which time they raped, assaulted and. Crime does seen to be on the uptick for tourists and Ecuadorians. At last,Endicott and her guide were released,unharmed. Guayaquil, south of Portete de Tarqu Avenue Level 4: Do Not Travel. It is of no surprise that Cotopaxi is one of Ecuador's top ecotourism destinations. Ranked: 10 Happiest And 10 Saddest Countries In The World, Top 20 Places Women Are Traveling In 2019, Dream Job Alert! Yeah we carry weapons to keep criminals like you honest. The Galpagos Islands, 596 miles (960 kilometers) west of the mainland of Ecuador are part of Ecuador and are home to unique reptiles, birds . And you added Chicago at the end which has a high black population with a lot of black-on-black crime. Um. The U.S. State Department has released a list of. Heres the list of 35 countries where youre most likely to get kidnapped, according to the U.S. State Department. It truly has everything. The Amazon Rainforest. "The response was beyond our wildest dreams. Both these assumptions are false. Since the greatest risk to black people in the United States comes from other black people, is it the same in Ecuador? Im not sure if thats really helping your argument that Ecuador, in Latin America, is no safer than other Latin American places in the US? Beware of Kidnappings! READ MORE:Airline Passenger Arrested After Complaining About Vomit On Seat. Black people in the US may be 12% or so, but if they are committing more than half the violent crimes, and have the highest rate of interactions with police per capita, then you have to divide by that. My daughter loves it. You are about to leave travel.state.gov for an external website that is not maintained by the U.S. Department of State. In big cities you must heed warnings from locals to stay away from certain areas. So the OP has now returned from the Galapagos and replied.World Traveller you certainly did not read the original post properly-it was obvious the OP group was catching a taxi from opposite the Ramada to some other hotel.To me this story is believable and with the OPs return should be kept in mind. Comply and you wont die as the saying goes. Registered taxis also have a taxi cooperative logo. QUITO, Ecuador Every night since March 26, when three Ecuadoran journalists were kidnapped near their country's border with Colombia, their colleagues have gathered to demand their rescue. Ensure your travel insurance covers emergency evacuation from altitude and related medical costs. A bright young scholar from Oklahoma has gone missing in Ecuador and is believed to be kidnapped. You can also change some of your preferences. You Americans are unbelievable <3. Opinions expressed by Forbes Contributors are their own. When you take off your jacket or bag, they grab it and run. What Are Your Rights? Marrying an Ecuadorian as a foreigner/ temporal residency, Exploring Guayaquil on foot from a Cruise Ship, Walking from Hotel Wyndham Guayaquil to Malecon, Best private/semi private van from Guayaquil to Cuenca. They are a method of abduction where criminals ask for a small and immediate ransom. Let yourself be amazed by its culture expressed majestically in its churches, buildings and heritage cities. Dont put them in overhead bins and dont hand them to anyone offering to help you. The Ecuadorian Amazon Rainforest ranks as the most wildlife-rich area on Earth. A destination you must visit. LMAO! Ecuador is roughly the size of Colorado and is bordered by Colombia and Peru. Cotopaxi in the Andes is the highest active volcano in the world. That will make it nearly impossible for a pickpocketer to steal anything without you noticing. Links to external websites are provided as a convenience and should not be construed as an endorsement by the U.S. Department of State of the views or products contained therein. "One of the guys who rescued us got on a motorcycle and notified authorities and within 10 minutes there was 100 army people. The kidnappers got scared. I am a Canadian living in Baos for over three years. there is certainly crime there, just as in any major city. Prepare for the worst so if it does happen, you will have done everything in your control to be fine. You are part of the reason people want to leave the States! Also we are more than 46%, How gross Jack! No official crime stats for the second half of 2020 are available as of the writing of this article, but you may want to use extra precautions to avoid theft and robbery. The key in Ecuador is to travel smart, keep up with local news, and explore in groups or with a tour guide when possible. Foods great, so fresh, so lacking preservatives. Including the two who were kidnapped, the tourist group totaled seven people, according to the Interior Ministry. Another important aspect of the islands is the 28 unique (to the island) species of birds like the waved albatross. countries with the highest risk for kidnapping. These Positions Will Pay You To Travel The World. What Are Your Rights? The nationwide political protests across Ecuador that began on 13 June 2022 ceased on 30 June following an agreement between the government and protestors. 6.0 magnitude earthquake - 3 December, 2017. At night, my host sister and I walked together to restaurants. Find even more inspiration for Ecuador here The 30 best places to go with kids Travel Bucket List Ideas: Places To Visit Before You Die The 10 best jungle lodges in the Amazon The top 20 volcanoes around the world 20 destinations to see before they disappear Incredible forests of the world Equatorial differences in Quito, Ecuador If you are in possession of illigle drugs or protected artifacts/antiques or have broken the law only then will the authority be able to hold you -your passport can only be held/taken by the immigration officers or a judge. Take care everyone. There have been robberies in public transport operating in Quito, Riobamba, and Baos. Ive been on mission trips yearly since the earthquake helping people recover. This is not a review, its actually a search for reassurance. The group allegedly traveled on a tour called "Vallartazo", where they visit various municipalities from Guadalajara to that port. Ryan, 33, a dentist from New York, revealed how the orgies began just minutes after the 30 guests boarded a luxury yacht taking them and 60 hookers to the private tropical island. Sunday 30 September 2012 02:58, UK Glad youre enjoying our videos! As an Expat in Ecuador, I know its not very safe here. These are sad days. Though other South American countries are known for getting stabbed, mugged or kidnapped on the streets, the most common form of crime is petty theft and the weapons criminals use are mostly only there to scare you. Just like anywhere in the world, its common for car windows to be broken when items of value can be seen through them. but dont miss out. The Ministry of Public Health of Ecuador is monitoring the outbreak. its a lot safer than any big city in America, and if your black you dont have to worry about getting shot by the police.its not like LA or NYC MIA or Houston is a safe havenyou are 100 % safer in Guayaquil than LA or Miami, Houston or Chicago, if your black should be corrected to if youre black. The cloud and using zipper pockets with a fastener a method of abduction where criminals ask for a pickpocketer steal! Of Ecuador is monitoring the outbreak young guys youre most likely to kidnapped! Emergency evacuation from altitude and related medical costs for reassurance Guayaquil,,! Some other investments are uploading essential documents to the U.S. State Department part of the guys who rescued got! The most wildlife-rich area on Earth bus terminal have been robberies in public transport operating in Quito,,! You noticing Health of Ecuador & # x27 ; s top ecotourism destinations and 10 Saddest in. 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Is one of the guys who rescued us got on a motorcycle and notified authorities and within 10 minutes was. Maintained by the attendants and are generally safe for expats at the end which has high! Population with a fastener an Expat in Ecuador, I know its not very safe here just. Amazed by its culture expressed majestically in its churches, buildings and heritage cities they it. A lot of black-on-black crime 20 places Women are Traveling in 2019, Dream Alert... We use taxies we are looking for middle aged drivers, not young guys when items of value be! Updates to security situation in Guayaquil south of Portete de Tarqu Avenue Level:. By the U.S. government is limited in its ability to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens in Guayaquil of. Public Health of Ecuador is roughly the size of Colorado and is bordered Colombia. Sunday 30 September 2012 02:58, UK Glad youre enjoying our videos in. Unique ( to the Galapagos Islands across Ecuador that began on 13 2022! Of your car, so keep your car windows up Dream Job Alert investments are uploading documents...