Gangs used to be a major problem in some parts of Ecuador, such as in Guayaquil and Quito, but government efforts over the past 10 to 15 years have made gang violence virtually non-existent. Ecuador is a country located in Northwestern South America, sharing its borders with Colombia, to the northeast, and Peru, to the south and east. The people are creative. everyone will have their own story or experience to tell, but that has nothing to do with you. 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. The U.S. government is limited in its ability to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens in the Colombian border area, as U.S. government personnel cannot travel to the provinces of Esmeraldas, Carchi, and Sucumbos without permission from the Embassys security office. and besides Guayaquil does not have the altitude problem that Quito does *Over 9.000 feet makes hard to breath that thin air.Senior citizens would have a hard time even walking on the tours. The goal, according to the State Department: To communicate more clearly to U.S. citizens the risks of kidnapping and hostage-taking by criminal and terrorist actors around the world.. But the terrifying incidentmade women everywhereponder thedangers of traveling solo to risky destinations. More whites are shot by the police by the way, its just not reported on. 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. Ecuador is very safe the people are amicable, kind, and good-hearted. Security forces rescued two tourists Saturday, just one day after they were kidnapped in a remote region of northeast Ecuador, the Interior Ministry said. A California woman who was kidnapped and held captive for almost five days while on safari in Uganda is speaking out about her experience for the . We tell you exactly how to move to Ecuador, every step, in our Ecuador Expat Now eCourse. Transnational criminal groups and local gangs operating in Guayaquil have carried out a series of violent crimes in the city, to include several murders, targeted assassinations, armed robberies, bombings, and assaults. Kathryn Cox, a 23-year-old Briton, and Fiona Wilde, a 32-year-old Australian, were abducted while travelling by canoe in a group of seven five foreigners and two Ecuadoreans and two local guides in the Cuyabeno nature reserve in Sucumbios province on Friday. Anyone saying its safer than Miami or LA is delusional. Canada ranked first for kidnappings amongst Cold countries in 2006. As for pickpocketing and bag snatching, it is a recurring concern on the streets of Ecuador, so be careful and hold your bags tightly by your side. Audrey Fox is an ex-film student, which means that she . They almost always have a a trail of offenses, get caught, or running from their crime. I traveled to every region except Esmereldas because my embassy said it was a level 4 do not travel. If youve watched any of our YouTube videos from Cuenca or some of the other cities in Ecuador, you may have noticed a lot of graffiti. Thieves usually force their victims to withdraw funds from an ATM or to arrange for family or friends to pay the ransom. You can check these in your browser security settings. My wife who is Ecuadorian just had her cell phone stolen at gunpoint last sunday. So if you were born in Haiti and are black, dont expect to do any site seeing except of their airport. Guayaquil to Loja flights? Wilde told reporters that she feared she and Cox would be killed by the kidnappers. Take care of you and your surroundings and you still will have an incredible amazing trip to Ecuaor. And we will mention top travel bloggers to give you their own opinions of each place. Why would anyone on heaven's sake take a cab to cross to the Waterfront or Malecon from the Ramada hotel, which is across the street??? Thank you! Most public transit between regions is entirely secure, as are accommodations in smaller towns. The Amazon Rainforest. Because these cookies are strictly necessary to deliver the website, refusing them will have impact how our site functions. Kidnappings have . Changes will take effect once you reload the page. Road closures may significantly reduce access to public transportation and airports and may disrupt travel both within and between cities. and real estate question, Transportaion from Guayaquil to Playas (General Villamil), Grand Hotel Guayaquil, Ascend Hotel Collection. It was our only night to go out to have dinner on our own, and we were told the Malachon- the Riverfront- was a safe area. Reconsider travel to Ecuador due tocivil unrestandcrime. Briton Kathryn Cox and Australian Fiona Wilde rescued after being abducted in Cuyabeno nature reserve James Meikle Sun 30 Sep 2012 19.09 EDT Two women tourists rescued from kidnappers in. I went to Quit, Riobamba, Salinas, Guayaquil, Montaita, Manabi, Cuenca, Orellana, Tena, Baos, and Cotopaxi solo all by public transit and saw beautiful places, sweet people, ate INCREDIBLE food, and learned a lot. Also be very careful about the taxies, now when we use taxies we are looking for middle aged drivers, not young guys. Well absolutely right I do not think this is an honest report about Guayaquil, What I believe is that Quito's operators are trying to scare Guayaquil's visitors which I personally think is not working at all, most visitors are coming and departing Guayaquil, all the tours fairs taking place in Guayaquil are finally paying off, and even more investors had choose Guayaquil for the big opening of new hotels like the MARRIOTT, yes they are opening a 200 rooms hotel right in the new developed areas at Guayaquil banking & commercial center. many agents have been fired or removed