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Ecuador
- In recent years, Ecuador's security environment has deteriorated significantly, transforming the country from one of Latin America's more peaceful nations into one grappling with organized crime.
- Although places like Cuenca and the Galápagos Islands are generally safe, many urban and coastal regions experience significant security issues.
- Civil unrest and protests can erupt with little warning, often disrupting transportation and posing safety concerns.
- Natural hazards in Ecuador include earthquakes, volcanic activity, landslides during the rainy season, and occasional wildfires in dry regions (e.g., Pichincha providence).
Risk Factors
- The government declared multiple states of emergency in recent months, particularly in Guayas, Esmeraldas, and Manabí provinces, in response to surging violence. Military and police operations are ongoing in affected areas.
- Many coastal and urban areas are characterized by escalating organized crime, political instability, and economic challenges.
- Petty thieves often target travelers carrying portable bags like backpacks or purses, with criminals frequently using motorcycles for a quick getaway.
- In the capital of Quito, the neighborhoods of La Floresta and La Carolina are among the safest and popular with travelers. Limit travel on foot after dark, especially in the neighborhoods of La Mariscal, El Centro Histórico (historical district), and Mariscal Sucre district due to increasing street crime. For safety, avoid walking to El Panecillo hill, arrange transportation instead.
- Violent crime is a concern across urban centers and coastal regions. Foreigner nationals are not specifically targeted but may be perceived as lucrative victims.
- Organized crime groups are heavily involved in drug trafficking and extortion, contributing to rising homicide rates. Kidnappings have occurred along the coast of Ecuador and the northern border with Colombia. The Sucumbíos region and the Manabi province witness high rates of kidnap for ransom.
- When withdrawing cash or using ATMs, it is advised to use secure, indoor locations.
- Sexual assaults, including in popular tourist areas on mainland Ecuador and the Galapagos, continue to be reported. Criminals sometimes use drugs like scopolamine to incapacitate victims; avoid accepting food or drinks from strangers.
- Road safety in Ecuador varies significantly by region and season. Major highways like the Pan-American Highway (E35) and routes between Quito and major cities are generally paved and maintained.
- The rainy season (December - April) often brings landslides, flooding, and road deterioration, especially in mountainous regions where roads may lack guardrails and have steep drop-offs. Travelers should avoid overland travel at night and consider hiring experienced local drivers, especially in rural or highland areas.
- Taxi robberies (express kidnappings) are a known issue. Legal taxis in Ecuador are yellow, must have an orange license plate, and display an identification number on the doors and windshield. Ride hailing apps (e.g., Easy Taxi or Azutaxi) are a reliable alternative.
- Bus hijackings have occurred, especially on interprovincial routes at night. In Guayaquil, armed robberies targeting passengers on city buses are common.
- Protests and civil unrest are frequent and can turn violent with little warning. Drivers and pedestrians can be caught in road blockades, especially during indigenous-led or anti-government demonstrations.
- In 2022, indigenous-led protests over political and economic exclusion shut down transportation in Quito, forcing some travelers to shelter in place or evacuate by helicopter. Though further unrest has been threatened, none has matched the scale of the 2022 demonstrations.
- Quito and Cuenca are typical protest hotspots. Strikes by transportation, oil, or education workers may paralyze services or block access to airports and highways. Monitor alerts to stay abreast of unrest and bypass any demonstrations.
- Ecuador faces natural hazard risks due to its location along the Pacific Ring of Fire.
- The country experiences frequent seismic activity, with coastal and urban areas like Guayaquil and Quito particularly vulnerable to earthquakes. Book reputable and modern accommodations, which are more likely to be built to seismic code.
- Volcanic hazards are also a concern, with around 30 active volcanoes—including Cotopaxi, Tungurahua, and Reventador—posing risks of eruptions and ashfall.
- The rainy season from December to April often triggers landslides and flooding in mountainous and low-lying coastal areas, while rare, cyclonic events like Cyclone Yaku in 2023, can cause additional disruption.
- Forest fires occasionally impact rural regions, especially near the peripheries of Quito.
- Ecuadorian law requires that you carry identification at all times.
- Avoid political discussions in public and showing support for activist causes; foreign nationals involved in protests risk arrest or deportation.
- Travel to the Amazon and Colombian border regions should be avoided due to crime and kidnapping risks associated with organized crime.
- Travel to parts of La Costa or coastal region (i.e., El Oro, Esmeraldas, Guayas, Los Rios, Manabi, Santa Elena, Santo Domingo de los Tsachilas) should be avoided without itinerary-specific guidance due to drug-related violence and criminal activities.