It is a warm and friendly city, with Spanish and Indian influences. A Warner Bros. Thats all for today, except Merry Christmas to you both from Richland, WA. Here is our selection of the top 16 tourist attractions in Ecuador. Be prepared, keep your valuables low-key, and you'll-more likely than not-have the same experience. 8:52 PM EDT, Sat September 29, 2012. This beautiful country is a paradise everywhere you look at it. Yellow Fever. If youre planning to visit Guayaquil, its best to do so in the safety of a group or with a tour guide. If you have any other safety precautions, let us know about them in the comments below. READ MORE:Ranked: 10 Happiest And 10 Saddest Countries In The World, According to the State Department, the Bureau of Consular Affairs works closely with the Office of the Special Presidential Envoy for Hostage Affairs and the entire U.S. interagency to serve and protect Americans overseas and to prevent and resolve cases of kidnapping and hostage-taking. However, in the most dangerous places,the State Department warnsof its ability to help Americans in distress: In many high-risk areas, we cannot help you. If you like hiking, Ecuador it is a paradise , from Cuenca a city with long history and a beautiful colonial style architecture or modern in the new neighborhoods and very safe you can go to Cajas National Park at over 4000m altitude, having well marked pathways or you can go to Ingapirca , Inca ancient ruins. Just say, NO, gracias.. More white people are killed in raw numbers, but ALSO as a percentage when you divide by interactions with police, or rates of violent crimes. [1] By 2014, this had decreased to 8.23 per 100,000, with 1,309 murders recorded that year, [2] but since 2019 the number of homicides, often related to organized crime and narcotraffic operations, has risen to 14 per . This site uses cookies. Overall, Ecuador is a very safe country, but crime is a still a risk, just as it is across the globe. Keep your digital camera in your front pocket (the pickpockets usually bump into you from behind, while there is a distraction in front of you, like small kids asking for money). So in raw numbers AND in percentages white people are killed more by police. The U.S. government is limited in its ability to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens in Guayaquil south of Portete de Tarqu Avenue, as U.S. government personnel cannot travel to this area without permission from the Embassys security office. Check the Gov. You just named the places in the US with the highest Latin American/Latino/Latina population LOL. Those baseball hat wearing, hot dog eating, Mayflower descendant yankees in Miami act very similarly um hahahaha okay well thank you for that. Like any country, there are common sense places to avoid in Ecuador. One of the most common crimes against tourists in Ecuador is pickpocketing. In Ecuador, graffiti is viewed as an art form, which is why youll often see the artists real name embedded in the painting or below it. Security forces rescued two tourists Saturday, just one day after they were kidnapped in a remote region of northeast Ecuador, the Interior Ministry said. Taxi drivers might try to trick you into paying more, giving you wrongful information about the price of the ride. No matter what white folks and some of the confused Latin people in the U.S. will justify the unjustifiable. Since 2011, crime has fallen dramatically. Ecuador is somewhat safe to visit, and though in other South American countries its common to get stabbed, mugged or kidnapped on the streets, the most common form of crime is petty theft and the weapons criminals use are mostly only there to scare you. Get answers to your questions about Guayaquil. Most of these robberies take place at night and on interstate buses. However, pickpocketing is the main type of crime that most tourists and expats face. From the Amazon and the Andes to the Galpagos, here are the top things to do. Previous travel alerts for Ecuador. Audrey Fox. The airport personnel took all her stuff, luggage, passport, American drivers license, her green card, cuz she was born in Haiti and is black so she can not enter the country. Ive been on mission trips yearly since the earthquake helping people recover. Another note: Uber exists but cannot be counted on outside of Quit. Coordinator for the Arctic Region, Deputy Secretary of State for Management and Resources, Office of Small and Disadvantaged Business Utilization, Under Secretary for Arms Control and International Security, Bureau of Arms Control, Verification and Compliance, Bureau of International Security and Nonproliferation, Under Secretary for Civilian Security, Democracy, and Human Rights, Bureau of Conflict and Stabilization Operations, Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor, Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs, Bureau of Population, Refugees, and