South America
Is Ecuador safe?
L2Exercise increased caution
Is Ecuador safe?
Gang violence has made Ecuador one of the region's most violent countries, concentrated on the coast. Quito, Cuenca, Baños and Galápagos are calmer, though robbery and express kidnapping still occur.
Key facts
- US travel advisory: Level 2: Exercise increased caution, updated 2025-10-13.
- Homicide rate: 45.7 per 100,000 people (2023, UNODC via World Bank).
- Road deaths: 20.1 per 100,000 people a year (2019, WHO).
- Emergency numbers: Police 911 · Ambulance 911 · Fire 911 · All emergencies 911.
- Solo women: Street harassment is common. Serious assaults on foreign women have been reported in Montañita; choose well-reviewed lodging, watch drinks and avoid travel after dark.
Risks, scams and laws
Main risks
- Gang violence in Guayas, Manabí, Esmeraldas, Santa Elena and other coastal provinces
- Express kidnapping after hailing taxis on the street
- Robbery on intercity buses and at bus terminals
- States of emergency with night curfews and roadblocks in several provinces
Common scams
- Scopolamine on leaflets, drinks or samples used to drug and rob
- Fake bus inspectors telling travelers to stow bags overhead
- Liquid squirted on clothes as a distraction for pickpocketing
Laws visitors break by accident
- Carry ID: a colour copy of the passport photo page and entry stamp
- Climbing glaciated peaks such as Cotopaxi or Chimborazo without an accredited guide is illegal
- Taking sand, shells, rocks or wildlife out of Galápagos is prohibited
Safety by place in Ecuador
Quick answers
Is Ecuador safe for tourists?
Gang violence has made Ecuador one of the region's most violent countries, concentrated on the coast. Quito, Cuenca, Baños and Galápagos are calmer, though robbery and express kidnapping still occur.
Is Ecuador safe for solo female travelers?
Street harassment is common. Serious assaults on foreign women have been reported in Montañita; choose well-reviewed lodging, watch drinks and avoid travel after dark.
What is the emergency number in Ecuador?
Police 911 · Ambulance 911 · Fire 911 · All emergencies 911.
Safety by place
Sources
- World Bank: intentional homicides
- US State Department travel advisory
- UK FCDO travel advice: Ecuador
- Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Human Mobility
- Galápagos National Park Directorate
- Speedtest Global Index: Ecuador
- World Bank open data
Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.