You want to travel to Ecuador but you are wondering if it is a safe country? You may have heard stories and now you are wondering if Ecuador is a secure country to travel in? In this article, we will explain how safe Ecuador is. Indeed, security is an important aspect while traveling.
A project was set up in the country for the protection of national and foreign citizens by the Ministry of Tourism and the national government. This has been achieved through a security policy aimed at strengthening the national police, providing greater control and protection coverage in the major tourist areas of Ecuador’s four regions. For instance, you will probably see police officers walking around in the biggest cities of Ecuador. Their goal is to make sure that you are safe and they also give advice about security in Ecuador.
Ecuador is now ranked as one of the 5 most secure countries in South America by the Global Peace Index in 2019.
So Ecuador is definitely not a dangerous country and it is safe to visit at the moment. However, you need to take into account that this is still a South American country which suffers from inequalities. As a result of this, there is petty crime. Although decreasing, it is still present in major cities, such as Quito and Guayaquil.
In Quito, the popular neighborhoods in the South of the city as well as in the extreme North of the city are not recommended. Be careful in the "Mariscal" district, where parties and drinking can make tourists easy victims of petty crime.
In Guayaquil, it is advised to be careful next to the boulevard along the river (Malecon 2000), the Santa Ana district and Las Peñas.
It is important to take the usual precautions to live a beautiful adventure alone, as a couple, and with family or friends. Indeed, knowing common-sense practices will allow you to visit Ecuador safely and frequently.
Here are our 9 Tips to Travel to Ecuador safely:
- Bring a copy of your passport with an entry stamp in there
- Only carry the cash that you need for the day with you
- Use a money bag or belt for under your clothes to carry your valuables
- On the bus, keep your bag on your lap or in front of you
- Be careful when you make use of your phone in public
- At night, always take a taxi (Uber is advised)
- Be careful with large cash withdrawals and bank counters
- Don’t walk alone at night
- Do not resist in case of aggression
In case of a problem, you can call 911 which is the number of police here in Ecuador. Moreover, in case of theft or loss of personal objects or documents you need to do a declaration of loss or theft to the nearest Police Station as soon as possible. You can also contact the relevant Honorary Consul (Quito or Guayaquil) for the issuance of a provisional travel document if necessary.
Don’t forget that while traveling abroad, is it really important to have travel insurance. Isn’t it important to be protected against unexpected cancellations and sudden health emergencies? We recommend Seven Corners! For more than 25 years, Seven Corners insurance has been helping travelers 24/7 and has helped people all over the world.
You can check it here: Travel Insurance
Want to be sure of a safe trip around Ecuador? Book your tours and travel with us! Check out Ecuatraveling.
Written by Clémence Aubry.