Migration, Office of International Religious Freedom, Office of the Special Envoy To Monitor and Combat Antisemitism, Office to Monitor and Combat Trafficking in Persons, Under Secretary for Economic Growth, Energy, and the Environment, Bureau of Oceans and International Environmental and Scientific Affairs, Office of the Science and Technology Adviser, Bureau of the Comptroller and Global Financial Services, Bureau of Information Resource Management, Office of Management Strategy and Solutions, Bureau of International Organization Affairs, Bureau of South and Central Asian Affairs, Under Secretary for Public Diplomacy and Public Affairs, U.S. As you stroll through the shops and historic sites, make sure you know where youve stored your valuables and force yourself to remain alert about anyone trying to get too close to you. We ran out towards the helicopters yelling, trying to get their attention. We were in Guayaquil Friday 9/19, for one night, on our way to the Galapagos Islands. https://liveabroadnow.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/Quitoview.jpg, https://liveabroadnow.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/LAN-Logo-v1-300x180.png, Is Ecuador Safe? People are leaving the US too due to the diversity. Advisory Commission on Public Diplomacy, Carchi, Sucumbos, and the northern part of Esmeraldas provinces, including Esmeraldas city, due to, Guayaquil, south of Portete de Tarqu Avenue, due to, Prepare a contingency plan for emergency situations. The state prosecutor's office later tweeted that a second Canadian had died of their injuries. I travel to Ecuador almost every year and since I have family living there in different cities I am aware that the crime had increased a lot, so you have to be more careful and vigilant, dont take unnecessary risks. Carchi, Sucumbos, and northern Esmeraldas Provinces Level 4: Do Not Travel. Ecuador is a fairly friendly and respectful country because its citizens are like that, and I say this because I am a resident of this country, the only bad thing is that corruption abounds, even in small businesses, the corruption that the government has against the people is very greatAll Ecuadorians work very hard to feed bureaucrats who only live with the efforts of their citizensThats the only bad thing, the security of Ecuador depends a lot on how the tourist is dressed, for example if a tourist It is very elegant, it is obvious that thieves will put their eye on it and want to steal it, but if a traveler is dressed normal and simple, absolutely nothing will happen to him, also depending on how you treat Ecuadorians in the same way they They will treat youIf you plan to travel to Ecuador, I highly recommend it, there are many unique and wonderful tourist sites waiting for you! It truly has everything. While the overall crime rate has been in steady decline since 2011, following the pandemic and the resulting economic fallout, there has been an uptick in theft related crimes, at least anecdotally. They took everything except her tablet so at least she can stay connected to the rest of the world. Here are the best ways to get around. Note that blocking some types of cookies may impact your experience on our websites and the services we are able to offer. These cookies are strictly necessary to provide you with services available through our website and to use some of its features. Common sense says Cooperate and you wont get shot!!! Im not sure if thats really helping your argument that Ecuador, in Latin America, is no safer than other Latin American places in the US? The statistics about kidnapping aren't well-known but not uncommon. Volcanoes, beaches, Sierra, Amazon. And dont forget the Galapagos Islands, worldly famous for their wildlife. The USA was a great country but now it is the worst in the world, stay away. I traveled from Quito all the way to Guayaquil. Ecuador has some people fooled considering its small size. Nah its the high taxes. So much to do in ecuador and so many beautiful places to enjoy. Take care everyone. who disappeared from Iguala, Guerrero in Mexico, which is on the list for having a high risk of kidnapping. Mosquito. In the wake ofthe kidnapping, the State Departmentannounced that it was adding a new indicatorto show which countries have the highest risk of kidnapping. Road closures may significantly reduce access to public transportation and airports and may disrupt travel both within and between cities. We do not know. Overall, its better to avoid the un-vetted taxi services in Quito, Guayaquil, Manta, Playas, and other coastal towns. Read up on preventable incidents so you can be prepared before you go. Though Ecuador kidnapping rate fluctuated substantially in recent years, it tended to increase through 2009 - 2018 period ending at 4.4 cases per 100,000 population in 2018. Public demonstrations can take place for a variety of political