Ecuador Safety Guide
Health, security, and travel safety information
Emergency Numbers
Save these numbers before your trip.
Healthcare
What to know about medical care in Ecuador.
Healthcare System
Ecuador has a dual healthcare system with public hospitals (often overcrowded and under-resourced) and private clinics and hospitals that offer significantly better quality care. Major cities have good private medical facilities with well-trained doctors, many of whom speak English. Rural areas have limited medical infrastructure.
Hospitals
Recommended private hospitals include Hospital Metropolitano and Hospital de los Valles in Quito, Clínica Kennedy in Guayaquil, and Hospital Santa Inés in Cuenca. These facilities accept international patients and some work directly with international insurance companies. Always seek private facilities for serious medical issues.
Pharmacies
Pharmacies (farmacias) are widely available in cities and towns. Many medications available only by prescription in other countries can be purchased over-the-counter in Ecuador, including antibiotics. Pharmacists can often provide basic medical advice. Major pharmacy chains include Fybeca, Pharmacys, and Cruz Azul. Most common medications are available, but bring specialty medications from home.
Insurance
Travel insurance with comprehensive medical coverage is strongly recommended and often required for Galápagos tours. Medical evacuation coverage is particularly important as serious conditions may require transport to major cities or even international evacuation. Many private facilities require payment upfront or proof of insurance.
Healthcare Tips
- Always drink bottled or purified water; tap water is not safe to drink in most areas
- Bring a supply of any prescription medications in original containers with prescriptions
- Altitude sickness is common in Quito (2,850m) and other highland areas; acclimatize slowly and consider medication
- Carry contact information for your embassy and travel insurance provider
- Private clinics may require cash or credit card payment upfront before treatment
- Yellow fever vaccination is recommended for travel to Amazon regions and may be required for Galápagos entry
- Dengue, Zika, and malaria are present in some lowland areas; use insect repellent and protective clothing
Common Risks
Be aware of these potential issues.
Pickpocketing, bag snatching, and theft of unattended belongings are the most common crimes affecting tourists. Thieves often work in teams and target distracted tourists in crowded areas, on public transportation, and at tourist sites.
While less common than petty theft, armed robberies do occur, particularly in certain urban areas and when walking alone at night. Criminals may use weapons to steal valuables, phones, and cash.
Criminals force victims to withdraw money from ATMs or drive them to multiple locations. These incidents typically last a few hours and usually occur when victims enter unlicensed taxis.
Reports of drinks being spiked with sedatives in bars and nightclubs, leading to robbery or assault. This affects both men and women.
Road safety is a significant concern with aggressive driving, poorly maintained vehicles, lack of safety equipment, and dangerous mountain roads. Bus accidents are relatively common.
Quito sits at 2,850 meters and many tourist destinations are at high altitude. Symptoms include headache, nausea, fatigue, and shortness of breath. Can be serious if ignored.
Traveler's diarrhea and other gastrointestinal issues are common due to different bacteria and food handling practices. Tap water is not potable in most areas.
The northern border with Colombia has issues with drug trafficking, armed groups, and criminal activity. This is a restricted area with genuine security concerns.
Scams to Avoid
Watch out for these common tourist scams.
Criminals pose as plainclothes police officers, show fake badges, and claim they need to inspect your wallet or belongings for counterfeit money or drugs. They then steal cash or credit cards during the 'inspection.'
Unregistered taxi drivers charge excessive fares, claim meters are broken, or take unnecessarily long routes to increase costs. Some work with accomplices to rob passengers.
One person creates a distraction (spilling something on you, asking for directions, dropping items) while an accomplice steals your belongings. Common variations include someone pointing out bird droppings on your clothes (which they applied).
Criminals install devices on ATMs to capture card information and PINs, or they simply watch over your shoulder while you enter your PIN, then steal your card through distraction or force.
Unlicensed operators offer cheap tours but provide poor service, use unsafe equipment, or abandon tourists. Some take payment and never provide the service.
Money changers on the street offer good rates but shortchange you through sleight of hand, give counterfeit bills, or use old, worthless currencies.
Tourist-focused restaurants add items you didn't order, charge inflated prices not on the menu, or add excessive service charges.
Someone befriends tourists, gains trust, then invites them to a bar or restaurant where they're charged exorbitant prices, or the new 'friend' disappears leaving the tourist with a huge bill.
Safety Tips
Practical advice to stay safe.
