So its making it unaffordable. Arent we in the comments to find out about Ecuador? As an Expat in Ecuador, I know its not very safe here. Cmon). Ecuador Kidnapping: British Woman Rescued Two tourists who were abducted at a nature reserve in Ecuador are said to be safe and in "good condition". The Gringo Hunters were waiting. Ensure your travel insurance covers emergency evacuation from altitude and related medical costs. Any downtown or inner city in any major US city will be significantly more dangerous than anywhere in Ecuador. Visit our website forTravel to High-Risk Areas. Bump and Grab youre bumped while being passed in close quarters like a bus or mercado and your pocket is picked. The Environment Ministry, however, said that just five tourists including the two who were taken were attacked. Um LOL is that really the comparison? Ranked: 10 Happiest And 10 Saddest Countries In The World, Top 20 Places Women Are Traveling In 2019, Dream Job Alert! Getty The State Department already issues travel advisories for every country around the. Apart from the pickpockets, muggers and scammers, you should bear in mind that the biggest crooks in this country are the seemingly friendly experts who just want to help you, by telling you that they can get you a great deal on the Galapagos islands cruise, and then charge an astronomically high fee compared to the real cost of the cruise. I have a long but informative post for any solo women or men looking to explore Ecuador but wondering about safety. 2. Kidnapping There is a high risk of kidnapping in the areas immediately bordering the Colombian border. Portugal ranked first for kidnappings amongst European Union in 2006. Demonstrations can cause the shutdown of local roads and major highways, often without prior notice or estimated reopening timelines. During the rainy season lasting from December to May, you can expect common flooding and tsunamis. 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. 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. 2023 Copyright by Travel Safe - Abroad. I love Ecuador, its joyful and safe in some places. Other common-sense tactics weve covered include avoiding nighttime travel and investing in safety products like cash belts, bags with zipper clips and personal safes. Lying at the bottom of an active volcano called as Tungurahua, this places offers the most spectacular Ecuador sightseeing spots in the country with multiple waterfalls flowing down to the river. If youve been planning a trip to Ecuador, and youre reluctant because of inflammatory news coverage, we hope this article provides more context to put your mind at ease. 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. Guayaquil is both the largest and most dangerous city in Ecuador. It also has a Pacific Ocean coastline which makes it especially interesting for summer lovers, but thats not the main reason people visit this country in South America. In July 2002, a British oil worker and his driver were kidnapped and later killed. But this will always prompt you to accept/refuse cookies when revisiting our site. Since the greatest risk to black people in the United States comes from other black people, is it the same in Ecuador? Rabies. 2023 Cable News Network. Kidnapping in Cuyabeno 6 YEARS AGO in 2012, two foreign tourists were kidnapped in Cuyabeno from their canoe. Just like anywhere in the world, its common for car windows to be broken when items of value can be seen through them. Group Distraction a group of people surround you waving signs or flags while someone picks your pocket (often a child). The Amazon Rainforest. If you feel unsafe or suspicious of someone, keep walking until youre in a safe, open, and public place. These are sad days. Tourist Police: 021/3399-7170. Others in the group were let go. Country Summary: Crime is a widespread problem in Ecuador. For a black guy/gal in the US, you are a thousand times more likely to get killed by a black dude than a cop. The following cookies are also needed - You can choose if you want to allow them: You can read about our cookies and privacy settings in detail on our Privacy Policy Page. Discovery Company. She and her safari guidewere kidnapped on April 2. Which areas of Guayaquil are worth visiting? Some people think its too small to offer that much or that its unsafe. I have a huge desire to visit Ecuador but my fear of it being safe is my only hesitation. 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. They took their money and credit cards and pin numbers, drove them across the bridge to a remote, poor part of the city and, fortunately dropped them off after an hour, without harming them. We are praying that she will be able to come home soon and nothing bad happens in the mean time. Avoid walking alone at night and avoid shortcuts through alleys, especially if youre unfamiliar with the area. While both Guayaquil and Quito experience higher levels of crime compared to Ecuadors smaller cities and rural towns, this is to be expected of large cities. Click on the different category headings to find out more. However, there are kidnappings in taxis where the robbers keep you hostage until they take everything from you and make you withdraw all your money from the nearest ATM, so be very careful. In a few cases, tourists were approached by a friendly-looking traveler who offered to share a cab. Miami, LA, Houston and NYC. 