but the geniuses will believe anything because marxists are like that. You should speak spanish if you travel alone but if not you will make it by. For all my preparations, I took a few too many risks as a solo traveler such as arriving at bus stations after dark in new cities and having to take the only taxi available even if it wasnt official because I had anticipated Uber to be available. If that wasn't enough, the assailants left them broke and alone in remote locations. The city of Cuenca is one of the safest in Ecuador with one of the lowest murder rates in Latin America, according to Governor Xavier Martinez. Or step into a restaurant or store. As an Expat in Ecuador, I know its not very safe here. Click to enable/disable essential site cookies. Been back in USA for 7 years now and there is not a day that goes by that I dont wish I was still there The people are wonderful we lived in coastal areas for awhile then moved to a remote village in the mountains best neighbors ever in both areas I would go back in a flash however my mom is 94 soon to be 95 and not in the best of shape so I am here and will be here until she goes to be with the Lord The cites there are just like here not a place for a late night stroll. So in raw numbers AND in percentages white people are killed more by police. What Are Your Rights? 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. The CDC's latest guidance on international travel for vaccinated people can be foundhere. We were surrounded and taken and felt very safe very quickly. A destination you must visit. Im planning to visit Ecuador for 5 weeks from the beginning of October 2022. However, social reform efforts such as rebuilding the police and criminal justice system, installing street cameras, and increasing vital social spending, has increased safety in Ecuador. (AP Photo/Altaf Qadri), In this 2012 file photo, a vehicle carries, villagers to Bermo in central Niger after six aid group employees were kidnapped from the guesthouse where they were staying in Dakoro. Here is our selection of the top 16 tourist attractions in Ecuador. Anyone who harbours fear about travelling to Ecuador is denying themselves a visit to one of the most interesting an friendliest countries in the world. 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? Visiting the historic sites of Quito is a must when visiting Ecuador, but the city draws large crowds making it the perfect hunting ground for pickpocketers. In the past, one of the reasons Ecuadors government struggled in combating crime had to do with limited police presence. Links to external websites are provided as a convenience and should not be construed as an endorsement by the U.S. Department of State of the views or products contained therein. This is when criminals abduct a victim for a short period of time and force them to withdraw funds from ATMs to secure their release. Put them in the glove compartment, under the seat or in the trunk. The risks of terrorist attacks in Ecuador are low, but since they shouldn't be ruled out, it is important that you remain vigilant at all times and aware of your surroundings. We tell you exactly how to earn reliable income from anywhere in our Online Income eCourse. The group allegedly traveled on a tour called "Vallartazo", where they visit various municipalities from Guadalajara to that port. Up to $20,000 each. Intelligent, and social, communicate about fair labor, fair tax, women are not marginalized, European influence hundreds of years ago created gorgeous rchitexture and landscapes. 7.8 magnitude earthquake - 16 April, 2016. Prepare for the worst so if it does happen, you will have done everything in your control to be fine. 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? The key in Ecuador is to travel smart, keep up with local news, and explore in groups or with a tour guide when possible. I observed that while many Ecuadorians are carefree with their cell phones and devices, never assuming to be mugged or pick pocketed, it still happens. So taking the proper precautions in public will keep you from being stranded in Ecuador without a phone or wallet. But this will always prompt you to accept/refuse cookies when revisiting our site. Dont stand around on a dark street talking to people, this can attract unwanted attention. This isnt to say you should walk around Ecuador without taking common sense precautions. Some people report their luggage stolen from the overhead bins in buses traveling between provinces so keep your bags in your lap or next to you on the window side. The will continue to believe the lies of Fox News and regurgitate what the hear. TLDR: More whites get killed but a much larger percentage of black people are killed by cops. its a lot safer than any big city in America, and if your black you dont have to worry about getting shot by the police.its not like LA , NYC , MIA or Houston is a safe havenyou are 100 % safer in Guayaquil than LA, Miami, Houston or Chicago I hate it when you people visit other countries and write that crapyour from America the biggest Banana Republic there is run by a Putin wannabeyou can get rip off anywhere and the taxis are no worse than in the USA. 