Money and Valuables
- Use ATMs inside banks during business hours; cover PIN entry and check for skimming devices
- Carry only small amounts of cash and keep it in multiple locations on your body
- Leave expensive jewelry, watches, and unnecessary credit cards at home
- Use a money belt or hidden pouch for passport and main cash supply
- Make copies of important documents and store separately from originals
- Use hotel safes for passports and extra cash when available
- Ecuador uses US dollars; carry small bills as change can be scarce
- Consider using credit cards with no foreign transaction fees and notify your bank of travel plans
Transportation
- Use only registered yellow taxis with orange license plates or ride-sharing apps
- Avoid night buses on mountain routes; choose reputable companies for long-distance travel
- Book bus tickets from official terminals, not street vendors
- Keep luggage with you or in sight; theft from overhead compartments is common
- If renting a car, park in secure lots and never leave valuables visible
- Avoid driving at night due to poor road conditions, animals, and crime risk
- Always wear seatbelts; insist drivers use them even if they resist
- For Galápagos, book transportation through official tour operators
Accommodation
- Choose accommodations with good security (locked entrances, safes, security cameras)
- Read recent reviews on multiple platforms before booking
- Keep your room locked at all times and use additional locks if available
- Don't open doors to unexpected visitors; verify identity through reception
- Store valuables in room safes or hotel safe deposit boxes
- Know emergency exits and evacuation procedures
- Avoid ground floor rooms in areas with higher crime rates
- Get business cards from your hotel to show taxi drivers
Communication
- Purchase a local SIM card for reliable communication (Claro and Movistar are main providers)
- Download offline maps before traveling to areas with limited connectivity
- Share your itinerary with family or friends back home
- Register with your embassy's traveler program for safety updates
- Learn basic Spanish phrases; English is limited outside major tourist areas
- Save emergency numbers in your phone before arrival
- Keep your phone charged and carry a portable battery pack
- Use WhatsApp for communication as it's widely used in Ecuador
General Awareness
- Stay alert and trust your instincts; if something feels wrong, leave
- Avoid displaying maps, guidebooks, or looking lost in public
- Be cautious when taking photos; don't leave cameras hanging loosely
- Walk confidently and purposefully, even if unsure of directions
- Avoid discussing travel plans or wealth with strangers
- Don't accept food or drinks from strangers on buses or in public
- Be especially vigilant in crowded areas like markets and bus stations
- Blend in by dressing conservatively and avoiding flashy tourist attire
Social Situations
- Ecuadorians are generally friendly but be cautious of overly friendly strangers in tourist areas
- Avoid political discussions and demonstrations
- Respect local customs and indigenous communities; ask before photographing people
- Don't purchase or use illegal drugs; penalties are severe
- Be aware that public intoxication can make you a target for crime
- If confronted by criminals, remain calm and comply; don't resist
- Report crimes to tourist police; they may have English-speaking officers
- Keep embassy contact information readily available
Information for Specific Travelers
Safety considerations for different traveler groups.
Women Travelers
Women travelers can visit Ecuador safely but should be prepared for machismo culture and catcalling (piropos), which is common and generally considered normal by locals. While usually just verbal, it can be uncomfortable. Solo women travelers should take extra precautions, particularly at night and in nightlife areas. Sexual assault does occur, often facilitated by drink spiking. Most women report positive experiences when taking sensible precautions.
- Expect catcalling and comments; most is verbal only but can be persistent; ignoring is usually most effective
- Dress modestly, especially in rural and highland areas; avoid revealing clothing which may attract unwanted attention
- Use registered taxis or ride-sharing apps; avoid public transportation alone at night
- Stay in well-reviewed accommodations with good security; choose rooms on higher floors
- Be extremely cautious in nightlife areas; never leave drinks unattended; go out with trusted companions
- Consider wearing a fake wedding ring to deflect unwanted attention
- Join group tours for activities like jungle excursions or volcano climbing
- Avoid walking alone after dark, even in tourist areas
- Be firm but polite when declining unwanted advances; don't feel obligated to be overly friendly
- Trust your instincts; if a situation feels uncomfortable, remove yourself immediately
- Connect with other travelers through hostels or tour groups for companionship
- Keep emergency contacts readily accessible; consider sharing location with trusted contacts
- Be aware that beaches may have topless or nude areas; research before visiting
- Pack modest swimwear; thong bikinis may attract unwanted attention on public beaches
LGBTQ+ Travelers
Ecuador has relatively progressive LGBTQ+ laws for Latin America. Same-sex sexual activity is legal, and Ecuador legalized same-sex marriage in 2019. Anti-discrimination laws exist, and gender identity can be changed on official documents. However, legal protections don't always translate to social acceptance.
- Exercise discretion with public displays of affection outside of known LGBTQ+-friendly areas
- Quito has the most developed LGBTQ+ scene; research gay-friendly venues and accommodations
- Be more cautious in rural areas, small towns, and conservative highland communities
- Consider booking LGBTQ+-friendly hotels; read reviews from other LGBTQ+ travelers
- Connect with local LGBTQ+ organizations like Fundación Ecuatoriana Equidad for current information
- Dating apps are used but exercise caution when meeting people; meet in public places first
- Transgender travelers may face more challenges; carry identification and be prepared for questions
- Some tour operators are explicitly LGBTQ+-friendly; research before booking
- June Pride celebrations occur in Quito and Guayaquil but are relatively small compared to other countries
- Be aware that machismo culture affects LGBTQ+ acceptance; gay men may face more harassment than lesbians
- Healthcare providers in major cities are generally professional but smaller towns may be less understanding
- Consider travel insurance that explicitly covers LGBTQ+ travelers and any specific health needs
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is essential for Ecuador due to risks including theft, transportation accidents, altitude sickness requiring medical care, volcanic activity causing trip disruptions, and the need for potential medical evacuation from remote areas. Private healthcare facilities often require upfront payment, and medical evacuation from the Galápagos or Amazon can cost tens of thousands of dollars. Many tour operators, especially for Galápagos cruises, require proof of insurance.
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