Is Ecuador safe for solo travel?

"Latin American countries do not exactly always get good press with regard to personal safety and security. Yet most tourists travel to Ecuador without incident each year, so safety in Ecuador is perfectly possible. When people take common sense measures to avoid issues, most safety issues in Ecuador can be avoided". (Galapagos Insiders)

Here are some of our (local, native) tips for safety while traveling in our country. 

Number 1

One of the most common personal safety issues in Ecuador is pickpocketing. Therefore, it is crucial that you do not carry expensive or too many valuables with you during your excursions specially in the big cities. Pickpockets in Ecuador work in crowded places or public transport. Similar many countries all over the world. The risk is higher in Quito or in Guayaquil,. Taking care with your personal belongings can help with minimizing any impact that these individuals or groups can have on you. 

For example in Quito city tour, please do not bring a fancy camera hanging in your neck 

Do not keep your cellphone in the outside pockets of your bag pack or jacket 

One very simple step is:

Do not carry too much money. Ecuador is likely a cheaper place than many european countries and States or Canada. 

The least you carry with you, the least you feel a target. 

Number 2

What about your passport? Travelers are concerned about carrying their passports with them, but normally in Ecuador, it is not common for the theft be interested on those. There is not use for them in the region. However, if you carry your passport with your documents or in your bag and it gets stolen.... the chances to recover the passport are not high. Therefore, leave the passport and all important documents at the safe in the hotel or home. Photocopy in full color your passport and carry this copy with you, or your driver licenses, or any local ID from your own country. For the daily visits, traveling and small tours there is not need for it. Local police accept copies and other ids as original. ** Except of course, bank or official transactions 

Ecuador has it all

Number 3 

Be aware, i know this is a difficult one for people that are used to leave their things without vigilance. Sadly in Ecuador, our environment doesn't allow leave your bag at the back of the chair in the restaurant, put your cellular at the table and so on. Normally there is not aggression but if the theft sees the opportunity, it will take it fast. Pickpockets in Ecuador are likely to be tempted by items that can be see. So you can keep an eye on your items all the time. Walking the streets at night in bigger cities is certainly not recommended, but taxis are cheap and uber exists in all the big cites. Walking along beaches at night alone is not recommended. Doing so will make you stand out as a target for robbery or other unpleasant situations.

In our next post, we will explain more tips to make your trip safe... on the beach and while you are traveling using public transport... 

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