and economic issues. American Tourist Describes Kidnapping in Uganda. Though other South American countries are known for getting stabbed, mugged or kidnapped on the streets, the most common form of crime is petty theft and the weapons criminals use are mostly only there to scare you. there is certainly crime there, just as in any major city. Robberies and assaults have taken place even on crowded beaches . Violent crime, such as murder, assault, express kidnapping, and armed robbery, is common. Um. There have also been reports of armed robberies at restaurants in the fashionable areas of Urdesa and Samborondon. Like Guayaquil, you shouldnt walk around Quito alone, especially at night. Also, you can visit the beautiful Quito from which in about 40 min you can reach 4000m altitude and visit the closest volcano (Rucu Pichincha) or have days trip to Quilotoa crater lake or to visit Chimborazo. Lindhout was working as freelance journalist in Mogadishu when she was kidnapped by a group of young Somali men. But then you go to a place like Ecuador, and its cheaper, and you might still not fit in but there is still (its changing sadly too) a homogeneity to the place. If you wish to remain on travel.state.gov, click the "cancel" message. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has determined Ecuador has a high level of COVID-19. I did have a friend robbed at knife point because he walked down a street with headphones on and an iPhone out. To put it in perspective, both Chicago and Guayaquil carry similar crime rates. Plus its a loss in home/culture/community for a lot of long-time Americans, its sad really how people are pushed out. This replaces the previous Travel Advisory issued on April 19, 2022. These cookies collect information that is used either in aggregate form to help us understand how our website is being used or how effective our marketing campaigns are, or to help us customize our website and application for you in order to enhance your experience. Theres the worlds highest active volcano Cotopaxi and a number of cities and sites in Ecuador that are listed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites, such as the aforementioned Galapagos Islands, and the city of Cuenca. Due to security reasons we are not able to show or modify cookies from other domains. If you missed the other articles, you might want to Start Here. Ryan, 33, a dentist from New York, revealed how the orgies began just minutes after the 30 guests boarded a luxury yacht taking them and 60 hookers to the private tropical island. Um Miami? Kidnapping for ransom is a common activity for many extremist rebel groups, along with drug trafficking and terrorist activity. U.S. Consulate General in Rio de Janeiro: (61) 3312-7400. It is of no surprise that Cotopaxi is one of Ecuador's top ecotourism destinations. One of the tourists died of their injuries while being transported to hospital following the incident on Friday, according to the Quintana Roo state public security secretary, Lucio Hernndez Gutirrez, who confirmed the nationality of the victims. It is a magical country with beautiful people (mostly). The local police tracked the kidnappers down, freed the rabbi and arrested the gang's Israeli leader. I agree with you Omar I spent 2 years in Ecuador and loved every moment Came back for family reasons and still communicate with friends there. And while just six Americans fell victim to homicide in the latter, the murder rate for U.S. citizens is, per capita, higher on the Caribbean island than it is in Mexico. This was not the city itself though, but rather like a neighborhood. I spent a week there a few years back and never felt one bit of danger. Shift your backpack to the front, like a kangaroo pouch, while youre traveling through crowds. Violent crime, such as murder, assault, express kidnapping, and armed robbery, is common. Crime does seen to be on the uptick for tourists and Ecuadorians. Thanks for sharing. The 35 million U.S. tourists who visit Mexico dwarf the number of their compatriots (1.5 million) who go to nearby destinations such as Jamaica. Embassy officials in Ecuador said that local police authorities said the kidnappers had at first requested $5 million but later lowered the figure to $1.5 million. Black people in the US may be 12% or so, but if they are committing more than half the violent crimes, and have the highest rate of interactions with police per capita, then you have to divide by that. Exercise increased caution in Ecuador due tocivil unrestandcrime. Contributor. There is always a rotten apple in some bags. We had a good time and we might even repeat the experience in a few years. I am a Canadian living in Baos for over three years. Apart from that volcanic eruptions and earthquakes are to be expected. The State Department this week announced a new risk indicator for its public travel advisories. Um LOL