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. Come here for the hummingbirds, the orchids (my wife loves them) and the weather which is pretty constant all year long. Please be aware that this might heavily reduce the functionality and appearance of our site. Click to enable/disable _gid - Google Analytics Cookie. No matter what white folks and some of the confused Latin people in the U.S. will justify the unjustifiable. Cuenca ranks number one as the safest city in South America. Thank you! What to do if an earthquake strikes while you're in Ecuador. Tourist sites such as the Christ statue (Sagrado Corazon de Jesus) on Cerro del Carmen, the Malecon 2000, and Las Peas, though well-patrolled by police, are still targeted by criminals hoping to prey on unsuspecting tourists. These officers can help you out in an emergency, such as a personal injury or to report a crime. 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. Been to Equador great place been to the USA the worst place you ever want to visit. Ecuador is one of the most volcanically active areas on the South American continent, and the highlands are studded with snow-crested cones looming into the sky either side of a broad central valley, which the explorer Alexander von Humboldt grandly called the "avenue of the volcanoes". Foreigners have been kidnapped in the past. I can't describe the numerous and dire warnings I received about the coastal city of Guayaquil. Mosquito. no thank i was think about it but after read all the reviews better stay at home watching the beautiful scenery from the internet and tv. Ecuador was the first place I ever traveled internationally and I didn't have a single issue. You can only visit this place with a guided tour as the ecosystem here needs to be preserved. If youre planning to visit Guayaquil, its best to do so in the safety of a group or with a tour guide. We ran out towards the helicopters yelling, trying to get their attention. American tourist Kimberly Sue Endicott was kidnapped while traveling to Uganda to view gorillas. Snakes-on-a-Plane Titanic The-Hills-Have-Eyes Hostel Taken the impossible Brokedown Palace. Demonstrations can cause the shutdown of local roads and major highways, often without prior notice or estimated reopening timelines. Once you become a member, youll also gain access to a variety of exclusive benefits that will help you make a smooth transition to Ecuador! One of the most beautiful places to see the Amazon is in Ecuador and Peru. It is a warm and friendly city, with Spanish and Indian influences. Like any country, there are common sense places to avoid in Ecuador. Prepare for the worst so if it does happen, you will have done everything in your control to be fine. The new airport and all the hotels industry is not going to fall for a bad comment no waypeople know better!! Kidnapping for ransom is a common activity for many extremist rebel groups, along with drug trafficking and terrorist activity. Love a good meal with them. If that wasn't enough, the assailants left them broke and alone in remote locations. Among the main attractions here are the Old Cathedral of Cuenca (built in 1567), the Church of San Sebastian, Calderon Park or the huge New Cathedral of Cuenca. Short story: its a very safe place for people who are smart, and for those who arent so street smart but have a little luck. Dont stand around on a dark street talking to people, this can attract unwanted attention. well I agree with that Ecuador is not very welcoming to Black people and Ive been going there twice a year for the past 13 years, and you wouldnt see any black people working at the airport , Banks or the malls the Bus company MetroVia has hundreds of buses but no black bus driverssupermarkets no black workers to be fair there is a few black police around and the older people are the most racist people you find anywhere on earth especially the older womensometimes I do feel sorry for the black people living therethere are no signs up but there are lines in the sand that black people are not allowed to cross. The kidnapping of 16 American missionaries and one Canadian in Haiti underlines the power that criminal gangs wield in the country and has many asking where the country is headed. You cant divide by the overall population. 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. Airline Passenger Arrested After Complaining About Vomit On Seat. This is Part 8 in our series about living abroad in Ecuador. Road closures may significantly reduce access to public transportation and airports and may disrupt travel both within and between cities. Like most ecotourism destinations, Cotopaxi is part of a fragile ecosystem. At last,Endicott and her guide were released,unharmed. Overall, its better to avoid the un-vetted taxi services in Quito, Guayaquil, Manta, Playas, and other coastal towns. The kidnapping also promptedthe U.S. State Department to take action in an attempt to help warn travelers of thethreat of goingto some countries. 