Ecuador, or officially – the Republic of Ecuador, is located in South America.
It is bordered by the Pacific Ocean, Colombia and Peru.
This small country is a gem for the tourists who wish to explore and enjoy it in many different ways – by going to the beach, swimming and diving, by hiking on the Andes or by learning about the jungle.
There are also many charming cities, so basically this is all-in-one tourists spot!
Galapagos National Park is a place for people who wish to learn about many species such as penguins, flamingos, sea turtles, manta rays and whale sharks.
Warnings & Dangers in Ecuador
OVERALL RISK : MEDIUM
Ecuador is a great place for tourists who wish to explore. However, stay vigilant during the entire stay and trust your gut. Never leave your things unattended. If you notice anything suspicious, make sure you go somewhere safe. Don't withdraw money from the ATM at night.
TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK : MEDIUM
Public transport is not very safe because there have been cases of robberies during rides. Be very careful when choosing a taxi. Take only registered ones, because these have cameras inside and are much safer. Stay alert at all times.
PICKPOCKETS RISK : HIGH
Pickpocketing is very frequent in Ecuador, so it is necessary to be very careful. The tourists shouldn't carry the original passport when sightseeing, only the copy. Keep your bag close to you and don't attract too much attention by wearing jewelry.
NATURAL DISASTERS RISK : MEDIUM
Ecuador is susceptible to many natural hazards such as droughts, landslides, forest fires, and floods. In 2016, a very strong earthquake caused the death of 700 people and injuries of 6,000 people. In case something like this happens while you are on vacation, follow the security protocol.
MUGGING RISK : MEDIUM
Muggings can occur in some neighborhoods, so taking precautions is highly advised. Make sure you don't go alone at night and be very careful when withdrawing money on the ATMs. In case you get mugged, don't resist it because you may get yourself into bigger trouble.
TERRORISM RISK : HIGH
There is no history of terrorist attacks in Ecuador, but there were many bomb explosions, so being careful is strongly advised. Make sure you don't go to dangerous parts of the country and avoid religious gatherings. Follow the recommended protocol in case something like this happens.
SCAMS RISK : MEDIUM
The scam that usually occurs is a luxurious tour at a low price. The offer usually shows a very expensive boat and the tourists pay a high fee for it. However, when the tourist appears on the day of the tour, the boat they get is very cheap and unsafe.
WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK : HIGH
Women are advised to go with the trusted tour guides to stay safe. There have been cases of sexual assaults, rapes and spiked drinks. Make sure you find good accommodation and seek help in case you don't feel well after consuming a drink.
How Safe Is Ecuador for Tourists?
Tourists should be very careful when planning to go to Ecuador.
It is one of the most exciting places you will ever visit, but some parts of the country are very risky and caution is advised.
A border with Colombia is very dangerous and there have been cases of various crimes in that area – human trafficking, kidnapping, drug-related crimes, and many others.
Pickpocketing, theft, mugging are all crimes you can expect.
Ecuador is definitely not a crime-free country so it is necessary to prepare yourself for it and make sure you stay vigilant at all times.
Keep your bag close to you, choose a reliable hotel, carefully choose the tour guide and organize your route according to your physical readiness.
Don’t go hiking if you are out of shape.
Do not go alone at night anywhere and if you do, make sure you don’t have anything valuable with you that might attract the attention of thieves.
Cases of rape and sexual assault have occurred before, so additional care is advised.
Make sure you don’t leave your drinks or food unattended because there have been cases of adding drugs to the drinks of tourists with the attention of assault or theft.
Do I Need a Visa to Visit Ecuador?
Most travelers do not need to have a visa for visiting Ecuador but make sure you check your visa status before making arrangements.
The passport must be valid at least 6 months.
Which Currency Is Used in Ecuador?
The official currency in Ecuador is the United States Dollar.
The symbol is $.
Negotiating a price is recommended in Ecuador, so make sure you always politely ask for a discount, especially when buying more items.
How's the Weather like in Ecuador?
The climate in Ecuador largely depends on the region.
There are four areas in Ecuador: the eastern rainforests, Pacific coastal plains, Galapagos islands, and the Sierra mountains.
The average temperature is around 21°C.
What Do I Need to Know about Airports in Ecuador?
Ecuador has two international airports in total.
The main one is Mariscal Sucre International Airport.
It’s located 18km away from Quito and it handles almost 5 million passengers a year.
Should I Get Travel Insurance for My Travels?
Tourists are strongly advised to buy travel insurance when planning to go to Ecuador no matter how long the trip may be.
Make sure you have coverage for the cancelation of the trip and medical expenses.
What Are Some Things to Do in Ecuador?
Every tourist should go hiking to Volcán Chimborazo.
It is Ecuador’s tallest mountain, but it is also the closest spot on Eart to outer space.
How cool is that?
Is the Water in Ecuador Safe to Drink?
The tap water in Ecuador is not safe for drinking.
Tourists should drink bottled or boiled water.
In case you plan to go hiking, make sure you always have with you pills for water purifying.
Is Uber Safe in Ecuador?
Uber is available in Ecuador, but the situation with them is a little bit complicated – it is not legally present in the country.
However, the service is safe and reliable.