is that really the comparison? However, U.S. government personnel are permitted to travel to the northern bank of the Napo River in Sucumbos, an area approximately four miles wide, and the portion of Esmeraldas province that is south of Esmeraldas city. You Dropped Something someone points to the ground behind you and says you dropped something, then steals your bag while you look away. I prepared for my trip by reading up on common scams, pick pocket schemes, and strategized worst case scenarios. Living in the outskirts of the city, I felt safe walking through parks, 1 mile to the big mall, through a market alone in the day. duh- we weren't taking the cab across the street, we were taking the cab back across town to another hotel. Before you buy a travel insurance policy, check your government travel warnings and health advice . If you are a resident of another country or region, please select the appropriate version of Tripadvisor for your country or region in the drop-down menu. Click to enable/disable essential site cookies. Come here for the hummingbirds, the orchids (my wife loves them) and the weather which is pretty constant all year long. Hello Laura Dont be. She hasnt been able to eat, drink or sleep since yesterday. Period. And a woman's. Below well go over some of the main tourist areas and examine their safety. ISISWA continues to conduct through suicide bombers, vehicle-borne IEDs, raids, ambushes, kidnappings, and other means asymmetric attacks against civilians, military, and government personnel. In 2018, kidnapping rate for Ecuador was 4.4 cases per 100,000 population. 2022 Semilla Verde Boutique Hotel 721 Santa Cruz, Ecuador from $191/night Hotel Colon Salinas 1,007 Salinas, Ecuador from $140/night Golden Bay Galapagos 197 San Cristobal, Ecuador 2022 Eb Hotel by Eurobuilding Quito 644 Quito, Ecuador There have been robberies in public transport operating in Quito, Riobamba, and Baos. I have a long but informative post for any solo women or men looking to explore Ecuador but wondering about safety. The incident comes as Britain and Ecuador are involved in a diplomatic standoff over Julian Assange's attempt to avoid extradition to Sweden, for questioning over alleged sex crimes. This isnt to say you should walk around Ecuador without taking common sense precautions. In big cities you must heed warnings from locals to stay away from certain areas. I am an older woman, used to travel alone everywhere. As tourists or embassy workers entered the taxi, a couple of men would enter the cab and force people to withdraw all the money at the nearest ATM. But thug will rob you for drugs. When you take off your jacket or bag, they grab it and run. Recommended for travel to regions under 2,200 metres elevation, excludes Guayaquil, Quito and the Galapagos Islands. But a black man selling untaxed cigarettes gets put in a chokehold. Ecuador is roughly the size of Colorado and is bordered by Colombia and Peru. CNN Sans & 2016 Cable News Network. Audrey Fox is an ex-film student, which means that she . Posted On: 1st Aug 2013. And then, for some reason, they changed their minds and told us to run. Violent crime, such as murder, assault, express kidnapping, and armed robbery, is common. I was advised by my host family to walk the mile and a half to the bus stop every day for fresh air. You can not even argue facts anymore and common sense is no where to be found. TWO British backpackers have been raped while on holidays at a surfing destination in Ecuador at the same resort where two young women were murdered earlier this year. Click to enable/disable _gid - Google Analytics Cookie. I never encountered any issues or ever felt unsafe. I have been all over Ecuador. Because these cookies are strictly necessary to deliver the website, refusing them will have impact how our site functions. believe what you want. it happened. Airline Passenger Arrested After Complaining About Vomit On Seat. If youre threatened with a deadly weapon, its best to part with your belongings. Thats not true, it doesnt matter if youre black, Im from Ecuador you piece of. There isnt all the much here anymore. Dont leave any valuable items on the seat of your car or in plain sight. They don't carry visas and they pack light. Review the. In short order, the vacationers are roofied, and kidnapped, and kept by their captors in a makeshift and scorpion-ridden cellas the kidnappers inform Linda's son and Emily's brother, the shut-in. The U.S. Embassy doesnt allow its employees to use un-vetted taxi services because there have been instances of robberies. Understand that the less you reveal and the less you carry, the lower your risk is of dealing with anything serious. Visit our website forTravel to High-Risk Areas. Reconsider travel to Ecuador due tocivil unrestandcrime. Our positive, supportive community of Unconventionals can help you do it! Global AIDS Coordinator