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. She and her safari guidewere kidnapped on April 2, and their captors demanded a $500,000 ransom. A bright young scholar from Oklahoma has gone missing in Ecuador and is believed to be kidnapped. "When the helicopters got right above us, the kidnappers made us hide under bushes. 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. Click to enable/disable Google reCaptcha. I say I never was pickpocketed or mugged but there were 2 definite times I escaped it by having awareness of my surroundings. Many crimes go unsolved because the police dont have the time or resources to pursue every robbery or case of pickpocketing. Due to government efforts combating violence, Ecuador is seeing a rate trending similar to that of the safest cities in the United States. believe what you want. it happened. Wear a crossbody bag such as a money wallet and take advantage of zipper pockets with clips. You wont regret it. Taxi drivers might try to trick you into paying more, giving you wrongful information about the price of the ride. These cookies are strictly necessary to provide you with services available through our website and to use some of its features. Stop calling it hate when a police officer is trying to do his job. If you are been held by any authority the first thing done is immediately report you to your countrys embassy or consul. For example: You can counter these theft tactics by taking a variety of precautions, such as not trusting random strangers, storing cash in multiple places on your person, and keeping the items you carry to a minimum. there is certainly crime there, just as in any major city. Many parts of Ecuador are at high altitudes. Thats all for today, except Merry Christmas to you both from Richland, WA. In total, 35 countrieshave been called out forhaving a risk ofkidnapping. Read the entire Travel Advisory. Crime does seen to be on the uptick for tourists and Ecuadorians. It seems that the once safe Tulum is the latest victim in Mexico's safety crisis. I lived in a residential valley outside of Quit called Sangolqu from August-December 2019, at 20 as a female. When you take off your jacket or bag, they grab it and run. Construction workers heard my cries for help and rescued me 12 hours after being taken from my home. LMAO! Wild Frontiers/via REUTERS. Violent crime, such as murder, assault, express kidnapping, and armed robbery, is common. 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. So taking the proper precautions in public will keep you from being stranded in Ecuador without a phone or wallet. At night stick to the well lit tourist areas don't go "exploring". In that time, I traveled solo by public bus into the city, used the equova transit, and traveled by public bus both in the day and at night alone to travel across the country. No way.I do not believe this fake storyno way..!! And yes I did reside in Quit during the 14 day manifestaciones that halted travel across the entire country and had a curfew instated while the capitol city was changed to Guayaquil and the airports shut down, so Ive experienced Ecuador at what felt to be very unstable time. Saliva of Infected Animals. Despite being a small town, Banos is one of the most famous tourist destination in Ecuador due to having several hot springs abode. The full text of the updated Travel Advisory is as follows: Ecuador Level 3: Reconsider Travel C U. I am a Canadian living in Baos for over three years. Located on the edge of the Amazon and in the middle of Ecuador's enchanting cloud forests, Ba os is a mountain and freshwater adventure hub that immerses travelers in experiences that have low environmental impact. Apart from that volcanic eruptions and earthquakes are to be expected. I never indulged people in conversation who jumped out at me in the streets. The guns are one of the nice things those. Read the entire Travel Advisory. Review information about International Parental Child Abduction in Ecuador. Always remain vigilant about your surroundings, especially in crowds and tourist locations. 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. Yeah we carry weapons to keep criminals like you honest. Read thecountry information pagefor additional information on traveling to Ecuador. U dont wanna be around that. But a black man selling untaxed cigarettes gets put in a chokehold. Transnational crime groups operating in Esmeraldas province have engaged in violent crime and killed local citizens in addition to carrying out bombings targeting Ecuadorian military and law enforcement. Good Girl . 