Is Ecuador Safe for Travel in 2022?
-
Loading... - Elias Toro
- 02 Aug 2022
- 98 Views
- 0 Like
- 0 Comment
Ecuador is a proper gem for anyone looking to get a huge dose of nature. You’ll find a fair chunk of the Amazon Rainforest, the amazing Andes and – of course – the Galapagos Islands. Ecuador is truly one of the most biodiverse countries on Earth.
But it doesn’t come without its issues – far from it. It’s plagued by drug trafficking; there’s a high rate of theft; the threat of seismic activity; hell, there are places you’re simply not allowed to go in Ecuador.
All of this may have you asking yourself “is Ecuador safe to visit?”
That’s why we’ve created this insider’s guide. Learn how to travel safely in Ecuador, get to know the tips and tricks to have an awesome time and loads more.
We have packed heaps of Ecuador safety hacks into this guide. You’ll find everything from the safest to the most dangerous areas, what to eat and drink, how to live, and even how safe it is to get around.
So let’s get right to it!
How Safe is Ecuador?
There are a whole lot of reasons to take a trip to Ecuador: the beaches, the actual Amazon Rainforest, and don’t forget the Galapagos Islands either. It’s a beautiful place (we don’t use that word lightly) and a definitive nature lovers’ paradise. Ecuador even made history in 2008 when it became the first country in the world to recognise the Rights of Nature.
It’s not always an easy place to travel though, or 100% safe for that matter either.
There’s drug trafficking, violent attacks, petty theft, and scams. There are no-go areas in Ecuador – the border region with Colombia is one such place.
On top of that, there’s a high risk of earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, and tsunamis, as well as bad (very bad) weather. The wildlife can be a little intimidating as well – anacondas roam the Amazon and can be dangerous, even to grown adults.
Backpacking in Ecuador could be risky but is totally worth doing. Just ask anyone who’s been how much they love this place.
There is no such thing as a perfect safety guide, and this article is no different. The question of “Is Ecuador Safe?” will ALWAYS have a different answer depending on the parties involved. But this article is written for savvy travellers from the perspective of savvy travellers.
The information present in this safety guide was accurate at the time of writing, however, the world is a changeable place, now more than ever. Between the pandemic, ever-worsening cultural division, and a click-hungry media, it can be hard to maintain what is truth and what is sensationalism.
Here, you will find safety knowledge and advice for travelling Ecuador. It won’t be down to the wire cutting edge info on the most current events, but it is layered in the expertise of veteran travellers. If you use our guide, do your own research, and practise common sense, you will have a safe trip to Ecuador.
If you see any outdated information in this guide, we would really appreciate it if you could reach out in the comments below. We strive to provide the most relevant travel information on the web and always appreciate input from our readers (nicely, please!). Otherwise, thanks for your ear and stay safe!
It’s a wild world out there. But it’s pretty damn special too. 🙂
Is Ecuador Safe Right Now?
Whether you fancy backpacking or you’re just visiting for a short trip, we’d say Ecuador is generally safe as long as you’re on top of things.
Use your common sense and you won’t have any problems during your trip. In fact, more and more people are visiting every year. Since 1995, tourism numbers have steadily risen in Ecuador and culminated in more than 1.5 million people visiting in 2014.
The Galapagos Islands alone receive over 200,000 visitors per year, but the islands are actually in danger of being over-touristed, which results in massive inflation of prices. Luckily, there are many Galapagos Tours which offer guided excursions to the unique islands.
Is Ecuador Safe to Visit
Pretty much ALL of Ecuador is safe except for the 20-kilometre exclusion zone along the Colombian border. However, this zone is not open for travel anyway, so you definitely won’t get to see it.
On another note, seismic activity is a constant threat. Ecuador is jam-packed with volcanoes; tsunamis have been known to hit the coast; earthquakes can happen. Being clued up on how to deal with a disaster when it hits should be on your to-do list.
What is the One Item Every Traveller NEEDS???
There is one item every traveller NEEDS. Some travellers don’t even know they need it, but those travellers need it more than anyone.
Safest Places to Visit in Ecuador
Ecuador is one of the most diverse and beautiful travel destinations in South America. Unfortunately, its ‘dangerous’ reputation often scares visitors away. However, there are a so many places you can visit while being perfectly safe, and the next three are our favorite ones.
Galapagos Island
The Galapagos Islands are a bucket list destination for lots of travellers. And for a good reason. The relatively new islands carry a mystical charm, with lots of different animal species that had to adapt to the harsh conditions to survive.
While it’s definitely not a cheap place, staying on the Galapagos Islands is incredibly safe. There is hardly any petty crime and no countries have issued any warnings. The only thing you need to be cautious of is the sun, which can be brutal during midday.
The Galapagos Islands is a safe but expensive bucket-list destination with incredible natural attractions and amazing wildlife.
Montañita
For surfers, party lovers and night owls, visiting Montañita is a dream come true. The coastal town which was once just a small fishing village is now known for one of the best surf spots worldwide and amazing nightlife options once the sun sets. Unlike the main cities in Ecuador, Montañita is very safe and a great spot for solo travellers that want to meet new people.
There are countless affordable hostels in Montañita, which offer an additional safety level (if you choose the right one).
Montañita is a world-class surf destination and a massive magnet for nightlife lovers.
Cuenca
Cuenca has a whole different vibe from the two destinations above. Ecuador’s third-largest city and the economic center of the southern sierra is known for it’s beautiful festivals, breathtaking scenery and being one of the UNESCO World Heritage Trust sites.
If you’re travelling with kids, Cuenca is the perfect place. Not only is this city safe, but also a hotspot for expat living due to its amazing weather conditions and calm way of living.
With a massive expat community, Cuenca is a charming and peaceful place to visit with your family.
Places to Avoid in Ecuador
While there are many beautiful and safe places in Ecuador, unfortunately there are areas you should definitely avoid, or jus use as a stopover on your travels.
The Colombian Border: Don’t even consider going near this area, as it’s just not worth it. Most crimes occur in this area and you really don’t want to get pulled into a drug war on your holidays. Luckily, getting into this exclusion zone is almost impossible for tourist anyway.
Areas in Quito: Ecuador’s capital city, Quito, is known for pickpocketing, petty theft and taxi robberies. While most of the city definitely offers a unique charm and countless attractions, you should still need to be careful where you’re staying. A basic rule of thumb: if there aren’t any people around, you’re in the wrong place and you need to get out! Read More...