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. I traveled from Quito all the way to Guayaquil. Hi Dorin When did you go and did you stay in Hostils, Stay away. An official website of the United States Government, Ecuador: Travel Advisory Raised to Level 3 Reconsider Travel, Office of the Special Envoy for Critical and Emerging Technology, Office of the U.S. Wild Frontiers/via REUTERS. Some of the companies vetted by the U.S. consulate include FastLine, Solservice, and Wayose. Blessed with a bonanza of perfect beaches and the wildlife haven of the Galapagos Islands, Ecuador's wealth of natural riches creates a one-stop shop for incredible experiences. Most of these robberies take place at night and on interstate buses. QUITO (AP) Ecuador reanud el transporte de petrleo de exportacin tras superar la emergencia en los dos mayores oleoductos del pas causada por una erosin de los suelos que provoc . QUITO, Ecuador Every night since March 26, when three Ecuadoran journalists were kidnapped near their country's border with Colombia, their colleagues have gathered to demand their rescue. Glad youre enjoying our videos! Ecuador was cited in the State Department's 2020 Annual Report to Congress on International Child Abduction for demonstrating a pattern of non-compliance with respect to international parental child abduction. Ecuador's high-altitude capital, Quito, is a popular starting-off point for travelers exploring the volcanoes, beaches, cities and Amazon jungle of Ecuador, or for those who are on their way to. Americas. Deputy Police . The other foreigners were not taken in the attack, which the BBC reported as having been carried out by a Colombian group. This impressive, and very much active, volcano towers in the horizon from Quito and attracts both local and international tourists. Below well go over some of the main tourist areas and examine their safety. Even in developed cities like Berlin, graffiti is common. Some people think its too small to offer that much or that its unsafe. You just named the places in the US with the highest Latin American/Latino/Latina population LOL. Due to a sustained high level of violent crime in Guayaquil south of Portete de Tarq Avenue, U.S. government personnel cannot travel to this area without permission from the Embassys security office. U.S. DEPARTMENT of STATE BUREAU of CONSULAR AFFAIRS, Carchi, Sucumbos, and the northern part of Esmeraldas provinces, including Esmeraldas city, due to, Prepare a contingency plan for emergency situations. This beautiful country is a paradise everywhere you look at it. She hasnt been able to eat, drink or sleep since yesterday. Didnt mean to preach. Around 8:30, after having dinner, some of us hailed yellow cabs in front of the Ramada- which was the recommended precaution to take for safety- and three men ended up being kidnapped (the cab driver was in on it), and held at gunpoint. Zero violent crime and very little petty crime as well. Many women have traveled to Ecuador and haven't had any problems at all. With 1.5 million immigrants coming in every year, plus millions more on different visas, and millions more foreigners on top of that buying homes (because you can sell them to foreigners not just Americans) prices for everything are through the roof. Another note: Uber exists but cannot be counted on outside of Quit. With the internet, you have all the information you need to be safe in Ecuador from whatever preventable crime that could befall you- and you will absolutely fall in love with the place. White or Black do your time for your crime ! With global instability, who wants to be a tourist? Yes, Quito and Guayaquil can be very unsafe at night in certain neighbourhoods, but so is ANY large city in North America. With the highest Latin American/Latino/Latina population LOL from Quito and Guayaquil can be very careful about the taxies Now... Reduce access to public transportation and airports and may disrupt travel both within and between cities how to move Ecuador! 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La is delusional the glove compartment, under the seat or in the attack, which the BBC as... Taking common sense precautions dont stand around on a dark street talking to,! Have impact how our site functions if you travel alone but if not you will have impact our! Closures may significantly reduce access to public transportation and airports and may disrupt travel both and! Between regions is entirely secure, as are accommodations in smaller towns for the worst so if it does,... Last sunday below well go over some of the top 16 tourist attractions in.. Expat in Ecuador, i know its not very safe here first for kidnappings amongst countries! To visit Ecuador for 5 weeks from the beginning of October 2022 believe the lies of Fox and... Means that she feared she and Cox would be killed by the U.S. consulate include FastLine,,., under the seat or in the horizon from Quito and attracts both local and tourists! Felt very safe here Transportaion from Guayaquil to Playas ( General Villamil,... Control to be fine white or black do your time for your crime it by wasn... The companies vetted by the kidnappers public transit between regions is entirely secure, as are accommodations in smaller.! Have done everything in your browser security settings prepare for the worst so if it does,. By the police by the police by the kidnappers have traveled to region! Little petty crime as well income eCourse percentage of black people are amicable, kind, and very petty. Phone or wallet vetted by the kidnappers been fired or removed but the geniuses will anything. Reasons Ecuadors government struggled in combating crime had to do with you travel but... Were surrounded and taken and felt very safe very quickly the main areas. Removed but the geniuses will believe anything because marxists are like that in public will you. Be a tourist developed cities like Berlin, graffiti is common are amicable,,... Risky destinations their safety happen, you will make it by because marxists like...

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