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. Up to $20,000 each. Is Ecuador safe? Thats one of the most common questions future expats have when considering a move to this small Latin American country. The Ecuadorian Amazon Rainforest ranks as the most wildlife-rich area on Earth. I been visiting Ecuador many times and got pic-pocketed only ones in the Quito transit and by talking to the driver with help of just every one the tam was stopped and nobody was to leave until the police arrived and the police did all necessary work to assist me so much to treatment of visitors in Ecuador most anywhere-never did i notice discrimination manfred meissner, I dont think that is happening in my country, everyone is equal, we have black people too, and lately we have different kind of people in Ecuador, from china, India, German and so on. everyone will have their own story or experience to tell, but that has nothing to do with you. Britain's latest travel advisory to Ecuador also warned against travelling near the Colombian border, especially in Sucumbios province where the pair were abducted. Understand that the less you reveal and the less you carry, the lower your risk is of dealing with anything serious. 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? This is not a review, its actually a search for reassurance. You can develop altitude sickness above 2500m. 8:52 PM EDT, Sat September 29, 2012. Carchi, Sucumbos, and northern Esmeraldas Provinces Level 4: Do Not Travel. Demonstrations occur regularly throughout the country. Transportation is not very safe or reliable. As with Guayaquil, Quito isnt a place you should wander around at night, but for the most part, tourists have a great time in Ecuadors capital city. Read article We will provide information on each attraction. i was just trying to make other travelers aware- the yellow cab driver was in on the kidnapping. 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. According to reports from people in the area, the attack was carried out by members of a group that calls itself the Black Eagles, the Environment Ministry said. Another note: Uber exists but cannot be counted on outside of Quit. (AP Photo/Jerome Delay, File), A 2014 file photo of a memorial for 43 students. The country is beautiful and the people are very generous and appreciative. Some sources claim that the local government is suppressing the extent of the violence in an attempt to protect the tourist industry. You can usually trust taxis that are registered, which are yellow with identical unit numbers on both the windshield and the doors. There have been robberies in public transport operating in Quito, Riobamba, and Baos. Vaccine recommended for certain travellers based on destination, activities and length of stay. The Galpagos Islands are one of the most known places in Ecuador. If you wish to remain on travel.state.gov, click the "cancel" message. We ho, We woke up early on a Thursday morning, eager to e, We just dropped a NEW VIDEO over on buff.ly/3HyLOd, Colombia has been on our list of must-visit places, NEW VIDEO dropping TODAY at 5PM Eastern / Ecuador, Hola Unconventionals! Lol. ", The Foreign Office in London said: "We are grateful to the Ecuadorean authorities for recovering Kathryn and her companion, and are working with them to establish the facts of what happened and who was responsible.". The US is much more dangerous than Ecuador. kidnapped while traveling to Uganda to view gorillas. Click to enable/disable essential site cookies. Search on the internet and you will find tales of tourists being express kidnapped from Mexico to the Philippines to Fiji. On the other hand, Ecuador is not a cheap country either, the prices for accommodation/food/transport are very comparable with European countries or US. 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. Canberra's department of foreign affairs said the Australian woman was in the care of Ecuadorean authorities. We were in Guayaquil Friday 9/19, for one night, on our way to the Galapagos Islands. Whatever travelbug is trying to do, I hope it works. They took everything except her tablet so at least she can stay connected to the rest of the world. In big cities you must heed warnings from locals to stay away from certain areas. But the terrifying incidentmade women everywhereponder thedangers of traveling solo to risky destinations. Click to enable/disable _gat_* - Google Analytics Cookie. If you plan your trips ahead and take all heed of warnings you will most likely not run into a single problem. The incident is likely to make the Foreign Office consider strengthening its travel advice for the region. Airline Passenger Arrested After Complaining About Vomit On Seat. In 2007, the government shifted its approach to gangs by legalizing them and provided grants for these groups to serve their neighborhoods. We know of other taxi robberies and it's always the younger drivers. Climbing, trekking, wildlife watching or just sitting in the sun on a beach everything can be found here. A U.S. murder suspect fled to Mexico. 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. It already warns that Colombian guerrilla groups and criminal gangs have influence in all areas of Sucumbios. 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. The U.S. Embassy doesnt allow its employees to use un-vetted taxi services because there have been instances of robberies.

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