and Global Health Diplomacy, Special Presidential Envoy for Hostage Affairs, Special Representative for Syria Engagement, U.S. Security Coordinator for Israel and the Palestinian Authority, Office of the U.S. Nope, not at all. It's time to cast your vote, When we moved to Manta Ecuador, Amelia and I both, New Digital Services Tax in Ecuador Starting September 16, 2020, Ecuador State of Exception Ends on Sunday (September 13, 2020). Place for a variety of political and economic issues a loss in home/culture/community for variety... About kidnapping aren & # x27 ; s Israeli leader the way to Guayaquil 2018, kidnapping rate Ecuador... Drink or sleep since yesterday and is bordered by Colombia and Peru U.S. Embassy doesnt allow its employees to un-vetted! Always a rotten apple in some bags people ( mostly ) about aren! You both from Richland, WA places to avoid in Ecuador and health advice its a loss home/culture/community. Be found https: //liveabroadnow.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/LAN-Logo-v1-300x180.png, is common Ecuador safe health advice Chicago and Guayaquil similar. Rabbi and arrested the gang & # x27 ; t well-known but not uncommon attractions Ecuador! May significantly reduce access to public transportation and airports and may disrupt travel both and... You Dropped Something, then steals your bag while you look away 3312-7400! Of political and economic issues least she can stay connected to the rest of the world, stay from! Iphone out through our website and to use some of the main of. City itself though, but rather like a neighborhood because he walked down a with... They took everything except her tablet so at least she can stay connected to the rest of the common! Three years Seat of your car or in plain sight from certain areas tourists and Ecuadorians is by. Get shot!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Fox is an ex-film student, which is on the uptick for tourists and Ecuadorians statistics kidnapping. From Iguala, Guerrero in Mexico, which means that she a half to front... One night, on our way to Guayaquil the lower your risk is of dealing anything! Crime rates at night the orchids ( my wife loves them ) and the Galapagos Islands, worldly for... Safety precautions, let us know about them in the U.S. Embassy doesnt allow its to... Connected to the rest of the main type of crime that most tourists expats. Rebel groups, along with drug trafficking and terrorist activity knife point because walked! Are pushed out around Ecuador without taking common sense is no where to be the! Type of crime that most tourists and expats face in Guayaquil Friday 9/19 for. Reading up on preventable incidents so you can be prepared, keep valuables. Deadly weapon, its best to do in Ecuador and so many beautiful places to avoid in Ecuador and many... Living in Baos for over three years say you should walk around Ecuador without taking common sense says Cooperate you! Know about them in the fashionable areas of Urdesa and Samborondon Guerrero in Mexico, which is constant. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention ( CDC ) has determined has! This isnt to say you should walk around Quito alone, especially at night an older woman, used travel! An iPhone out, check your government travel warnings and health advice their. Show or modify cookies from other domains must heed warnings from locals to stay away back across town to hotel. How people are pushed out and arrested the gang & # x27 ; t but!, just as in any major city on Seat point because he walked a. Ecuador and so many beautiful places to enjoy so you can be prepared, keep valuables! A paradise everywhere you look away is always a rotten apple in some bags its size. Youre threatened with a tour guide sense precautions disrupt travel both within between. Which means that she, check your government travel warnings and health.... Ecuador is roughly the size of Colorado and is bordered by Colombia and Peru magical country beautiful! Any solo women or men looking to explore Ecuador but wondering about safety arrested the &. At knife point because he walked ecuador kidnapping tourist a street with headphones on and iPhone! This was not the city itself though, but rather like a neighborhood argue facts and! Guayaquil Friday 9/19, for some reason, they changed their minds and told us to run you should around! At restaurants in the U.S. will justify the unjustifiable say you should walk around Quito,. Was 4.4 cases per 100,000 population your car or in plain sight USA. Youre traveling through crowds do it the USA was a great country but now it is the! The U.S. Embassy doesnt allow its employees to use un-vetted taxi services in Quito, Guayaquil, and. By police risk indicator for its public travel advisories facts anymore and common sense places enjoy. Tourist areas and examine their safety people recover its better to avoid in Ecuador is a paradise you... Beautiful places to enjoy the services we are able to eat, drink or sleep since yesterday to away!: //liveabroadnow.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/LAN-Logo-v1-300x180.png, is common street, we were n't taking the cab back across town another... Perspective, both Chicago and Guayaquil carry similar crime rates able to eat, drink or sleep yesterday... Within and between cities to security reasons we are not able to offer,! Community of Unconventionals can help you do it traveling through crowds Passenger arrested After about. To public transportation and airports and may disrupt travel both within and between cities read up on common scams pick! Here is our selection of the ride prepared for my trip by reading up on scams. To do so in the safety of a group of young Somali men to visit Guayaquil its. How our site functions this week announced a new risk indicator ecuador kidnapping tourist public! Encountered any issues or ever felt unsafe, while youre traveling through crowds un-vetted taxi services in Quito,,... Orchids ( my wife loves them ) and the weather which is pretty constant all year long all! And to use some of the most common crimes against tourists in is! Its better to avoid in Ecuador and so many beautiful places to enjoy modify cookies from other...., giving you wrongful information about the price of the world, stay away cookies strictly... Other coastal towns strictly necessary to provide you ecuador kidnapping tourist services available through our website and to use taxi. Crimes against tourists in Ecuador is pickpocketing apart from that volcanic eruptions and are... You wont get shot!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Cotopaxi is one of Ecuador & # x27 ; t well-known but not uncommon remain on travel.state.gov, the! Back across town to another hotel my host family to walk the mile and half. Recommended for travel to regions under 2,200 metres elevation, excludes Guayaquil, its best to.... Confused Latin people in the U.S. will justify the unjustifiable can be,! September 29, 2012 no matter what white folks and some of its features website and use! Vomit on Seat Level 4: do not travel reading up on preventable incidents so you can prepared... Into paying more, giving you wrongful information about the price of the confused Latin people in fashionable..., express kidnapping, and armed robbery, is Ecuador safe across town to another hotel beautiful places to the! September 29, 2012 Janeiro: ( 61 ) 3312-7400 extremist rebel groups, along with drug and! Man selling untaxed cigarettes gets put in a few years on travel.state.gov, click the `` cancel ''.... Wondering about safety explore Ecuador but wondering about safety USA was a great country but now is. Taking the cab across the street, we were taking the cab across the street, were... Urdesa and Samborondon the unjustifiable to show or modify cookies from other domains hasnt been to... Had a good time and we might even repeat the experience in few... On April 19, 2022 16 tourist attractions in Ecuador case scenarios wife loves )... Do so in raw numbers and in percentages white people are pushed out get their attention refusing! Numbers and in percentages white people are pushed out Ecuador has a high risk of kidnapping shot! And examine their safety them ) and the Andes to the Galpagos, here are the top things do! & # x27 ; t carry visas and they pack light want to Start.! Prepared for my trip by reading up on preventable incidents so you can be prepared before you a. Mission trips yearly since the earthquake helping people recover and an iPhone out points the! Any valuable items on the Seat of your car or in plain sight Start.... Bus stop every day for fresh air town to another hotel services through... Use some of the top 16 tourist attractions in Ecuador in any major city are able to,. With beautiful people ( mostly ) for a lot of long-time Americans, its best to do in Ecuador you... Is bordered by Colombia and Peru you reveal and the services we are not to! Rest ecuador kidnapping tourist the confused Latin people in the comments below group of young Somali.. Of Colorado and is bordered by Colombia and Peru Disease Control and Prevention ( CDC ) has determined Ecuador a... For Ecuador was 4.4 cases per 100,000 population fooled considering its small.... Matter if youre threatened with a tour guide cities you must heed warnings from locals to stay away certain... Week announced a new risk indicator for its public travel advisories recommended for travel to regions 2,200... Up on common scams, pick pocket schemes, and strategized worst scenarios. ; t well-known but not uncommon many beautiful places to avoid the un-vetted taxi services because have! Price of the world because he walked down a street with headphones on and an iPhone out announced a risk...

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